20 Best Waterfall Project Management Software Reviewed in 2025
10 Best Waterfall Project Management Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
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Waterfall project management works best for teams that need structure, fixed deadlines, and clearly defined deliverables. But finding the right software to support that kind of planning isn’t always easy. Some tools claim to support waterfall but fall short when it’s time to build a real timeline or track phase-by-phase progress.
In my experience testing and reviewing project management tools, I’ve found that the best waterfall software lets you lay out every step from start to finish—without forcing you into an agile workflow.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the top waterfall project management tools available today. You’ll see what each one does best, how they handle task dependencies and Gantt charts, and which might fit your team’s needs.
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Best Waterfall Project Management Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top waterfall project management software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for centralizing project communication | 14-day free trial | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website | |
| 2 | Best for real-time project data | 30-day free trial | From $13/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for flat-rate pricing models | 14-day free trial | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for strategic work execution | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for dynamic project forecasting | 14-day free trial | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for user-friendly project management | Free trial available | From $24/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for portfolio visibility | Free demo available | From $3/user/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for end-to-end visual project management | Freemium version available | From $10/user/month (min of 2 seats) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for versatile project customization | 10-day free trial + free plan available | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for resource optimization | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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monday.com
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Miro
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Ravetree
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.1
Best Waterfall Project Management Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best waterfall project management software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Nifty is a project management tool that streamlines workflow and enhances team collaboration. It excels in centralizing project communication, integrating discussions, tasks, and files in one place.
Why I Picked Nifty: I selected Nifty for its robust communication features that distinguish it from other project management software. Its centralized communication hub is particularly effective for keeping teams aligned and informed. I determined Nifty to be best for centralizing project communication because it consolidates all project-related discussions, which is crucial for maintaining clear and consistent communication across various project stages.
Standout features & integrations:
Nifty's most important features include its project milestones, task assignments, and collaborative document editor. These tools are essential for maintaining project organization and ensuring team members are working effectively towards common goals.
Nifty integrates with key productivity tools such as Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, GitHub, Trello, Asana, Bitbucket, HubSpot, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free plan available for small teams or individual use
- Integration with popular productivity tools
- Centralized communication for all project aspects
Cons:
- Free plan may be too limited for larger projects
- Higher tiers required for full feature access
- Annual billing may not be flexible for all budgets
ProjectManager.com is a comprehensive project management tool designed to help teams plan, monitor, and report on their work with real-time data. It stands out as the best for real-time project data because it provides live dashboards and reporting features that allow teams to make informed decisions quickly.
Why I Picked ProjectManager.com: I chose ProjectManager.com for this list because it offers a unique combination of user-friendly design and powerful, real-time data tracking capabilities. Its standout difference from other project management software is its ability to provide live insights into project performance, which is essential for managing complex projects effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
ProjectManager.com's most important features include real-time dashboards, online Gantt charts, workload management, and time tracking. These tools are crucial for project planning, scheduling, and tracking progress. Additionally, the software offers collaboration features that allow team members to communicate and share documents seamlessly.
The tool integrates natively with Google Apps, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and offers API access for custom integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable reports for performance analysis
- Comprehensive feature set for project planning and execution
- Real-time data tracking for immediate project insights
Cons:
- Limited integrations compared to some competitors
- Some features may have a learning curve for new users
- Higher cost for small teams or individual users
ProofHub is a comprehensive project management platform. It's recognized as best for its flat-rate pricing model, which is ideal for teams seeking cost predictability.
Why I Picked ProofHub: I selected ProofHub for its standout approach to pricing, which sets it apart from other project management tools that typically charge per user. This tool is best for flat-rate pricing models because it offers a single, fixed price for unlimited users, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of any size, particularly those that are scaling.
Standout features & integrations:
ProofHub, a waterfall project management software, offers key features including task management with Kanban boards and Gantt charts, time tracking for individual and team projects, file sharing for easy collaboration, note-taking capabilities, discussion threads for communication, role-based access controls, project templates for standard workflows, reporting and analytics tools for tracking progress.
ProofHub integrates natively with the following tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Slack, Zapier, Freshbooks, iCalendar, GitHub, and Bitbucket.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simplifies budgeting for project management software
- No additional cost per user
- Fixed monthly rate for unlimited users
Cons:
- Additional storage comes at extra cost
- Limited project count in the Essential plan
- Annual commitment required for the best rate
Workfront is a waterfall project management software designed to manage and streamline projects from start to finish. It helps organizations strategically plan, execute, and track their project workflows, enhancing overall productivity.
Why I Picked Workfront: I chose Workfront for its comprehensive approach to managing projects, offering a clear structure from initiation to completion. Workfront stands out by providing robust tools for strategic planning and execution, along with a focus on workflow efficiency. This makes it ideal for businesses seeking to streamline their strategic project execution.
Standout features & integrations:
Workfront offers powerful project planning tools, including Gantt charts and resource management features. It also provides advanced analytics and reporting, offering insights into project performance. Additionally, Workfront includes collaboration tools, enabling team communication and feedback directly within the platform.
Workfront integrates natively with tools, including Microsoft Teams, Slack, Salesforce, Google Drive, Jira, Box, ServiceNow, Tableau, Dropbox, and Asana.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaboration tools for communication and feedback
- Robust analytics and reporting features
- Comprehensive project management and strategic planning tools
Cons:
- Additional integrations may require setup time
- Learning curve for some users
- Minimum seat requirement can be a barrier for smaller teams
LiquidPlanner is a project management tool that specializes in dynamic project forecasting. It is recognized for its ability to adapt to change and manage uncertainty, helping teams plan, predict, and perform with confidence.
Why I Picked LiquidPlanner: I chose LiquidPlanner for this list because of its unique approach to project management, which includes dynamic scheduling and predictive analysis. This tool stands out due to its focus on handling project uncertainty and providing realistic forecasting. I think LiquidPlanner is best for dynamic project forecasting because it uses ranged estimates to predict project completion dates, which can help teams manage expectations and adjust to changes more effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
LiquidPlanner's standout features include its dynamic scheduling engine, which automatically updates project timelines as conditions change, and its predictive analysis capabilities, which use ranged estimates to forecast project completion dates. LiquidPlanner also offers integrated time tracking, resource management, and collaboration features.
LiquidPlanner integrates natively with a variety of tools, including Salesforce, Dropbox, Box,Google Drive, Zapier, JIRA, Slack, Trello, Zendesk, QuickBooks, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Native integrations with popular tools like Salesforce and Slack
- Predictive analysis using ranged estimates for realistic forecasting
- Dynamic scheduling engine that updates timelines automatically
Cons:
- Minimum seat requirement could be a barrier for smaller teams
- Annual billing required, which may not suit all budgets
- Higher starting price point compared to some competitors
Easy Projects is a platform designed to simplify project management. It is acclaimed for its user-friendly interface that facilitates project management for professionals at all levels.
Why I Picked Easy Projects: I selected Easy Projects for inclusion in this list due to its focus on ease of use, which is evident in its design and functionality. This tool differentiates itself by providing a straightforward user experience that is often lacking in other project management software. I judge Easy Projects to be best for user-friendly project management as it successfully balances simplicity with comprehensive project management features, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Standout features & integrations:
Easy Projects boasts key features that are crucial for effective project management, such as interactive Gantt charts, project tracking, resource planning, and advanced reporting.
Easy Projects integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools, including Microsoft Outlook, QuickBooks, Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Zapier, Salesforce, Zendesk, Xero, and Jira.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities with popular business tools
- Comprehensive feature set that addresses a wide range of project management needs
- Intuitive interface that caters to users with varying levels of project management expertise
Cons:
- Onboarding fee adds an extra cost to initial setup
- Minimum seat requirement may not be suitable for very small teams or individual users
- Higher starting price point compared to some other project management tools
Project Insight is a waterfall project management software designed to help businesses manage and oversee their projects comprehensively. It provides tools for tracking progress, managing resources, and ensuring effective project delivery.
Why I Picked Project Insight: I chose Project Insight for its ability to provide comprehensive visibility into project portfolios, allowing businesses to oversee their projects from a macro perspective. This makes it distinct from other software by focusing on overall portfolio management and ensuring that individual projects contribute to strategic goals. It is ideal for organizations that need detailed insights into their projects and resources.
Standout features & integrations:
Project Insight offers Gantt chart views for effective project planning and management. It also includes a robust reporting system, providing insights into key performance indicators. Furthermore, it offers portfolio management tools, allowing businesses to track multiple projects and align them with company goals.
Project Insight, a waterfall project management software, integrates natively with tools, including Jira, Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Salesforce, QuickBooks, ServiceNow, Smartsheet, Box, and more, providing comprehensive project oversight and effective collaboration.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with various project and business tools
- Robust reporting features for tracking key metrics.
- Comprehensive portfolio management tools.
Cons:
- Interface may be overwhelming for new users.
- Some integrations may require additional setup.
- Pricing information is not immediately available.
Wrike is a project management and collaboration tool designed for businesses of all sizes, offering a range of features to manage both one-time projects and ongoing tasks.
Why I Picked Wrike: I like that Wrike offers various features that support the linear and sequential nature of the waterfall methodology. Its interactive Gantt charts are essential for planning and visualizing project timelines, dependencies, and critical paths. These charts allow project managers to adjust tasks easily, ensuring each phase of the project is completed before the next begins. Additionally, Wrike’s comprehensive project templates and detailed reporting capabilities help in maintaining meticulous documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
Standout features & integrations:
Wrike's standout features include team calendars, custom workflows, real-time dashboards, time tracking, automated approvals, task prioritization, resource allocation, budget management, file sharing, project templates, and advanced security controls.
Wrike integrates with a variety of tools such as Slack, Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Salesforce, Zoom, Tableau, MS Teams, OneDrive, GitHub, Gmail, Dropbox, Okta, OneLogin, HubSpot, Jira, and NetSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good visual task management capabilities
- Comprehensive project analytics
- Extensive workflow customization options
Cons:
- Advanced reporting limited to higher tier plans
- Can be tricky to learn how to fully customize the platform
Zoho Projects is a comprehensive tool for managing work with a focus on adaptability and customization. It is 'best for' versatile project customization because it allows for extensive personalization of project fields, workflows, and statuses to fit any team's needs.
Why I Picked Zoho Projects: I selected Zoho Projects for its exceptional ability to mold to the specific requirements of various projects, distinguishing it from other project management tools. The level of customization it offers ensures that it can support a wide range of project types and sizes, which is why I consider it best for versatile project customization. It empowers teams to tailor the software to their unique project management styles and business processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Zoho Projects excels with its robust feature set, including task automation, detailed reporting, and collaboration tools. It also offers a rich ecosystem of native integrations, which enhances its utility across different business functions.
Zoho Projects integrates with Zoho CRM, Zoho Analytics, Zoho Books, Zoho Invoice, Microsoft Teams, Slack, GitHub, GitLab, BitBucket, Dropbox, and ServiceNow, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad integration capabilities with other Zoho products and third-party apps
- Comprehensive set of tools for project planning, tracking, and collaboration
- Customizable features for a tailored project management experience
Cons:
- Additional costs for add-ons can increase the overall price
- Initial setup and customization may require more time investment
- Pricing for the Enterprise plan is not transparent
Kantata is a platform designed for service businesses to streamline operations. It excels in optimizing resources for better project outcomes.
Why I Picked Kantata: I selected Kantata because it uniquely addresses the complexities of professional service businesses through its resource optimization capabilities. In comparison to other project management software, Kantata’s dedication to improving resource allocation and utilization is evident, which is critical for maximizing operational efficiency. I regard Kantata as best for resource optimization due to its dynamic resource management tools that enable precise planning and reallocation, ensuring that the right resources are working on the right projects at the right time.
Standout features & integrations:
Kantata's standout features include project accounting, team collaboration, resource planning, and business intelligence. These tools are crucial for aligning project performance with business goals, facilitating effective communication, and ensuring optimal resource utilization.
Kantata integrates with popular business applications such as Salesforce, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Slack, Xero, Concur, Expensify, Jira, HubSpot, and Zendesk, enhancing its functionality and streamlining workflow across various platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive business intelligence features
- Dynamic resource management tools
- Specialized in service business needs
Cons:
- Limited information on the extent of integrations and APIs
- Potential annual commitment required
- Lack of transparent pricing information
Other Waterfall Project Management Software
Here are some additional waterfall project management software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Planview
For enterprise work management
- Basecamp
For straightforward project collaboration
- ClickUp
Good for versatile task management
- GanttPRO
Good for intuitive Gantt charts
- Smartsheet
Good for spreadsheet-like interface
- Asana
Good for workflow customization
- Microsoft Project
Good for robust project planning
- TeamGantt
For intuitive Gantt chart creation
- Trello
Good for simple Kanban boards
- Jira
Good for agile and software teams
Waterfall Project Management Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best waterfall project management software to include on this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing strict project timelines and tracking task dependencies across phases. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion on this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Building and managing Gantt charts
- Defining and tracking project phases
- Setting task dependencies
- Assigning tasks to team members
- Monitoring progress against fixed deadlines
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Support for milestone tracking
- Baseline comparison and variance tracking
- Risk management tools
- Built-in documentation or project wikis
- Offline project planning capabilities
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- A clean and organized interface
- Logical navigation between features
- Ease of updating project timelines
- Customization options for views and layouts
- The learning curve for non-technical users
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of quick-start templates
- Access to interactive product tours
- On-demand training videos or webinars
- Presence of in-app guidance or chatbots
- Ease of importing existing project data
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat or phone support
- Response time and helpfulness
- Quality of help documentation
- Access to community forums or user groups
- Availability of dedicated account managers
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Range of features offered at each price point
- Availability of free plans or trials
- Transparency of pricing
- Flexibility of plans for different team sizes
- How pricing compares to similar tools
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Reported ease of use
- Quality of customer support
- Reliability and performance
- Accuracy of Gantt chart and dependency features
- Overall satisfaction with value received
How to Choose Waterfall Project Management Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Make sure the tool can grow with your team. Look for features like user permissions, role-based access, and project templates for multiple teams. |
| Integrations | Check that the software connects with tools your team already uses, like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or file storage platforms like Google Drive or SharePoint. |
| Customizability | Look for flexibility in how you set up phases, timelines, and workflows. You should be able to adjust views, fields, and labels to match your process. |
| Ease of Use | You and your team shouldn’t need hours of training. Prioritize intuitive navigation, drag-and-drop planning, and a clean interface. |
| Budget | Review the pricing based on your team size and feature needs. Watch for hidden costs tied to premium features, user seats, or storage. |
| Security Safeguards | Choose a platform with features like role-based permissions, audit logs, encryption, and compliance with standards like SOC 2 or ISO 27001. |
| Gantt Chart Quality | Confirm that the tool's Gantt chart view supports dependencies, milestones, and easy timeline edits. You should be able to zoom in, adjust durations, and track progress. |
| Support Options | Look for accessible help channels like live chat or email, plus self-serve options like tutorials, webinars, or a searchable knowledge base. |
Trends for Waterfall Project Management Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different waterfall project management software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Hybrid Planning Modes: More tools are blending waterfall and agile methods in one workspace. This helps teams that follow strict phases but want some flexibility to manage task-level adjustments using boards or sprints alongside Gantt views.
- Built-In Risk Tracking: Vendors are adding features to flag and manage risks within the project timeline. Teams can document risk likelihood, assign owners, and track mitigation steps without needing a separate tool.
- AI-Driven Scheduling: AI is starting to support task scheduling by auto-adjusting timelines when a delay or resource issue pops up. This helps reduce manual updates and keeps dependencies aligned without constant oversight.
- Baseline and Variance Tracking: Saving baselines and comparing them to current progress is becoming more common. This lets teams see how much the actual timeline has drifted from the plan and adjust course accordingly.
- Built-In Compliance Tools: Some tools now include templates, checklists, and approval flows to help teams follow industry standards or regulatory requirements. This is useful in sectors like construction, healthcare, and finance.
What Is Waterfall Project Management Software?
Waterfall project management software is a structured project management tool that follows a linear, sequential design. It is primarily used by teams who work on projects that are well-defined and unlikely to undergo changes during the development process. The software serves industries and organizations that benefit from a phase-by-phase approach to project planning and execution, where each stage must be completed before the next one begins.
Features of Waterfall Project Management Software
When selecting waterfall project management software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Reporting and dashboards: Gives you visual summaries of project metrics so you can quickly check performance and identify issues.
- Gantt chart view: Shows project phases, task durations, and dependencies in a visual timeline so you can plan and track progress easily.
- Task dependencies: Lets you link tasks so that one can’t start until another is finished, helping keep the project flow logical and on track.
- Milestone tracking: Highlights major project checkpoints so you can measure progress against key goals and deadlines.
- Baseline comparison: Allows you to save the original project plan and compare it to actual progress to spot delays or scope changes.
- Phase-based structure: Organizes work into sequential stages, making it easier to follow a clear, step-by-step plan.
- Resource allocation tools: Helps you assign team members to tasks and monitor workloads to avoid overbooking.
- Progress tracking: Provides real-time updates on task completion and overall project status so you can stay informed.
- Document sharing: Lets your team store and access key files in one place so everyone stays on the same page.
- Time tracking: Records how long tasks take, helping you manage time spent and compare it to your original estimates.
Benefits of Waterfall Project Management Software
Implementing waterfall project management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Clear timelines: Gantt charts and task dependencies make it easy to see what needs to happen and when.
- Better planning: The phase-based structure helps you define all project steps upfront before work begins.
- Accountability: Task assignments and due dates make it clear who’s responsible for what.
- Progress visibility: Built-in tracking tools show how far along you are and where delays might happen.
- Easier stakeholder updates: Dashboards and reports give you simple ways to share status updates.
- Improved risk management: Baseline comparisons and risk logs help catch issues early.
- Resource control: Allocation tools let you see who’s available and avoid overloading your team.
Costs & Pricing of Waterfall Project Management Software
Selecting waterfall project management software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in waterfall project management software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Waterfall Project Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Task sequencing and dependencies, resource management, Gantt charts, team collaboration |
| Individual/Basic | $7 - $12 per user/month | Customizable workflows, advanced reporting and analytics, integration with other tools |
| Standard | $8.99 - $14 per user/month | Enhanced collaboration tools, multiple project views, automation capabilities |
| Pro/Business | $12 - $24.80 per user/month | Advanced reporting and analytics, goal and milestone tracking, additional customization options |
| Enterprise | Contact for pricing | Enterprise-level data security tools, extensive integration options, dedicated support |
Waterfall Project Management Software FAQs
How does Waterfall Project Management Software differ from Agile tools?
Waterfall project management software is fundamentally different from Agile tools in its approach to project planning and execution. While Agile tools support an iterative and flexible process, Waterfall software is structured to support a linear and sequential workflow. Agile encourages continuous revision and adaptation, whereas Waterfall is more rigid, requiring each project phase to be completed fully before proceeding to the next.
Can Waterfall Project Management Software handle complex projects?
Yes, Waterfall project management software is well-suited for complex projects that have well-defined requirements and where changes are not expected to occur frequently. The software’s linear tracking system allows for detailed planning and execution of each phase, which can be particularly beneficial for large-scale and high-stakes projects where predictability and control are paramount.
What are some popular Waterfall Project Management Software options?
Some popular Waterfall project management software options include Microsoft Project, which offers robust scheduling and planning features, and Zoho Projects, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive project tracking capabilities. Other notable options include Basecamp, which provides straightforward project organization tools, and Wrike, which offers a mix of features suitable for both Waterfall and Agile project management.
Is Waterfall Project Management Software suitable for small teams?
Waterfall project management software can be suitable for small teams, especially if the project in question has clear, unchanging requirements and a defined end goal. However, small teams might find the rigid structure of Waterfall less accommodating to the fast-paced and often changing demands of small projects or startups.
Does Waterfall Project Management Software support collaboration?
While Waterfall project management software may not be as collaboration-focused as some Agile tools, many Waterfall tools do include features that support team collaboration. These features can include task assignments, progress tracking, document sharing, and communication tools. The level of collaboration support will vary depending on the specific software chosen.
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