Trello Kanban Software Review For 2024

By Hermann Fink on Jul 18, 2024

Trello stands out from its competitors by offering an intuitive interface that simplifies project management for teams of all sizes.

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In this review, I’m going to share my analysis and evaluation from hands-on experience with Trello. But first, if you’re just beginning your search for the best Kanban software, check out my picks of the best Kanban software.

You probably already know Trello is among the most popular Kanban software out there, but you need to better understand what’s good and not so good about it. This in-depth Trello review will walk you through pros and cons, and features and functionalities to help guide you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your scenario.

trello review screenshot — *Trello functions as a Kanban software by organizing tasks into boards, lists, and cards.*

Summary: Trello

Trello is a project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize tasks and projects. It’s commonly used by project managers, software developers, and marketing professionals to manage their workflows and collaborate with team members. The software helps businesses with task management, project tracking, and team collaboration.

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Trello addresses common pain points like task organization, project visibility, and team communication. Its best features are its user-friendly interface, customizable boards, and integration with other tools.

Trello Pros

User-friendly interface: Trello's intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and manage tasks without a steep learning curve.
Customization: Users can personalize boards with backgrounds, labels, and custom fields to suit their specific project needs.
Collaboration: Trello allows team members to comment, attach files, and set due dates, facilitating effective teamwork.

Trello Cons

Limited advanced features: Trello lacks some advanced project management features found in other Kanban tools, such as detailed reporting and time tracking.
Scalability: Trello may not be suitable for very large projects or organizations that require more complex workflows and task dependencies.
Offline access: The software’s functionality is limited when offline, which can be a drawback for users who need to work without an internet connection.

Trello Expert Opinion

In my opinion, Trello is an excellent choice for teams seeking a straightforward and visually appealing Kanban-style project management tool. The software’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible to users of all skill levels, and its flexibility allows for a wide range of applications, from simple task management to more complex project tracking.

The free plan is particularly generous, offering unlimited Trello cards, up to 10 boards per workspace, and unlimited Power-Ups, making it a cost-effective solution for small teams and individuals. However, Trello's reliance on Kanban boards may not suit every project manager, especially those handling multiple complex projects simultaneously.

The platform's limitations in native time tracking and advanced reporting features mean that some Trello users may need to rely on third-party integrations and add-ons for a more advanced project management experience. Despite these drawbacks, Trello's ease of use, extensive customization options, and strong automation capabilities make it a valuable contender in the project management space, particularly for small to medium-sized teams looking for a flexible and user-friendly tool.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2011. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.

Are You a Good Fit for Trello?

Who Would Be a Good Fit for Trello?

Small to medium-sized teams and startups will benefit the most from using Trello. Its visual boards and card system make it easy to manage tasks and projects without a steep learning curve. As a result, most creative teams, marketing departments, and Agile project managers will find Trello's flexibility and simplicity ideal for their workflows.

Who Would Be a Bad Fit for Trello?

Trello may not be a good fit for large enterprises with complex project management needs requiring advanced features like detailed reporting, resource management, and extensive integrations with other enterprise tools. Additionally, teams that prefer a more traditional Gantt chart view or require in-depth time tracking and budgeting functionalities might find Trello's simplicity limiting.

Best Use Cases for Trello

Small teams: Trello's simplicity and ease of use make it ideal for small teams that need to manage tasks without the complexity of more advanced project management tools.
Creative projects: The software’s visual Kanban boards are perfect for creative teams to organize ideas, track progress, and collaborate on tasks.
Event planning: With increased flexibility, Trello allows event planners to manage timelines, tasks, and resources efficiently, making it a great tool for organizing events.
Personal task management: Trello can be used to organize personal tasks, track goals, and manage daily to-dos, providing a clear overview of what needs to be done.
Remote teams: Trello's real-time updates and collaboration features make it an excellent choice for remote teams to stay connected and manage projects from different locations.
Agile development: The software’s Kanban boards are well-suited for Agile development teams to manage backlogs, sprints, and track progress in a visual and organized manner.

Worst Use Cases for Trello

Large enterprises: Trello's simplicity can become a bottleneck for large enterprises that require the best project management features like resource management and cost tracking.
Complex projects: The software lacks advanced features such as Gantt charts and advanced reporting tools, making it unsuitable for managing complex projects with multiple dependencies.
Data-sensitive industries: Although Trello offers cloud-based data storage, it may not meet the stringent security requirements of industries handling sensitive data, such as finance or healthcare.
Teams needing customization: Trello's lower customization options can be restrictive for teams that require tailored workflows and advanced automation.
Offline work: When used offline, Trello’s functionality is rather limited, making it a poor choice for teams that need consistent access in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Non-technical users: Trello's interface, which relies heavily on unlimited boards, lists, and cards, can be daunting for non-technical users or those new to Kanban-style management, leading to a steep learning curve.

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Trello Evaluation Summary

Core Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Standout Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Onboarding: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Support: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Integrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review Methodology

We’re a team of software experts who obsess about the features and functionality of different platforms. We know how critical—yet difficult and confusing—software selection can be. We test and score software to find the best solutions, whatever the use case may be.

Using our objective, data driven testing methodology, we’ve tested 300+ software. We dedicate ourselves to being objective in fully and fairly testing software, to get beyond the marketing fluff and truly understand the platform.

We’ve developed robust testing scenarios to use the software in the same way you will. We leverage our own first-hand, practical experience of the tools, complemented by interviews with users, experts, and software vendors.

How We Test & Score Kanban Software

We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system for Kanban software. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection, and what makes Kanban software effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.

Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across eight 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)

For Kanban software, the core functionality we test and evaluate are:

Task Management: Allows users to create, assign, and track tasks efficiently.
Workflow Customization: Enables users to tailor workflows to fit their specific processes.
Collaboration Tools: Provides features for team communication and collaboration within the platform.
Progress Tracking: Offers visual indicators and metrics to monitor task and project progress.
Notifications: Sends alerts and updates to keep team members informed about task changes and deadlines.
Reporting: Generates reports and analytics to provide insights into project performance and team productivity.

Standout Features (20% of final scoring)

We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality defined and typically found in Kanban software. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.

Ease of Use (15% of final scoring)

We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the Kanban software. 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 the Kanban software with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the software with no experience. High scoring software indicates 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. Kanban software that provides real-time support scores best, while chatbots score worst.

Integrations (10% of final scoring)

We 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. Kanban software offers plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.

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 Kanban software 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.

Through this comprehensive approach, focusing on core functionalities, standout features, usability, onboarding, customer support, value, and customer reviews, I aim to identify Kanban software that not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring teams have the tools they need to succeed.

Trello Review

Core Kanban Software Functionality

Visual Workflow Management: Trello allows users to visualize their workflow by mapping out tasks onto a Trello board. Each card represents a task that moves from left to right through the board's lists, providing a clear visual representation of the project's progress.

trello visual workflow management screenshot — *Trello functions as a visual workflow management tool by organizing tasks into boards, lists, and cards.*

Work In Progress (WIP) Limits: Trello supports the implementation of WIP limits to prevent work from piling up and ensure that the team focuses on finishing tasks rather than starting new ones. This feature helps maintain a stable and predictable workflow by aligning customer demand with the team's capacity.

Pull System: Trello enables a pull system where tasks are pulled from the To Do list by team members only when they have the capacity to handle new work. This system helps prevent work from piling up and ensures tasks are prioritized and completed efficiently.

Kanban Analytics: Trello offers Kanban analytics through the Kanban Analytics Power-Up, which turns board data into immersive graphs. Users can analyze data to take preventive and corrective actions, improving workflow efficiency and productivity.

Task Completion and Time Management: Trello provides tools like boards, lists, and cards to measure and analyze the time taken to complete tasks and the number of tasks completed in a given timeframe. These metrics help teams evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Aging Chart: The aging chart in Trello tracks how long tasks spend in each process state, helping identify slow process states and potential blockers. This feature allows teams to actively monitor and manage work in progress to prevent delays and increase efficiency.

Trello Standout Features

Butler Automation: Butler is Trello's automation bot that allows users to set up rule-based triggers and actions without needing advanced coding skills. Users can automate repetitive tasks, such as moving cards, setting due dates, and notifying team members, making project management more efficient.

Advanced Checklists: Trello's Advanced Checklists feature allows users to add detailed checklists to cards, assign tasks to team members, and set due dates for each item. This helps break down complex tasks into manageable steps and ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.

Ease of Use

Trello is one of the easiest Kanban software tools to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners and small teams. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and visual layout make it simple to manage projects and tasks. As a result, this simplicity means there is virtually no learning curve, allowing users to start managing projects within minutes.

Onboarding

Trello's onboarding process is designed to be engaging and efficient. New users can expect a vibrant, visual layout that keeps everything organized and everyone engaged. The software offers pre-built templates for new hires and customer onboarding, making it easy to get started. It also provides resources such as webinars, guides, and customer stories to help users get up to speed quickly.

Customer Support

Trello offers various customer support avenues, including an extensive help center with articles and guides, and a community forum for user questions and experience sharing. For direct assistance, the software provides email support and maintains a status page to monitor system uptime and downtime. Frequent product updates are shared through Trello's blog and social media channels, and users can submit feedback and feature requests through Trello's feedback forms and forums.

Integrations

Trello integrates natively with Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, Evernote, GitHub, Salesforce, Jira, Confluence, and Zoom.

Trello also offers additional options through its API, Zapier, and an extensive apps marketplace. These options allow users to connect Trello with a wide range of third-party tools and create custom workflows to meet their specific needs.

trello integration screenshot — *Trello integrates seamlessly with various apps to enhance workflow and productivity.*

Value for Money

When it comes to the average pricing for Kanban software, Trello is generally considered to be on the cheaper side. Trello's pricing starts at $5/user/month, making it a cost-effective option for small to medium-sized teams. However, while Trello does offer a free plan and affordable paid plans, keep in mind that it may lack some advanced features found in more expensive alternatives.

Trello’s pricing plans are as follows:

Free plan: Offers basic features suitable for individuals or small teams at no charge.
Standard plan: $5/user/month (billed annually). Comes with additional features like advanced checklists and custom fields.
Premium plan: $10/user/month (billed annually). Comes with added features such as dashboard views, timeline views, and workspace templates.
Enterprise plan: $17.50/user/month (billed annually). Comes with custom pricing tailored for larger organizations with advanced security and administrative controls.

Product Specifications

Feature	Trello
Visual Task Boards	✅
Customizable Columns	✅
Drag-and-Drop Interface	✅
WIP Limits	✅
Swimlanes	❌
Task Details and Assignments	✅
Collaboration Tools	✅
Automations	✅
Integrations	✅
Filtering and Searching	✅
Reporting and Analytics	❌
Mobile Accessibility	✅
Time Tracking	❌
Gantt Chart Views	❌
Calendar View	✅
Due Dates	✅
Checklists	✅
Attachments	✅
Labels	✅
Comments	✅
Notifications	✅
Templates	✅
Activity Log	✅
Custom Backgrounds	✅
Public Board Management	✅

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Trello provides good value for money with flexible pricing plans for different needs.

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Trello integrates seamlessly with various apps to enhance workflow and productivity.

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Trello offers customer support through email, help center, community forum, and status updates.

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Trello's advanced checklists enhance task tracking with detailed sub-tasks and due dates.

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Trello offers an intuitive interface, making task management simple and efficient.

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Trello's advanced checklists enhance task tracking with detailed sub-tasks and due dates.

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Trello's Butler automation streamlines workflows by automating repetitive tasks.

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Trello supports aging charts by visually tracking task progress over time with cards.

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Trello tracks task cycle times and throughput to optimize task completion rates.

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Trello functions as a Kanban analytics tool by tracking and visualizing workflow metrics.

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Trello functions as a pull system by allowing tasks to be moved through workflow stages.

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Trello uses cards and lists to set WIP limits for better task management.

Trello Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternative Kanban software options to Trello, here are a few worth checking out:

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Trello Frequently Asked Questions

Trello is a project management tool that uses a Kanban board system to help users organize tasks and projects. It allows users to create boards for different projects, with lists representing stages of the project and cards for individual tasks. Trello is known for its visual approach to task management, making it easy to see the status of tasks at a glance.

Yes, Trello offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. These apps allow users to manage their boards and tasks on the go, with features such as offline sync, so any changes made without an internet connection will update once the device reconnects.

No, Trello is not HIPAA compliant. Atlassian, the company behind Trello, prohibits the storage of protected health information (PHI) on the platform. Medical providers can use Trello for project management as long as they do not store any PHI.

Yes, Trello is SOC 2 compliant. It also provides a SOC 3 report, which is a more user-friendly version of the SOC 2 report. Additionally, Trello is ISO 27001 certified, ensuring robust security measures are in place.

Trello uses industry-standard Transport Layer Security (TLS) to create a secure connection using 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. This applies to all data sent between the web, desktop, iOS, and Android apps and Trello servers. Trello also employs role-based permissions and regular security audits to ensure data protection.

Yes, Trello is FedRAMP authorized. This certification means Trello meets the stringent security requirements set by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, making it suitable for use by U.S. federal agencies.

Yes, Trello is GDPR compliant. Trello respects all laws that apply to its business, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The platform is committed to respecting customers’ rights under GDPR, including the Right to Be Forgotten.

Trello Company Overview & History

Trello is a web-based, Kanban-style, list-making application designed to help teams collaborate and manage projects. It was initially developed by Fog Creek Software in 2011 and later spun off into its own company in 2014. Trello was acquired by Atlassian in January 2017 for $425 million.

Trello is known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility, allowing users to create boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and projects. It offers various features such as automation, power-ups, templates, and integrations with other tools.

Financially, Trello was valued at $425 million at the time of its acquisition by Atlassian. The company operates as a subsidiary of Atlassian, which specializes in software development and collaboration tools.

Trello Major Milestones

2010: Fog Creek Software starts internal explorations for potential products, leading to the development of a prototype called Trellis.
2011: Trello is officially launched at TechCrunch Disrupt in September.
2012: Trello reaches 500,000 members and launches its Android app.
2014: Trello spins off from Fog Creek Software and becomes Trello Inc., raising $10.3 million in a Series A round of funding.
2015: Trello goes international with localized experiences for Brazil, Germany, and Spain.
2016: Trello introduces Power-Ups to enhance its functionality.
2017: Trello is acquired by Atlassian for $425 million.
2018: Trello acquires Butler, a tool for automating tasks within Trello.

Visit Trello's Website

Want to learn more about Trello? Check out their site for additional information.

Price:

From $5/user/month (billed annually)

Trial:

14-day free trial

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