What are The Best Project Planning Tools?
Finding good project management software can take you a long way in your project management journey. However, finding a project management tool that suits your business needs can be quite difficult. This is why we have compiled a list of the best project planning tools for your business.
The 7 Best Project Management Tools
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and get that project started with the 7 best project planning tools that will help you execute your project successfully.
1. Trello
If you are just starting and you don’t entirely trust yourself with technology, then Trello might be the perfect option for you. Trello works around the famous “Kanban” system, which uses cards to list down tasks. The simple and easy-to-use user-interface is a big plus. You can use Trello to manage a team-based project or an individual one as well.
Moreover, the easy-to-use card metaphor with the drag and drop ability make it easy to set your tasks aside and add new ones quickly without too much hassle. The cards not only hold the description, but you can also attach images and files too. If you have a small project them, then the free plan would be perfect for you as it gives access to unlimited boards, cards and you may add as many users. You can use Trello on your mobile, desktop, or browser!
However, Trello does have a file size limit and restricts your ability to do multiple integrations. The basic version only allows one integration. The paid plans can offer more flexibility and start with a price of $9.99 every month. One major drawback that we see in Trello is the inability to do detailed reporting. Unless you have an extension that helps you to do this, Trello might become an issue for your project!
2. Liquid Planner
The LiquidPlanner is an online project management system that offers a wide range of features for the users. The platform works on mobile devices, iPads, iPhones, and android systems alike. You no longer have to worry about broken coaxial cables for communicating. The tools are not just a great project management system; it also provides features that make it a great tracker system and even a resource management system too.
Naturally, with such a high level of customization, the user interface of this tool is slightly tricky too. You might need a whole lot of learning before you master the working of this tool entirely. Due to the additional features, LiquidPlanner is slightly on the costly side and does not offer any free version. Getting budget for product management Tools might take some preparation. Even the initial versions start at $45/month. This plan caters to five minimum, and you can expand it according to your liking then. Due to the complexity and high cost, Liquid Planner suits only those projects that are funded by large organizations.
3. Teamwork Projects
Since we are already talking about bigger projects, let’s talk about Teamwork Projects since it is also well-suited for larger projects which have many subdivisions. Unlike, Liquid Planner, this tool is not that complicated either. The straightforward user-interface, along with the large range of features, makes Teamwork Projects an obvious choice for hundreds of users every day.
Initially, it may take you a couple of days to get the hang of the tool, but once you do, there is no turning back for you. Similar to Trello, Teamwork Projects also uses the Kanban system. The menu option is extremely user-friendly, and you don’t need to go through several screens to find the one for you. You can also automate different tasks to suit the needs of your project. Teamwork Projects provide users with a free tier plan, which is only available for a limited period. Once you have utilized your free period, you can opt for one of their paid plans, which start $10/month.
4. MS Project
Among all these new names, how can we forget the good old MS Project, which has been around for more than 30 years now! Due to its reliability and vast features, MS Project is still a market favorite. If you have a complicated project at hand and you are willing to pay a good amount, then MS Project is just the right time.
The tool pays a great deal of attention to detail and is probably one of the reasons why it is preferred by skilled project management professionals. You may need to take training to become adept at this software, but once you do, you might find the other tools too basic. MS Project also has some of the most refined systems for reporting. If you already have a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, then you can use it to purchase MS Project at a better price. There are several plans to choose from, which all have a different set of features. However, the professional one starts at $30 per month.
5. Basecamp
This popular tool has been around for more than a decade and has managed to leave its mark in the project management world. Basecamp comes with plenty of features such as scheduling, real-time chats, private chats, email integrations, extra storage, etc. Moreover, if your project requires a strong reporting system, then you are in the right place because Basecamp caters to it all. Tons of features help you customize the tool according to your project requirements. You can easily communicate with your clients through this tool as well and choose different options to customize the software according to your needs. Basecamp offers a 30-day free trial period, and then you can take it from there gradually.
6. Wrike
Are you looking for something more basic? Let’s walk you through Wrike’s features then. The tool is great if you are working on a small project. It covers all the basic features such as Gantt charts, a stable reporting system, etc. The user-interface is not too complicated and works great for small projects. Wrike has a free plan which has no restrictions in terms of the number of users and the features added. However, the paid plans start at $9.80 per month, and you can add different software options on it as well, which helps to overcome the shortcomings in the free plan. The tools are available for iOS and Android users; it also comes with a standardized web view.
7. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is just one tool among the wide range of tools provided by Zoho Projects. The features are quite similar to those offered by MS Project, but they are available at an affordable price. The tools use the Kanban system and also have a built-in time tracking tool. With so many built-in features, you don’t have to look for external features to fulfill your project management requirements. You can start with a 10-day trial period and then buy a plan starting at $3/month only!
The Best Project Planning Tools
Whether you are managing a project as an individual or as a small business, it is essential for entrepreneurs and managers to have a project management tool to help you manage the different tasks that are part of your project and overcome any barriers to project implementation. The good news is you don’t have to do a degree in project management to be able to execute a project successfully. We hope our guide will help you choose just the right tool for your business.
Great list. Try Restyaboard, a simple and effective free tool for project planning.