What 14 Tools Do Software Project Managers Use The Most And Would Recommend Managing Development Projects?

It is crucial to accurately quantify, objectively, segment, delegate, and proportionately assign tasks.

This is where modern tools come in.

There are many project management software options available. If you are new to project management, it may be difficult to know what is essential and which tools will benefit you.

What is Project Management Software?

Simply said, project management software is a tool that enables you to plan, manage, and carry out your projects in a structured manner.

Many businesses use project management software to streamline the planning, resource allocation, and scheduling processes.

In the past, project management was a manual procedure that adhered to a set methodology. Using a specific tool that is typically adapted to the requirements of their Project or team, project management software enables individuals or organizations to complete all project management phases.

Projects are a group of connected tasks, each of which has specific qualities all of its own. Software for project management is crucial because it enables managers to effectively assess and plan activities and choose the best routes for their teams to take while carrying them out.

The Marketing Report claims that a lack of a project management program has caused numerous agency issues. Because agencies cannot efficiently manage their time and tasks, they encounter difficulties regularly.

20% of people claim never to have utilized project management software.

The results might be quite stressful. For 43% of the firms, setting aside adequate time for administrative chores like employing staff, onboarding clients, making new company investments, or Hire Software Product Managers.

35% of organizations have trouble hiring and managing workers, while about 29% have trouble keeping their cash flow stable.

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Here's a list of the 14 best project management tools for free in 2024

The market for project management software is expected to grow between 2025 and 2028 by USD 4.44 billion at a compound annual growth rate of 11.53%.

These are the top project management software reviews you should consider if you're looking for software. This list contains both paid and free options, as well as the features included in each plan.

1. Kissflow Project

The greatest project management software is this robust, all-in-one application. Project is a fantastic project management solution for experienced project managers and those new to the field.

The Project provides a comprehensive project management tool that meets every requirement. This all-in-one solution is simple to use and has a Graphical User Interface that is pleasing to the eye, making it a wonderful option for any firm.

This tool is designed for functional managers who are implicitly responsible for project management rather than trained project managers and offers all the capabilities of contemporary project tools.

The following are the key features of the Project:

The Project provides a wide range of features that can be used in various situations. Some of the most notable features are

• Steps and states that can be customized for your Project.

• Ability to create subtasks and then convert them into standalone tasks

• There are many ways to visualize projects: list, Kanban, matrix, and multiple views.

• Segment tasks with advanced filters and custom fields

• Audit logs for each task and complete activity history

• Tasks include contextual notes.

• Add task watchers for granular visibility.

• Ability to set due dates

• Notifications by email when deadlines are near

• Integration between G Suite & Microsoft 365

• Access to detailed data-driven reports, as well as the ability to create custom reports

• Ability to assign roles to team members

• Ability to duplicate projects

• Pre-defined and customizable project management templates

Pricing:

The Project offers three pricing tiers: Basic, Basic, and Advanced. These can be chosen after a 15-day free trial.

• Unlimited: Free.

  It offers customizable steps, three custom views, and simple reports.

  There is also a 50GB storage limit.

• Basic: $5/user/Month if billed annually for at least ten users. Unlimited custom views, Office 365 integration, and unlimited storage are all included in the Free plan.

  Advanced reports can also be requested.

• Advanced: $12/user/month if billed annually for at least ten users.

  All the basic plan features are available, including SSO - SAML, detailed activity history, and IP whitelisting.

2. Trello

Trello, a well-liked online project management application, offers built-in teamwork features so you can collaborate with your colleagues.

It is basic, light, and simple to use. Using lists, cards, and boards helps you arrange chores quickly and easily.

Users can collaborate, share files, and write comments using the cards.

It lacks reporting functionality and features such as Project for project tracking. This is ideal for small teams or individuals who manage a few projects simultaneously.

Pricing: Basic plan is completely free. There are also paid plans that include automation, integrations, and priority support.

3. Asana

Asana is a versatile project management tool that emphasizes teamwork. Workflows can be used to automate repetitive processes.

It is user-friendly, displays many tasks, and supports custom fields and forms. The number of guest users is unlimited.

Additionally, you can design unique rules and approve workflows.

Asana is great for collaboration and productivity, but many core project management functions are handled via integrations that may not be suitable for everyone.

Although it's suitable for small businesses, it is not the best choice for freelancers. Although Asana's interface can be overwhelming and rigid for some users, it offers strong collaboration and task management features.

Asana will suit your project management style perfectly.

Pricing: Up to 15 users can get a free plan. You can view tasks as lists, calendars, or on a Kanban board.

The Premium plan is $10.99/month per user and includes custom fields, timelines, reports, custom fields, automation rules, etc.

The Business plan includes many features, such as portfolios, rule builders, and workloads. These features are not available in other plans.

The cost is $24.99 per user/month if paid annually.

4. Zoho Projects

Zoho product Zoho Projects assists companies in tracking tasks, collaborating, tracking issues, and creating clear results.

One of the advantages of this online project management tool is Gantt charts. Additionally, you can bill time for several projects at once.

A sophisticated suite of real-time chat, as well as a variety of communication tools like forums and chat, are all available with Zoho Projects.

Gantt charts can be cumbersome for many users. Reporting breakdowns may not suffice for large teams. The tool allows you to share documents.

Pricing: Zoho has many options when it comes time to subscribe:

• You can get a free, perpetual version with basic features but limited users.

• The Standard plan is $3 and includes custom statuses, issue tracking, and more.

  It can support up to 10 users.

• The Express plan costs $4 and can support up to 50 users. Features like Gantt charts and recurring tasks are available.

  You can also approve timesheets.

• The Premium plan costs $5 and can support up to 100 users.

  This plan includes tasks automation, budgeting, business rules, resource utilization, and budgeting.

• The Enterprise plan costs $6 and allows unlimited users.

  Some available features include custom roles, global Gantt charts, and inter-project dependencies.

All plans are per user and Month.

5. Wrike

Software Project Managers in the cloud, Wrike, makes planning projects easier.

It enables you to quickly collaborate with all stakeholders while assisting you in keeping track of deadlines and the development of your team.

It lets you organize tasks, create Gantt charts, and receive real-time updates. It lets you set job priorities and guarantee that due dates are observed.

It is a great project management tool because it has various integration options.

Most people may find the sheer number of functions to be daunting. Another issue is the confusing user interface.

It is perfect for several business teams, including software development and marketing.

Pricing: A freemium version is available with limited functionality and up to five users. Paid plans start from $9.80/user/month.

A Business plan is also available at $24.80/user/month. You can use subtasks and Gantt charts to track time, assign tasks, and create workflows.

6. Monday.com

Monday.com is a project management solution that combines an aesthetically pleasing user interface with practical Project visualization tools.

It is adaptable and clear, enabling you to arrange your work. Using the available project templates, you can make your boards.

There are numerous display possibilities, including calendar and map views.

Customers frequently express dissatisfaction when they don't receive regular jobs. The mobile app can be challenging for certain people to utilize.

They have strong features and good security.

Pricing: This pricing system is too complicated. You will need to investigate the number of users, automation, and integration actions you will use each Month.

There is no freemium option. Five users can be charged $39 per Month for a paid plan.

7. ProofHub

ProofHub provides a central workspace that allows you to manage tasks, workflows, and Gantt charts. It also facilitates discussions, calendars, calendars, and other documents.

It allows you to plan, organize and track your team's tasks. It makes collaboration between teams and clients easy.

You can access many reports, including resource and workload reports.

ProofHub is simple and has few integrations. It also offers very limited task management. It is ideal for freelancers as well as businesses of any size.

Pricing: ProofHub does not have a limit on users and charges a flat fee regardless of how many users are using it.

The Essential plan costs $50 per Month, while the Ultimate Control plan is $99 per Month.

8. Clarizen

Clarizen, an online project management tool for small- to medium-sized businesses, is highly rated. It is only web-based project management, so some users may not find it useful.

Users appreciate the system's robust reporting capabilities and ability to track resource usage. However, it does not have a to-do or time tracking.

Clarizen offers distinct methods for handling processes. Therefore the learning curve might be challenging. Enterprise-level project managers, IT departments, and professional service teams who demand robust, adaptable, and user-friendly web-based project management software might choose Clarizen.

Pricing: Pricing information is not publicly available but can be obtained upon request.

9. Airtable

Airtable combines the best of both spreadsheets and databases. It is customizable, easy to use, and suitable for all businesses.

Some users might find it lacking in robust reporting capabilities.

The database can hold information that can be used to plan and manage tasks. Airtable spreadsheets offer a wide range of options for data organization.

Many users love this flexibility. Multiple views are available, including Kanban, list, and grid.

Pricing: The price table offers a free plan with essential features such as collaboration, multiple views, rich field types, and multiple views.

For companies that require more data storage, paid plans are available starting at $10 per user/Month. The Pro plan includes advanced features such as domain-restricted sharing, customized views, and branded forms.

10. Kanban Tool

An excellent place to start with agile development is the Kanban Tool. It lets you view your workflow, and time tracking lets you monitor your advancement.

Tools like notifications, reporting, and team management, make cooperation and task monitoring easier.

This tool is ideal for small and large companies. It offers features such as reporting and document sharing. The Kanban tool allows enterprise users to host the software on-site.

Pricing: This plan is not for freelancers but offers a free plan that supports up to 2 users and two project boards.

Paid plans start from $5/user/Month and provide unlimited boards. Enterprise plans start at $9/user/Month and include advanced features such as time tracking, reporting, user management, process automation, and reporting.

11. Zenkit

You can keep track of all your data, from ideation and research to cooperation, with Zenkit, a reputable project management application.

This tool is made for teams who favor agile working practices. It also supports conventional project management techniques.

A capable project management tool is Zenkit. It provides a variety of views, reports, and resource management options.

Because of this, it is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a flexible answer to their Project's requirements.

Pricing: Zenkit provides a Personal plan, which is free, as well as three plans that are paid.

• Plus

• Businesses

• Enterprise.

With the Enterprise plan, you have maximum customization for large organizations. This increases your feature set and the number of projects.

12. MeisterTask

MeisterTask is a real-time project management application for collaborative teams available online. It has customizable fields, a backlog management system, and an activity dashboard.

It is also possible to share files.

Although its user interface is visually appealing, its revision management abilities should be strengthened.

Pricing: MeisterTask has four pricing tiers: Basic Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Business.

• The Basic plan supports up to three projects and is completely free.

• The Pro plan is $4.19/user/month, while the Business plan is $10.39/user/month.

• The Enterprise plan offers customizable pricing.

13. ClickUp

ClickUp, a cloud-based service that claims to be an all-in-one project management tool, is available. It is distinguished by its extensive feature set, which includes docs, goals, and an inbox.

ClickUp's greatest strength is its modularity. Click Apps are add-ons that enable rich customization.

Pricing

• The 100MB free plan includes unlimited tasks and members and unlimited storage.

• Unlimited plans cost $5 per user when billed annually.

  It includes unlimited storage, integrations, and other features.

• The annual business plan costs $9 per user and includes Google SSO, goal files, custom exporting, and more.

• Enterprise plans include custom pricing, increased API limits, dedicated success managers, white labeling, and more.

14. Paymo

For Remote Software Project Managers, Paymo is a cutting-edge, user-friendly job administration system.

It provides sophisticated task management, scheduling, planning, teamwork, invoicing, time tracking, and billing functions.

It enables you to monitor the full project lifecycle without spending money on different apps.

Pricing

• Two additional months are included in the annual plans.

• If billed annually, the Small Office plan will cost $9.95 per user per Month.

• If billed annually, the Business plan will cost $15.79/user per Month.

What should you look for when using an online project management tool?

Here's a list of six essential features to project management tools that you must have if you want to manage a successful project.

Kanban board

Kanban boards can be used to visualize your Project. They are a great tool for project management. Kanban boards are simple cards and a board system that allows everyone to see the bigger picture.

This gives visibility not only for individual tasks but also for team activity. Citizen development is an excellent example of how a kanban board can be used without code.

Toyota Motors created Kanban to help with its manufacturing plants. Over the years, it has been used in many sectors.

Kanban boards can be placed in physical spaces, such as a whiteboard, or digital spaces that can be created using the Kanban Board software.

Task management

A project is a group of tasks that must be completed to achieve a single goal. Some tasks are dependent or sequential.

Some tasks can be completed simultaneously. Each task must be assigned to someone or people on the project team.

The more complicated the Project, the more tasks you will need to manage.

Although it may not sound glamorous, task management plays a critical role in project management. It is important to have tools that help you manage tasks effectively,

To-do lists

The good old-fashioned task list. It's simple but helps you and your team accomplish the task. It's much more efficient to keep your to-do lists in one place that everyone can see.

Good project management software should have a to-do list. This will allow everyone to check in to see what has been done and what is still to do.

Time tracker

Each aspect of your Project is time-consuming. However, when the Project ends, it can sometimes be difficult to determine who spent what amount of time on which tasks.

Are you still confused? This becomes more difficult if you have another project in the works; you feel like your team should be able to estimate how much time they will need to complete each phase and task.

However, if they weren't able previously to keep track of their time, it can be a little tricky. Time trackers are useful for accurate billing, team management, and careful planning.

Find out how to effectively track project time.

Collaboration

Collaboration is essential for a successful project, no matter how small your team may be, whether it's two or twenty people.

Strong collaboration features are essential for a project management system that allows citizen developers to communicate with each other and can be used worldwide.

Collaboration tools online include communication and real-time updates.

Integration

There are many moving parts in a project. Every time something happens, you need to understand the impact of each variable.

Also, you should look for tools that allow you to analyze trade-offs as well as how resource allocation impacts the overall schedule of your Project.

Detail Reporting

The best approach to receiving a thorough picture of the status of your projects is through reports. After every week or Month, you need to be aware of what has happened.

You should also keep an eye out for software that can organize all data about the budget, timetable, team performance, and resource use into an organized file.

You can create project reports with an online project management application. These reports will provide you and your team with information on the status of the Project's budget, inefficiencies, and other specifics.

Many project management software products come included with standard reporting. These reports will be even more helpful to you if they can be customized for your particular Project.

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Conclusion

You may assign tasks, make lists, keep track of your time, collaborate, and generate reports with Project's Kanban visualization tool.

It is simple to use and has an intuitive UI. Whether you are a seasoned project manager or just starting with your first Project, Project is an excellent tool for project management.

It can assist you in getting the outcomes you desire and make managing your team simple.