Feeling boxed in by Trello's Kanban boards? You're not alone. Folks are scouting for the best Trello alternatives, craving more powerful tools to stay on top of their game. It's time to unlock advanced features, like Gantt charts and detailed reporting that go beyond what Trello offers. (Even if you know all the Trello tricks, tips, and shortcuts.)
Project management is king when it comes to staying organized in 2024. Here's why:
- Nearly 90% of users say project management software improved their productivity.
- About 40% of project managers report better team communication with project management tools.
- Approximately 45% of businesses report that project management software helped reduce project failures.
In this blog, we'll dive into management solutions that pack a punch with diverse project views and seamless integrations—tools tailored for anything from light project tasks to complex team workflows. By the end, you'll have all you need to pick a winner suited just right for your team’s workflow.
Why Seek Trello Alternatives?
Project management is vital for success in today's fast-paced world, and while Trello shines with its Kanban boards, teams often need more. Maybe you feel that you've just outgrown Trello and need something more robust.
Here are some the top ways Trello falls short that may be causing you to seek an alternative:
1. Restrictive layouts
Some find Trello's layouts too restrictive when their projects outgrow simple task management. They crave advanced features like Gantt charts to visualize project timelines or robust reporting tools to dive deep into analytics.
2. Limitations in Project Management
Its board view can't always capture complex workflows, leaving large teams wanting more visual options and detailed custom reports to track progress effectively. That's where exploring great Trello alternatives comes into play – they fill these gaps that light project management tools like Trello lack.
Beyond basic task organization on kanban boards, businesses seek a feature set tailored for larger-scale operations. Think open source platforms that allow full customization or comprehensive solutions integrating time tracking within each card or item on your list.
While Trello is a popular project management and collaboration tool known for its simple, card-based interface and kanban boards, users might seek alternatives for several reasons. Here are some common motivations for looking beyond Trello:
3. Lack of customization
Trello offers customization through power-ups and labels, but users needing deeper customization options for workflows, fields, or templates might seek more flexible solutions.
4. Scalability Issues
Trello can become cluttered and less efficient as the number and scale of projects grow. Users part of large teams or managing multiple large-scale projects may look for alternatives that handle scaling more gracefully, offering better organization and management features for large datasets.
5. Integration Limitations
While Trello integrates with various apps and services, its integration capabilities may not meet the needs of all users. Businesses using specialized software might require a project management tool with broader, more seamless integration options.
6. Pricing and Value
Although Trello offers a free version, its more advanced features are locked behind premium plans. Users or organizations on a tight budget might seek more cost-effective alternatives that offer a better balance of features and cost or a more generous free tier.
7. Privacy and Data Security Concerns
Organizations with strict data privacy and security requirements might search for alternatives that offer enhanced security features, such as end-to-end encryption, self-hosted options, or compliance with specific industry standards.
8. Not the Best User Experience
Some users may find Trello's card-based, kanban-focused interface not to their liking or not intuitive for their specific work processes. They might prefer a tool with a different approach to project management, such as a list-based interface, mind maps, or a more traditional task management layout.
For anyone considering an alternative to Trello, it's important to identify the specific features or capabilities that are lacking and seek out tools that address those gaps. This ensures that the new tool not only replaces Trello but also enhances the user's project management and collaboration workflow.
The 7 Best Trello Alternatives for 2024
Searching for the right project management tool can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Yet, if you've hit a wall with Trello's kanban boards and are itching for something more, there's good news. There are several robust alternatives packed with features starting from advanced reporting tools to dynamic Gantt charts.
1. Hive
When your team needs a project management solution that goes beyond what Trello offers, Hive steps up as a powerful contender. It's not just about managing tasks; it's about empowering teams with diverse views and integration capabilities that fuel productivity.
Scalability is crucial and Hive understands this need by providing an interface that grows with your team. Whether you're working solo or part of a large enterprise, its scalable design fits like a glove. With integrations spanning over 1,000 apps including heavy hitters like Salesforce and Gmail, switching between tools becomes seamless—think of it as having the Swiss Army knife in your tech stack.
The real magic happens when you discover how much more you can see within Hive compared to Trello kanban boards alone. Five additional project views mean you’re not stuck with one way of looking at things—you've got options tailored to different aspects of work life.
In a G2 review, user Rhoda S. remarks:
I like how you can view the progress of a project or task in multiple viewing formats. Individuals work differently and need to see different views depending upon their task, project or simple their preference. Hive makes it work for all types.
2. Asana
When teams outgrow the simplicity of Trello, they often turn to Asana for its rich customization capabilities. With Asana, you can tailor almost every aspect of your project management experience. From setting up custom fields that track unique data points to designing workflows that mirror your team's processes, this platform is like a chameleon adapting to your environment.
In any project management space, having tools that flex around your team's workflow is key. This is where Asana shines bright. Whether it's adding custom tags or tweaking notifications, teams can shape their projects in countless ways. The Kanban board view might remind you of Trello kanban boards but think bigger; imagine more power under the hood and the freedom to build something truly bespoke in Asana or another alternative.
The magic lies in how easily you can manipulate these features starting from day one – no need for complex setups or consulting an expert just to get going. For instance, if you're managing content creation, customize stages as ideas move from conception through production all the way up until publication – tracking everything neatly on a single dashboard.
In a G2 review, user Charlene B. says:
I started using Asana a year ago, and enjoy the ease of sharing information with my team in a somewhat organized way (somewhat because the team didn't develop protocols for consistent use at the beginning - we are disorganized, not asana!)
I am using it more regularly now and enjoying the advanced features of custom fields and workflow.
3. ClickUp
When it comes to managing projects, communication is just as crucial as the tools you use. ClickUp has emerged as a great Trello alternative by blending productivity features with seamless team interactions. With its diverse array of management tools, including kanban boards and Gantt charts, teams can easily stay on top of project progress.
The platform’s kanban view mirrors the familiar layout of Trello's boards but takes functionality up a notch with more customization options for tracking project details. This versatility allows for personalized workflows that fit each team's unique needs.
Gantt chart capabilities extend beyond basic planning; they provide macro-level insights into your entire project timeline at a glance—a feature set where Trello often falls short. And when it comes to time tracking, ClickUp gives teams an edge in monitoring individual tasks without needing additional software.
In a G2 review, user Julie O. notes:
People can customize ClickUp to how it works for them. Maybe some team members like dark mode. Maybe people want to default to a different view. You can use it for EVERYTHING -- from a sales funnel to CRM to wiki to project management. Also it's pretty. :-) (... That matters!)
4. Monday.com
If you've ever felt like juggling tasks and deadlines is a circus act, Monday.com steps up as the ringmaster to bring order to chaos. With its drag-and-drop functionality, this management tool lets teams create a workflow that's as easy to manage as stacking blocks. It shines in simplicity but doesn't skimp on power.
Say goodbye to cluttered email threads or scattered sticky notes. The board view turns project planning into an interactive experience where team members can see everything at a glance. Imagine moving your projects forward with just a click and drag – it’s like playing chess with your tasks, always strategizing for efficiency.
And let’s talk integration because nobody likes app overload. Integrating seamlessly with tools like Microsoft Teams means updates are synced across platforms; no need for constant switching between apps. This keeps everyone on the same page without extra effort—like having all your books lined up neatly on one shelf instead of strewn across the room.
In a G2 review, user Nicoloz G. says:
Monday is an exceptional platform made for businesses with dispersed offices, facilitating seamless global connectivity among colleagues. Speaking from personal experience, I've found it to be full of valuable features such as diverse board creation and table of contents functionalities. Utilizing Monday daily for my office tasks has proven remarkably comfortable, fostering effortless communication with colleagues across various countries and enhancing our productivity and efficiency. Moreover, Monday's extensive integrations with other useful apps and websites amplify its appeal, ensuring readiness for seamless integration across multiple platforms. I use it every day and I am very happy with its performance. I cannot forget to mention that the customer support is amazing. Anytime there is a technical error, they help in a timely manner.
5. Airtable
Imagine a tool where the simplicity of spreadsheets collides with the robust nature of databases. That's Airtable for you—a platform transforming how we manage tasks and projects. It goes beyond traditional spreadsheet capabilities, offering a versatile table view that many find familiar, yet it powers up your data management game like a database.
With Airtable, team members can tailor their workspace to fit their needs thanks to its flexible feature set. You get kanban boards for visual task tracking—much like Trello kanban—but with added depth in functionality. There's also room to expand into different project views: grid, calendar, form or even gallery view are at your disposal.
In a G2 review, user Omkar G. says:
Airtable stands out because you can customize everything: fields, views, even templates. This flexibility lets you use it for anything from data visualization to project tracking. Plus, it's super collaborative – assign tasks, leave comments, and see updates in real time. It's our daily go-to task tracker, easy to use, and even connects with Google Sheets for extra power.
I adore it. It's ideal for organizing my stencils, embossing files, and craft stamps according to my needs. The photographs and description are really useful. Good arrangement. Quite simple to use. I just have one small complaint: it would be nice to have some basic picture editing capabilities. Even just flipping the photographs would be useful. Otherwise, I have no issues at all.
6. Zoho Projects
With its intuitive interface, Zoho Projects gives teams a versatile suite that extends beyond traditional task management tools. It enables you to plan projects with precision using features like Gantt charts which offer visual timelines, making it easier to track project progress and stay organized.
The tool’s feature set doesn’t stop there. The table view turns complex data into easy-to-read formats while kanban board views provide clear visuals for task progression – something Trello lacks when complexity scales up. Plus, time tracking ensures every minute spent is accounted for accurately.
A significant draw for Zoho Projects is its emphasis on collaboration. Large teams can invite team members effortlessly and start sharing ideas through built-in chat options directly linked with Microsoft Teams integration—this means communication stays fluid without ever leaving the app.
In a G2 review, user Aditi S. says:
Zoho Projects is a user-friendly tool designed for efficient project collaboration. It includes features like task management, time tracking, and seamless integration, making teamwork easier and more productive.
7. Wrike
Wrike is a versatile cloud-based project management and collaboration tool designed to help teams organize their projects, tasks, and workflows efficiently. It's known for its comprehensive set of features that cater to a wide range of business needs, from small teams to large enterprises.
Wrike allows users to create personalized dashboards to track projects, tasks, and deadlines. It also has Dynamic Request Forms that automatically assign tasks to the right team member, helping to streamline the intake process. With their Interactive Gantt Charts, users can plan projects, set dependencies between tasks, and adjust schedules with drag-and-drop ease.
With Wrike, team members can collaborate directly on tasks with comments, ensuring all communication is centralized and accessible plus it supports file sharing and live document editing within the platform, facilitating seamless collaboration on documents.
In a G2 review, user Jenny R. says:
As the Creative Director at M Agency, we have seen a significant decrease in length of project timelines as our project manager has more options to help our team stay on track through Wrike. We use it daily for all of our projects and our team is easily able to understand the day to day tasks they are assigned along with how much time is available to them and they can communicate to eachother right inside the task. The biggest game changer for our agency has been the approvals process in Wrike, allowing us to integrate with Adobe and Slack and easily leave notes and changes that can also be referred back to quickly. We have reached out to customer support many times as we are always looking for ways to uplevel our Wrike experience and get the most out of the program that we can. Our rep has always been quick to help and able to help us continue to easily implement new systems in Wrike to continually get the most out of our experience with the program.
8. ProofHub
ProofHub stands out as a robust Trello alternative, offering an extensive suite of features designed to streamline project management and enhance team collaboration. With its intuitive interface and comprehensive tools, ProofHub provides everything you need to manage your projects efficiently.
One of the key strengths of ProofHub is its centralized project management capabilities. Users can easily plan, collaborate on, and deliver projects from a single platform. This eliminates the need for multiple apps or software, making it easier to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
In ProofHub, every task can be broken down into smaller subtasks with detailed descriptions, due dates, and assigned members. This level of detail ensures that everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and by when.
In a G2 review, user Naleem G. says:
Regardless of the size of my task or the complexity of my project, ProofHub provides the tools that I need to stay organized, prioritize, and track important steps in my marketing campaign. It's helped my team stay on track and accomplish more than we could have ever imagined possible. It's intuitive and requires minimal training, so everyone on my team can use it.
9. LiquidPlanner
LiquidPlanner is a dynamic project management tool designed for teams that manage complex projects and require a more robust set of features for scheduling, planning, and executing work. It stands out from simpler tools like Trello by offering advanced functionalities that cater to the needs of technology, manufacturing, IT, and project-based services teams, among others.
LiquidPlanner uses a unique scheduling engine that automatically updates timelines based on priority and the team's available bandwidth. This predictive scheduling feature provides realistic timelines and helps teams manage expectations and deadlines more effectively.
Tasks and projects in LiquidPlanner are organized based on priorities. When priorities change, the schedule and resources adjust automatically, ensuring that the team always works on the most critical tasks first.
In a G2 review, user Fernando S. says:
What I like best about LiquidPlanner is its emphasis on dynamic scheduling. Unlike traditional project management tools that rely on rigid timelines, LiquidPlanner employs an intelligent scheduling engine that takes into account uncertainties, dependencies, and resource availability. This enables us to create more realistic project plans that adapt to changes in real-time. The ability to set priority-based estimates rather than fixed deadlines has been a game-changer for our team, allowing us to navigate unexpected shifts without compromising the quality of our work.
What You Should Keep In Mind When Choosing a Trello Alternative
When choosing an alternative to Trello, it's important to consider various factors to ensure that the new tool meets your specific needs for project management and team collaboration. Here's some key aspects to keep in mind:
1. Are the features what I or my team need?
Advanced Project Management Features: Look for functionalities that might be missing in Trello, such as Gantt charts, time tracking, or advanced reporting features, depending on your project needs.
Customization Options: Ensure the tool allows you to customize workflows, templates, and dashboards to fit your team's unique processes.
2. Is there a steep learning curve involved?
The alternative should have an intuitive interface and user-friendly design to facilitate quick adoption by your team. A steep learning curve can hinder productivity and lead to resistance among team members.
Knowing when to move away from one software to another or introducing an app to the organization is challenging. Switching cold turkey may jeopardize the success of adoption since people are typically resistant to change. It may affect projects still on the old system, and transitioning them to new ones may not be feasible.
-Jenya Edelberg, Tech Entrepreneur
3. Is it easy to collaborate with my team with this tool?
Consider how the tool facilitates team collaboration. Features like real-time editing, comments, @mentions, and integrated chat functions can significantly enhance teamwork and communication.
4. Can I use this tool with other tools I'm currently using?
Check if the alternative integrates seamlessly with other tools and services your team uses, such as email, calendar, file storage, CRM, and communication platforms. This can streamline workflows and reduce the need for switching between apps.
5. Can this tool grow with me or with my team?
The tool should be able to grow with your team and projects. Assess its capacity to handle increasing amounts of work and users, and whether it offers different pricing plans that scale with your needs.
6. Is it mobile friendly?
A mobile app or mobile-friendly design is essential for accessing your projects and tasks on the go. Ensure the alternative offers robust mobile support for both iOS and Android devices.
7. Can I afford this?
Compare the cost-effectiveness of the alternative. Consider not only the subscription fees but also what features are included at each pricing tier, and whether it offers a good value for your budget.
8. Is it secure?
Evaluate the tool's security features, such as data encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with privacy laws. This is especially important if your team handles sensitive information.
9. What is the customer support like? Reviews?
Good customer support, including access to training materials, user communities, and responsive customer service, can make a big difference in how effectively you can implement and use the new tool. Look for reviews or case studies from businesses similar to yours. Insights from users with similar needs and workflows can be invaluable in assessing whether a tool will be a good fit.
Make Trello or Any Alternative More Productive
Magical is the perfect companion app to Trello, or any of the best Trello alternatives. It's a free Chrome extension that lets you automate repetitive tasks like messaging, data entry, filling sheets, and more. With Magical, you can pull info from any web page into Trello or any of these alternatives with one click! Check it out and see why over 20,000+ teams are using it to save 7 hours a week on average.
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