Best Project Management Software For Windows Shortlist
Here are my picks for the best project management software for Windows users.
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Project management software helps you organize tasks, track progress, and address issues like missed deadlines, poor communication, and disorganized workflows. With so many options available, finding the right fit is tricky, and you need a tool that plays nicely with your operating system.
Here are my picks for the best project management software for Windows. I've used my experience running projects with Windows-compatible systems to test and review the options so you can pick a tool that will help you and your team deliver projects successfully.
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Compare Specs Side-by-Side
Compare the pricing and specs of each tool on my shortlist in the table below.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for advanced project scheduling and resource management | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for free project management features | 14-day free trial | From $1.49/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website | |
3 | Best for visual task management and team collaboration | 14-day free trial | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website | |
4 | Best for managing client work and maximizing profitability | 30-day free trial | From $10.99/user/month (min 3 users, billed annually) | Website | |
5 | Best for customizable project management tools | 30-day free trial | From $13/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best for all-in-one project management and collaboration | 14-day free trial | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best for high-touch support and onboarding | Free trial available | From $25/user/month | Website | |
8 | Best for managing client work with automation | 7-day free trial + free live demo | From $20/user/month | Website | |
9 | Best for predictive scheduling and risk management | 14-day free trial | From $45/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
10 | Best for comprehensive work management in professional services | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $19.90/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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Smartsheet
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Project Management Software for Windows Reviews
Here’s my in-depth analysis of each project management software tool for Windows. It examines the pros and cons, features, and best use cases of each tool.
Best for advanced project scheduling and resource management
Microsoft Project is a project management software for Windows designed for detailed planning, resource allocation, and tracking. It excels in advanced project scheduling and resource management with comprehensive features for efficient execution.
Why I Picked Microsoft Project: I chose Microsoft Project for its advanced project scheduling and resource management capabilities that provide users with a detailed, structured approach to managing complex projects. Its comprehensive features, including project roadmaps, Gantt charts, critical path analysis, extensive reporting capabilities, and intricate scheduling and resource allocation tools, set it apart from other project management software.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include Gantt charts for visual project planning, resource management tools for allocating and tracking resources, and advanced reporting capabilities for project insights.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Power BI, OneDrive, Outlook, Excel, Word, Skype for Business, Dynamics 365, and Azure DevOps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed reporting features
- Powerful resource management features
- Advanced scheduling tools
Cons:
- Requires Microsoft ecosystem
- Steep learning curve
Freedcamp is a project management solution for Windows that provides a comprehensive set of tools for organizing activities, managing projects, and working with teams. It includes features such as task lists, a timeline view, calendars, file sharing, and time tracking to help optimize workflow and increase productivity.
Why I Picked Freedcamp: I chose Freedcamp for its extensive range of free project management tools, which stands out in a market where many competitors charge for similar features. Freedcamp's ability to offer essential project management functionalities at no cost, including Gantt charts, time tracking, and milestone management, makes it the best choice for teams looking to manage projects and meet their due dates without a financial burden.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task lists, Kanban boards, subtasks, calendars, discussions, wikis, and issue tracking. These tools help teams plan, discuss, achieve goals, and succeed in their projects.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unlimited storage
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive free features
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Limited advanced features on the free plan
Trello is a project management software for Windows that offers a visual interface for tracking project progress, assigning tasks, and setting deadlines. Trello's versatile UI allows users to tailor their workflow to every project. It's simple to use, which helps teams keep organized and productive.
Why I Picked Trello: I chose Trello for its unique approach to visual task management. Trello's boards, lists, and cards make it easy to see task status at a glance. It simplifies complex processes into manageable pieces and includes drag-and-drop functionality, custom labels, and seamless integration with communication tools. This makes Trello ideal for both visual task management and team collaboration.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable boards, lists, and cards for organizing tasks to fit team workflows. The Butler automation feature also handles repetitive tasks, and Power-Ups integrates with other tools to boost functionality.
Integrations include Slack, Miro, Dropbox, Zendesk, Jira, Confluence, Evernote, GitHub, Salesforce, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration options
- Highly customizable workflows
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for large projects
- Limited advanced features
Best for managing client work and maximizing profitability
Teamwork is a project management software for Windows that improves team collaboration with advanced task management, time tracking, and project planning. It also optimizes workflows and enhances productivity by integrating all necessary tools into one platform.
Why I Picked Teamwork: I chose Teamwork for its comprehensive features tailored specifically for client work, which sets it apart from other project management tools. Its client portal allows for seamless client collaboration and communication, enhancing transparency and client satisfaction. Overall, Teamwork’s ability to streamline workflows and provide detailed insights into profitability particularly make it the best tool available for managing client work and maximizing profitability.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include time tracking, resource management, and project templates. Teamwork also provides detailed reporting, budget management, and invoicing tools to help businesses stay profitable.
Integrations include Slack, HubSpot, Stripe, Feedbucket, Parallax, Skyvia, Bybrand, Harvest, Microsoft Office, and Atarim.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Resource scheduling
- Detailed reporting
- Comprehensive client management
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Learning curve
ProjectManager is a project management platform for Windows that provides powerful planning, scheduling, and real-time communication capabilities. It optimizes project execution through features such as task management, Gantt charts, and process automation.
Why I Picked ProjectManager: I chose ProjectManager for its extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific needs. The platform especially stands out for its customizable project templates, intuitive drag-and-drop interface, and flexible task management options that cater to diverse project needs. ProjectManager also offers customizable features like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and workflow automation tools that adapt to different requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include dashboards for real-time insights, project portfolios for overviews, and workflow automation to boost productivity. It also offers task lists, collaboration tools, and detailed reporting.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Acumatica, Trello, and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Project, Power BI, Office 365, Exchange, and Excel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive reporting
- Real-time data insights
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Limited free plan
- Learning curve
ProofHub is a project management software for Windows that combines task management, time tracking, and collaboration tools in a single platform. It streamlines team workflows by combining numerous tools and eliminates the need for separate apps.
Why I Picked ProofHub: I chose ProofHub for its versatility, integrating various project management features into one platform. This platform is ideal for all-in-one project management and collaboration, offering centralized task management, time tracking, discussions, and file sharing, making team collaboration more efficient. As such, unlike other tools, ProofHub doesn't need additional integrations or apps.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, time tracking, Gantt charts, Kanban boards, discussions, and file sharing. These features are designed to enhance team productivity and streamline project workflows.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, iCal, Google Calendar, Slack, FreshBooks, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Multiple collaboration tools
- Centralized project management
Cons:
- No free plan
- Limited customization
Workzone is a project management solution for Windows that offers task management, file sharing, and project monitoring. It offers a single platform for project management, facilitating communication, and increasing overall efficiency.
Why I Picked Workzone: I chose Workzone for its excellent high-touch support and onboarding process, which sets it apart from other project management tools. The extensive, personalized training and dedicated support teams that Workzone offers ensures that teams can effectively use the platform, making it the best tool for high-touch support and onboarding.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include personal to-do lists, automatic reminder emails and notifications, tracking for task dependencies, file sharing and approval, detailed reporting, and project tracking.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Google Drive, Salseforce, Slack, Quickbooks, Hubspot, Jira, and Zoho Books.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- File sharing and approval
- Detailed reporting features
- Extensive onboarding support
Cons:
- Requires minimum 5 users
- Limited customization options
Accelo is a project management software for Windows that brings together customer management, project tracking, and sales automation features. It simplifies operations for service businesses by providing a single platform for managing work from beginning to end.
Why I Picked Accelo: I chose Accelo for its powerful automation features that simplify client work management. Unlike other tools, Accelo combines sales, project management, billing, and time tracking into one platform. This integration makes the platform uniquely efficient for client-focused businesses, allowing it to handle repetitive tasks seamlessly. Its powerful automations ensure consistent and accurate workflows, making it the best choice for managing client work and automating tasks.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project planning, real-time project statuses, resource utilization, and automated billing. Accelo also offers detailed reporting and analytics to track performance and profitability.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, PayPal, Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Stripe, and Jira
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed reporting
- Real-time project tracking
- Comprehensive automation
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Complex setup
Tempo Portfolio Manager (formerly LiquidPlanner) is a project management tool for Windows designed to help teams plan, predict, and perform with confidence. It is best for predictive scheduling and risk management because it dynamically adapts to changes and manages uncertainty through intelligent simulations and real-time risk control.
Why I Picked Tempo Portfolio Manager: I chose Tempo Portfolio Manager for its unique approach to predictive scheduling and risk management. Unlike other tools, it runs multiple simulations to create realistic forecasts, making it excel in managing project uncertainties. Overall, it is best for predictive scheduling and risk management due to its ability to adapt dynamically to changes and provide accurate, real-time risk assessments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include predictive scheduling, balanced workload management, perfect prioritization, ranged estimation, time management, and intelligent insights. These features collectively help teams manage projects with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Integrations include Jira, Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Trello, and Asana.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dynamic adaptation
- Real-time risk management
- Predictive scheduling
Cons:
- No free plan
- Limited customization
- Higher learning curve
Scoro
Best for comprehensive work management in professional services
Scoro is a project management software for Windows that offers project management, bidding and budgeting, sales and customer relationship management, resource planning, time tracking, and powerful reporting features. It serves a variety of sectors, providing teams with visibility, control, and automations to help streamline processes and manage projects successfully.
Why I Picked Scoro: I chose Scoro for its comprehensive capabilities aimed at professional services. It particularly excels by combining project management, finance, and resource planning on a single platform. Scoro's holistic approach to managing projects, finances, and resources makes it ideal for consultancies, agencies, and other professional service firms.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management from quote to cash, detailed timesheets and time tracking, and comprehensive reporting and dashboards. Scoro also excels in financial insights with powerful quoting and budgeting capabilities.
Integrations include Google Calendar, MS Exchange, Xero, QuickBooks, FTP, Dropbox, Expensify, Stripe, Slack, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable dashboards
- Strong financial tools
- Comprehensive feature set
Cons:
- Limited free trial
- Complex setup
Other Project Management Software For Windows
Here are some additional project management software for Windows that did not make my top ten list, but which are still worth checking out.
- Quickbase
For dynamic work management with low-code development
- ReptonPOD
For structured project phases
- Smartsheet
For spreadsheet-like project management
- Kantata
For resource management and project accounting
- Basecamp
For simple and efficient project management
- Celoxis
For comprehensive project portfolio management
- Wrike
For real-time collaboration and project tracking
- Asana
For task management and team coordination
- Jira
For Agile project management and issue tracking
- Nifty
For project timelines and milestone tracking
- monday.com
For visual project planning and team collaboration
- ClickUp
For customizable workflows and task management
Related Project Management Software
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- Project Management Software
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- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
Selection Criteria for Project Management Software for Windows
When selecting project management software for Windows, it is important to focus on both overall functionality and your specific needs. Through my personal trials and extensive research, I have developed a set of criteria that I used to select the best tools for this list. Each criterion is weighted to reflect its importance to my overall evaluation.
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Task management
- Scheduling and calendar integration
- Resource allocation
- Time tracking
- Collaboration tools
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Integration with third-party applications
- Customizable dashboards and reports
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Mobile app availability
- AI-driven insights and automation
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered whether each tool had the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Customizable workflows
- Role-based access control
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered whether the tool had the following available:
- Training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Pre-built templates
- Chatbots for instant support
- Webinars for in-depth training
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered whether the tool offered the following:
- 24/7 support
- Multiple support channels (email, phone, chat)
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Dedicated account managers
- Fast response times
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered whether the tool offered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Free trial
- Transparent pricing structure
- Discounts for long-term commitments
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered whether customer reviews highlighted the following:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support quality
- Insights on feature effectiveness
- User recommendations and endorsements
How to Choose Project Management Software for Windows
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 | Can the software grow with your team? Look for solutions that support multiple projects, user roles, and increasing workloads without performance issues. |
Integrations | Does it connect with the tools you already use? Make sure it integrates with key software like Microsoft 365, Slack, or cloud storage for seamless workflows. |
Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your team’s needs? Look for customizable dashboards, workflows, and automation options that match your project processes. |
Ease of Use | Will your team adopt it quickly? A clean interface, intuitive navigation, and minimal learning curve help teams stay productive without frustration. |
Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints? Compare pricing tiers, hidden costs, and licensing models to make sure you’re not overpaying for unnecessary features. |
Security Safeguards | How does it protect your data? Make sure the software offers encryption, role-based access controls, and compliance with industry security standards. |
Collaboration Features | Does it support teamwork? Look for real-time chat, file sharing, and task assignments to keep your team aligned and productive. |
Performance & Relability | Will it run smoothly on Windows? Check system requirements, speed, and uptime guarantees to avoid slowdowns and technical issues. |
Trends for Project Management Software for Windows
Here are some key trends in project management software for Windows to watch:
- AI integration: Tools are increasingly integrating AI into project management tools to help automate routine tasks. This reduces manual effort for teams and increases overall efficiency. AI can also help with predictive analytics and better decision-making.
- Better collaboration features: Tools are focusing more on real-time collaboration. This includes features like live document editing and instant messaging. This focus aims to improve team communication and project alignment.
- Customizable dashboards: Customizable dashboards are becoming more prevalent. They allow users to tailor their interface to their specific needs and make it easier to track progress and key metrics.
- Mobile accessibility: Project management software is becoming increasingly mobile-friendly. This lets team members access project details on-the-go to support remote work and flexibility.
- Integration with other tools: There is a growing trend of integrating project management software with other business tools, including CRM, ERP, and communication platforms. This can create a more cohesive workflow and data-sharing environment.
What Is Project Management Software for Windows?
Project management software for Windows helps teams plan, resource, manage, schedule, and organize tasks and resources to deliver projects efficiently using the Windows operating system. You can use it to allocate resources and complete projects on time, on budget, and within scope.
The software typically features task management, resource allocation, time tracking, and communication tools. These components provide real-time visibility of project status so you can make quick decisions and adjustments to keep projects on track.
Features of Project Management Software for Windows
Key features of project management software for Windows to consider include:
- Task management: This feature allows you to create, assign, and track tasks, so everyone knows what they need to do and when.
- Collaboration tools: These tools let team members communicate and share information easily, which is vital for keeping everyone on the same page.
- Time tracking: Time tracking helps you monitor how much time is spent on each task, which is essential for managing resources and meeting deadlines.
- Resource management: This feature helps you allocate resources efficiently and make sure you have the right people and tools available when you need them.
- Gantt charts: Gantt charts provide a visual representation of your project timeline, so it's easier to see the progress of your project and identify any potential delays.
- Reporting: Reporting tools allow you to generate detailed reports on various aspects of your project, make informed decisions, and keep stakeholders updated.
- File sharing: File sharing capabilities let team members share documents and other files easily, which is important for collaboration and keeping everyone informed.
- Budget management: This feature helps you track project expenses and manage your budget, so you can make sure you stay within your financial limits.
- Mobile access: Mobile access lets you manage your projects on the go, which is important for staying productive and responsive, no matter where you are.
Benefits of Project Management Software for Windows
Here are several benefits you can expect to gain from using project management software for Windows:
- Better collaboration: The software facilitates communication and collaboration among team members, so everyone is on the same page and can contribute effectively to the project's success.
- Improved task management: With features like task assignment, deadlines, and progress tracking, the software helps you manage tasks efficiently, complete tasks in a timely manner, and reduce the risk of missed deadlines.
- Resource allocation: The software allows for optimal allocation and utilization of resources, so the right resources are available for the right tasks. This helps maximize productivity and minimize waste.
- Reporting: You can generate instant reports and analytics and get valuable insights into project performance. This helps you make informed decisions to keep the project on track.
- Scalability: Project management software for Windows can scale with the growth of your business, and accommodate more projects, users, and complex workflows without compromising on performance.
Costs & Pricing of Project Management Software for Windows
Below is a table summarizing plan types, average prices, and common features:
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic task management, limited users, Kanban boards, basic storage |
Individual | $3-$15/month | To-do lists, calendar integration, basic reporting, limited storage |
Small Business | $15-$25/month/user | Advanced task management, Gantt charts, time tracking, document collaboration |
Medium Business | $25-$50/month/user | Better security, user permissions, advanced reporting, multiple project views |
Enterprise | $50+/month/user | Unlimited users, premium support, full feature set, customizable workflows |
Project Management Software for Windows FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about project management software for Windows.
Is it easy to migrate data from one project management tool to another on Windows?
Most project management tools offer import/export features to facilitate data migration, though the process may vary in complexity.
What security features are available in Windows project management software?
Most software, like Wrike and Asana, offer features such as data encryption, two-factor authentication, and user permissions.
Can I collaborate with my team in real time using Windows project management software?
Tools like Asana, Trello, and monday.com support real-time collaboration and updates.
Does project management software for Windows support mobile devices?
Yes, most of these tools have mobile apps for iOS and Android, complementing their Windows desktop versions.
Can I use project management software on Windows without an internet connection?
Microsoft Project supports offline use, but other tools, like Trello and Asana, require an internet connection.
Is there support for multi-language use in Windows project management software?
Yes, many tools, like Asana and monday.com, offer multi-language support to cater to global teams.
Are there templates available for different project types in Windows project management software?
Yes, most tools, like monday.com and Trello, provide a variety of templates tailored for different project types and industries.
Can I use voice commands with project management software on Windows?
Some tools, like Microsoft Project when integrated with Cortana, support voice commands for task management and project updates.
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