The 18 Best Project Management Tools for 2024

If you want to greatly improve the efficiency and organization of your projects, it’s time to browse through the best project management tools!

In this article, we will discuss the ultimate list of project management tools for 2024.

These tools help you plan, track, and manage your projects, ensuring you meet your goals and deadlines.

So, let’s explore them in more detail!

• The Best AI Project Management Tools
• The Best Project Management Collaboration Tools
• The Best Enterprise Project Management Tools
• The Best Scheduling Tools for Project Management 
• The Best Personal Project Management Tools
• Why Should You Use Project Management Tools
• Choosing the Right Project Management Tools 
• Best Practices for Effective Project Management Software Usage 

The Best AI Project Management Tools

Process Street

While it’s primarily known as a tool for creating and managing workflows and checklists, Process Street also has the functionality to work as a robust project management system. 

Pros:

• Process Street allows you to create workflow templates for different project tasks. You can assign these tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track progress.

• The tool’s automation features allow you to automate repetitive tasks and workflows, which can streamline your project management processes and save time.

• Process Street offers collaboration features that allow team members to work together on tasks, share updates, and communicate within the platform.

• The software allows you to create and store project documentation, such as project plans, requirements documents, and meeting notes.

• Process Street integrates with various other tools commonly used in project management, such as Slack, Trello, and Google Sheets, allowing you to streamline your workflow and centralize your project management activities.

Cons:

• Can be pricey for startups

Why it’s a good project management tool:  Process Street can still be used as a project management tool thanks to its ability to streamline process management and enhance collaboration features. This enables teams to efficiently plan, execute, and track projects with ease. Its customizable templates and integration options further contribute to its effectiveness in optimizing workflow and productivity.

Tability

Tability is a goal-setting and tracking platform that leverages AI to help teams set, track, and achieve their objectives effectively.

Pros:

• AI-driven insights for goal alignment and progress tracking.
• Collaborative goal-setting features for teams.
• Real-time dashboard for visualizing progress.

Cons:

• Limited integrations compared to some other platforms.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Tability’s AI features aid teams in setting and tracking goals efficiently, fostering alignment and accountability.

Clarizen

Clarizen is a cloud-based project management platform that utilizes AI for automating project processes, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing collaboration.

Pros:

• AI-driven project planning and scheduling functionalities.
• Robust collaboration features including discussions and file sharing.
• Customizable dashboards and reporting tools.

Cons:

• Pricing may be on the higher side for small businesses.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Clarizen’s AI capabilities empower teams to streamline project execution, improve collaboration, and achieve better project outcomes.

Forecast

Forecast is an AI-powered project management platform that helps teams in planning, executing, and analyzing projects efficiently.

Pros:

• Utilizes AI for resource allocation and project forecasting.
• Provides real-time insights and analytics.
• Integrates with popular tools like Jira, Slack, and GitHub.

Cons:

• May require some time to fully understand and leverage AI features.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Forecast streamlines project management tasks through AI-driven automation, enhancing productivity and decision-making.

Scoro

Scoro is an all-in-one business management software that incorporates AI capabilities for project planning, tracking, and collaboration.

Pros:

• AI-driven automation for resource allocation and scheduling.
• Comprehensive project management features including time tracking and invoicing.
• Integration with various third-party tools.

Cons:

• Complexity may require some time for onboarding.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Scoro’s AI features streamline project workflows and improve productivity by automating repetitive tasks and providing actionable insights.

The Best Project Management Collaboration Tools

Slack

While primarily a messaging app, Slack also serves as a powerful collaboration tool with features like channels, threads, and integrations.

Pros:

• Real-time messaging and collaboration features.
• Integrations with numerous third-party apps for enhanced functionality.
• Customizable notifications and search functionality.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for users with extensive message volume.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Slack facilitates seamless communication and collaboration within teams, helping streamline project workflows and decision-making.

Teamwork

Teamwork is a project management and collaboration platform that enables teams to plan, track, and deliver projects together.

Pros:

• Robust task management and time tracking features.
• Collaboration tools such as messaging, file sharing, and discussions.
• Customizable project templates for streamlined workflows.

Cons:

• User interface may feel cluttered to some users.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Teamwork provides comprehensive project management and collaboration features, helping teams stay organized and productive.

Asana

Asana is a popular project management tool designed to improve team collaboration, task organization, and project tracking.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface for task management and collaboration.
• Offers various views (list, board, timeline) for project visualization.
• Facilitates seamless communication within teams.

Cons:

• Advanced features are available only in premium plans.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Asana fosters collaboration among team members, streamlining project workflows and improving productivity.

Basecamp

Basecamp is a popular project management and team collaboration tool known for its simplicity and ease of use.

Pros:

• Straightforward interface for task management and communication.
• Includes features like to-do lists, file sharing, and messaging.
• Suitable for small to medium-sized teams.

Cons:

• May lack advanced project management functionalities.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Basecamp fosters collaboration and transparency within teams, facilitating effective project communication and task management.

The Best Enterprise Project Management Tools

LiquidPlanner

LiquidPlanner is a dynamic project management software designed for enterprise teams, offering features like scheduling, resource management, and collaboration.

Pros:

• Advanced scheduling and resource management capabilities.
• Real-time collaboration features for teams.
• Predictive analytics for project forecasting.

Cons:

• Complexity may require time for onboarding.

Why it’s a good project management tool: LiquidPlanner is well-suited for enterprises managing complex projects, offering robust planning, scheduling, and collaboration functionalities.

Workfront

Workfront is a cloud-based enterprise work management platform that enables teams to manage their work, collaborate, and streamline processes effectively.

Pros:

• Comprehensive project and task management capabilities.
• Customizable workflows and templates for streamlined processes.
• Integration with various business applications.

Cons:

• Pricing may be prohibitive for smaller teams.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Workfront provides enterprises with the tools needed to manage work efficiently, from planning and execution to reporting and analysis.

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a comprehensive project management tool suitable for large-scale enterprises, offering features for planning, scheduling, and resource management.

Pros:

• Robust project planning and scheduling capabilities.
• Integration with other Microsoft tools like Excel and Teams.
• Advanced reporting and analytics functionalities.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Microsoft Project is well-suited for enterprises requiring sophisticated project planning, scheduling, and resource management functionalities.

Oracle Primavera

Oracle Primavera is an enterprise-grade project management tool designed for complex projects in industries such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

Pros:

• Advanced project planning and scheduling capabilities.
• Supports large-scale project portfolios.
• Integration with other Oracle applications.

Cons:

• Requires specialized training for effective utilization.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Oracle Primavera is ideal for enterprises managing complex projects, offering robust planning, scheduling, and portfolio management features.

The Best Scheduling Tools for Project Management

ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management tool that offers robust scheduling features along with task management, collaboration, and automation functionalities.

Pros:

• Flexible scheduling options including Gantt charts and calendars.
• Customizable views for project planning and tracking.
• Automation features for repetitive tasks.

Cons:

• Interface may feel overwhelming to some users.

Why it’s a good project management tool: ClickUp provides a comprehensive suite of tools for scheduling, task management, and collaboration, making it suitable for diverse project needs.

Airtable

Airtable is a flexible collaboration platform that combines the features of a spreadsheet with a database, allowing teams to organize and track projects in customizable ways.

Pros:

• Highly customizable database with various views (grid, calendar, kanban).
• Collaboration features including comments and file attachments.
• Integration with numerous third-party apps.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for advanced features.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Airtable’s flexibility and customization options make it suitable for various project management needs, from simple task tracking to complex workflows.

Monday.com

Monday.com is a versatile project management platform that includes scheduling tools for project planning, tracking, and collaboration.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface with customizable workflows.
• Offers various views (timeline, calendar, Gantt chart) for scheduling.
• Supports integration with popular third-party apps.

Cons:

• Cost may be prohibitive for small teams.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Monday.com simplifies project scheduling and tracking, enhancing team collaboration and productivity.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a dynamic platform that combines project management with powerful scheduling capabilities, enabling teams to plan, track, and manage projects effectively.

Pros:

• Flexible and customizable spreadsheet-like interface.
• Advanced scheduling features, including Gantt charts and dependencies.
• Integrates with various business applications.

Cons:

• Advanced features may require additional training.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Smartsheet’s scheduling capabilities empower teams to create and manage project timelines efficiently, driving project success.

The Best Personal Project Management Tools

TickTick

TickTick is a task management and to-do list app that helps individuals organize tasks, set reminders, and stay productive.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive task management interface.
• Features like recurring tasks, reminders, and priority levels.
• Cross-platform availability with synchronization.

Cons:

• Advanced features are available only in premium plans.

Why it’s a good project management tool: TickTick provides individuals with a straightforward tool for managing personal tasks and projects, improving productivity and organization.

Notion

Notion is a versatile workspace tool that combines note-taking, task management, and collaboration features, suitable for personal project management.

Pros:

• Highly customizable interface for organizing tasks and information.
• Supports various content types (text, tables, files) within pages.
• Integrates task management with note-taking and documentation.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to its extensive customization options.

Why it’s a good project management tool: Notion provides individuals with a flexible platform to manage personal projects, tasks, and notes in one place, enhancing productivity and organization.

Why Should You Use Project Management Tools?

Whether managing simple tasks or complex projects, project management tools are invaluable to any team.

Implementing such software can significantly enhance efficiency by creating streamlined workflows that optimize resource allocation and output.

A project manager utilizes these tools to gain real-time visibility into project progress, ensuring transparency and accountability while providing the means for timely interventions and adjustments.

Project management tools centralize discussions, documents, and tasks, enabling seamless collaboration in a single, easily accessible location.

This software is not merely a task assignment tool; it goes beyond facilitating the creation of customizable dashboards, comprehensive reports, and analytics that provide stakeholders with the necessary insights to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Project management software is indispensable for risk management. It allows teams to anticipate potential issues, establish contingencies, and develop mitigation plans to maintain project continuity.

Increase Efficiency and Productivity

With project management tools, teams can evade common roadblocks, leverage task automation, and deliver faster work output. 

These tools automate routine tasks and provide clear project roadmaps, enabling teams to concentrate their efforts where they matter most.

Access to real-time data and customizable reports guides businesses in making informed strategic decisions, enhancing outcomes while steering clear of expensive errors.

Effective resource management is another feature of project management software that proves beneficial for productivity.

Streamline Project Workflows

A variety of project management tools are tailored to streamline project workflows.

GanttPro, for instance, provides custom views and templates that enable the efficient tracking of work in progress. 

For those in creative fields, Paymo’s software suite offers project management, time tracking, and invoicing tools that streamline creative workflows from conception to billing.

Process Street helps teams document and automate workflows, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all projects.

Enhance Communication and Collaboration

Real-time editing capabilities, shared task lists, integrated messaging systems, and document-sharing features are a few ways project management tools enhance communication and collaboration.

These tools provide cloud-based access and real-time updates, essential for synchronous team operations, and integrated communication tools that make collaboration seamless.

Project management apps foster better communication through a centralized platform, which ensures all team members, including remote teams, have instant access to pivotal project information and communication channels.

Choosing the Right Project Management Tool

Selecting the most appropriate project management software for your business is a multifaceted process that entails a keen understanding of your requirements and carefully considering the available software options.

Assess your Project Needs and Requirements

To ensure you choose software that aligns with your unique needs, start by defining the features that would benefit your projects the most.

This could range from robust task management capabilities to advanced reporting tools. Once these requirements are established, form a buying committee representing all the software’s end-users from IT to frontline employees.

Do not rush the selection process. It is important to trial the software and guarantee it meshes well with current processes and proves intuitive for your team.

Look for options that offer comprehensive security measures, high mobility for on-the-go updates through mobile apps, and strong collaboration features that allow your team to work concurrently and effectively.

Integration with existing tools in your ecosystem must also be a top consideration to maintain a streamlined workflow.

Consider the Budget and Cost of Project Management Tools

For small businesses operating on tight budgets, priorities shift to finding a project management tool that delivers essential features without breaking the bank.

Such tools should come equipped with key functionalities like budgeting, time tracking, and billing without compromising quality.

It’s critical to look for tools with transparent pricing models that correlate with the features delivered, ensuring there are no surprises in terms of costs.

Plans that match smaller enterprises’ financial and scalability requirements are vital criteria while evaluating the value offered by project management tools.

Moreover, options to test the software through free trials or demos offer crucial insights into how well the tool will serve the business before any financial commitments are made.

Evaluate User Interface and Ease of Use

When selecting project management software, the user experience is just as important as evaluating features. 

An intuitive user interface and straightforward navigation are fundamental to ensuring quick user adoption and efficient ongoing use. 

Tools with free trials or demo versions enable potential users to test the software’s ease of use first-hand, making it easier to commit to a purchase.

Reading customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable information about a tool’s usability, customer support, and effectiveness.

Consider the software’s ability to integrate with commonly used applications such as Slack and Dropbox, which can significantly enhance the overall experience and facilitate smoother transitions for the end-users.

Check for Customization Options

Customization is an essential factor for many organizations seeking project management software.

The ability to personalize the interface, modify workflows, and tweak request forms could significantly improve the efficiency of your projects.

When evaluating project management tools, explore the range of customization options available, from adjusting data fields to creating specialized reporting views tailored to your needs.

Look for software that allows you to craft custom dashboards and reports, accommodating the unique requirements and changes that surface over time.

Premium memberships or integrations through public APIs significantly expand the customization potential, offering the flexibility to connect with a wealth of additional apps and tools.

Look at Customer Reviews

Customer testimonials are gold mines of real-world experiences and stories of project management software’s performance under everyday business conditions.

Reviews can reveal how well the software has delivered on its promises of improving project efficiency and contributing to business growth.

Many people consider customer support a deal-breaker; hence, insights into support quality are often crucial details sought out in reviews.

Small businesses can gain substantial insights from other customers’ experiences and advice, aiding them in selecting a project management tool that will meet their needs and accelerate their business growth.

Through customer recommendations, smaller businesses can identify tools proven to add value in real-world scenarios like theirs. 

Reviews often serve as a barometer for the software’s suitability and effectiveness.

Best Practices for Effective Project Management Software Usage

Implementing project management software effectively starts with clearly understanding your team’s needs and the features that best support your organizational goals. 

Ensuring that the software facilitates the connection of goals to specific work tasks helps in breaking down departmental silos and fosters a cohesive work environment.

Automating routine and time-consuming tasks within the software can boost productivity and free up valuable resources.

Security is paramount, as the software will house sensitive data. Choosing a tool with robust security measures is non-negotiable to protect against emerging threats.

Also, integrating smoothly with other apps in your business ecosystem is essential, as it minimizes friction and optimizes productivity.

For insightful decision-making, project management software should offer powerful reporting and analytics.

Adopt these best practices for exceptional software usage:

• Conduct thorough trials: Use free trials to understand the software’s functionality and identify potential issues.
• Involve leadership: Present trial findings to leadership to secure buy-in and ensure the tool aligns with overall business strategies.
• Regular evaluations: Schedule reviews to ensure the software continues to meet project needs and to explore opportunities for further optimization.