Microsoft Project Pricing Tiers & Costs
A complete overview of Microsoft Project pricing tiers, additional costs, value for money, and how to pick the right plan for you. Plus, alternatives to consider and a side-by-side pricing comparison.
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Microsoft Project is a project management software that offers multiple pricing plans and tiers, primarily on a subscription basis. Project managers use Microsoft Project to plan, schedule, allocate resources, and track project tasks, providing essential functionalities for managing complex projects.
Microsoft Project offers good value compared to its competitors, especially for teams already using other Microsoft services. This guide covers everything you need to know about Microsoft Project pricing, plans, and costs to make an informed purchase decision confidently.
How Much Does Microsoft Project Cost?
Microsoft Project offers various subscription-based plans designed for different business needs, including small teams and larger enterprises. Pricing begins at $10/user/month (billed annually) for Planner Plan 1 and goes up to $55/user/month (billed annually) for Project Plan 5.
A free trial is available for all plans for 30 days.
Microsoft Project Plans & Pricing Tiers
Here's an overview of the available Microsoft Project plans:
| Plan Type | Price | What’s Included? |
| Microsoft Planner | Included | Real-time collaboration, task management, board views, basic plan templates, dashboards, task lists, security and compliance, and Microsoft 365 customer support |
| Planner Plan 1 | $10/user/month (billed annually) | Task management, project goals, dependencies, backlogs, sprints, premium templates, timeline view, rich reporting, collaboration tools, and real-time dashboards |
| Project Plan 3 | $30/user/month (billed annually) | Resource management, timesheet submission, advanced analytics, prebuilt templates, portfolio selection, demand management, project scheduling, financial management, baselines, and a critical path |
| Project Plan 5 | $55/user/month (billed annually) | Enterprise resource management and allocation, portfolio analysis, optimization, copilot in Planner (preview), visual interactive roadmaps, advanced reporting, AI capabilities, and integration with Microsoft 365 apps |
Let’s break down the available Microsoft Project plans a bit further:
Microsoft Planner Plan
The Microsoft Planner plan is ideal for teams looking for basic task management and collaboration within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, such as small businesses and internal teams in the education, marketing, or HR industries. It comes automatically with a Microsoft 365 plan and offers visual task boards, integration with Microsoft Teams, and basic reporting. However, it lacks the advanced project scheduling and resource management in Microsoft Project.
Microsoft Planner Plan 1
The Microsoft Planner Plan 1 is best suited for small teams or startups needing basic task management and project scheduling tools. This plan works well for businesses focusing on task assignments, simple tracking, and collaboration. However, it lacks advanced resource management and reporting features necessary for complex projects.
Microsoft Project Plan 3
The Microsoft Project Plan 3 is ideal for medium to large organizations managing more detailed projects. It offers resource management, Gantt charts, and timesheet submissions, making it ideal for construction, software development, and finance industries. This plan enables detailed tracking and better project oversight but lacks the advanced analytics provided in higher tiers.
Microsoft Project Plan 5
The Microsoft Project Plan 5 is best for large enterprises needing advanced project analytics and portfolio management. It supports complex, multi-program environments with features like demand management and portfolio optimization. The only limitation is that it's more expensive than lower-tier plans.
Microsoft Project Pricing vs. Competitors
Microsoft Project is generally considered on the higher end of the pricing spectrum for project management software. It offers multiple pricing tiers, including Microsoft Planner for free, Project Plan 1 at $10/user/month, Project Plan 3 at $30/user/month, and Project Plan 5 at $55/user/month.
Each plan includes varying levels of functionality, with higher-tier plans offering advanced features like portfolio management and demand management. Microsoft Project integrates well with other Microsoft 365 apps, but some integrations and advanced features are locked to higher-tier plans. However, the software does provide advanced security safeguards across all plans.
Comparison Chart: Microsoft Project vs. Alternatives
Wondering how Microsoft Project pricing compares to other project management software? Here’s a comparison chart that breaks down the costs of other project management software side-by-side:
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| monday.com | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Smartsheet | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Wrike | From $9.80/user/month (min of 2 seats) | Website |
| ClickUp | From $7/user/month | Website |
| Hub Planner | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Zoho Projects | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Visor | From $9/user/month | Website |
| Quickbase | From $35/user/month (billed annually, min 20 users) | Website |
| Bonsai Agency Software | From $10/user/month | Website |
| Workzone | From $25/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareAlternatives to Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a solid project management solution, but there are plenty of other options out there. Depending on your use case, budget, team size, and other factors, you might consider shopping around for a solution that’s better suited to your needs. If you’re looking for alternative project management software options to Microsoft Project, here are a few worth checking out:
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
How to Choose the Right Microsoft Project Plan
When deciding which Microsoft Project plan to go with, you’ll want to consider each plan's added value and potential drawbacks. Scrolling through long lists of features can quickly lead to confusion and uncertainty, so here are a few factors to keep in mind as you evaluate and assess your options:
Microsoft Project Scalability and Team Size
Evaluating the scalability of Microsoft Project is important for your team’s size and growth trajectory.
Small teams, such as startups with fewer than 10 members, might start with either the Microsoft Planner or Planner Plan 1 to easily manage tasks and timelines. Medium-sized teams, however, may need more advanced resource management and collaboration features, thus benefiting most from the Microsoft Project Plan 3. Lastly, large enterprises will likely require more advanced project management tools, making the Microsoft Project Plan 5 their ideal package.
Selecting the right plan ensures your team can efficiently manage projects as they grow.
Industry-Specific Microsoft Project Features
Evaluating if Microsoft Project meets your industry needs is important because it offers features tailored to various sectors.
For instance, construction teams will benefit the most from resource management and scheduling, while marketing teams generally use timeline views and budget tracking more frequently.
Regardless of your industry, Microsoft Projects offers several features to help streamline project management processes and improve efficiency. Keep in mind that some features may be locked to specific plans, so it's essential to check availability based on your plan. By assessing these features, you ensure that Microsoft Project aligns with your industry requirements, maximizing your team's productivity.
Microsoft Project Integration Capabilities
Connecting project management software to your existing tech stack is necessary for smooth workflows and data consistency.
Microsoft Project offers native integrations with Microsoft Teams, Dynamics 365, and Viva Goals, allowing you to manage tasks and track progress and milestones efficiently. It also supports third-party integration tools like Zapier, enabling connections with various applications. Additionally, Microsoft Project provides an API for building custom integrations, ensuring flexibility to meet your team member’s specific needs.
Microsoft Project Security Safeguards
When choosing a Microsoft Project plan, you need to consider the security features included in each plan to protect your data and ensure compliance.
Microsoft Project offers various security features across its plans, including Microsoft Planner Plan, Planner Plan 1, Project Plan 3, and Project Plan 5. All plans provide basic security measures such as data encryption and compliance with industry standards.
However, advanced plans like Project Plan 3 and Project Plan 5 offer additional features such as advanced compliance management, resource management capabilities, and integration with other Microsoft security tools. These features help you manage data risks and regulatory compliance more effectively.
Microsoft Project Pricing FAQs
Here are answers to a few common questions about Microsoft Project pricing:
What additional costs should I anticipate with the Microsoft Project?
You may encounter additional costs beyond the subscription fee when using Microsoft Project. These can include:
- Power BI Subscription: Required for advanced reporting features.
- Microsoft 365 Subscription: Necessary for integration with Microsoft Teams.
- Viva Goals Subscription: Needed for integration with Microsoft Viva Goals.
- Power Automate Subscription: Required for automating workflows and business processes.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for Microsoft Project?
Microsoft offers various discounts and promotions for its products, including Microsoft Project. For example:
- Workplace Discount Program: Eligible employees can receive a 30% discount on Microsoft 365 Family and Personal annual subscriptions.
- Personalized Offers: Users may receive personalized discounts based on their usage of Office apps. These offers can appear as notifications in Office or via email.
How often does Microsoft Project change its pricing structure?
Microsoft does not frequently change the pricing structure for Microsoft Project. The last significant update was not specified, but users can expect stability in the pricing model. Any changes are typically communicated well in advance to allow users to adjust their budgets accordingly.
Can I try Microsoft Project before committing to a subscription?
Yes, Microsoft offers a one-month free trial for Microsoft Project plans. During this period, you can explore the features and decide if the subscription meets your needs. A credit card is required for the trial, and you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
What are the different subscription plans available for Microsoft Project?
Microsoft Project offers several subscription plans:
- Project Plan 1: $10/user/month (billed annually)
- Project Plan 3: $30/user/month (billed annually)
- Project Plan 5: $55/user/month (billed annually)
Each plan includes different features, with higher-tier plans offering more advanced project management capabilities.
Are there any one-time purchase options for Microsoft Project?
Yes, Microsoft offers one-time purchase options for those who prefer not to subscribe:
- Project Standard 2021: $631.00
- Project Professional 2021: $1,405.00
These versions of Microsoft Project provide on-premises solutions without the need for ongoing subscription fees.
Is Microsoft Project Good Value?
In my opinion, Microsoft Project offers substantial value for organizations that require detailed project planning and tracking capabilities.
Its extensive feature set, including Gantt charts, Kanban boards, resource management, and time tracking, makes it particularly suitable for large enterprises and industries like construction, engineering, and IT, where complex project schedules are common. The software's integration with other Microsoft products, such as Excel and Teams, enhances its functionality, making it easier to manage projects within a familiar ecosystem.
However, the pricing can be steep, especially for smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets. The interface, while powerful, does have a steep learning curve, which can be a barrier for new users. Onboarding and support are strong, but the complexity of the tool may require additional training.
For those who need advanced project management features and are already invested in the Microsoft Office 365 ecosystem, the investment in Microsoft Project can be justified.
Verdict: Microsoft Project is a valuable tool for large organizations with complex project needs and existing Microsoft infrastructure.
Want to learn more about Microsoft Project? Check out their site for additional information.
From $10/user/month (billed annually)
30-day free trial
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