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Wrike and ClickUp are project management software options that often gets compared because of how similar they are. Choosing between the two can be difficult, so it is vital to know about the similarities and differences between them before you make your choice. My goal is to provide you with everything you need to know to determine which project management software will work best for you.

Wrike vs. ClickUp: Expert Summary

Don't have time to read the whole article? Here's the low down:

Wrike and ClickUp are similar in offering comprehensive project management features, including task management, collaboration tools, and customizable workflows. Wrike stands out with its advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, making it ideal for detailed performance tracking and corporate environments. ClickUp distinguishes itself with its extensive customization options, affordability, and integrated mind mapping and document creation tools, catering to a wider range of project management styles and budgets.

Side by Side Comparison Of Wrike and ClickUp

Wrike Custom Work Schedule Screenshot
Build custom work schedule groups and assign them to users to better track team availability.

Wrike is a versatile project management software that enables teams to collaborate, plan, and manage tasks efficiently with features like Gantt charts, time tracking, and customizable workflows.

Price:

From $10/user/month (min of 2 seats)

Trial:

Freemium version available

ClickUp Reporting Screenshot
ClickUp's reporting tools are unique because you can create up to seven custom dashboards.

ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that provides tools for task management, document collaboration, goal tracking, and time management to help teams and individuals streamline their workflows.

Price:

From $7/user/month (billed annually)

Trial:

Free plan available

Wrike vs ClickUp Comparison Criteria

How did I come up with this comparison article for Wrike and ClickUp? This is the criteria I used in creating this article:

  • Feature list

    What do you get, and what do you not get?
  • Use cases

    What are the most effective use cases for this feature set?
  • Ease of use

    Is it easy to learn and master?
  • Integrations

    Is it easy to connect with other tools?
  • Customer support

    Can you get help easily and quickly?
  • Price

    How appropriate is the price for the tool?

Wrike Vs ClickUp Feature Comparison

Feature Wrike ClickUp
Task Management
Project Planning and Scheduling
Collaboration Tools
Time Tracking
Resource Management
Budgeting and Cost Management
Gantt Charts
Kanban Boards
Reporting and Analytics
Document Management
Risk Management
Mobile Access

Differences Between Wrike and ClickUp

Here are some key differences between Wrike and ClickUp project management software.

  1. User Interface and Usability: Wrike's interface is clean and intuitive but can appear more corporate and less customizable compared to ClickUp's highly customizable interface. ClickUp offers extensive customization options for the UI, allowing users to tailor their workspace appearance and navigation to a greater degree.
  2. Pricing Structure: Wrike and ClickUp have different pricing models that cater to varied user needs. Wrike tends to be more expensive, particularly for advanced features, whereas ClickUp offers a more affordable pricing structure with many features available even in lower-tier plans, making it more accessible for smaller teams and startups.
  3. Mind Mapping and Whiteboards: ClickUp includes built-in mind mapping and whiteboarding tools, which are not natively available in Wrike. These features are particularly beneficial for brainstorming sessions, visual planning, and ideation, giving ClickUp an edge in creative project management.
  4. Document Creation and Editing: ClickUp offers a native document creation and editing tool called ClickUp Docs, allowing users to create, collaborate, and manage documents within the platform. Wrike integrates with third-party tools like Google Docs for document creation but lacks an equivalent native solution.
  5. Task Views and Flexibility: While both platforms offer multiple task views (List, Board, Gantt, etc.), ClickUp provides additional unique views such as the Box view for workload management and the Map view for location-based projects. ClickUp’s view options offer more flexibility and cater to a wider range of project management styles.
  6. Goals and OKRs Integration: ClickUp has a more integrated and detailed approach to setting and tracking goals and OKRs. Its Goals feature is designed to seamlessly align with task management, providing a more coherent system for tracking progress towards strategic objectives compared to Wrike’s Goals feature, which, while robust, is slightly more isolated from day-to-day task management.
  7. Custom Task Statuses: ClickUp offers a higher degree of flexibility in customizing task statuses. Users can create unique workflows with custom statuses that fit their specific processes, whereas Wrike has a more standardized approach to task statuses, which might require additional customization to fully align with unique workflows.
  8. Native Email Features: ClickUp has built-in email functionality that allows users to send and receive emails directly within the platform, converting them into tasks. Wrike requires integration with external email services for similar functionality, making ClickUp’s approach more seamless for users who heavily rely on email for task management.
  9. Mobile App Capabilities: Both platforms offer mobile apps, but ClickUp’s app is noted for its broader range of features and better user experience on mobile devices. ClickUp’s mobile app provides more functionality, allowing users to manage nearly all aspects of their projects on the go, while Wrike’s app is more limited in comparison.
  10. Advanced Reporting and Dashboards: Wrike’s reporting and dashboard capabilities are highly advanced, with a strong focus on detailed analytics and real-time data visualization. ClickUp, while offering robust reporting, places more emphasis on customization and flexibility, allowing users to create highly personalized dashboards but with slightly less out-of-the-box analytical depth compared to Wrike.

Similarities Between Wrike vs ClickUp

Wike and ClickUp share a lot of similarities; here are some noteable examples.

  1. Hierarchy and Structure: Both Wrike and ClickUp excel in providing a hierarchical structure for project management. Users can organize tasks into subtasks, folders, and spaces, allowing for a granular breakdown of work that mirrors organizational structures and project needs.
  2. Custom Fields and Task Attributes: Wrike and ClickUp allow users to create custom fields and task attributes, enabling teams to tailor task details to their specific workflows. This flexibility supports a wide range of project types, from software development to marketing campaigns.
  3. Automation Capabilities: Both tools offer robust automation features. Wrike’s Automations and ClickUp’s Automations allow users to automate repetitive tasks, such as status updates, notifications, and task assignments, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort.
  4. Document Management and Proofing: Wrike and ClickUp provide integrated document management features. Users can upload, share, and collaborate on documents directly within tasks. Both platforms also offer proofing tools for feedback and approval processes, which is particularly beneficial for creative teams.
  5. Agile and Scrum Support: Both platforms support Agile project management methodologies. Wrike and ClickUp offer features such as sprint planning, backlog management, and burndown charts, catering to teams using Scrum or other Agile frameworks.
  6. Resource Management: Wrike and ClickUp include resource management tools. These features help project managers allocate resources effectively, monitor team workload, and ensure balanced distribution of work across the team.
  7. Goal Setting and Tracking: Both tools incorporate goal-setting features. Users can define, track, and measure goals and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), aligning team activities with strategic objectives and providing visibility into progress and outcomes.
  8. User Roles and Permissions: Wrike and ClickUp offer detailed user roles and permissions settings. This functionality allows administrators to control access to projects, tasks, and information, ensuring that users have appropriate levels of access based on their roles.
  9. Native Time Estimation and Tracking: Both platforms feature native time estimation and tracking tools. Users can estimate the time required for tasks, log actual time spent, and compare these metrics to improve future planning and productivity.
  10. Dashboards and Customizable Reports: Wrike and ClickUp provide highly customizable dashboards and reporting capabilities. Users can create personalized dashboards to monitor key metrics and generate custom reports to analyze project performance, resource utilization, and other critical data.

Best Use Cases for Wrike vs ClickUp

  • Agile Project Management

    Use Wrike to build Kanboard and customized workflows to best suit your Agile project management team.
  • Client Management

    Use Wrike for adept client management and professional services with collaborative planning tools, full project visibility, and automated approvals.
  • Remote Work

    Use Wrike to organize a remote workforce with in-browser and smartphone app access for a go-anywhere digital workspace.
  • Business Process Management

    Use Wrike to create customizable, sharable dashboards that enable team leads to monitor and improve processes.
  • Event Planning

    Use Wrike to visualize your event checklist and keep the whole team’s calendars automatically insync.
  • Product Roadmap

    Use Wrike to visualize each roadmap stage using easy-to-build Gantt charts that highlight project launch priorities.
  • Creative Teams

    Use Wrike to organize creative requests, visualize your workload, clarify feedback, and publish assets with ease.
  • Marketing Teams

    Use Wrike to optimize digital ROI with instant insights into up to 50 channels including all popular social platforms.
  • IT Teams

    Use Wrike to build custom request forms for all IT ticket requests that can be set-up to automatically turn data into tasks.
  • Agile Teams

    ClickUp’s features are perfect for agile teams to create customized funnels and manage sprints, build Scrum charts, and track issues.
  • Remote Work

    ClickUp is cloud-based, so remote teams can use it to collaborate on documents and work on tasks no matter where they are.
  • Human Resources

    ClickUp’s document storage and management, as well as inbuilt performance tracking, make it ideal for HR teams.
  • Design Teams

    ClickUp has collaboration features like comment sharing and file proofing, which are essential for design teams—especially in a remote environment.
  • Finance Departments

    ClickUp allows teams to manage accounts, track project budgets, and tie financial goals into project progress.
  • Product Development

    ClickUp has sprint and backlog templates that development teams can use to manage product launches.
  • Marketing Agencies

    ClickUp makes it easier for creative agencies to collaborate with clients and get approval for assets.
  • Sales Teams

    ClickUp allows sales teams to track leads and prospects and collaborate on deals.
  • Healthcare

    Use ClickUp’s HIPAA-compliant enterprise-grade plan for healthcare projects and team management.

Wrike vs ClickUp Pricing Comparison

This side-by-side price comparison shows Wrike’s price compared to ClickUp.

Wrike Pricing

Wrike Pricing 2021

ClickUp Pricing

ClickUp Pricing Plan Screenshot
Screenshot of ClickUp’s pricing from their landing page.

Alternatives to Wrike and ClickUp

Don't forget to check out our list of the best project management software overall. Here are some additional alternatives to Wrike and ClickUp.

Other Wrike and ClickUp Software Comparisons

If you’re still looking at the options for professional services automation software, check out our comparison with other tools.

Conclusion

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Ben Aston
By Ben Aston

I’m Ben Aston, a digital project manager and founder of thedpm.com. I've been in the industry for more than 20 years working in the UK at London’s top digital agencies including Dare, Wunderman, Lowe and DDB. I’ve delivered everything from film to CMS', games to advertising and eCRM to eCommerce sites. I’ve been fortunate enough to work across a wide range of great clients; automotive brands including Land Rover, Volkswagen and Honda; Utility brands including BT, British Gas and Exxon, FMCG brands such as Unilever, and consumer electronics brands including Sony. I'm a Certified Scrum Master, PRINCE2 Practitioner and productivity nut!