If Microsoft Project (Microsoft Planner) feels too rigid or expensive for your team, there are many tools worth considering.
Microsoft Project was project management tool built for detailed scheduling, resource allocation, dependencies and timeline management. As of 2025, Project was retired, and its capabilities are fully integrated into Microsoft Planner.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Microsoft Project alternatives (now Microsoft Planner) to help you make the right choice for your company.
But if you have any questions that are not covered in this article, you can always connect with our team via info@goodday.work
Best Microsoft Project (Microsoft Planner) alternatives shortlist for 2025
Let’s compare the best alternatives to Microsoft Project: what they’re best for, how much they cost and how easy migration might be.
| Software | Best for | Pricing | Ease of migration |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodDay | Balanced features, pricing and flexibility | Free for up to 15 users; Professional 4 USD per user per month; Business 7 USD per user per month | Easy, supports CSV import and automation tools |
| Asana | Widely adopted collaboration tool | Free plan; Starter 10.99 USD per user per month or 13.49 USD per user per month; Advanced 24.99 USD per user per month | Moderate, tasks and dependencies mostly manual |
| Wrike | Enterprise level features and strong reporting | Free plan; Team 10 USD per user per month; Business 25 USD per user per month | Moderate to hard, many fields and complex schedules |
| Smartsheet | Spreadsheet style work management | Pro 9 USD per user per month; Business 19 USD per user per month | Moderate, grid layout helps but dependencies must be rebuilt |
| Monday.com | Visual workflows and non traditional projects | Free plan; Basic 9 USD per user per month; Standard 12 USD per user per month; Pro 19 USD per user per month | Moderate, workflows often need redesign |
| Jira | Agile or software teams | Free for small teams; Standard 8.60 USD per user per month | Hard, very different way of planning compared with waterfall style |
| ProjectLibre | Free desktop alternative similar to Microsoft Project | Free open source version; Cloud version from 9.99 USD per user per month | Easy, very similar scheduling model to Microsoft Project |
| GanttPRO | Timeline and Gantt chart focused planning | Starting 9.99 USD per user per month; Business tiers 17 to 24.99 USD per user per month | Moderate, strong Gantt features but not a full suite |
| Trello | Lightweight task boards and simple projects | Free plan; Standard 5 USD per user per month; Premium 10 USD per user per month; Enterprise 17.50 USD per user per month | Easy, simple structure that is quick to migrate |
| OpenProject | Open source or self hosted project management suite | Free community edition; Paid cloud from 7.25 USD per user per month | Moderate to hard, setup and imports take time |
What is Microsoft Project (now Microsoft Planner) and why consider an alternative for your business?
Microsoft Project (Microsoft Planner) works well when you have experienced project managers, structured workflows and need deep scheduling control.
However, many teams find it expensive, complex, and less flexible than alternatives. It often imposes a heavy training load, requires dedicated administrative overhead and may feel disconnected from how the broader team wants to work.
If you’re seeking faster adoption, lower cost, more collaboration and less rigid workflows, it’s worth considering a shift. Moving to a tool that the whole team feels comfortable with can increase morale and reduce friction. The right alternative can reduce cost, boost efficiency and improve visibility.
In-depth exploration of the best alternatives to Microsoft Project (Microsoft Planner)
Let’s explore each tool so you can evaluate which software might fit your team best.
1) GoodDay
GoodDay is an all-in-one work management platform that is trusted by Fortune 500 companies, startups and businesses of all sizes all over the world. By switching to GoodDay, you can save up to 50 % of your current costs and still enjoy all your favorite features. And data migration to GoodDay takes 2 minutes.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
GoodDay is recognised as a top-rated tool in 2025 shortlists. The platform is widely praised because it strikes the rare balance between powerful features and affordability. Its modest price is a standout, you really get a lot for what you pay.
Main features:
The platform offers:
- full task and project hierarchy
- multiple views: list, board, Gantt, timeline, workload
- resource & workload management
- custom workflows and fields
- time tracking and analytics
- automation and templates
- goal/OKR tracking and collaboration
Integrations
GoodDay natively integrates with Google Workspace (G Suite), Gmail, Slack, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Dropbox, Box.com, Single Sign-On (SSO via SAML), GitHub, GitLab, and email. It also connects to 1,300+ business apps via Zapier and provides an API for integration with any of your existing systems.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
GoodDay is available on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, providing full access to tasks, projects and dashboards on the go or from desktop environments.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Trusted by 100,000+ teams worldwide | Advanced reporting requires setup and configuration |
| Rich mix of features (planning, execution, tracking) | Tailoring workflows may require extra time to optimise |
| Very affordable: free for up to 15 users; paid plans from ~$4/user/month | It takes time to learn how to fully utilise the advanced workflows |
| You won’t feel pressured into endless upsells or trendy features your team doesn’t need | Extensive customization can slow initial adoption |
2) Asana
Asana is a widely-adopted work and project management tool that focuses on task-level work, team collaboration and flexible workflows. It’s best for teams that want a modern interface and strong integrations without heavy scheduling load.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
For teams migrating from Microsoft Project, Asana offers a lighter‐weight, more modern interface with broad adoption. It enables you to shift from heavy schedule-driven projects to more dynamic work management while maintaining visibility. Teams often feel more empowered and less restricted by rigid structures.
Main features:
The tool offers:
- Task lists with subtasks and dependencies
- Multiple views: list, board, timeline
- Automation of rules and recurring workflows
- Portfolio and goal tracking (in higher tiers)
- Workload and capacity views in advanced plans
- Reporting and dashboards
Integrations
Asana integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Zoom, GitHub and many other applications via marketplace and API.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
It includes web access plus desktop apps for Windows and Mac, and mobile apps for iOS and Android, so team members can work from anywhere.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Well-known brand and large ecosystem | Cost can escalate quickly as you scale and need features |
| Very good UI and ease of onboarding | Some users find advanced features locked behind expensive tiers |
| Excellent integrations | For full project schedule dependencies, may feel less powerful than MS Project |
| Flexible for many types of teams | Smaller teams may feel they pay for features they don’t use |
3) Wrike
Wrike is a robust project management platform designed for teams that need enterprise‐grade features, strong reporting and cross-department collaboration. It suits organizations with structured project management offices or mixed work styles.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
If your organisation used Microsoft Project for heavy scheduling and resource load balancing, Wrike gives you much of that power in a more modern interface and with better collaboration. It allows you to move toward more agile execution without sacrificing structure. You gain better visibility, more integration and less legacy constraint.
Main features:
The platform offers:
- Task management with dependencies, Gantt charts, board views
- Resource & workload management
- Custom workflows and automation (including AI-enabled)
- Proofing/approval tools (helpful for creative teams)
- Advanced analytics and reporting dashboards
Integrations
Wrike integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams/365, Google Workspace, Jira, GitHub, Box, Dropbox and many more. It supports open API for custom integrations.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
Wrike provides web access, desktop clients (Windows/Mac) and mobile apps (iOS/Android), letting users access tasks, dashboards and real-time updates from anywhere.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Enterprise strength features and strong reporting | Can feel complex for smaller teams or simpler workflows |
| Good resource, workload and portfolio management | Price and licensing escalate quickly as you scale |
| AI features included in many plans in 2025 | Setup and onboarding may require more time and effort |
| Proofing and collaboration tools add value for hybrid teams | Some users feel smaller projects don’t need full depth |
4) Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a work execution platform built around a spreadsheet-style interface combined with dashboards, automation and Gantt capabilities. It’s especially appealing to teams comfortable with Excel but wanting more collaboration and structure.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
If your team used Microsoft Project but also heavy Excel planning, Smartsheet bridges that gap. It gives you familiar grid interfaces plus advanced project features and collaboration. That lowers training burden and speeds adoption while offering more flexibility.
Main features:
The tool offers:
- Spreadsheet-style task sheets with dependencies
- Gantt charts / timeline views and dashboards
- Automation and workflow notifications
- Collaboration: comments, attachments, shared sheets
- Reporting, resource views (in higher tiers)
- Templates and governance features
Integrations
Smartsheet integrates with Microsoft Office/365, Google Workspace, Slack, Tableau, Power BI, Salesforce and many other enterprise platforms. It supports APIs and custom workflows.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
Primarily web-based, Smartsheet has mobile apps for iOS and Android so users can update tasks, view dashboards and stay connected on the move. Offline capabilities are limited compared to desktop native tools.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Familiar spreadsheet interface reduces learning curve | For very large or complex projects, performance may lag |
| Flexible enough for project, process and portfolio work | Some advanced features (resource, enterprise) cost more |
| Strong automation and dashboarding | If team needs full waterfall schedule detail, there may be gaps |
| Good collaboration features built in | May feel less “dedicated project management” for some users |
5) Monday.com
Monday.com is a highly visual work and project management tool emphasising boards, custom workflows and ease of use. Its strength lies in flexibility and adaptability for non-traditional project workflows.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
For teams finding Microsoft Project too technical or rigid, Monday.com offers a fresh alternative. You can build workflows, adapt quickly, involve more people and move faster. Emotionally, team members often feel more engaged and less burdened by heavy tools.
Main features:
The platform offers:
- Boards, tables, timelines and Gantt views
- Custom workflows, automation and templates
- Task dependencies, time tracking, guest access
- Dashboards and reporting views
- File sharing and updates feed
Integrations
Monday.com integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Zoom, Dropbox, Jira and hundreds of other apps. It also offers APIs and webhook support for custom connections.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
Available via web, Windows/Mac native apps and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Team members can view boards, tasks and receive updates on the move.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very intuitive, visually appealing interface | Some users feel advanced project-management features are not as deep as MS Project |
| High flexibility, teams build what works for them | Pricing can grow quickly if you need many users and premium features |
| Good for cross-functional and less technical teams | Dependence on boards may require discipline for large complex programmes |
| Strong collaboration and visibility | Some features locked to higher tiers |
6) Jira
Jira is a powerful tool for software and product development teams practicing agile, but it can also be used for broader project management, especially where issue-tracking, sprints and workflows matter.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
If your work is software or product-centric and your team uses agile or scrum, migrating from Microsoft Project to Jira makes sense. You’ll trade some of the rigid schedule structure but gain velocity, transparency and integration with dev tools. Teams often feel more aligned and responsive.
Main features:
The tool offers:
- Issue and task tracking with workflows and custom fields
- Boards (Kanban, Scrum), backlog and sprint management
- Roadmaps and portfolio views (in premium versions)
- Reporting: burndown charts, velocity, custom dashboards
- Integration with dev tools (Bitbucket, GitHub, Jenkins etc)
Integrations
Jira integrates with Atlassian ecosystem (Confluence, Bitbucket, Trello etc), plus Slack, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, GitLab and many third-party apps via marketplace. APIs available for custom work.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
Jira is web-based with mobile apps for iOS and Android. Desktop experience is via web or companion apps. Users can update issues, view boards and collaborate from anywhere.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent for dev/product teams and agile workflows | Less suitable for pure waterfall or heavily schedule-driven projects |
| Extensive integrations with development toolchains | Learning curve for non-technical users or teams new to agile |
| Strong issue/bug tracking plus project work | Licensing and add-ons may raise overall cost |
| Transparent workflows and backlog management | If you used MS Project for resource-loading and complex scheduling, Jira may feel less oriented that way |
7) ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is an open-source project management solution intended as a free alternative to Microsoft Project. It is suitable for desktop users and smaller teams with familiar scheduling mechanics.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
If cost is a major factor and you primarily need a tool like Microsoft Project (Gantt chart, resource assignment, dependencies) but with no license cost, ProjectLibre is compelling. It will feel very familiar and helps you retain scheduling logic while reducing cost. You’ll sacrifice some of the cloud collaboration and modern features though.
Main features:
The tool offers:
- Gantt charts, PERT diagrams, work breakdown structure
- Resource assignments and cost tracking
- Baselines and reporting
- Cross-platform desktop version (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Integrations
Integrations are relatively limited compared to SaaS tools; you may rely on exports/imports (CSV, XML) and manual transfers rather than deep plug-ins.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
Primarily a desktop application. Mobile access is limited or non-native; cloud version exists but less mature. Best for offline or desktop-centric users.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free or very low cost; familiar scheduling UI | Less modern collaboration, fewer integrations |
| Good for small teams/projects or migrating from MS Project | Support and feature updates may lag commercial tools |
| Runs offline via desktop version | May feel “old-school” in interface and tools |
| Open-source gives flexibility and control | Not ideal for distributed teams needing cloud/mobile access |
8) GanttPRO
GanttPRO is a specialized tool focusing strongly on Gantt chart planning and task scheduling; ideal when timeline visualization is your key need rather than a full PM suite.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
If your primary focus is timeline/Gantt planning and you want something easier and cheaper than Microsoft Project, GanttPRO gives you that. You’ll get the core visual scheduling strength without full enterprise overhead, so it’s a good fit for visual planners and timeline-centric workflows.
Main features:
The tool offers:
- Drag-and-drop Gantt timeline builder
- Task dependencies, milestones, baselines
- Resource allocation and workload visualization
- Collaboration comments within tasks
Integrations
GanttPRO supports integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, Zapier and other tools for document and workflow connection. It is less broad than full PM suites but good for scheduling-centric teams.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
GanttPRO is web-based and offers mobile-friendly access; desktop native versions may be limited. It focuses on ease of use and broad access rather than heavy desktop tooling.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Specialized in timeline/Gantt planning | Less full PM suite features compared with larger tools |
| Easier and cheaper than heavy tools | Not ideal if you need resource management, budgets, and portfolio views |
| Strong visual scheduling for teams that prefer that mode | Integrations and extra modules may cost more |
| Good for small-to-medium projects | Might limit growth if your needs become broader |
9) Trello
Trello is a lightweight visual board and task tracking tool that is simple and flexible, ideal for smaller teams, light projects or those moving away from heavyweight tools.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
If you feel Microsoft Project is overkill for your team and you want something straightforward, Trello offers a low-friction entry point. It supports collaboration, transparency and pacing without heavy structure. Emotionally, it can feel less daunting and more engaging for teams who dislike heavy admin.
Main features:
The tool offers:
- Boards and cards for task tracking
- Lists, checklists, due dates, attachments
- Basic automation via “Butler” rules
- Power-ups for extra views (calendar, timeline)
Integrations
Trello integrates with Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Jira, and many other apps via its power-ups and API.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
Trello has web access, desktop apps for Windows and Mac, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can access cards and boards from anywhere.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very intuitive, quick to adopt | Limited for heavy scheduling, dependencies or resource management |
| Lightweight cost and low training requirement | May feel too simple for complex project demands |
| Great for smaller teams, startups or simple workflows | Lacks deep reporting and advanced features as you grow |
| Flexible boards allow creative workflow design | Might require combining with other tools for full PM needs |
10) OpenProject
OpenProject is a powerful open-source project management platform designed for teams that need full control over their data and workflows. It is widely used by organizations that prioritize privacy, transparency and flexibility in how their project environment is deployed. OpenProject is best suited for teams that want self-hosted or secure cloud project management with strong planning, tracking and collaboration features.
Why it’s a good Microsoft Project alternative:
OpenProject is a strong alternative to Microsoft Project because it supports classic project planning, work breakdown structures, Gantt charts, and advanced scheduling. It appeals especially to teams that prefer full data ownership or need to operate inside secure, self-managed infrastructures. Its open-source model makes it highly customizable and cost-effective compared to proprietary enterprise tools.
Main features
OpenProject offers a comprehensive suite of features, including:
- Project planning with Gantt charts and WBS
- Task, issue and milestone management
- Agile boards (Kanban and Scrum)
- Time tracking and budgeting
- Resource planning and workload views
- Project portfolio management
- Document management and wiki
- Custom fields, workflows and role-based permissions
- Roadmaps and release planning
Integrations
OpenProject integrates with a range of tools, including Nextcloud, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, OAuth providers, SSO via SAML, LDAP/Active Directory, email systems, and various extensions through its API. It also supports file storage integrations and can connect with enterprise tools via plugins or custom API connections.
Desktop and mobile capabilities
OpenProject can be accessed through any modern web browser on Windows, Mac and Linux devices. It offers mobile-friendly web access for iOS and Android, allowing users to manage tasks, view work packages and track progress from smartphones or tablets. Dedicated desktop or native mobile apps are not required, as the platform is optimized for browser use.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open-source platform with full data ownership | Self-hosting requires technical expertise |
| Strong planning tools including Gantt charts and WBS | Interface feels less modern compared to newer SaaS tools |
| Highly customizable workflows and permissions | Advanced features may need paid edition |
| Excellent for security-focused industries | Initial setup and configuration can take time |
How to select a Microsoft Project (Microsoft Planner) alternative for your business
Choosing the right alternative requires balancing several factors. Here are five key criteria to guide your decision.
Functionality
Consider what you actually need: scheduling, dependencies, resource management, collaboration, portfolio views. A tool must handle your workflow, not just industry hype.
Usability
Adoption is key. If your team struggles with complexity, the tool becomes a barrier. The user interface, learning curve and how easily people can get started matter a lot.
Customer support
Look for responsive vendor support, good training resources, community, and clear documentation. Especially when switching, you’ll want help migrating, onboarding and solving issues.
Value for money
Focus on total cost of ownership: seat pricing, add-ons, minimum seats, storage, support, integrations. Some tools look cheap but escalate as you scale or need features.
Customer reviews
See how real teams feel. Are they pleased with reliability, ease of migration, support, updates? Look at recent feedback to understand actual user experience, not just marketing.
Save up to 50% by switching from Microsoft Project (Microsoft Planner) to GoodDay
If you’re looking for the best balance of customization and price, GoodDay stands out in 2025. It is popular globally for its powerful functionality and affordable plans.
You can dive in and try GoodDay for free to see how it fits your workflow, your team and your vibe.
And if you have any questions about selecting the right project management software for your business, you can always reach out to our team via info@goodday.work
FAQs
How easy is it to migrate my existing projects and data from Microsoft Project to another tool?
Migrating project data from Microsoft Project or Microsoft Project Online (Microsoft Planner) can be straightforward with the right tool. GoodDay, a great Microsoft Project alternative, allows CSV import and integrates with Zapier for seamless migration of multiple projects, tasks, and resource management data. Other MS Project alternatives often require manual setup of project schedules, dependencies, and task assignments, making migration harder. With GoodDay, your entire team can continue managing projects with minimal disruption and maintain progress tracking from day one.
What are the total costs of switching, including subscriptions, add-ons, and hidden fees?
Switching from MS Project or Microsoft Project Desktop (Microsoft Planner) can involve high costs if the plan includes add-ons or complex licensing. GoodDay offers an affordable all-in-one solution with paid plans starting at $4/user/month and a free version for up to 15 users. Alternatives to Microsoft Project like Asana, Wrike, or Monday.com may escalate costs quickly as team size grows or advanced features are needed. By choosing GoodDay, teams benefit from predictable pricing while still accessing project planning, resource allocation, and reporting tools.
Which software offers the best balance of features and affordability for small to medium teams?
For small to medium teams, GoodDay stands out as the best Microsoft Project alternative because it combines task management, resource management, multiple projects, and time tracking in a single workspace. Its intuitive interface and customizable workflows allow teams to create plans, assign tasks, and manage workloads without a steep learning curve. Other MS Project alternatives often compromise either features or cost, making them less ideal for managing projects efficiently. GoodDay’s free version and affordable paid plans make it easy for multiple teams to adopt project portfolio management and progress tracking seamlessly.
How much training or onboarding will my team need to adopt a new project management tool?
Some MS Project alternatives have a steep learning curve, especially for teams used to Microsoft Project Desktop or Project Online. GoodDay offers an intuitive interface and built-in automation, enabling new team members to start managing tasks, recurring tasks, and project schedules quickly. While other tools may require extensive training to use Gantt charts, Kanban boards, or resource planning effectively, GoodDay provides a short learning curve. Teams can immediately track tasks, monitor progress, and collaborate efficiently across multiple projects.
What are the best free alternatives to Microsoft Project Online and Desktop for small teams?
For small teams seeking free alternatives to Microsoft Project, GoodDay offers a robust free version that supports multiple projects, task management, time tracking, and basic project planning. Trello is another option, focusing on task boards and Kanban boards, but it lacks advanced resource allocation and reporting tools. ProjectLibre is free and similar to MS Project Desktop, providing Gantt charts and work breakdown structure, though collaboration support is limited. Overall, GoodDay is the best alternative to MS Project for small teams seeking both a free version and all-in-one workspace functionality.
Can I find an alternative to MS Project that also supports Gantt charts for project planning?
Yes, GoodDay supports Gantt charts, critical path planning, and resource allocation, making it a top choice among alternatives to Microsoft Project. GanttPRO and ProjectLibre also offer Gantt chart functionality, but they may lack cloud solution capabilities and built-in automation for managing workloads across multiple projects. With GoodDay, teams can create plans, assign tasks, and track progress in a single workspace while benefiting from portfolio management and time tracking. This makes it a comprehensive MS Project alternative for project planning, task management, and collaboration.
