Microsoft Planner Review: Pros, Cons, Features & Pricing
In my opinion, Microsoft Planner is a strong option for teams already using Microsoft 365, thanks to its smooth integration and user-friendly interface. It offers good value and ease of use but lacks some of the advanced features found in specialized tools like Trello or Asana. Planner is best suited for teams that prioritize Microsoft integration and want a simple, accessible task management solution.
Microsoft Planner Evaluation Summary
- From $5/user/month
- A month’s free trial for all products
Why You Can Trust Us
Microsoft Planner Overview
Microsoft Planner is a task management software designed to simplify project tracking and collaboration. It suits teams within businesses already using Microsoft 365, such as marketing departments coordinating campaigns or IT teams managing tech projects. Microsoft Planner provides value by integrating seamlessly with existing Microsoft tools, enhancing your team's ability to stay organized and efficient.
In this article, you'll find insights into Microsoft Planner's features, pros and cons, use cases, and pricing. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or new to the role, you'll discover how this tool can align with your team's goals.
pros
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The simple, user-friendly interface makes task management straightforward.
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Its integration with Microsoft 365 enhances team collaboration
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You can easily assign and track tasks within your team.
cons
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It may not accommodate larger teams needing detailed task dependencies.
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The reporting features are not as robust as some competitors.
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It lacks advanced customization options for complex projects.
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Our Review Methodology
How We Test & Score Tools
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)
The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.
Standout Features (25% of final scoring)
Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base.Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Core Features
Unified Task Management: Manage all your tasks, to-do lists, plans, and projects across Microsoft 365 apps in one place
Task Tracking: Track task status in real-time with visual boards, helping you keep projects on schedule and identify bottlenecks quickly.
Task History and Conversations: Maintain a history of task changes and facilitate team communication through task-specific conversations.
Collaboration: Assign tasks, share files, comment, and tag teammates to keep work moving. Real-time updates and Teams integration help your team stay connected and on track.
Customizable Templates: Start projects quickly with customizable templates tailored for various departments like marketing, sales, IT, and HR.
Goal Setting and Alignment: Define and align project goals at various organizational levels to ensure strategic objectives are met.
Ease of Use
Microsoft Planner is easy to use, with an intuitive interface and simple navigation. You can assign tasks, track progress, and update statuses with minimal training. Its visual task boards make organizing work straightforward, helping teams stay focused.
Compared to other tools, its simplicity and integration with Microsoft 365 make it a convenient way to manage workflows and improve collaboration.
Microsoft Planner Specs
- API
- External Integrations
- Gantt Charts
- Google Apps Integration
- Resource Management
- Task Scheduling/Tracking
Alternatives to Microsoft Planner
Microsoft Planner FAQs
How does Microsoft Planner handle task assignments?
Can I use Microsoft Planner offline?
How secure is Microsoft Planner for sensitive data?
How can I customize task views in Microsoft Planner?
Does Microsoft Planner support notifications and alerts?
Can I integrate Microsoft Planner with other Microsoft apps?
Is Microsoft Planner suitable for agile project management?
How does Microsoft Planner manage task dependencies?
What's Next?
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