20 Best Alternatives to Zoho Projects In 2024
Best Alternatives To Zoho Projects Shortlist
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Zoho Projects is a popular project management software offering task management, collaboration tools, and progress-tracking capabilities to streamline project workflows. While a popular brand name tool with a good reputation and solid features, there are several alternatives worth considering.
Factors such as specific use cases, budget, and personal preferences might have led you to look for other options. Drawing on my extensive experience in using and researching recruitment analytics software, I've compiled a list of top alternatives to Zoho Projects.
What is Zoho Projects?
Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management software designed for businesses of all sizes. It facilitates project planning, tracking, and collaboration. The software is utilized by project managers, teams, and stakeholders to manage work and achieve project objectives efficiently. It provides tools for task management, time tracking, and document sharing, and integrates with other Zoho applications, catering to a variety of industry needs.
Why Look For a Zoho Projects Alternative
You might be looking for an alternative to Zoho Projects if you are considering:
- Cost Concerns: While comprehensive, you find the features to be beyond your current needs and the pricing structure of Zoho Projects to be beyond your budget.
- Feature Set: The focus of the features offered by Zoho Projects does not meet the specific needs of your team or project.
- User Experience: You or your team find the interface of Zoho Projects to be unintuitive or cumbersome.
- Integration Capabilities: You require better integration with specific tools, existing workflows, and other services that are not sufficiently supported by Zoho Projects.
- Customer Support: The learning curve is too steep, you require a greater level of customer support, or you’ve had a poor experience.
Whether or not the reasons above align with your specific experience it never hurts to shop around. Software alternatives to Zoho Projects can provide different features, a better value for your money, or simply an overall better tool based on your custom project management needs. You may find a solution that not only fits your specific requirements but shaves hours of time and energy spent navigating rigid and inflexible user interfaces, complicated setups, or inefficient workflows.
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Zoho Projects Alternatives: Pricing Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top alternative project management software to Zoho projects to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Todoist | From $4/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| ProofHub | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Teamwork.com | From $11/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Scoro | From $30/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| KanbanFlow | From $5/user/month | Website |
| Pipeliner CRM | From $65/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Evernote Teams | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Notion | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Quickbase | From $35/user/month (billed annually, min 20 users) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
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Best Zoho Projects Alternatives Reviews
In this section, I will walk you through the pros and cons of each Nifty alternative. I’ll cover their features and best use cases to help you make an informed decision and find the right tool for your needs.
Nifty is a project management solution that centralizes and automates project workflows. It is best as it integrates tasks, timelines, and communication, which can improve efficiency and project clarity.
Why Nifty is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose Nifty for this list because it provides a unique combination of project automation features that streamline project workflows. Its focus on centralizing various project elements into one platform makes it a compelling alternative to Zoho Projects.
Nifty Standout Features & Integrations
Features include task management, milestones, discussions, docs, and files, all designed to foster collaboration and efficiency. The platform's automation capabilities help keep projects moving forward without manual intervention.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Zoom, GitHub, Trello, Asana, Dropbox, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with a minimalistic design
- Integrative milestone tracking that updates in real-time
- Advanced automation features for streamlined workflow management
Cons:
- Limited customization options for reports and dashboards
- May require setup time to fully optimize automation features
Todoist is a task management application that excels at helping individuals manage their daily tasks and personal projects efficiently. It provides a clean, user-friendly interface that allows users to organize tasks into projects, set priorities, and track deadlines.
Why Todoist is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose Todoist because it offers a simpler and more user-focused approach to task management compared to Zoho Projects, which is more suited for managing larger project teams and tasks. Todoist's emphasis on personal productivity through a minimalist design and intuitive functionality makes it ideal for individual users and smaller teams.
Todoist Standout Features & Integrations
Features include natural language input for easy task entry, recurring task capabilities, and productivity visualizations that help users track their progress over time. It also supports task delegation and collaboration, making it versatile enough for both personal and team use.
Integrations include a wide range of applications, including Google Calendar, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integration with popular productivity tools
- Extensive task customization options
- Intuitive and clean interface
Cons:
- Limited features for free plan, may require Pro plan for full access
- Fewer collaboration features than comprehensive project management tools
ProofHub is a project management platform that centralizes control over projects and resources. It offers unlimited users the ability to manage projects with custom roles and advanced reporting.
Why ProofHub is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose ProofHub because it provides a flat-rate pricing model that is economical for teams of any size, offering unlimited users without per-user fees. This makes it a standout alternative to Zoho Projects, especially for businesses looking to streamline their project management costs.
ProofHub Standout Features & Integrations
Features include task management with multiple views, time tracking, and detailed reporting capabilities. The tool also includes proofing and file approval processes integrated directly within the workspace, enhancing the efficiency of review cycles and delivery timelines.
Integrations include Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Google Calendar, iCal, Slack, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive set of project management and collaboration features
- Unlimited users and projects on all plans
- Flat-rate pricing with no per-user fee
Cons:
- Some users may require more advanced analytics and reporting features
- Limited storage space on the Essential plan
Teamwork is a project management software designed to streamline client work management with tools for project planning, task tracking, and collaboration. Its robust features make it ideal for agencies and service providers managing multiple client projects.
Why Teamwork is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I picked Teamwork because it offers specialized features for managing client work that Zoho Projects lacks. Teamwork's client portals, time tracking, and invoicing capabilities make it a superior choice for teams that need to keep clients informed and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Teamwork Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a client portal that allows clients to view project progress, communicate with the team, and access project files. Additionally, its time tracking and billing features ensure accurate invoicing and budget management, while the Gantt chart and task management tools help keep projects on track.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, HubSpot, Xero, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integrations with other business tools
- Strong time tracking and billing features
- Comprehensive client portals enhance client communication
Cons:
- Slight learning curve due to the range of features
- Higher starting price compared to some other tools
Scoro is a comprehensive work management platform. It is best for professional service automation because it can streamline projects, simplify quoting, automate billing, and optimize utilization.
Why Scoro is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose Scoro because it goes beyond traditional project management by integrating extensive CRM and billing features essential for professional services firms. This integration makes Scoro an excellent alternative to Zoho Projects, particularly for businesses looking to manage their entire workflow from a single platform.
Scoro Standout Features & Integrations
Features include real-time Gantt charts for project management, a drag-and-drop planner for resource planning, and detailed financial tracking for invoicing and cost management. It also provides comprehensive sales and CRM tools, along with customizable dashboards and reporting for real-time insights.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Exchange, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Exact Online, Expensify, Stripe, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed financial tracking and reporting capabilities
- Advanced resource planning and utilization tracking
- Comprehensive project management with real-time Gantt charts
Cons:
- The cost could be higher compared to some other alternatives
- May have a slight learning curve due to its extensive features
KanbanFlow is a tool that streamlines project management and boosts team efficiency. It stands out for lean project management by employing Kanban principles to improve workflow efficiency.
Why KanbanFlow is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I selected KanbanFlow for this list due to its straightforward and visual approach to managing projects, aligning with lean management practices. Its emphasis on reducing work-in-progress and improving workflow distinguishes it as a viable Zoho Projects alternative for teams aiming to adopt lean methodologies in their operations.
KanbanFlow Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a visual Kanban board for managing workflows, time tracking with support for the Pomodoro technique, and tools for real-time collaboration. These features aim to boost productivity by streamlining communication and offering insights into the progress of tasks.
Integrations include a custom API and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free version available without time restrictions
- Time tracking with Pomodoro technique support
- Visual Kanban board for task management
Cons:
- Lack of specific native integrations listed on the website beyond Zapier
- Not ideal for all project management methodologies
- Limited details on native integrations
Pipeliner CRM is designed to enhance the visibility and manageability of the sales process through its dynamic interface and visualization tools. It focuses on driving sales efficiency and effectiveness by providing clear, graphical views of sales pipelines and activities.
Why Pipeliner is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose Pipeliner CRM because it offers superior visualization tools for managing sales processes, which Zoho Projects lacks. Its intuitive and graphic-rich interface helps sales teams understand their pipeline status at a glance, making it easier to plan and execute sales strategies effectively.
Pipeliner Standout Features & Integrations
Features include its unique visual pipeline management system, which allows sales teams to drag and drop deals between stages easily. The platform also includes automated workflows, advanced reporting features, and a built-in AI that provides insights and forecasts to aid decision-making.
Integrations include popular tools such as Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong automation features to reduce manual entry
- Customizable dashboards and reports
- Excellent visual representation of sales pipelines
Cons:
- May require training to fully utilize all features
- Higher cost per user compared to some other CRMs
Evernote Teams enhances the classic Evernote experience by providing a collaborative space tailored for teams to capture, manage, and share notes efficiently. It's designed to facilitate easy access to information and streamline communication within teams.
Why Evernote is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose Evernote Teams because it focuses specifically on note management, an area where Zoho Projects is less robust. This specialization makes Evernote Teams the better choice for teams that require advanced note-taking capabilities integrated with their project management processes.
Evernote Standout Features & Integrations
Features include the ability for users to create, share, and manage notes and documents in a shared workspace. It features powerful search capabilities that can find text in notes, images, and attached documents, making it easy to keep track of vast amounts of information. The tool also supports tagging and notebooks, which help organize content effectively.
Integrations include popular productivity tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Drive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective organization tools like tags and notebooks
- Robust sharing and collaboration features
- Enhanced search capabilities that find text within images and attachments
Cons:
- May be over-featured for teams needing only basic note-taking
- Higher price point than the basic Evernote or other simple note apps
Notion serves as an all-in-one workspace designed to integrate notes, tasks, databases, and calendars into a single, customizable platform. It excels at bringing together various aspects of personal and team productivity, making it an invaluable tool for both individual users and teams looking to centralize their workflows.
Why Notion is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose Notion because its flexibility and customization capabilities far exceed those offered by Zoho Projects. Notion's ability to adapt to different use cases —ranging from simple note-taking to complex project management— makes it a standout choice for those seeking an integrated approach to managing their workspaces.
Notion Standout Features & Integrations
Features include Notion’s renowned for its modular approach, allowing users to create pages and databases that link together seamlessly. Its rich text and media embedding options enhance content creation, while its powerful templating features enable users to replicate successful workflows and maintain consistency across projects.
Integrations include Slack, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and API integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective for both individual and collaborative work
- Supports a wide range of content types
- Highly customizable and flexible interface
Cons:
- Limited traditional project management tools like Gantt charts
- Slight learning curve for new users unfamiliar with modular systems
QuickBase is a platform that excels in dynamic work management, providing teams the tools to build customized applications and workflows without the need for coding. It's especially suited for businesses that require rapid development and adaptation of their management processes to accommodate diverse and fast-changing project requirements.
Why QuickBase is a good Zoho Projects alternative:
I chose QuickBase because it offers unprecedented flexibility compared to Zoho Projects. Its ability to quickly adapt and modify applications based on real-time feedback and changing business needs makes it a powerful tool for organizations that operate in dynamic environments.
QuickBase Standout Features & Integrations
Features include its app-building capabilities that allow users to create custom forms, fields, and workflows to match their specific processes. Additionally, it supports robust data management and integration capabilities that enable users to seamlessly connect and synchronize data across various sources and applications.
Integrations include a wide array of external software, including Salesforce, QuickBooks, Slack, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration capabilities with other systems
- Rapid deployment of custom applications
- Highly customizable platform for workflow and database management
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve due to advanced features
- Requires a minimum of 20 seats, which may be costly for small teams
Other Zoho Projects Alternatives
Below is a list of additional project management software that didn’t make it into my top 10 list for Zoho Project alternatives, but are still worth checking out:
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Alternatives To Zoho Projects Selection Criteria
When selecting alternatives to Zoho Projects, I focus on tools that excel in functionality and address key project management challenges such as collaboration inefficiencies, resource allocation, and time tracking. The alternatives must solve real pain points and include essential features like task management, collaboration tools, reporting, time tracking, file sharing, resource management, budget tracking, risk analysis, integrations, and user access controls.
To make my list of the best Zoho Projects alternatives, each solution had to fulfill common use cases and stand out in these critical areas:
Core Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
- Task scheduling and deadline management
- Collaborative project updates and team communication
- Integration with other business systems (CRM, ERP)
- Real-time reporting and analytics
- Support for remote and distributed teams
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- Identification of unique dashboards and data visualization tools not typically offered by competitors
- Assessment of mobile and cross-platform support to ensure accessibility and continuity on the go
- Exploration of automation features that streamline complex project tasks and processes
- Evaluation of customizability to adapt to specific business needs and workflows
- Consideration of advanced security features like two-factor authentication and data encryption
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- Balanced between powerful functionality and a user-friendly interface
- A clean, intuitive design that supports easy navigation and a minimal learning curve
- Availability of customizable views and drag-and-drop interfaces for task and project management
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- Assessment of available resources like detailed documentation, tutorials, and user guides
- Evaluation of training tools such as webinars live online training, and interactive product tours
- Analysis of initial setup simplicity, including the use of project templates and pre-configured workflows
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- Comparison of response times and support availability (24/7, live chat, phone support)
- Quality of technical support and the depth of knowledge of support personnel
- Availability of community support forums and peer assistance
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- Examination of pricing tiers, including entry-level options and what each tier offers
- Consideration of the total cost of ownership, including any additional fees for integrations or add-ons
- Comparison of feature sets relative to price against direct competitors
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- Analysis of overall customer satisfaction and feedback on effectiveness in managing projects
- Investigation of recurring themes in positive and negative reviews to gauge strengths and weaknesses
- Review of testimonials about customer service experiences and the impact on project management efficiency
By evaluating these criteria, I ensure that each recommended tool not only meets but exceeds the basic requirements for effective project management.
Zoho Projects Key Features
Here are some key features of Zoho Projects that your alternative software should be able to replicate or improve upon:
- Task Management: Assign and track project tasks with ease.
- Customizations: Tailor the platform to specific project needs.
- Team Collaboration: Enable uninterrupted communication and document sharing among team members.
- Automation: Simplify processes and reduce manual entry with automated workflows.
- Time Management: Monitor the time spent on various project activities, identify bottlenecks, and predict project timelines and roadmaps.
- Charts and Reports: Visualize project oversight, progress, and other metrics.
- User Administration: Control user access and manage resources effectively.
- Third-party Integrations: Link with external platforms for additional functionality and seamless workflows.
- Mobile Access: Operate projects from mobile devices, allowing team members to quickly answer questions, share files, or locate important data on the go, such as during stakeholder meetings.
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