Microsoft Challenge is a venture administration software program that’s generally utilized by 35,000+ corporations across the globe, however that doesn’t imply it’s the very best instrument. This forces some to hunt a Microsoft Challenge various for efficient collaboration and decrease costs.
As tasks develop in complexity and workforces broaden globally, the necessity for on-line venture administration instruments isn’t any luxurious. There isn’t any lack of MS Challenge alternate options to select from, with various levels of usefulness and venture administration options. Microsoft has thrown its appreciable weight into the ring with Microsoft Challenge. Whereas MS Challenge has grow to be an industry-standard in venture administration, it comes with issues, leaving individuals to seek for the very best Microsoft Challenge various.
Why Folks Search a Microsoft Challenge Various
Microsoft Challenge can do a lot of what you want when planning and managing a venture, but it surely’s not an ideal instrument. There are numerous the explanation why individuals who use it are trying to find Microsoft Challenge alternate options. Fortunately, there are various different venture administration options in the marketplace that supply customers a terrific various to Microsoft Challenge. We’ll get to these in a second, however first, let’s define the explanations individuals are dissatisfied with MS Challenge.
- Steep Studying Curve: Microsoft Challenge isn’t for learners. The software program could be very technical and never user-friendly. That is likely to be superb you probably have a sophisticated diploma in venture administration, however for the remainder of us it’s going to require lots of work, time and coaching to get a deal with on learn how to use the instrument. Why do this when you may merely use among the finest MS Challenge alternate options?
- No Cell App: It’s laborious to think about a venture administration software program in 2024 with no cell app, however one way or the other Microsoft Challenge nonetheless doesn’t have one. That is going to severely restrict your crew’s means to replace duties from the sector. This can be motive sufficient to search out an MS Challenge various for some.
- Poor Staff Communication: Microsoft Challenge falls brief on this class. You possibly can’t simply message your crew within the app, which suggests you’re going to have to leap onto one of many messaging instruments that Microsoft presents, akin to Groups, Outlook or Skype. Why would you like an add-on when it’s a lot extra environment friendly to decide on a Microsoft Challenge various?
- Lack of Integration: Whereas MS Challenge works okay with different Microsoft merchandise, that’s not the case if you wish to use a instrument outdoors of the Microsoft household of apps. So, when you’re trying to combine with Salesforce, Slack or different instruments, you’re in all probability going to search out your self annoyed and in search of MS Challenge alternate options.
- Excessive Value: If cash is your backside line, then Microsoft Challenge’s price ticket might be a troublesome capsule to swallow. What makes issues worse is that you must pay for every license. You’ll have to selectively license MS Challenge to your crew. Fortunately there are low-cost and even free Microsoft Challenge alternate options available in the market.
- Arduous to Share Information: It’s nearly as if Microsoft Challenge doesn’t need your crew to work collectively. If anybody in your crew works on an Apple product, they’re out of luck. It’s such an issue {that a} cottage {industry} of on-line instruments has emerged that supply methods to take MPP information, convert them into friendlier codecs to edit and share, then convert them again to MS Challenge information. That’s not very environment friendly!
20 Greatest Microsoft Challenge Alternate options of 2024
There are numerous Microsoft venture alternate options available in the market, every of which has key options and traits that make them distinctive. The next record consists of free, freemium, cloud-based or open-source choices. Look by means of them and resolve the very best Microsoft venture various for you.
1. ProjectManager
ProjectManager is on-line venture and work administration software program that tops our record for its ease of use, aggressive pricing and compatibility with Mac. This MS Challenge various helps you intend and schedule tasks whereas delivering real-time updates with reside dashboards and highly effective reporting instruments to constantly enhance your efficiency and progress. Better of all, it’s collaborative at its core, connecting groups, regardless of the place or how they work or what they do within the group. And, in contrast to another choices on this record, there’s a free 30-day trial so you may strive it out.
Work How You Need
Not everybody works the identical, which is why you get entry to 5 completely different venture views together with Gantt, kanban, activity record, spreadsheet and calendar. Groups that work in a conventional venture administration surroundings and agile venture administration groups can work collectively on the identical instrument with this MS Challenge various. Customers can customise workflows and set activity approvals, too. Updates are mirrored throughout the software program giving everybody one supply of fact and conserving them on the identical web page and productive.
Get All of the Strong Options, Plus Mac Compatibility
ProjectManager not solely works on all Mac merchandise but it surely does almost every little thing that MS Challenge does, sooner, simpler and at a lower cost level, which places it on the prime of the very best Microsoft Challenge alternate options record. You possibly can collaborate with out leaping by means of hoops and handle schedules, sources, workload and way more. As soon as you utilize ProjectManager you may by no means return to the clunky Microsoft Challenge once more.
Seamlessly Import and Export MS Challenge Information
Not like different alternate options on this record, ProjectManager presents a seamless import and export of MPP information. If some crew members nonetheless use Microsoft Challenge, it’s by no means been simpler to collaborate on MPP information and venture plans. It’s so easy, you may simply persuade them to make the change to this Microsoft Challenge various, too. There isn’t a extra highly effective, but easy-to-use software program on this Microsoft Challenge alternate options record. Be taught extra about ProjectManager vs Microsoft Challenge.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Challenge Administration
ProjectManager Execs & Key Options
- A number of venture administration views
- Strong venture planning, scheduling, monitoring and useful resource administration options
- Mac-friendly, cloud-based venture administration software program with limitless file storage
- Can be utilized to view and edit Microsoft Challenge information (MPP information)
- Nice various for venture, program and portfolio administration workplaces (PMOs)
- Free trial
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
ProjectManager Cons & Limitations
- Restricted customization options
- Fewer integrations than different Microsoft Challenge alternate options on this record
- No free plan
Pricing
- Staff: $13.00 consumer/month
- Enterprise: $24.00 consumer/month
- Enterprise: contact gross sales for a customized quote
ProjectManager Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.4 / 5
- Capterra assessment: 4.1 / 5
2. Wrike
Wrike is an MS Challenge various that makes our record as a result of it’s simpler to make use of than Microsoft when planning, monitoring and analyzing tasks. It’s way more collaborative than MS Challenge, however then nearly all of the Microsoft Challenge alternate options on this record are too. You possibly can simply invite freelancers, contractors, shoppers and groups from different departments into the instrument without cost, which is a pleasant contact.
Associated: Greatest Wrike Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
These planning and collaborative options are nice, however you’ll want a great deal of time to get snug utilizing them. Don’t neglect so as to add coaching time to your tasks to get everybody on top of things with utilizing Wrike. That doesn’t imply it’s laborious to make use of, simply tough to know which is the fitting plan so that you can transfer ahead with. There are the pricing tiers we define beneath, however then they’ve industry-specific variations of the software program that add to the confusion. It’s an costly venture administration instrument, with consumer minimums, which could cease customers from even exploring it as an possibility.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Challenge Planning
Wrike Execs & Key options
- Permits non-Wrike customers to visualise tasks, which helps share tasks with customers with no Wrike license
- Gantt charts, calendars and activity administration boards
- Free trial
- Cell venture administration for Android and iOS
Wrike Cons & Limitations
- Its characteristic set focuses extra closely on work administration than venture administration
- Gantt charts lack necessary venture administration options akin to price and useful resource monitoring
- Restricted venture monitoring and reporting options in comparison with Microsoft Challenge
- Excessive consumer minimums
Pricing
- Skilled plan: $9.80 consumer/month
- Marketing strategy: $24.80 consumer/month
Wrike Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.2 / 5
- Capterra assessment: 4.3 / 5
3. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a web-based MS Challenge various that features like a spreadsheet however provides collaborative options that join groups. Its concentrate on collaboration implies that the scheduling and activity administration options are lighter than some may need, however they’re not absent from the instrument. It’s highly effective like MS Challenge however extra customizable, supporting automation.
Associated: Greatest Smartsheet Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
Nonetheless, due to its restricted attain when it comes to managing tasks, customers must spend additional to get such instruments as time monitoring, budgeting and useful resource administration. There aren’t any real-time updates, and autosave generally is a little gradual, which is irritating when you lose information earlier than it has been saved. Should you want superior venture administration options, you’ll have to search for different MS Challenge alternate options.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Spreadsheets and Templates
Smartsheet Execs & Key Options
- Perfect for switching from Excel spreadsheets to venture administration software program
- Information may be exported to Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Challenge
- Mac-friendly
- Free trial
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
Smartsheet Cons & Limitations
- Easy venture administration instruments lack the performance Microsoft Challenge presents
- Some options require spreadsheet formulation which add a steep studying curve to implementation
- Lack of useful resource administration instruments are a drawback when in comparison with different Microsoft Challenge alternate options
- Dashboards and experiences aren’t detailed sufficient for venture, program or portfolio administration
- No free plan
Smartsheet Pricing
- Professional plan: $7 consumer/month
- Marketing strategy: $25 consumer/month
Smartsheet Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.4/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.5/5
4. Notion
Notion is a workspace instrument that may be a robust Microsoft Challenge various relying on one’s wants. It’s an all-in-one workspace that mixes note-taking, activity administration, database administration and collaborative options. It has a extra user-friendly interface than Microsoft Challenge, which is designed to be intuitive and doesn’t require quite a lot of coaching.
Customers who’re in search of a Microsoft Challenge various with detailed Gantt charts, useful resource leveling and automatic scheduling might be disenchanted. Notion has restricted superior venture administration options. It’s additionally going to be a greater match for smaller groups and even particular person use. These trying to scale as much as bigger tasks will grow to be annoyed by Notion’s flexibility and search for a extra specialised venture administration instrument as an alternative.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Notetaking
Notion Execs & Key Options
- All-in-one workspace
- Job administration
- Notetaking
- Database creation
- Customizable
- Person-friendly interface
Notion Cons & Limitations
- Restricted superior venture administration options
- Restricted offline entry
- No built-in time monitoring
- Not good for big groups or tasks
- Costly to get extra superior options
- Customization is difficult
Notion Pricing
- Private Professional Plan: $10/month, billed month-to-month
- Staff Plan: $12/month, billed month-to-month
- Enterprise: contact gross sales
5. Monday.com
Monday is a Microsoft Challenge various that’s enjoyable to make use of, which makes it almost the polar reverse of Microsoft Challenge. Monday is a venture administration software program that doesn’t really feel like a venture administration software program. It’s straightforward to begin customizing workflows, and it has automation to maintain customers aligned and up to date on due dates. Agile customers will love the kanban boards for activity administration and the customized dashboard that tracks progress in actual time.
Associated: Greatest Monday.com Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
If all this feels like a great MS Challenge various and also you wish to test it out, you’ll solely have two weeks to mess around with the trial model or use the free version, which is proscribed to 2 customers. That’s probably not sufficient time to get a deal with on an app. Extra a group of custom-made spreadsheets than venture administration software program, Monday may fall wanting your administration wants. For instance, there’s no Gantt chart. The timeline they provide is a light-weight try to match the ability of the Gantt. There aren’t any dependencies, for one, which is bound to trigger complications as you execute your venture. However when you’re in search of easy MS Challenge alternate options, this could possibly be it.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Ease of Use
Monday.com Execs & Key Options
- Perfect for newbie venture managers and crew leaders throughout industries
- Simple-to-use crew collaboration options
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
- Free trial
Monday.com Cons & Limitations
- Its characteristic set isn’t sturdy sufficient for venture, program or venture portfolio administration
- Challenge experiences and dashboards are restricted in comparison with Microsoft Challenge
- Restricted venture planning options, extra geared in direction of activity and workflow administration
Monday.com Pricing
- Fundamental: $8/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Normal: $10/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Professional: $16/consumer/month, billed yearly
- 3-seat minimal
Monday.com Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.7/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.6/5
6. Asana
Asana is a good Microsoft Challenge various that organizes work throughout all of your groups and makes certain everyone seems to be all the time productive. It’s extremely collaborative and tracks duties and workflows, which makes it a perfect instrument for activity administration. It’s versatile in that regard, and it has a few of the finest communication instruments on this record, together with video messaging that may be shared with the crew. There are additionally a number of venture views, together with kanban boards, lists and calendars.
Associated: Asana vs. Microsoft Challenge: In-Depth Comparability
However, even with all its options and integrations, it nonetheless doesn’t imply Asana is a completely geared up Microsoft Challenge various. There are huge holes within the platform. For instance, there aren’t any useful resource administration instruments, no budgeting and expense monitoring and different issues that venture managers have come to count on in venture administration software program. Tasks that contain lots of design work aren’t going to be joyful you could’t markup or proof visuals. However many might be received over by the design and suppleness when in search of Microsoft Challenge alternate options.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Job Administration
Asana Execs & Key Options
- Pleasant consumer interface and easy-to-use instruments
- Perfect for crew collaboration
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
- Microsoft venture various with a free plan
- Free trial
Asana Cons & Limitations
- Its timeline view mimics a Gantt chart however lacks price administration and useful resource monitoring options
- Restricted venture administration instruments in comparison with Microsoft Challenge
- Overly simplistic options fall wanting venture planning, scheduling and monitoring
Asana Pricing
- Premium plan: $10.99/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Marketing strategy: $24.99/consumer/month, billed yearly
Asana Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.3/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.5/5
7. Jira
Jira is a Microsoft Challenge various used for venture administration and problem monitoring. It’s largely utilized in software program growth however can match into different varieties of tasks. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparability with MS Challenge, however has related capabilities, akin to activity monitoring, workflow administration and venture planning. It may be custom-made and built-in with different instruments and companies. It’s particularly helpful for groups working in an agile surroundings. It additionally has sturdy reporting and dashboards.
This Microsoft Challenge various isn’t supreme for tasks run in a waterfall methodology. That’s as a result of there aren’t any Gantt charts, that are the instrument of selection for conventional venture administration. The interface and lots of of its options, such because the kanban, aren’t straightforward to make use of. Value may also be a problem if there are going to be a number of crew members licensed to the product. Customers have reported some efficiency points, as properly, when managing massive tasks. That may negatively impression productiveness.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Software program Growth
Jira Execs & Key Options
- Good for monitoring points
- Plugins out there on market
- Cell app out there for Android and iOS
- 7-day free trial
Jira Cons & Limitations
- Doesn’t have Gantt charts which is an enormous drawback in comparison with different MS Challenge alternate options
- Person interface is difficult to navigate, kanban boards aren’t straightforward to make use of
- The characteristic set is designed for agile software program growth groups, so it’s not a terrific match for groups utilizing different venture administration methodologies
Jira Pricing
- Normal: $7.75 per consumer
- Premium: $15.25 per consumer
- Enterprise: Contact gross sales
Jira Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.3
- Capterra assessment: 4.5
8. Microsoft Planner
Should you love Microsoft software program however really feel that Microsoft Challenge is an excessive amount of for you, then strive Microsoft Planner. Manifestly there aren’t any Gantt charts, but when that’s not a problem, then this is likely to be price a strive. This Microsoft Challenge various is a light-weight activity administration instrument that focuses on kanban boards and activity lists. And to assist grease the wheels of collaboration, there are e mail notifications and calendars for people who want a piece administration answer.
Associated: Greatest Microsoft Planner Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
Nonetheless, it’s a restricted instrument in comparison with Microsoft Challenge, and also you’re actually not going to get the planning and scheduling options of MS Challenge, a lot much less its useful resource administration and portfolio administration options. However, when you simply want a web-based area to handle duties together with your crew and you reside within the Microsoft universe, strive Microsoft Planner as an alternative.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Microsoft Followers
Microsoft Planner Execs & Key Options
- Easy crew collaboration instruments for efficient communication
- Fundamental activity administration options, straightforward to know by most customers
- Cell app out there for Android and iOS
- Free trial
Microsoft Planner Cons & Limitations
- Doesn’t supply Gantt charts, solely kanban boards and activity lists
- No workflow automation options
- Restricted venture administration characteristic set
Microsoft Planner Pricing
- Microsoft 365 Enterprise Normal: $12.50 consumer/month
- Microsoft 365 Enterprise Premium: $22.00 consumer/month
Microsoft Planner Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.2/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.3/5
9. Basecamp
Basecamp is a Microsoft Challenge various that has crew collaboration and is easy to make use of, two advantages that the notoriously uncollaborative and tough MS Challenge can’t contact. Groups in search of a extra simple and user-friendly answer to Microsoft Challenge might be drawn to this Microsoft Challenge various. It has activity administration options and communication instruments, akin to message boards, crew chat and computerized check-ins. It creates a centralized hub for venture collaboration.
Associated: Greatest Basecamp Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
Nonetheless, it falls wanting being a holistic venture administration instrument. That’s as a result of it lacks Gantt charts and useful resource administration options and may’t deal with advanced dependencies. This Microsoft Challenge various isn’t suited to tasks with detailed scheduling and useful resource planning. Reporting is proscribed, which reduces the analytic capabilities that assist information venture managers of their decision-making.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Managing On a regular basis Work
Basecamp Execs & Key Options
- Easy instruments for assigning, scheduling and monitoring duties
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
- No consumer limits for Professional Limitless
- Collaborative
Basecamp Cons & Limitations
- Overly primary activity administration instruments and options
- Lack of useful resource planning and administration options
- No Gantt charts
- Restricted superior venture administration options, akin to reporting
- No time monitoring
Basecamp Pricing
- Basecamp: $15 consumer/month
- Professional Limitless: $299/month, limitless customers
Basecamp Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.1
- Capterra assessment: 4.4
10. Airtable
Airtable is a cloud-based Microsoft Challenge various that mixes parts of a spreadsheet with the performance of a database. Person-friendly and customizable, customers can handle tasks throughout a number of views, akin to grid, calendar, kanban and gallery. These already accustomed to spreadsheets will discover adapting to this instrument straightforward, there are a number of pre-built templates for venture administration, content material planning and CRM to assist get groups began. It’s additionally collaborative, has automation for repetitive duties and a cell app for iOS and Android.
Whereas there are a number of venture views, there is no such thing as a Gantt chart, which is a foundational venture planning and scheduling instrument, on any however the top-tier subscription accounts. In truth, its scheduling instruments are usually restricted. Regardless that it has some automation, this, too, is proscribed and may require third-party apps. Even its activity administration is problematic as organising duties and subtasks may be difficult. The Microsoft Challenge various additionally lacks useful resource leveling and may hyperlink all dependencies, which may create pricey delays, and detailed reporting options. This instrument merely isn’t appropriate for big tasks and those that do strive it is going to discover the fee prohibitively costly.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Constructing Apps
Airtable Execs & Key Options
- Person-friendly interface
- Actual-time collaboration
- Report linking
- Pre-built templates
- A number of views: grid, kanban, calendar, gallery
Airtable Cons & Limitations
- Costly per-user pricing
- Information entry limitations
- Storage constraints
- Restricted customization
- Lack of scalability
Airtable Pricing
- Staff: $20 per seat/month-to-month (billed yearly)
- Enterprise: $45 per seat/month-to-month (billed yearly)
- Enterprise: contact gross sales
Airtable Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.6
- Capterra assessment: 4.7
11. Primavera P6
Primavera P6 is venture administration software program developed by Oracle and used for enterprise portfolio administration. It’s a Microsoft Challenge various that’s finest suited to large-scale and sophisticated tasks, typically present in building, engineering and manufacturing. It’s helpful for tasks that require in depth scheduling, useful resource administration and detailed reporting. When it comes to scheduling, there are Gantt charts, vital path evaluation and extra. For useful resource administration, the software program presents useful resource leveling, allocation and value administration.
The difficulty with this Microsoft Challenge various is that it’s difficult and has a steep studying curve, particularly for brand spanking new customers. Be ready to dedicate time for vital coaching earlier than doing any venture work. On prime of this, the worth of entry is excessive. This Microsoft Challenge various is costlier than most venture administration software program when additional licenses and implementation are required. It’s additionally resource-intensive. Anticipate substantial computing sources and infrastructure to assist it, plus upkeep.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Companies
Primavera Key Options & Advantages:
- Gives specialised options for enterprise venture portfolio administration
- On-premise and on-line venture administration software program options
- Has a web-based model, Oracle Primavera Cloud
- Cell app for Android and iOS
Primavera Cons & Limitations:
- There’s no buyer assist from Oracle
- Person interface feels outdated in comparison with most venture administration software program on this record
- The software program is advanced and laborious to make use of
- It’s tough to search out product documentation on-line
- Very costly venture administration answer for small groups
Primavera Pricing
It’s possible you’ll purchase a desktop license or pay a month-to-month subscription for the web service for any of those and different variations of Primavera.
- Primavera P6 Enterprise Challenge Portfolio Administration: $2,750
- Primavera P6 Progress Reporter: $950
- Primavera P6 Skilled Challenge Administration: $2,500
Primavera Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.4
- Capterra assessment: 4.3
12. Procore
Procore is a Microsoft Challenge various that’s utilized in bigger building tasks. It’s not a direct alternative for MS Challenge, because it’s centered on building venture administration. Nonetheless, it does have sturdy instruments for managing venture timelines, duties and documentation, together with scheduling, budgeting and useful resource administration. Actual-time collaboration retains communication between normal contractors, subcontractors and stakeholders, which reduces dangers of misunderstandings and delays. There’s additionally a cell app and integration with third-party instruments.
Associated: Greatest Procore Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
Whereas the Microsoft Challenge various has Gantt charts and venture calendars, these are the one scheduling instruments out there. Customers may count on extra views, contemplating the excessive price of the product, which solely will increase when extra customers are added. Evidently, this isn’t the software program one goes to decide on to run tasks outdoors of building. It’s merely designed for building venture administration and little else. Like different difficult software program merchandise, this has a steep studying curve. Smaller tasks, even small building tasks, aren’t going to be applicable for this software program. It will be overkill. One motive is that the setup and integration of Procore with present methods is time-consuming and sophisticated.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Giant Tasks
Procore Execs & Key Options
- Greatest for big tasks
- Doc administration options for building administration
- Challenge price monitoring and budgeting instruments
- Time monitoring options for managing the development web site
- Compatibility with Microsoft Challenge and Primavera P6
- Cell app for Android and iOS
Procore Cons & Limitations
- Procore solely presents two venture scheduling views, Gantt charts and venture calendars
- Complicated building scheduling instrument with a steep studying curve
- Restricted useful resource planning instruments for managing useful resource allocation
- Gantt charts don’t observe activity prices
Procore Pricing
- Procore requires a customized quote
Procore Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.6
- Capterra assessment: 4.5
13. Paymo
Paymo is complete venture administration software program with time monitoring and invoicing capabilities so enterprise homeowners and venture managers can observe venture success. Its computerized time tracker makes Paymo a troublesome contender within the venture administration ring.
Job administration is simple, with a number of assignees, priorities, customizable statuses, and venture views together with record, desk, kanban, calendar and Gantt. There’s additionally an additional meta-Kanban view for a chook’s-eye view of your crew’s duties. This MS various is a good PM instrument, but it surely has its limitations with third-party purposes and may be advanced and tough to make use of.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Challenge and Time Monitoring
Paymo Execs & Key Options
- A number of venture administration views akin to Gantt charts, activity lists and kanban boards
- Good match for small companies due to its invoicing and fee processing options
- Cell app for Android and iOS
- MS Challenge various with a free plan
- Free trial
- Cell venture administration for Android and iOS
Paymo Cons & Limitations
- Restricted venture monitoring and reporting options in comparison with Microsoft Challenge
- Challenge information can solely be exported as PDF or PNG, which makes it tough to export them to different platforms
- No workflow automation instruments
Paymo Pricing
- Starter plan: $5.9/consumer/month paid yearly
- Small Workplace plan: $10.9/consumer/month paid yearly
- Marketing strategy: $16.9/consumer/month paid yearly
Paymo Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.6 / 5
- Capterra assessment: 4.8 / 5
14. ClickUp
ClickUp is a venture administration platform for groups throughout industries akin to advertising and marketing, product planning and software program growth. It presents related options to Microsoft Challenge, together with Gantt charts, kanban boards, activity lists and dashboards. Moreover, ClickUp presents doc enhancing, instantaneous messaging and e mail administration instruments. One of many principal benefits of this software program is the number of integrations with third-party software program, which permits customers to customise the software program to suit their wants.
Associated: Greatest ClickUp Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
Nonetheless, in contrast to Microsoft Challenge, ClickUp wasn’t solely designed for venture administration. Consequently, a few of its options are restricted. For instance, ClickUp’s Gantt charts don’t let you observe venture prices or the share full of every activity, they usually don’t observe the 4 varieties of dependencies which can be utilized in venture administration. So whereas ClickUp it’s a flexible instrument that may make it easier to handle duties, groups and workflows, it may not be the very best Microsoft Challenge various.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Staff Productiveness
ClickUp Execs & Key Options
- A number of crew collaboration instruments, together with a built-in e mail answer
- Versatile for groups throughout industries
- Kanban boards and dashboards are a great match for scrum and agile groups
- Cell venture planning app for Android and iOS
ClickUp Cons & Limitations
- Characteristic selection is usually overwhelming for many customers, particularly when organising the software program and onboarding crew members
- Challenge administration instruments lack necessary options that Microsoft Challenge has
- Information may be solely be exported in PDF format
- Lacking venture experiences
- No free trial
ClickUp Pricing
- Limitless: $5/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Enterprise: $12/consumer/month, billed yearly
ClickUp Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.7/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.7/5
15. GanttPRO
Should you’re a small crew in want of a Microsoft Challenge various with Gantt charts, GanttPRO could also be best for you. Like Microsoft Challenge, its major characteristic is the Gantt chart, and also you’ll discover that it’s pretty sturdy with regards to planning and scheduling. And, when in comparison with Microsoft Challenge, it’s fairly straightforward to make use of. Plus, there’s a kanban board characteristic for many who aren’t snug utilizing the Gantt.
Nonetheless, the Gantt is about all it does properly. With regards to monitoring and reporting, it falls behind the pack. Moreover, if it is advisable do billing or invoicing, you’ll should depend on integrations to get it completed. Unforutnately, its integrations aren’t very sturdy both, so chances are you’ll end up utilizing different instruments along with this Gantt-heavy Microsoft Challenge various.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various with a Gantt for Small Groups
GanttPRO Execs & Key Options
- Information may be downloaded in quite a lot of codecs
- Simple to view, share and edit information in different software program
- Value and finances monitoring options
- Has a free 14-day free trial
- Has a cell app out there on iOS and Android
GanttPRO Cons & Limitations
- No timesheets, however there are time monitoring options
- Restricted venture reporting options, no venture well being experiences
- Few of integrations
- No free plan
GanttPRO Pricing
- Fundamental: $7.99/consumer/month
- Professional: $12.99/consumer/month
- Enterprise: $19.99/consumer/month
- Enterprise: Contact gross sales
GanttPRO Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.8/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.7/5
16. Trello
Trello is a instrument that manages tasks and helps groups collaborate. This software program makes use of a kanban board interface that permits customers to visualise their workflow. It supplies transparency and fosters collaboration. It has real-time updates, which is a plus and has straightforward onboarding for groups. It’s a enjoyable and easy-to-use MS Challenge various, which is why it made it quantity 5 on our record.
Associated: Greatest Trello Alternate options: Free & Paid Choices Ranked
However, as a fully-fledged Microsoft Challenge various, Trello falls brief. It has a venture bar chart as an alternative of a Gantt. Whereas that characteristic may attempt to mimic the usefulness of a Gantt it doesn’t set a baseline to trace your precise progress in opposition to your deliberate effort, there aren’t any inter-project dependencies and it will possibly’t filter for the vital path in your schedule. Because it’s not the very best venture administration software program, Trello is really useful just for primary venture administration options.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Kanban Boards
Trello Execs & Key Options
- Mac-friendly
- Works for agile and scrum groups
- Large number of integrations
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
- Microsoft Challenge various with a free plan
- Free trial
Trello Cons & Limitations
- Restricted characteristic set in comparison with most Microsoft Challenge Alternate options
- Lack of venture administration instruments, solely presents kanban boards and venture calendars
- Most customers have to buy add-ons and integrations to get venture administration instruments which can be included in Microsoft Challenge
- Not appropriate for venture administration workplaces (PMOs) or venture portfolio administration
Trello Pricing
- Normal: $5/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Premium: $10/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Enterprise: $17.50/consumer/month, billed yearly
Trello Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.4/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.5/5
17. Zoho Tasks
Zoho Tasks is a Microsoft Challenge various with kanban boards that set up duties, a social feed that captures updates on these duties and boards for lengthier discussions. It connects groups to foster productiveness and even has a timesheet characteristic for managers to see how a lot time every crew member spends on their duties. It presents problem monitoring and a Gantt venture view.
What it lacks as an MS Challenge various are useful resource administration instruments and reporting. In a way, a supervisor is flying blind if they will’t generate standing experiences after which reallocate sources to maintain their groups working at capability. There’s additionally no operate for managing a couple of venture at a time, leaving the instrument restricted in what it will possibly do for customers.
Verdict: Greatest Low-cost Microsoft Challenge Various
Zoho Tasks Execs & Key Options
- Good match for primary venture administration
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
- Free trial
- Free plan out there
Zoho Tasks Cons & Limitations
- Person interface could possibly be improved for higher navigability
- Gantt chart venture monitoring options are restricted in comparison with Microsoft Challenge
- Lack of useful resource administration options
- Arduous to combine with
Zoho Tasks Pricing
- Premium: $4/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Enterprise: $9/consumer/month, billed yearly
Zoho Tasks Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.3/5
- Capterra assessment: 4.4/5
18. Teamwork
Teamwork is an easy-to-use Microsoft Challenge various. It organizes duties and subtasks, labeling priorities and figuring out dependencies to keep away from bottlenecks. There are messages on the activity stage to attach groups as they work on their duties and time monitoring for managers to watch progress. Like many Microsoft Challenge alternate options, it additionally incorporates a Gantt chart view.
There’s a free model that has restricted options. Reviewing all these apps exhibits the shortcomings of MS Challenge with regards to teamwork, therefore the title of this product. Nonetheless, the instrument isn’t nice for each kind of collaboration. For instance, you may’t mark up information, which is an issue if groups are engaged on visible supplies. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless miles forward of MS Challenge and different Microsoft venture administration software program.
Verdict: Greatest Microsoft Challenge Various for Staff Collaboration
Teamwork Execs & Key Options
- Nice for primary activity administration
- Timesheet and invoicing options
- Free trial
- Cell venture administration app for Android and iOS
Teamwork Cons
- Gantt chart options are good for primary activity administration however not supreme for venture administration
- Restricted venture reporting instruments
- Designed for skilled service suppliers, which is a drawback when in comparison with versatile Microsoft Challenge alternate options
- Paid variations have a 3-user minimal
Teamwork Pricing
- Starter $5.99/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Ship $9.99/consumer/month, billed yearly
- Develop $19.99/consumer/month, billed yearly
Teamwork Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.4 / 5
- Capterra assessment: 4.4 / 5
19. GanttProject
GanttProject has one big benefit over MS Challenge and even many of the Microsoft Challenge alternate options—it’s free. Gantt charts are the heavy lifters in venture administration and a free one is bound to be engaging. Particularly one which’s straightforward to make use of and that may export paperwork to MS Challenge. Which means this might show a significant asset to MS Challenge customers.
That can be its deterrent. You’re nonetheless wedded to MS Challenge. Although, maybe you’d use GanttProject all by itself to handle your venture. In any case, Gantt charts are nice instruments. The issue is that this Gantt is proscribed in what it will possibly do. For this free MS Challenge various, you’re going to have to make use of a collection of different apps to get the venture administration options that MS Challenge presents.
Verdict: Greatest Free Microsoft Challenge Various for Gantt Charts
GanttProject Execs & Key Options
- Open supply Microsoft Challenge Various
- Simple-to-use Gantt chart
- Good for venture planning
- Free plan
GanttProject Cons & Limitations
- Has a really restricted characteristic set in comparison with most Microsoft Challenge alternate options on this record
- Lacks many venture administration options akin to dashboards, kanban boards, workload charts, amongst others
- It’s a desktop-based software program
- No cell app
GanttProject Pricing
- Free downloadable software program
GanttProject Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.5 / 5
- Capterra assessment: 4.5 / 5
20. ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is a free venture administration software program that gives easy venture administration instruments akin to activity lists, Gantt charts, venture dashboards and useful resource administration spreadsheets. A few of its key options embrace work breakdown construction (WBS) charts, useful resource histograms and community diagrams. It’s a downloadable open-source software program that works on Home windows, Mac and Linux computer systems, and it’s out there in over 20 languages. One in every of its key benefits is that it may be used to view and edit Microsoft Challenge information with no Microsoft Challenge license.
Nonetheless, whereas ProjectLibre promotes itself as the very best Microsoft Challenge various, it lacks lots of the instruments that Microsoft Challenge presents akin to timesheets, kanban boards or venture administration experiences. On prime of that, its venture administration options are restricted and its consumer interface is outdated in comparison with the overwhelming majority of Microsoft Challenge alternate options.
Verdict: Greatest Open-source Microsoft Challenge Various
ProjectLibre & Key Options
- Out there in over 20 completely different languages
- Works on Mac computer systems
- Free plan
ProjectLibre Cons & Limitations
- Outdated consumer interface makes it laborious to make use of and navigate the software program
- Very restricted characteristic set in comparison with Microsoft Challenge and most Microsoft Challenge alternate options on this record
- Restricted spreadsheet-based useful resource planning instruments
- Desktop-based software program
ProjectLibre Pricing
- Important: $45 per 30 days, flat pricing
- Final Management: $89 per 30 days, flat pricing
GanttProject Evaluations
- G2 assessment: 4.5 / 5
- Capterra assessment: 4.5 / 5
Which MS Challenge Various Is Proper For You?
There are lots of MS Challenge alternate options on the market and for good motive. Microsoft has clunky, costly and hard-to-use venture administration software program. Whereas it is likely to be the default for a lot of organizations, you don’t wish to observe the group. Get a extra nimble instrument, one which’s simpler to make use of, cheaper and fosters reside collaboration.
Associated Content material
ProjectManager is award-winning software program that organizes duties, groups and tasks. It’s the very best Microsoft various, with all of the options and not one of the frustration. You should use it to import and export MS Challenge information or higher but, abandon the costly instrument and subscribe to ours with a number of fee tiers. Attempt it free right now.