28 Best Project Management Software For Developers Reviewed In 2024
Best Project Management Software for Developers Shortlist
Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 28 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Selecting the right project management software for developers can be tough and with so many options available, it can be hard knowing which will best suit your team.
With my extensive experience in utilizing a variety of project management tools, I can confidently point you toward the best solutions. The selected software in this article excels in organizing tasks, tracking progress, and facilitating communication within development teams. Regardless of your business size, I'm confident you'll find your next software solution in the list below.
Best Project Management Software for Developers Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Airtable | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Trello | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Basecamp | From $15/user/month | Website |
| MeisterTask | From $8.25/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Teamwork.com | From $11/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| TeamGantt | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Redmine | Free to use | Website |
| Scoro | From $30/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Confluence | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Celoxis | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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How to Choose Project Management Software for Developers
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Feature Set: Ensure the software has the necessary features to address the specific needs of developers. A project management tool that integrates with version control systems and offers features for tracking progress on coding tasks can be particularly beneficial.
- Ease of Use: Consider how intuitive the software is for the team. A user-friendly interface that allows for quick task updates and easy access to project information can save valuable time and reduce the learning curve.
- Customization: Look for software that can be tailored to the unique workflows of a development team. Customization can include the ability to create custom statuses, workflows, and fields that align with the software development lifecycle.
- Collaboration Features: Evaluate the collaboration tools within the software. Features such as real-time chat, file sharing, and collaborative document editing can facilitate better communication and teamwork.
- Integration Capabilities: Assess the software's ability to integrate with other tools commonly used by developers. Seamless integration with code repositories, development environments, and deployment tools is crucial for a streamlined workflow.
Choosing the right project management software for developers involves evaluating key factors such as integration with development tools, ease of use, and support for agile methodologies. By carefully considering these aspects, you can select a solution that enhances your team's productivity and collaboration.
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Hub Planner
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
ClickUp
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
Miro
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Project Management Software for Developers Reviews
Below, I’ve reviewed some of the best project management tools specifically designed to meet the unique needs of development teams. Each overview provides insights into how these platforms can enhance task organization, progress tracking, and team collaboration, helping you make an informed decision for your development projects.
Airtable is a versatile platform that enables custom business app development without coding. It excels due to its no-code app-building capabilities and AI integration that empowers DevOps teams to innovate faster.
Why I picked Airtable: Airtable offers a unique approach to project management, which combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database. This hybrid model allows for a high degree of customization and flexibility, making it stand out from other project management tools. I believe Airtable is best for custom app creation because it allows teams to build and connect powerful apps tailored to their specific workflows and needs, all without requiring any coding skills.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable templates, grid view for spreadsheet-like editing, Kanban boards, calendar view, form view for data collection, real-time collaboration, powerful filtering and sorting options, attachment support for files, and a user-friendly interface.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Salesforce, Jira, Zendesk, YouTube, Twilio, Tableau, GitHub, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive range of integrations with other tools
- Real-time data syncing across workflows
- No-code app-building platform
Cons:
- Performance issues can occur with larger datasets
- May have a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with database concepts
Trello is a valuable tool designed to facilitate project management and team collaboration through an intuitive visual interface. It simplifies tracking tasks and projects using boards, cards, and lists, making it a versatile solution for teams of any size.
Why I picked Trello: Trello provides a distinctive visual board approach to project management, which is particularly beneficial for developers who prioritize visual organization and tracking. Its Kanban-style setup makes it easy for development teams to visualize workflow stages and due dates, track progress, and manage Agile sprints and updates seamlessly. I believe Trello is best for visual project planning due to its ability to provide immediate visual status updates, which is vital for the dynamic and fast-paced nature of development projects.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its board, list, and card system for organizing projects, as well as Butler for automation and Power-Ups to expand its capabilities.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Evernote, GitHub, Salesforce, Zapier, Mailchimp, and FogBugz.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust no-code automation capabilities
- Extensive integration options with over 200 apps
- Customizable workflows with boards, lists, and cards
Cons:
- Not suited for complex projects or schedules
- Can be overwhelming with too many integrations or boards
Basecamp is a project management tool that simplifies team collaboration. It excels in enabling remote teams to work together effectively.
Why I picked Basecamp: Basecamp stands out for its focus on remote team collaboration. It provides a centralized space for communication, project tracking, and file sharing, which is vital for teams not sharing a physical office. I judge Basecamp to be best for remote team collaboration due to its centralized communication hub and asynchronous updates, helping teams to stay updated and collaborate effectively from anywhere.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include message boards for team discussions, to-do lists for task management, a centralized schedule for deadlines, and automatic check-ins to keep everyone in sync. It also offers direct messaging for quick conversations and file storage for easy access to documents.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Zapier, Google Suite, Slack, Trello, Asana, GitHub, Xero, WordPress, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No additional fees for larger teams
- Wide variety of collaboration tools
- Flat pricing model with unlimited users
Cons:
- Not ideal for highly specialized project management needs
- May be cost-prohibitive for very small teams
MeisterTask is an intuitive tool that streamlines task management with Kanban boards. It stands out for its visual approach to managing workflows efficiently.
Why I picked MeisterTask: MeisterTask provides a straightforward yet detailed feature set to support developers' needs. Its Kanban boards facilitate a clear visualization of tasks and progress, setting it apart from other project management tools. I judge MeisterTask to be best for Kanban-style task management because its customizable boards provide an immediate overview of tasks and their status, which is vital for maintaining workflow momentum.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable Kanban boards, task automations, and multiple project views, including Gantt-like timelines. It also emphasizes collaboration with team members and provides extensive security features to protect project data.
Integrations include Slack, GitHub, Zendesk, Google Drive, Dropbox, MindMeister, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Harvest, and BugSnag.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive security measures to safeguard data
- Customizable features for personalized workflow management
- Intuitive Kanban boards for task visualization
Cons:
- Exclusively cloud-based with no on-premises option
- Initial learning curve for new users
Teamwork is a project management platform tailored for managing client work efficiently. Its valuable set of features are designed to handle every aspect of client projects, from planning and time tracking to invoicing and reporting.
Why I picked Teamwork: Teamwork’s features cater specifically to client work management. Its ability to provide a centralized platform for managing the entire client lifecycle makes it distinct from other project management tools. I believe Teamwork is best for client work management because it offers a unique combination of project planning, resource allocation, time tracking, and client collaboration tools, all of which are essential for delivering client projects successfully.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project planning with scope visualization, resource and workload management to avoid bottlenecks, time tracking to understand team efforts, and budget management to keep projects financially on track. It also offers various project views such as lists, Kanban boards, tables, and Gantt charts, along with milestone tracking and intake forms for efficient project execution.
Integrations include Slack, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, Box, OneDrive Personal, OneDrive Business, SharePoint, and Microsoft Project.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of native integrations
- Multiple project views for different management styles
- Valuable client work management features
Cons:
- Requires customization to fit specific project needs
- May have a learning curve for new users
TeamGantt is a project management tool that simplifies planning and collaboration through Gantt charts. It stands out due to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and real-time collaboration features.
Why I picked TeamGantt: TeamGantt’s focus on Gantt chart creation is an important aspect of project planning and tracking. It supports collaboration features such as file sharing, task discussions, and real-time updates, enabling developers to maintain communication and coordination throughout the lifecycle of a project. I believe TeamGantt is best for Gantt chart creation because it provides a clear visual timeline of project tasks, making it easier to manage deadlines and resources effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include drag-and-drop Gantt charts, project scheduling, task dependencies, workload management, time tracking, team collaboration, file sharing, customizable project templates, real-time updates, progress tracking, mobile access, and resource allocation.
Integrations include Outlook, Slack, Dropbox, Google Calendar, Google Sheets, Asana, Jira, Basecamp, Microsoft Excel, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable views including Gantt, calendar, list, and board options
- Real-time updates and collaboration tools
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
Cons:
- Requires internet access for use
- Limited customization options for Gantt charts
Redmine is a flexible project management web application. It excels due to its extensive features tailored for managing multiple projects with various access controls and issue tracking systems.
Why I picked Redmine: Redmine is an excellent project management tool for developers due to its open-source nature, which allows for extensive customization and integration with development workflows. It supports multiple projects and offers features like issue tracking, Gantt charts, and forums, which are essential for managing complex software development projects. I believe Redmine is best for open-source project management because it offers an advanced set of tools for free, which can be extended with paid plugins, making it highly adaptable to different project needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include issue and bug tracking, project management, gantt charts, calendar view, time tracking, customizable workflows, role-based access control, wikis and forums for collaboration, flexible issue tracking system, email notifications, multiple project support, plugins for extended functionality, and a user-friendly interface.
Integrations include Subversion, CVS, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Git. It also supports LDAP authentication and is compatible with multiple databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable with a wide range of plugins
- Supports multiple projects and subprojects
- Open-source and free to use
Cons:
- The interface may not be as modern as some commercial alternatives
- Some plugins may require payment
Scoro is a detailed work management software solution tailored for professional service businesses. It stands out due to its ability to streamline projects, simplify quoting, automate billing, and optimize utilization, all within a single platform.
Why I picked Scoro: Scoro caters specifically to the needs of professional service businesses. Its ability to integrate various aspects of business management into one platform makes it a top choice for developers. I believe Scoro is best for professional service businesses because it provides tools that are essential for managing client work, tracking time, and maintaining financial control, which are important for the success of these businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management with real-time Gantt charts, resource planning, sales and CRM capabilities, financial management, and detailed reporting and dashboards.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Exchange, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Exact Online, Expensify, Stripe, Jira, HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Okta, Azure AD, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed financial management and reporting
- In-depth sales and CRM tools
- Real-time Gantt chart for project management
Cons:
- Complex interface
- Minimum of 5 user seats required
Confluence is a digital workspace that centralizes team collaboration and project management. It offers a rich text editor, customizable templates, and powerful integration capabilities, making it ideal for documentation, project collaboration, and information sharing.
Why I picked Confluence: Confluence’s advanced integration capabilities and dynamic content management are essential for a cohesive team workspace. Its ability to centralize work from various tools and streamline project execution makes it unique compared to other project management software. I believe Confluence is best for team workspaces because it provides a versatile platform where teams can collaborate on documents, share knowledge, and manage projects in a single, accessible location.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include dynamic pages that support text, images, code tables, and Figma files, as well as whiteboards for brainstorming and visualization. It also offers guest access for external collaboration and a mobile app for on-the-go project management.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Custom Charts, Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Optics, Pulse, Aura, and SubSpace Navigation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dynamic pages and whiteboards for collaboration
- Customizable workflows and dashboards
- Deep integrations with over 3,000 apps
Cons:
- The mobile app may not have all features available on the desktop version
- Some features like dynamic databases are still forthcoming
Celoxis is a valuable project management solution tailored for detailed enterprise project analytics. It stands out for its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
Why I picked Celoxis: Celoxis’s exceptional ability to deliver in-depth analytics and reporting is essential for enterprise-level project management. It distinguishes itself from other tools through its integrated time tracking and financial management features, which are particularly beneficial for developers looking to closely monitor project budgets and timelines. I judge Celoxis to be best for enterprise project analytics because of its focus on detailed analytics, making it the best choice for organizations that require extensive project data analysis and reporting.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced scheduling, resource management, project tracking, and financial management. It also offers customizable dashboards and reporting tools that provide valuable insights into project performance.
Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks Online, Google Drive, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, Outlook, Slack, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration capabilities with other enterprise tools
- High customizability for analytics and reporting
- Advanced features for enterprise project management
Cons:
- Primarily designed for large organizations, potentially limiting its use for smaller enterprises
- No mobile app available
Other Project Management Software for Developers
Below is a list of additional project management software for developers that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
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Project Management Software for Developers Selection Criteria
When selecting project management software for developers, it’s important to consider functionality and how well it meets specific use cases that are vital for this audience. The criteria should reflect the needs and pain points of software buyers, ensuring that the chosen platform is fit for the intended purpose.
As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality: 25% of the total weighting score
- Task assignment and tracking
- Version control integration
- Bug and issue tracking
- Agile and Scrum methodologies support
- Time tracking and reporting
Additional Standout Features: 25% of the total weighting score
- Identifying innovative project visualization tools, such as interactive Gantt charts or Kanban boards
- Assessing real-time collaboration capabilities that facilitate team communication
- Evaluating integration with code repositories and continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines
- Looking for AI-driven analytics or forecasting tools that provide insights into project health
- Testing for mobile application availability and functionality for on-the-go access
Usability: 10% of the total weighting score
- Intuitive navigation and user interface that reduces learning curve
- Customizable dashboards that provide at-a-glance project status
- Drag-and-drop scheduling tools for ease of task management
- Filtering or tagging systems in asset management for quick access to resources
Onboarding: 10% of the total weighting score
- Advanced training materials such as videos and documentation
- Pre-built templates that speed up project setup
- Interactive product tours or chatbots that guide new users
- Webinars or live training sessions that help teams get the most out of their investment
Customer Support: 10% of the total weighting score
- Availability of support channels like email, chat, and phone
- Responsiveness and resolution time of the support team
- Access to a knowledge base or community forum for self-service help
- Multilingual support for global teams
Value For Money: 10% of the total weighting score
- Comparing subscription plans and pricing tiers
- Evaluating the cost relative to the features and capabilities offered
- Considering scalability and whether the pricing is suitable for teams as they grow
- Assessing any hidden costs such as add-ons or integrations
Customer Reviews: 10% of the total weighting score
- Analyzing overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend
- Reviewing feedback on specific features and their effectiveness
- Considering the frequency and context of any negative reviews
- Gauging the sentiment around the product's reliability and performance
By using these criteria, you can ensure that the project management platform chosen for developers not only meets the standard requirements but also provides additional value through unique features, ease of use, effective onboarding, reliable customer support, and overall satisfaction.
Trends for Project Management Software For Developers
Emerging practices and technologies are reshaping how development teams plan, execute, and deliver projects, emphasizing efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability. Here are a few of the trends I noticed while researching and reviewing project management software for developers:
- Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into project management software. This allows for predictive analytics and automated task prioritization, enhancing decision-making for developers while significantly reducing manual planning efforts.
- Emphasis on Real-Time Collaboration: Real-time collaboration features are becoming more sophisticated with tools now offering live editing, instant messaging, and feedback loops within the project management interface. This trend is vital for distributed teams to maintain high levels of productivity.
- Increased Use of Data Analytics: Data analytics capabilities within project management tools are expanding and developers can now leverage detailed insights for project performance and resource allocation. This is interesting as it enables more data-driven approaches to project management.
- Shift to Modular Project Management Software: There seems to be a shift towards modular project management platforms, which allows developers to customize and add only the features they need. This trend is progressive because it helps in avoiding bloat and maintaining software agility.
- Enhanced Mobile Experience: Improving the mobile experience for project management applications can significantly help developers manage projects effectively from their smartphones. This trend is unique as it supports the growing need for mobility in software development.
What is Project Management Software for Developers?
Project management software is designed to help teams plan, organize, and manage their work efficiently. When geared towards developers, it helps teams build, track, and oversee all steps in the development process. It integrates features such as version control, task management, bug tracking, and collaboration tools, tailored to the unique workflows of development teams. These tools help streamline processes, enhance team communication, and ensure timely project delivery.
Features of Project Management Software for Developers
Project management software is a valuable tool for developers, offering a range of features designed to support the complex nature of software development projects. When shopping for a new project management software, it's important to make sure your chosen software has these key elements:
- Task Management: This feature allows for the organization of tasks into lists and subtasks. It’s essential for breaking down complex projects into manageable units, ensuring that every piece of the project is accounted for and can be tackled systematically.
- Version Control Integration: This is vital for developers to keep track of changes in the codebase, allowing for better collaboration and error tracking.
- Continuous Integration and Deployment Tools: This feature is important for maintaining a consistent and efficient workflow, enabling developers to integrate and deploy code changes rapidly.
- Bug and Issue Tracking: Providing a system for reporting, tracking, and managing bugs and issues is necessary for maintaining software quality and ensuring that any problems are addressed promptly.
- Time Tracking: Allowing developers to record the time spent on tasks is important for project planning, resource allocation, and ensuring that projects stay on schedule.
- Collaboration Tools: Facilitating communication and collaboration among team members is important for keeping everyone on the same page and ensuring that information is shared effectively.
- Documentation Storage: This is essential for maintaining an organized repository of project knowledge and ensuring that all team members have access to necessary information.
- Reporting and Analytics: This feature is important for tracking performance, identifying bottlenecks, and making informed decisions.
- Customizable Workflows: With customizable workflows, teams can ensure that the software adapts to their unique way of working, rather than the other way around.
- Access Controls and Permissions: Access controls and permissions help businesses maintain security and ensure that team members have the appropriate level of access to project resources.
By selecting software that provides these key features, developers can maintain control over their projects, collaborate effectively, and deliver high-quality software within the constraints of time and budget.
Benefits of Project Management Software for Developers
Project management software offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance the productivity and efficiency of developers, as well as the organizations they work for. Some of these perks include:
- Better Communication and Team Collaboration: Having all project data in one centralized location facilitates task delegation, tagging team members in comments, and file sharing. This integration of communication tools within project management software ensures that team members are kept up-to-date with real-time updates, reducing the risk of miscommunication and enhancing collaboration.
- Improved Resource Management: Project management software provides tools for identifying and allocating resources effectively across projects. It offers multiple views for comparing and editing data, generating reports, and more. This helps in tracking and managing resources like labor, schedules, budgets, and equipment, which is crucial for the success of any project.
- Organized and Centralized Project Data: Centralizing project data within project management software ensures that all team members have access to the same information, promoting transparency and collaboration. This organized system of information allows for real-time updates and ensures that everyone is working on the correct documents, which streamlines the project management process.
- Simpler Project Reporting and Analytics: The software houses project data and provides insights into various aspects of the project. Customizable dashboards and in-depth business intelligence solutions help track project progress, visualize key metrics, and communicate information clearly to stakeholders, aiding in strategic decision-making and process improvement.
- Improved Remote Work: With most project management tools being delivered as SaaS, team members can access project data from anywhere with an internet connection. This facilitates virtual teamwork and allows for both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration, which is beneficial for remote, hybrid, and in-office teams.
These benefits of project management software not only improve the day-to-day operations of developers but also contribute to the overall success and profitability of the organizations they are part of. By leveraging these tools, teams can work more cohesively, manage their resources more effectively, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Costs & Pricing of Project Management Software for Developers
The pricing and plans for project management software can vary widely based on the features offered, the number of users, and the level of support required. Here is a summary of the plan options and their pricing for project management software for developers:
Plan Comparison Table for Project Management Software for Developers
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free | $0 | Task management, basic reporting, limited user access, and limited storage |
| Basic | $7 - $15 per user/month | Enhanced task management, project templates, file sharing, basic integrations, and all features of Free plan |
| Intermediate | $20 - $30 per user/month | Advanced reporting, customizable dashboards, more users and storage, additional integrations, and all features of Basic plan |
| Advanced | $30+ per user/month | Resource management, advanced security, premium support, API access, customizable features, and all features of Intermediate plan |
When considering which plan to choose, software buyers should think about the scale of their projects, team size, and specific needs such as reporting, integration, and security. Ultimately, the right choice balances functionality with budget, ensuring a tool that not only meets your current needs but can also scale with your organization.
Project Management Software for Developers FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions I get about project management software for developers:
Are there project management tools specifically designed for Agile development?
There are project management tools that are specifically tailored for Agile development practices. These tools support Agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban, and they often include features like sprint planning, burndown charts, and stand-up meeting tools to facilitate Agile methodologies.
What is the importance of real-time collaboration in project management software?
Real-time collaboration is crucial for development teams as it allows for instant communication, quick resolution of issues, and the ability to make decisions promptly. It ensures that all team members are on the same page and can contribute to the project effectively, regardless of their location.
How does bug tracking integrate with project management for developers?
Bug tracking is often integrated within project management software to allow developers to capture, report, and manage software bugs efficiently. This integration helps in prioritizing bug fixes, assigning them to the right team members, and tracking their resolution within the context of the overall project timeline.
What role does reporting play in project management software for developers?
Reporting features in project management software help in monitoring the progress of development projects, resource allocation, and workload distribution. They provide insights into project health, help in identifying trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
Is it possible to customize project management software to fit a development team's unique needs?
Many project management tools offer a high degree of customizability, allowing teams to tailor the software to their specific processes and workflows. This includes custom fields, workflows, issue types, and dashboards to ensure that the tool aligns with the team’s requirements.
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