Effective project management is crucial for businesses of all sizes, but not every organisation has the budget for premium software. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of free project management tools available that can streamline your workflow without costing a penny. Our team has evaluated these tools based on features, ease of use, collaboration capabilities, and scalability. Whether you’re a small startup, a non-profit, or a larger company looking to test the waters before committing to a paid solution, our curated list of the best free project management tools has got you covered. Let’s dive into the top contenders that can help you boost productivity and keep your projects on track.
Our Top Tested Picks
Trello | Best for Visual Organizers | |
Asana | Best for Task Management | |
ClickUp | Best for Feature-Rich Planning |
Trello
Trello offers a visual, intuitive project management solution that’s perfect for individuals and small teams. Its free plan provides a solid foundation for basic project organization using boards, lists, and cards. Users can create unlimited boards and cards, making it easy to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The drag-and-drop interface is user-friendly, allowing for quick task rearrangement and priority adjustments.
Key Features
- Unlimited boards, lists, and cards
- Up to 10 team boards
- Unlimited storage (10MB per file)
- Basic automation (250 actions per month)
- iOS and Android mobile apps
- Two-factor authentication
While the free plan is generous, it has limitations on team collaboration features and integrations. For more advanced features, users can upgrade to paid plans starting at £4.99 per user per month (billed annually) for the Standard plan.
Asana
Asana is a comprehensive project management tool that caters to businesses of all sizes. Its free plan is robust, offering essential features for small teams to organize and track their work effectively. The platform provides multiple views, including list, board, and calendar, allowing users to visualise their projects in ways that suit their workflow best. Asana’s free plan is particularly beneficial for teams just starting with project management tools or those with basic needs.
Key Features
- Unlimited tasks, projects, and messages
- List, board, and calendar views
- Assignee and due dates
- Up to 15 team members
- Basic search and reporting
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- 100+ free integrations
While the free plan is feature-rich, larger teams or those needing more advanced functionalities might consider upgrading. Paid plans start at £9.49 per user per month (billed annually) for the Premium plan, offering additional features like timeline views, custom fields, and advanced reporting.
ClickUp
ClickUp offers an incredibly feature-rich free plan. It’s designed to be an all-in-one productivity platform, with a wide range of tools for task management, document creation, goal tracking, and more. The free version of ClickUp is particularly generous, providing access to core features that are often limited to paid plans in other tools. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals, small teams, or even larger organizations looking to test a comprehensive project management solution without initial investment.
Key Features
- Unlimited tasks and members
- 100MB storage
- Unlimited real-time collaboration
- 24/7 support
- Kanban boards, calendars, and Gantt charts
- Time tracking
- Native time estimates
- Collaborative docs
- Multi-task toolbar
- Email in ClickUp
While the free plan is extensive, ClickUp offers paid plans starting at £4 per member per month (billed annually) for those needing additional features like unlimited storage, advanced reporting, and custom fields.
Wrike
Wrike offers a versatile project management solution that caters to various team sizes and industries. Its free plan is designed for small teams or individuals who need a straightforward tool to manage tasks and collaborate effectively. Wrike’s interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for new users to get started quickly. The platform provides a good balance of features in its free tier, allowing users to experience core project management functionalities without overwhelming them with complex options.
Key Features
- Task management for up to 5 users
- Board view
- Cloud storage integrations (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
- 2GB of storage space
- Basic task creation and assignment
- Desktop and mobile apps
- File sharing
- Real-time activity stream
For teams that outgrow the free plan or need more advanced features, Wrike offers paid plans starting at £8.20 per user per month (billed annually) for the Professional plan, which includes Gantt charts, shareable dashboards, and increased storage.
Notion
Notion is a versatile all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, project management, and collaboration tools. Its free personal plan is particularly generous, offering unlimited pages and blocks for individual use. This makes it an excellent choice for personal project management, study organization, or even small side businesses. Notion’s strength lies in its flexibility; users can create customized workspaces that fit their specific needs, from simple to-do lists to complex project databases.
Key Features
- Unlimited pages and blocks
- Sharing with 5 guests
- Syncing across devices
- Basic page analytics
- API access
- Multiple database views (Table, Board, Calendar, etc.)
- Web, desktop, and mobile apps
- Page history
While the free plan is robust for personal use, teams or individuals needing more collaborative features can upgrade to paid plans. The Personal Pro plan starts at £4 per month (billed annually), offering unlimited file uploads and guests, and enhanced page analytics.
Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is a comprehensive business management platform that includes robust project management features. Its free plan is surprisingly generous, offering a wide range of tools that cater to various aspects of business operations, including task management, communication, and basic CRM functionalities. This makes Bitrix24 an attractive option for small businesses or startups looking for an all-in-one solution without initial costs. The platform’s project management tools are user-friendly, allowing teams to organize tasks, track progress, and collaborate effectively.
Key Features
- Unlimited users
- 5GB of online storage
- Task management and Gantt charts
- Kanban boards
- Time tracking
- Basic CRM (12 pipeline stages)
- Website builder
- Online document editing
- Group chat and video calls
- Calendar
For businesses needing more advanced features or increased storage, Bitrix24 offers paid plans starting at £15.36 per month for 2 users (billed annually) in their Basic plan, which includes additional CRM features, increased storage, and more.
MeisterTask
MeisterTask is a visually appealing, Kanban-style project management tool that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. Its free plan provides a solid foundation for individuals and small teams to manage tasks and collaborate effectively. The intuitive interface makes it easy for users to create projects, add tasks, and track progress without a steep learning curve. MeisterTask’s clean design and straightforward functionality make it particularly suitable for teams new to project management tools or those preferring a no-frills approach to task organization.
Key Features
- Unlimited projects
- Unlimited project members
- Basic project boards
- File attachments (up to 20MB per file)
- Limited integrations (2 per project)
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Basic reporting
- Two-factor authentication
For teams requiring more advanced features, MeisterTask provides paid plans starting at £7.49 per user per month (billed annually) for the Pro plan, which includes unlimited integrations, automation, and custom fields.
nTask
nTask is a comprehensive project management tool that offers a surprisingly feature-rich free plan. It’s designed to cater to various project management needs, from simple task lists to more complex project planning. The free version of nTask provides a good balance of features, making it suitable for individuals, small teams, or even larger organizations looking to test out a new project management solution. Its user-friendly interface ensures that users can quickly adapt to the platform and start managing their projects efficiently.
Key Features
- 5 team members
- Unlimited workspaces and projects
- 100MB file storage
- Task management
- Timesheet management
- Meeting management
- Issue tracking
- Kanban boards
- Calendar view
- Basic reporting
For teams needing more advanced features or larger storage capacity, nTask offers paid plans starting at £2.40 per user per month (billed annually) for the Premium plan, which includes Gantt charts, risk management, and increased storage.
Freedcamp
Freedcamp is a versatile project management platform that offers a generous free plan, making it an excellent choice for individuals, small teams, or non-profit organizations. The tool provides a comprehensive set of features in its free tier, allowing users to manage tasks, collaborate on projects, and organize their work effectively without any cost. Freedcamp’s interface is intuitive and customizable, enabling users to tailor their workspace to their specific needs and preferences.
Key Features
- Unlimited users, projects, and tasks
- 200MB storage
- Kanban boards
- Task lists and subtasks
- Calendar view
- Time tracking
- Discussion boards
- Wiki-like documentation
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Basic integrations
For users requiring more advanced features or increased storage, Freedcamp offers paid plans starting at £1.62 per user per month (billed annually) for the Minimalist plan, which includes additional storage, CRM features, and priority support.
Quire
Quire is a modern, intuitive project management tool that offers a robust free plan suitable for individuals and small to medium-sized teams. It takes a unique approach to task management, combining hierarchical lists with Kanban boards to provide a flexible and visual way of organizing work. Quire’s free plan is particularly generous, offering most of its core features without any cost, making it an attractive option for those looking for a comprehensive project management solution without the need for immediate investment.
Key Features
- Unlimited projects and tasks
- Up to 35 members
- Unlimited collaborators
- Kanban board view
- Gantt chart (Timeline view)
- iOS and Android mobile apps
- Nested task list
- Real-time collaboration
- File sharing (up to 100MB per project)
- Basic integrations (Google Calendar, iCal)
While the free plan is extensive, Quire also offers a paid plan (pricing available upon request) for organizations needing advanced features like time tracking, custom fields, and priority support.
How to choose the best free project management tool for you
Assessing Project Complexity and Essential Features
Navigating the sea of free project management tools can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. To pinpoint the perfect tool for your team, start by assessing your project’s complexity and your team’s size. Are you managing a small group working on straightforward tasks, or do you need something robust for a large team juggling multiple intricate projects? Next, consider the features you can’t live without. Do you need Gantt charts for visual planning, or is a simple task list sufficient? Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves to help narrow down your options.
Integration Capabilities and Ease of Use
Don’t forget about integration capabilities. If your team already uses specific software for communication or file sharing, look for a project management tool that integrates smoothly with these systems. This can save time and prevent the hassle of constantly switching between applications. Ease of use is another critical factor. A tool with advanced features isn’t helpful if your team finds it confusing. Look for intuitive interfaces and ensure the learning curve is manageable for everyone on the team.
Scalability and Future Upgrade Potential
Lastly, while we’re focusing on free tools, it’s important to consider the long-term picture. As your projects grow, will you need to upgrade to a paid version? If so, check the pricing plans and premium features to ensure they align with your potential future needs. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a free project management tool that not only meets your current requirements but can grow with your team. Happy project managing!
Which Project Management Tool Is Best?
For those who prefer visual organisation, Trello offers intuitive boards that are easy to use, making it a great starting point for teams that like a simple, drag-and-drop interface.
If you need a more feature-rich environment, ClickUp is a strong choice, providing a wide range of tools and customisation options to accommodate different workflows. Similarly, Asana offers a sleek and user-friendly interface, making it a good fit for teams focused on managing tasks with clarity.
For small teams or budget-conscious startups, Wrike and Freedcamp offer solid options, with generous free tiers that provide enough functionality to manage small projects effectively. Notion is also a versatile all-rounder, offering customisable workspaces for those who prefer to tailor their project management environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Project Management Tools
What are the key features to look for in a free project management tool?
When choosing a free project management tool, look for features like task management, team collaboration, file sharing, basic reporting, and integrations with other common tools. The best free options should offer a user-friendly interface, mobile access, and enough storage for small to medium-sized projects.
Are free project management tools suitable for large teams or complex projects?
While free project management tools can be great for small teams and simple projects, they often have limitations that may not suit large teams or complex projects. Many free plans restrict the number of users, projects, or features. For more extensive needs, you might need to consider paid versions or enterprise-level solutions.
How do free project management tools make money if they’re free to use?
Most free project management tools operate on a freemium model. They offer a basic set of features for free to attract users, then charge for premium features, increased storage, or additional user seats. This allows companies to try the tool before committing to a paid plan as their needs grow.
Can I integrate free project management tools with other software I use?
Many free project management tools offer integrations with popular software, though the number and types of integrations may be limited compared to paid versions. Common integrations include email, calendar apps, file storage services, and communication tools. Check each tool’s integration capabilities to ensure it works with your existing workflow.
Is my data secure when using free project management tools?
Reputable free project management tools prioritise data security, often employing encryption and following industry standards. However, it’s always wise to read the privacy policy and terms of service. Some free plans may have less robust security features compared to paid versions, so consider this if you’re handling sensitive information.
Can I export my data if I decide to switch to a different project management tool?
Most free project management tools allow you to export your data, though the process and export formats may vary. Some tools might limit export capabilities on free plans. Before committing to a tool, check its data portability options to ensure you can easily move your information if needed.
How often are free project management tools updated?
The frequency of updates can vary between tools. Established platforms like Trello or Asana tend to update regularly, adding new features and improvements. However, free versions might receive updates less frequently than paid versions. It’s worth following the tool’s blog or social media for announcements about new features and updates.
Is customer support available for free project management tools?
Customer support for free plans is often limited. Many tools offer self-service resources like knowledge bases, community forums, and video tutorials. Direct customer support (via email, chat, or phone) is typically reserved for paid plans. Consider this if you anticipate needing hands-on support.
Can I use free project management tools offline?
Most free project management tools are cloud-based and require an internet connection for full functionality. Some may offer limited offline capabilities, like viewing tasks or making basic updates that sync when you’re back online. If offline work is crucial, check each tool’s capabilities or consider tools with dedicated desktop or mobile apps.
How do I choose the best free project management tool for my needs?
To choose the best free project management tool, consider your team size, project complexity, and must-have features. Try out a few options to see which interface and workflow suit you best. Pay attention to limitations on free plans and how they align with your current and future needs. Reading user reviews and comparing feature lists can also help inform your decision.
