Project scheduling software used to be expensive, and it required specialist knowledge to use. Setting up a realistic plan in MS Project was challenging for anyone unfamiliar with critical path calculations and task dependencies.

Happily, the new generation of project management software is online, reasonably priced, intuitive to use and can be integrated with your billing, time tracking and task management apps. These 10 apps offer the functionality you need to manage a project coupled with the convenience of online collaboration and a shallow learning curve. We have listed them alphabetically.

Asana

This team collaboration tool includes some project tools such as managing tasks and workflows. Asana’s core benefit for projects is its ability to track task ownership, it’s information and progress. For senior staff, Portfolio and Workload features allow an overview of updates and quick statistics for reporting.

Pros: Good for managing ongoing, daily tasks and personal projects. The new Custom Rules builder allows some task automation.

Cons: Not a full project tool and no desktop version is available. Prices are high compared to other tools for managing tasks and workflows. It will take time to set up and customize Asana to your needs.

Basecamp

One of the best-known apps on this list, Basecamp is designed to house everything you need under one roof. Alongside project tools, you also get file storage, document editing and advanced list features. You can even create limited client access to share documents without leaving the system. Automatic progress check-ins each day can save managers time spent requesting updates and task prioritisation.

Pros: Unlimited users for one subscription. The Campfire chat room makes remote working a breeze and conversations can be retained for future reference.

Cons: The fixed cost may not work for smaller teams and projects, and the free version is limited.

ClickUp

To manage our projects we have started using ClickUp. It combines to do lists, calendar views, timelines and gantt charts into one intuitive dashboard. We haven't explored the integrations yet, but there are plugins for slack, Zoom, zendesk and Microsoft Teams.

Pros: Highly customizable and easy to learn.

Cons: Users have reported frustation with the limitations of the free version.

Hive

Hive is a popular centralized project management platform. It tool connects project work via flexible views, inbuilt email, group messaging, chat, file sharing and resourcing. Time tracking allows managers to view resource workload and plan ahead. Users appreciate the multiple ways that project data can be viewed: Kanban, Gantt, portfolio, calendar, table, and summary view.

Pros: Easy use with great integration options. Flexibility in organising projects, tasks and sub-tasks.

Cons: The mobile app lacks functionality. Some users report issues with attaching files.

Hubstaff Tasks

Hubstaff Tasks is an Agile tool designed to streamline project planning and collaboration in teams. It comes with multiple task management elements like checklists, labels, and file attachments built on top of a Kanban interface. With Hubstaff Tasks, you’ll be able to create custom workflows for different projects, allowing you to move projects forward and assign tasks to specific team members automatically.

Hubstaff Tasks has a Sprints feature that makes it easier to plan your tasks and beat deadlines. You can easily reorganize to-dos in the current sprint, future sprint, or backlog. That way, you can ensure that your team is working on the right tasks at the right time.

Pros: Time tracking is automatic down to the second, which greatly reduces mistakes e.g. forgetting to press start / stop. Easy to track, create and change workflow. Good reporting functionality.

Cons: Users have reported syncing issues between the phone and desktop apps. There are some enhancements that could be made around flagging inactive time, and logging time spent doing work offline e.g. reading and research.

Jira

Initially designed as a bug tracking tool, Jira has evolved to become an agile planning platform used by teams needing to capture issues, assign tasks and track activity. It supports project roadmaps, user stories and issues, all of which can be organised in detail. Jira also allows users to access information from thousands of sources, from coding and productivity through to design tools.

Pros: Can support Scrum, Kanban and hybrid models. Customisable workflows. Powerful API.

Cons: Limited automation capability. Possibly a steep learning curve to begin with.

Monday

Monday may be the right solution for you if you need a visual scheduling interface and a lot of customisation for your workflows, in a well-designed app your team will be enticed to use. It is best viewed as a productivity suite that allows you to assign tasks, monitor project progress and ensure work is completed to schedule.

Pros: Advanced collaboration tools. Integrates well with other platforms. Colourful, intuitive interface.

Cons: Lacks the advanced functionality of some of the competition. Some features, such as calendar view can only be unlocked with the more expensive subscriptions.
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Projectmanager.com

This full project management tool integrates with Google and Microsoft ecosystems and allows, planning, scheduling, task assignment, progress tracking and reporting. Workload management can adapt to changes as they arise and deals effectively with multiple projects running parallel. Most users start with a free trial, then an affordable per head monthly subscription.

Pros: Good for optimal time tracking and task visualisation.

Cons: Falls short on customisation.

Wrike

Essentially a work management app with project tools, you can manage not only projects but ongoing work in Wrike’s clear, intuitive interface. Key features include a project portfolio management, progress dashboard, an in task timer, and an activity feed. The new Wrike Resource add-on allows detailed time tracking to support performance analysis.

Pros: You can set up Wrike quickly and easily, plus no training should be needed. Five tiers of service to choose from.

Cons: Can be expensive and prices can fluctuate depending on usage. Missing Chat functionality.

Zoho Projects

This nifty app allows integration with the Google ecosystem and allows time tracking to support hourly billing across multiple projects. Zoho has a strong communications focus, with real-time chat and forums for each project where knowledge can be retained even as staff move on. Time tracking is also strong, with strict deadlines, recurring tasks and quick checks on billable tasks.

Pros: Inexpensive, or even free, for startups and small businesses. If you use other Zoho tools, integration is seamless. Most of the interface and features are well designed and easy to use.

Cons: The task view features are difficult to use, so it’s not the best app to use with Kanban cards and Gantt charts.