Businesses looking to improve their processes and get organized have many choices, with a proliferation of project management platforms available. It’s common to try a handful of platforms before you find one that truly works for your team and the type of work you do. If you’re currently using, or investigating, programs like Asana and are exploring alternatives, this blog post is for you!
We’ve put together a list of 21 Asana alternatives, along with their best uses, key features, pros, cons, and pricing.
21 Best Asana Alternatives (Free & Paid) for 2021
Included in our list of 21 Asana alternatives are apps like Asana, full-featured software platforms, and entirely cloud-based systems. Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates these 21 Asana competitors:
- Ziflow
- Toggl Plan
- Trello
- monday.com
- Wrike
- ClickUp
- Sendtask
- Teamwork
- ActiveCollab
- Nifty
- Airtable
- Quire
- Process Street
- ProjectManager.com
- Jira
- Basecamp
- Any.do
- Scoro
- MeisterTask
- Notion
- Plutio
Ziflow
Source: Ziflow
Best for: Managing creative content review and approval
Ziflow is an online proofing software used by some of the world’s largest brands, including Toyota, Amazon AWS, and Weber. The platform helps creative teams collaborate, communicate with clients, get specific feedback, and streamline creative operations. With support for more than 1,200 media types, and the ability to add outside users to projects, creative teams can keep all client feedback within the platform and avoid lengthy email chains.
Teams and clients can see the status of every shared deliverable and get alerts when action is required. Creatives and project managers don’t have to waste time chasing down clients for approvals — Ziflow’s automation features let users set due dates that trigger notifications when a task or action is past-due. Ziflow also integrates directly with Asana for combined project management and online proofing in one place.
Ziflow not only streamlines the entire creative review and approval process, but also supports marketing and brand compliance.
Key features
- Proofing for text, audio, video, and 1,200+ other media types
- Robust markup tools including annotations and multilingual commenting
- Version comparisons
- Real-time in-app chat windows with file-sharing functionality
- Adjustable user permissions
- Video-proofing markup features
- Creative workflow automation
- Audit trails to ensure marketing compliance
- Track review progress
- Ziflow Insights analyzes productivity trends
- SOCII accreditation
Pros
Great for streamlining the entire review and approval process, and for reducing compliance risks. Reduces the number of revisions needed to complete creative assets.
Cons
Doesn't provide broader project management capabilities, but integrates with monday.com, Asana, Jira, and other popular project management platforms.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $9 per user/month to $45 per user/month, with enterprise-level pricing available upon request.
Toggl Plan
Source: Toggl Plan
Best for: Organizing marketing campaigns
Toggl Plan helps marketing teams track all of the pieces of their campaigns. Users can color-code tasks in a calendar view, which makes it easy to see the progress of more complex tasks that require copywriting, design, and development. And integration with Google Calendar lets Toggl Plan show when team members are unavailable.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop task reassignment
- In-task communication
- Week, month, quarter, or annual calendar views
- Project milestones
- Kanban boards
Pros
Has a straightforward user interface, which means teams can start using it without the need for training. Works well for planning timelines.
Cons
Lacks the functionality creative teams need to gather specific and actionable feedback on deliverables. Limited range of file types.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $8 per user/month to $13.35 per user/month, with enterprise-level pricing available upon request. A free plan is available for individual users.
Trello
Source: Trello
Best for: Simple task management
Trello is one of a handful of project management apps from Atlassian. Trello’s interface is based on task lists and project boards that can be color-coded, so it’s a platform that appeals to visual learners.
Key features
- Unlimited cards & members
- Integrated map feature
- User access controls
- Kanban boards
- Unlimited activity log
Pros
Free version for small teams offers a good amount of features. Mobile apps are included with all versions.
Cons
Some basic functions found in other Asana alternatives are available only with “Power-Ups” (apps in the Atlassian store).
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $8 per user/month to $13.35 per user/month, with enterprise-level pricing available upon request. A free plan is available for individual users.
monday.com
Source: monday.com
Best for: General project management
monday.com is a feature-rich platform that large teams can use to simplify workflows. It’s specifically useful for dev teams and includes an easy bug-reporting feature that helps non-developers easily explain a newly discovered bug.
Key features
- iOS and Android apps
- Multiple workflow templates
- Gantt charts
- Kanban boards
- 20+ column types
Pros
Fully extensible, with a wide range of apps and integrations.
Cons
Time-tracking, task dependencies, and timeline views are available only in higher-tier versions. Interface is not as intuitive as some platforms from other Asana competitors.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $8 per user/month to $16 per user/month, with enterprise-level pricing available upon request. A free plan is available for teams of up to two people.
Wrike
Source: Wrike
Best for: Project revenue management
Wrike’s revenue management view lets users see actual, planned, and at-risk revenue in a single window. This platform also works well for ticket-tracking, setting up task dependencies, and customizing workflows.
Key features
- Templates for incoming requests
- Kanban boards & Gantt charts
- Cloud-based storage
- Team calendar-sync
- Time-tracking
Pros
Versatile platform for multi-department teams. Several types of reports available.
Cons
Confusing pricing structure. Difficult to determine the differences between software versions. Use is not automatically standardized — admins must establish rules for how to work within the platform.
Pricing:
Pricing listed for two plans is $9.80 per user/month and $24.80 per user/month. Wrike appears to offer at least four other plans, plus an enterprise version and a la carte features, but pricing for these options is not included on its site.
ClickUp
Source: ClickUp
Best for: Remote team project management
ClickUp’s features work well for teams in which many or all members are working remotely. Users can see in real-time anyone who is working in, commenting on, or editing a document. Teams can also create internal and external knowledge bases that contain deliverables, supporting materials, video, and brand guidelines. The “Activity View” feature lets users see all activity that’s occurring within a specific project or task, or in the entire workspace.
Key features
- Subtasks and task dependencies
- Workload chart
- Recurring tasks
- Bulk rescheduling
- Webhooks
Pros
Can be adapted for multiple types of teams and projects. Integrates well with other platforms.
Cons
Free version doesn’t allow custom permissions for guest users. Custom roles and permissions available only in the enterprise version.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $5 per user/month to $8 per user/month, with enterprise-level pricing available upon request. A free plan is available for teams of up to five people.
Sendtask
Source: Sendtask
Best for: Short-term projects
Sendtask is a simple app-based project management tool that allows users to invite outside guests without creating an account. Hashtags make it easy to find tasks and projects, and the Slack integration lets users create and assign tasks from Slack.
Key features
- Unlimited users
- Contact import
- Reminders
- Activity log
- Comment formatting
- Filtered views
Pros
Simple platform for internal and client communication.
Cons
Few integrations. No Gantt chart view, and no Android app.
Pricing:
Sendtask is still in beta and is free to use.
Teamwork
Source: Teamwork
Best for: Companies anticipating rapid growth
Teamwork offers an intuitive UX and basic project management features, with add-ons that can help companies scale the platform into a full-fledged CRM system. All versions offer Gantt chart views and Zapier integration.
Key features
- Multiple integrations
- Unlimited free client users
- Invoicing
- Time-tracking
- Resource scheduling
Pros
Paid versions offer robust features for budget tracking and forecasting, as well as status monitors for projects and tasks.
Cons
Some features that are standard in other Asana alternatives are available only as paid add-ons for Teamwork (pricing unknown).
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $10 per user/month to $18 per user/month, with enterprise-level pricing available upon request. A free plan is available for small teams.
ActiveCollab
Source: ActiveCollab
Best for: Agencies with multiple ongoing service agreements
ActiveCollab includes features that let users duplicate projects and tasks, set recurring tasks, and view each team member’s workload by client. Gmail integration enables clients and team members to respond to notifications and questions from their inbox without accessing ActiveCollab.
Key features
- User tagging
- Custom permissions
- CSV task export
- File-sharing
- Custom task list names
Pros
Full-featured paid versions offer multiple ways to view tasks, projects, and timelines.
Cons
Not as user-friendly as some other Asana competitors. Time-tracking available only as an add-on.
Pricing:
Pricing is $7.50 per user/month (for up to three members), and $6.25 per user/month for larger teams. Invoicing and budget tracking are available as paid add-ons.
Nifty
Source: Nifty
Best for: Teams transferring from other platforms
Nifty boldly positions its platform as a direct Asana competitor, with a comparison of the two platform’s features. It’s worth noting that Nifty doesn’t offer a free version, while Asana does — that information isn’t included in the feature-to-feature comparison. One of Nifty’s primary value propositions is that it allows teams to easily move all of their projects, tasks, and users into its platform from other platforms.
Key features
- Unlimited guests and clients
- Budget-tracking
- Time-tracking
- Team chats
- Task dependencies
Pros
Most features available in all versions.
Cons
No free version. Limited storage space for bottom two tiers.
Pricing:
Pricing is a flat rate monthly, from $39 for the basic version to $399 for the enterprise version. The bottom two tiers can add workload views for an additional $20 monthly.
Airtable
Source: Airtable
Best for: Operations
Airtable is a hybrid database/spreadsheet platform loaded with features that can help operations managers, bookkeepers, and HR professionals manage tasks and projects. With templates for inventory management, vendor management, contract management, and goal-tracking, Airtable is a plug-and-play platform for people who oversee those functions.
Key features
- Kanban boards
- Native apps for web, desktop, iOS and Android
- Real-time commenting
- Custom workflows
- Multiple view types
Pros
Can eliminate the need for Excel and Google Sheets. Offers SAML-based single sign-on for enterprise customers.
Cons
Complex platform with steep learning curve.
Pricing:
Pricing is $10 per user/month to $20 per user/month, with enterprise pricing available upon request. A free version with limited functions is available for small teams.
Quire
Source: Quire
Best for: Teams with fewer than 30 members
Like Nifty, Quire is one of the Asana alternatives that promotes its ability to migrate entire workflows from other platforms. Busy teams juggling hundreds of tasks will appreciate Quire’s “Peekaboo” feature that tucks away non-actionable tasks and reduces visual clutter in task management views.
Key features
- Custom roles and permissions
- Real-time collaboration
- Batch operations
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Siri and Google Assistant integration
- Zapier integration
Pros
SSL/TLS protocol for secure communication, and AWS data storage.
Cons
No enterprise version or dedicated CSMs.
Pricing:
Quire has not released a pricing plan but assures current users (with up to 35 organizations, 80 projects, and 30 members) that whatever plan they’re using will always be free.
Process Street
Source: Process Street
Best for: Creating processes
Process Street is ideal for companies that have grown faster than their own processes. With the tools in this platform, users can create workflows, guidelines, checklists, and processes to help teams get organized and increase efficiency. The template library reduces the work involved in setting up processes, with templates and checklists for website launches, podcast publishing, and more.
Key features
- Unlimited workflows
- 1,000+ integrations
- Conditional logic
- Custom permissions
- Approval workflows
Pros
Rich media integration for files, including video and audio.
Cons
Permissions/sharing options are not intuitive. Steep learning curve for clients that are not tech-savvy.
Pricing:
Pricing is $12.50 per user/month to $25 per user/month, with enterprise pricing available upon request.
ProjectManager.com
Source: ProjectManager.com
Best for: IT service companies
Established in 2008 and launched in 2010, ProjectManager.com has had years to refine its product. Compared to many Asana alternatives, it has an impressive number of integrations, as well as an API site developers can use to build custom integrations. It also has heightened security protocols, which makes it a good platform for IT companies that are managing client websites.
Key features
- Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) charts
- Gantt charts
- 256bit SSL data encryption
- HIPAA capable
- Timesheets
- Kanban boards
Pros
Good interface for developers, IT professionals, and technical product managers.
Cons
Not ideal for creative assets. No approval functionality or workflow.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $15 per user/month to $25 per user/month, with enterprise pricing available upon request.
Jira
Source: Jira
Best for: Software development teams
Jira, from Atlassian, can work for small teams, but its best application is for large firms. Its enterprise version allows an unlimited number of instances, 24/7 support, unlimited storage, and global automation.
Key features:
- Kanban & scrum boards
- Customizable workflows
- Session duration management
- Burnup charts
- Custom automation rules
Pros
Feature-rich platform for collaboration across multiple teams.
Cons
No Gantt chart view. Requires training/time to learn. No plans available for mid-size companies.
Pricing:
Annual pricing for teams of 801-1,000 ranges from $53,500 to $122,250. The free version is for 10 users or fewer.
Basecamp
Source: Basecamp
Best for: Entirely remote teams and clients
Basecamp’s team has been fully remote for 20 years, and their platform is designed for teams just like theirs. With helpful features like self-serve document access for clients, and automatic notifications for task due dates and approvals, Basecamp is effectively working for companies at any hour of the day.
Key features
- Unlimited projects and users
- Project templates
- Team project spaces
- Real-time chat
- Automatic check-ins
Pros
Multiple automated features. Work-life balance options for muting notifications during certain times of day or days of the week.
Cons
No ability to bulk-assign multiple tasks within a template to the same user. Can be time-consuming to manage user permissions as more people join projects.
Pricing:
Basecamp has just two versions: a free one, and a business version that’s a flat $99 per month.
Any.do
Source: Any.do
Best for: Sole proprietors/contractors
Any.do is a basic, free task management platform that integrates with mobile and wearable tech, as well as virtual assistants. Its blend of work-related features, its “Grocery List” function, and an everyday planner and calendar makes it a good platform for one-person operations. With Any.do, it’s easy to pivot between personal and professional tasks. The “Teams” version is more robust and includes the features listed below.
Key features
- Kanban boards
- 2,000+ integrations
- Real-time sync across all platforms
- Activity stream
- Recurring tasks
Pros
Simple user interface. Seamless operation across multiple devices.
Cons
Not currently compatible with Firefox. No approval workflow.
Pricing:
$2.99 per month to $5.99 per month, based on monthly, bi-yearly, or annual billing.
Scoro
Source: Scoro
Best for: Combining project management and CRM tasks
Scoro is a scalable project management tool with an available work hub and sales hub. Most versions allow for users to select multiple assignees for tasks, and with the timesheet view, changes to tasks can automatically populate timesheets. Scoro also includes finance and budget management features.
Key features
- Google, Outlook, and Apple calendar integration
- Analytics & reporting
- Time-tracking & timesheets
- Contact lists and demographics
- Timeline views
Pros
Users can keep all client work in a single platform — proposals, agreements, billing, content, workflows, etc.
Cons
Costly onboarding — from $899 for the standard version. Free self-service onboarding available only for teams of nine or fewer.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $26 to $49 per month, with enterprise pricing available upon request. Some features are available for a la carte pricing of $5.50 per user.
MeisterTask
Source: MeisterTask
Best for: Compliance reporting
MeisterTask is available in four versions, and the top two tiers have an array of features for security, compliance, and reporting.
Key features
- Time-tracking
- Export to CSV
- Mobile and desktop apps
- Unlimited projects (paid versions)
- Tasks from emails
- REST API
Pros
Multiple integrations and simple user interface.
Cons
Free version may not be not robust enough for small companies.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $8.25 per month to $20.75 per month, with enterprise pricing available upon request. A free version is available for managing up to three projects.
Notion
Source: Notion
Best for: Formatting task content
This is one of the more affordable Asana alternatives (with a free version for students). Notion offers 40 content block types with formatting options, and tasks support the attachment of video, audio, code, and other file types.
Key features
- Mobile and desktop apps
- Kanban boards
- Bulk export
- Team Wikis
- Calendar and list views
Pros
Simple interface lets users quickly start planning projects.
Cons
No creative approval process.
Pricing:
The student and personal versions are free. Personal plus is $4 per month, and the team version is $8 per user/per month. Enterprise pricing is available upon request.
Plutio
Source: Plutio
Best for: Freelancers
Plutio is ideal for freelancers who need a platform for managing proposals and invoices, collecting and storing client materials, and separating projects by client. Creatives can expedite client sign-offs by sharing proposals and collecting electronic signatures in Plutio.
Key features
- Time-tracking
- Invoices from timesheets
- Legally binding contracts
- Direct messaging
- Forms & surveys
Pros
Eliminates the need for manual invoice creation in a separate document or platform.
Cons
No integration with Quickbooks or other accounting software.
Pricing:
Pricing ranges from $15 to $30 per month. A whitelisted/non-branded upgrade is available for $9 per month.
Which Asana Alternative Are You Going to Try?
Now that you’ve reviewed these 21 Asana competitors, do you know which one you’re going to try? We suggest test-driving a platform before you commit to paying for it.
Ziflow offers a free trial, so creative teams can explore its features, experiment with markup tools, and see how easy it is to keep feedback attached to tasks and deliverables.
Experience a better way to get actionable client feedback — in one place with real-time comments. Eliminate bottlenecks in your workflows with Ziflow’s online proofing software. Try it today for free!
