The Best Agile Project Management Software for 2024

When it comes to managing projects, choosing the right agile project management software can make a huge difference in the success of your projects.

In this article, we will explore a variety of solutions across different categories, ranging from free options to specialized tools designed for marketing teams.

We’ll examine each tool’s unique features, advantages and disadvantages, and the types of projects they are best suited for.

By doing so, you’ll be able to find the perfect project management software that fits your needs.

• 16 Leading Agile Project Management Software
• Free Agile Project Management Software
• Best Agile Project Management Software
• Project Management Software for Marketing
• Microsoft Tools for Project Management
• Collaboration Tools for Project Management
• What is Agile Project Management?
• What is the Best Tool for Agile Project Management?
• Which is the Best Software for Project Management?
• How Do You Select the Right Project Management Software?
• What Are the Four Main Types of Project Management?
• Is Excel a Project Management Tool?
• Is Microsoft Teams a Project Management Tool?

16 Leading Agile Project Management Software

Free Agile Project Management Software

Trello

Trello is a popular Kanban-style project management tool that organizes tasks into boards. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to use for individuals and teams. Users can create boards for different projects and customize them with lists and cards to track progress. Trello offers basic project management features such as task assignments, due dates, file attachments, and comments.

Pros:

• Easy to use and beginner-friendly.
• Customizable boards and cards.
• Integration with various third-party apps.

Cons:

• Limited functionality in the free version.
• Lack of advanced reporting features.
• Might not scale well for larger projects.

Best for: Small teams and individuals looking for a simple and visual way to manage projects for free agile project management software.

Asana

Asana is a comprehensive project management tool that offers both list and board views for task organization. It includes features like task assignments, due dates, subtasks, attachments, and comments. Asana also provides project timelines, portfolios, and advanced reporting capabilities to help teams stay on track and visualize progress. With integrations with various tools and a user-friendly interface, Asana is suitable for teams of all sizes.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface and easy to navigate.
• Robust task management features.
• Flexible customization options.

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available in paid plans.
• Learning curve for users new to project management tools.
• Dependency management could be improved.

Best for: Teams seeking a versatile and scalable solution for free agile project management software with robust task management features.

Best Agile Project Management Software

JIRA Software

JIRA Software is a leading Agile project management tool trusted by teams worldwide for its robust features tailored for Agile development methodologies. It offers scrum and kanban boards, customizable workflows, sprint planning, and extensive reporting capabilities. With its integration with developer tools and seamless collaboration features, JIRA Software provides a comprehensive solution for software development projects.

Pros:

• Advanced Agile project management features catered towards software development.
• Integration with developer tools like Bitbucket and GitHub.
• Scalable and customizable to fit the needs of small teams to large enterprises.

Cons:

• Higher pricing, especially for larger teams or additional features.
• Steep learning curve for beginners.
• Requires some administration and maintenance for optimal performance.

Best for: Software development teams looking for the best agile project management software with advanced Agile features and seamless integration with developer tools.

Monday.com

Monday.com is a visually appealing and intuitive project management platform that offers customizable workflows and collaboration tools. It provides features like task tracking, timeline views, file sharing, and integrations with popular apps. Monday.com’s flexibility allows teams to manage various types of projects and workflows efficiently.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Highly customizable to adapt to different project management methodologies.
• Extensive integration options with third-party tools.

Cons:

• Pricing can be higher compared to some other options, especially for larger teams.
• Advanced features may require upgrading to higher-tier plans.
• Dependency management features could be improved.

Best for: Teams across different industries seeking a visually appealing and customizable solution in the best agile project management software category.

Project Management Software for Marketing

Wrike

Wrike is a robust project management software tailored for marketing teams, offering features such as task management, time tracking, and collaboration tools. It provides customizable dashboards, Gantt charts, and workload views to help marketers plan and execute campaigns effectively. With its integrations with popular marketing tools and email clients, Wrike streamlines communication and enhances productivity for marketing projects.

Pros:

• Tailored features for marketing teams, including campaign planning and collaboration tools.
• User-friendly interface with customizable dashboards.
• Integrations with popular marketing tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Ads.

Cons:

• Pricing may be higher compared to some other marketing project management solutions.
• Learning curve for users new to project management software.
• Advanced reporting features may require higher-tier plans.

Best for: Marketing teams looking for project management software for marketing with specialized features and integrations to streamline campaign planning and execution.

CoSchedule

CoSchedule is a marketing project management tool designed to help marketers plan, execute, and analyze their marketing campaigns in one platform. It offers features such as editorial calendar management, social media scheduling, and marketing automation. CoSchedule’s centralized dashboard and collaboration tools enable teams to coordinate their efforts effectively and ensure timely delivery of marketing initiatives.

Pros:

• Comprehensive marketing project management features, including editorial calendar and social media scheduling.
• Integration with popular marketing tools like WordPress and HubSpot.
• Built-in marketing analytics for tracking campaign performance.

Cons:

• Pricing may be higher for larger teams or additional features.
• Limited customization options compared to some other marketing project management tools.#
• Learning curve for users new to the platform.

Best for: Marketing teams seeking an all-in-one solution for project management software for marketing, with a focus on campaign planning, execution, and analysis.

Microsoft Tools for Project Management

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a powerful project management software offering robust planning, scheduling, and resource management features. It provides Gantt charts, task tracking, and reporting tools to help project managers oversee project progress effectively. With its integration with other Microsoft Office tools and cloud-based collaboration features, Microsoft Project enhances team collaboration and project visibility.

Pros:

• Comprehensive project planning and scheduling capabilities.
• Integration with other Microsoft Office tools like Excel and Teams.
• Advanced reporting features for project analysis and tracking.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners.
• Higher pricing compared to some other project management solutions.
• May be more suitable for larger projects or enterprises.

Best for: Project managers and teams looking for robust project planning and scheduling capabilities in Microsoft tools for project management.

Microsoft Planner

Microsoft Planner is a simple yet effective task management tool integrated with Microsoft Office 365 suite. It offers Kanban-style boards, task assignments, due dates, and file attachments to help teams organize and track their work. With its seamless integration with other Microsoft apps like Teams and Outlook, Microsoft Planner enhances collaboration and productivity within Office 365 environments.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with other Microsoft Office 365 apps.
• Simple and intuitive interface suitable for small teams.
• Easy task management and collaboration features.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to more robust project management tools.
• May lack advanced project planning and reporting capabilities.
• Dependency management features could be improved.

Best for: Small teams and organizations already using Microsoft Office 365 seeking a simple and integrated solution in Microsoft tools for project management.

Microsoft Azure DevOps

Microsoft Azure DevOps is a comprehensive platform for software development and project management. It offers features such as version control, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), agile planning, and collaboration tools. With its integration with Azure services and development tools, Azure DevOps provides end-to-end solutions for software development projects.

Pros:

• All-in-one platform for software development and project management.
• Integration with Azure services and development tools like Visual Studio.
• Agile planning tools with scrum and kanban boards.

Cons:

• Complex setup and configuration process.
• Learning curve for users new to Azure DevOps.
• Pricing may be higher compared to some other project management solutions.

Best for: Software development teams seeking an integrated platform for project management, version control, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) in Microsoft tools for project management.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform integrated with Microsoft Office 365 suite, offering chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management capabilities. It provides channels for team communication, document collaboration with Office apps, and integration with other Microsoft services. Microsoft Teams enhances teamwork and productivity by bringing together communication and collaboration tools in one place.

Pros:

• Integration with Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Secure and compliant with enterprise-grade security features.
• Customizable with third-party app integrations and bots.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for users new to the platform.
• Occasional performance issues reported by users.
• Limited flexibility in customization compared to some other collaboration platforms.

Best for: Organizations already using Microsoft Office 365 seeking an integrated collaboration solution with project management capabilities in collaboration tools for project management.

Collaboration Tools for Project Management

Process Street

Process Street is a versatile business process management and workflow automation platform that allows teams to create, document, and execute recurring workflows. It offers features such as checklist templates, task assignments, approvals, and integration with various third-party apps. Process Street streamlines repetitive tasks, ensures compliance, and improves productivity for teams across different industries.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface for creating and executing checklists and workflows.
• Flexible automation and integration capabilities.
• Collaboration features like task assignments and comments.

Cons:

• Limited project management features compared to dedicated project management tools.
• May require additional integration with project management software for comprehensive project management needs.
• Pricing may vary based on the number of users and features required.

Best for: Teams and organizations looking for business process management and workflow automation solutions to complement their existing project management tools and processes.

Slack

Slack is a popular team communication and collaboration platform that offers channels, direct messaging, file sharing, and integrations with various productivity tools. It facilitates real-time communication and collaboration among team members, whether they’re in the same office or working remotely. With features like channels for different projects or teams, Slack helps streamline communication and reduce email clutter.

Pros:

• Real-time messaging and collaboration.
• Integrations with numerous third-party apps and services.
• Customizable with bots, shortcuts, and automation.

Cons:

• Information overload can occur in large teams or channels.
• Free version has limitations on message history and integrations.
• Learning curve for effectively managing channels and integrations.

Best for: Teams looking for real-time communication and collaboration in collaboration tools for project management, especially for remote or distributed teams.

Basecamp

Basecamp is a popular project management and team collaboration platform known for its simplicity and ease of use. It offers features like to-do lists, file sharing, messaging, and scheduling to help teams stay organized and productive. Basecamp’s flat-fee pricing model and straightforward interface make it an attractive option for teams and small businesses.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface.
• Flat-fee pricing with unlimited users and projects.
• Centralized platform for project communication and collaboration.

Cons:

• Lack of advanced project management features compared to some other tools.
• Limited customization options.
• Integration options may be limited compared to other collaboration platforms.

Best for: Small to medium-sized teams and businesses seeking a straightforward and affordable collaboration platform with basic project management features.

Teamwork

Teamwork is a comprehensive project management and collaboration platform designed to help teams manage tasks, projects, and communication effectively. It offers features such as task lists, milestones, time tracking, and file sharing, along with integration with popular tools like Google Drive and Dropbox. Teamwork’s intuitive interface and customizable workflows make it suitable for teams of all sizes and industries.

Pros:

• Wide range of project management and collaboration features.
• Customizable task lists and workflows to fit different project needs.
• Integration with popular third-party apps and services.

Cons:

• Learning curve for mastering all features and settings.
• Some users may find the interface overwhelming initially.
• Pricing may be higher compared to some other options.

Best for: Teams seeking a comprehensive project management and collaboration solution with customizable workflows and integration capabilities in collaboration tools for project management.

ProofHub

ProofHub is a project management and team collaboration software offering features like task management, online proofing, Gantt charts, and time tracking. It provides a centralized platform for teams to plan, collaborate, and deliver projects efficiently. ProofHub’s simple interface and dedicated modules for different project management aspects make it a suitable choice for teams across various industries.

Pros:

• All-in-one solution for project management and team collaboration.
• Easy-to-use interface with dedicated modules for different project aspects.
• Time tracking and online proofing features enhance productivity and project quality.

Cons:

• Some users may find the interface less modern compared to other tools.
• Limited customization options for task views and layouts.
• Pricing may be higher compared to similar tools with similar features.

Best for: Teams looking for an all-in-one project management and collaboration solution with dedicated modules for different project aspects, especially those focused on quality control and proofing.

Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management software offering features like task management, Gantt charts, timesheets, and issue tracking. It provides collaboration tools such as forums, chat, and document sharing to facilitate team communication and coordination. With its integration with other Zoho applications and third-party tools, Zoho Projects offers a comprehensive solution for project management needs.

Pros:

• Integration with other Zoho applications and third-party tools.
• Comprehensive project management features suitable for various industries.
• Flexible pricing plans to accommodate different team sizes and needs.

Cons:

• User interface may feel dated compared to some other project management tools.
• Learning curve for mastering all features and settings.
• Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.

Best for: Teams seeking a comprehensive project management solution with integration capabilities, especially those already using other Zoho applications.

What is Agile Project Management Software?

Agile project management software is designed to support the agile methodology of project management by providing flexibility, continuous improvement, and quick adaptation to change.

The software offers tools and features for planning, executing, and tracking projects in short, iterative cycles known as sprints.

This allows teams to break down work into manageable chunks, prioritize tasks, and deliver incremental value to stakeholders.

Key features of agile project management software include:

• Real-time collaboration
• Task tracking
• Progress reporting
• Resource allocation

For example, real-time collaboration allows team members to communicate and work together efficiently, while task tracking and progress reporting help to ensure transparency and accountability.

The software also helps with resource allocation, allowing teams to manage workloads and optimize productivity.

Using agile project management software brings several benefits, including improved flexibility, increased productivity, and better adaptability to changing requirements.

The software enables teams to respond quickly to feedback and make necessary adjustments, leading to continuous improvement and ultimately delivering high-quality results.

What is the Best Tool for Agile Project Management?

In agile project management, the optimal tool should prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and adaptability.

It should empower teams to efficiently plan, execute, and iterate on tasks while fostering open communication and transparency.

For example, it should include:

• User story mapping
• Sprint planning
• Task boards
• Progress tracking
• Seamless integration with team workflows
• Support for agile principles such as responding to change and delivering working software incrementally

The ideal tool will seamlessly integrate into your team’s processes, enabling improvement and delivery while supporting agile methodologies.

Which is the Best Software for Project Management?

Determining the best software for project management depends on various factors, such as:

1. The size and complexity of your projects
2. Team preferences
3. Budget constraints
4. Specific requirements of your business

There are numerous options available in the market, each offering its own set of features and strengths. Some popular categories of project management software include:

• Traditional project management tools
• Agile project management tools
• Collaborative task management platforms
• Integrated project management suites

It’s essential to carefully evaluate your team’s needs and conduct thorough research to find the solution that best aligns with your project management goals.

How Do You Select the Right Project Management Software? 

When selecting the optimal software for project management, it’s crucial to consider several key factors. These include:

• User feedback: Insightful feedback from users offers valuable insights into the usability and effectiveness of the software.
• Free trial periods: Utilizing free trial periods enables businesses to thoroughly test the software’s features and functionalities to ensure it aligns with their needs.
• Speaking to sales representatives: Engaging with sales representatives can help clarify any questions or concerns about the software, providing further assurance before making a decision.

Each of these considerations plays a pivotal role in determining the best software for project management, whether for traditional, agile, or collaborative project management needs.

What Are the Four Main Types of Project Management Software?

Task Management Software

Task management software focuses on organizing and assigning tasks to team members, tracking progress, and setting deadlines.

Key features include task lists, task assignments, progress tracking, and deadline notifications.

It supports project management processes by ensuring that all tasks are effectively assigned and completed, enhancing productivity by streamlining task management.

Collaboration Software

Collaboration software enables team members to communicate, share documents, and work together on projects.

It supports project management processes by facilitating teamwork and communication enhancing productivity by fostering collaboration and idea sharing.

Resource Management Software

Resource management software helps in scheduling and allocating resources, such as equipment and personnel, to different project tasks.

Key features include resource scheduling, resource allocation, and resource utilization tracking.

Gantt Chart Software

Gantt chart software is used to create visual timelines of project tasks and their dependencies

Key features include task scheduling, timeline visualization, and dependency tracking.

It supports project management processes by providing a visual overview of project timelines, enhancing productivity by facilitating better project planning and scheduling.

Each type of project management software supports different aspects of project management processes and enhances productivity in various ways, such as task organization, teamwork facilitation, resource management, and visual project planning.

Is Excel a Project Management Tool?

Excel can be used as a project management tool due to its various features and capabilities, such as creating Gantt charts, tracking task progress, and managing budgets.

However, it lacks the collaborative and real-time features found in dedicated project management tools, making it less efficient for complex project management.

Compared to agile project management tools, Excel may not be as suitable for managing agile projects due to its limited ability to support iterative and collaborative processes.

Agile project management tools usually offer features such as scrum boards, backlog management, and sprint planning, which are essential for agile projects but are not readily available in Excel.

Is Microsoft Teams a Project Management Tool?

Microsoft Teams is primarily a collaboration platform rather than a dedicated project management tool.

While it offers features such as chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with other Microsoft applications, it lacks robust project management functionalities found in dedicated project management tools.

Teams can be used as part of a project management ecosystem to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members.

For comprehensive project management needs such as task tracking and resource management, opt for dedicated project management tools specifically tailored for project management purposes.