According to a recent survey, a staggering 49% of projects don’t meet their goals due to poor project management. It’s a sobering statistic that underscores the critical need for practical yet simple project management tools that project managers can actually stick to.

Simplicity can be a breath of fresh air in a world where complexity often reigns. That’s where simple project management software comes into play. In this article, we’ll explore the world of streamlined project management solutions designed to make your life easier. 

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a larger team, finding the right tool can mean the difference between chaos and order. 

Join us as we delve into the world of simple project management software and discover how it can help you take control of your projects with ease and efficiency.

Quick List of 5 Simple Project Management Software

1. Onethread: Simplified project workflows and task management for teams.
2. Trello: A visual, card-based tool for easy task management and collaboration.
3. Asana: Streamlined project planning and tracking with user-friendly interfaces.
4. ClickUp: All-in-one project management solution with customizable features.
5. Monday.com: Intuitive visual boards for managing projects and tasks effortlessly.

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Comparison Chart Of  Simple Project Management Software

Here’s a comparison chart of Simple Project Management Software.

What is Simple Project Management Software?

Simple Project Management Software is a category of digital tools designed to help individuals and teams efficiently plan, organize, and execute projects with minimal complexity. 

These software solutions prioritize ease of use, intuitive interfaces, and straightforward features, making them accessible to many users. 

They typically offer features such as task lists, timelines, collaboration tools, and document sharing, all aimed at simplifying project workflows. The goal is to enhance productivity and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget without the steep learning curve associated with more complex project management tools. 

Simple project management software is particularly popular among small businesses, startups, freelancers, and teams seeking straightforward solutions to manage their projects effectively.

How Simple Project Management Software Can Help Your Business?

Simple Project Management Software can significantly benefit your business or individual projects in several key ways:

• Cost Control: Helps you stay on budget by tracking expenses and preventing overruns.
• Time Management: Enables effective time allocation, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule.
• Scalability: Adaptable for small to large projects, making it versatile for business growth.
• Efficiency: It streamlines your project workflows, helping you get more done in less time.
• Clarity: Provides a clear overview of tasks, timelines, and responsibilities, reducing confusion.
• Collaboration: Enhances team collaboration through easy sharing of project details and documents.
• Accessibility: Accessible from anywhere, fostering remote work and flexibility.
• Simplicity: Minimal learning curve allows you to start using it quickly without extensive training.

Incorporating simple project management software into your business can lead to improved productivity, better project outcomes, and a more organized approach to task management, ultimately contributing to your overall success.

Key Features to Consider in Simple Project Management Software

Each of these elements plays a pivotal role in simplifying project management tasks and ensuring successful project outcomes.

1. Project Planning and Scheduling:

Efficient project planning and scheduling are the backbone of any successful project. Look for software that offers:

• Task Assignment: Easily assign tasks to team members with clear deadlines and priorities.
• Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines and dependencies to avoid bottlenecks.
• Resource Allocation: Manage resources effectively by assigning them to tasks and tracking their availability.
• Task Dependencies: Define relationships between tasks to ensure they are completed in the correct order.

A good project planning and scheduling feature will help you create realistic project timelines and allocate resources efficiently, keeping your projects on track.

2. Time Tracking:

Accurate time tracking is essential for measuring productivity and ensuring tasks are completed within the allocated timeframes. Seek software that provides:

• Timer Functionality: Allow team members to track their time spent on tasks easily.
• Timesheets: Maintain detailed records of hours worked by each team member.
• Integration: Sync time tracking data with project tasks for precise billing and analysis.
• Reporting: Generate reports on time spent to identify areas for improvement.

Effective time tracking enables you to assess project progress and make adjustments as needed, ultimately improving efficiency.

3. Reporting:

Robust reporting capabilities are vital for gaining insights into project performance and making data-driven decisions. Consider software that offers:

• Customizable Reports: Tailor reports to your specific project metrics and KPIs.
• Real-time Data: Access up-to-date project information for accurate analysis.
• Visualizations: Utilize charts and graphs to make complex data more understandable.
• Export Options: Easily share reports with stakeholders or team members.

Comprehensive reporting empowers you to evaluate project health, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions to keep projects on course.

4. Billing & Quotes:

For businesses, accurate billing and quoting are essential for revenue generation and client satisfaction. Look for software that includes:

• Invoicing: Create and send invoices directly from the software, reducing manual work.
• Expense Tracking: Monitor project-related expenses for accurate billing.
• Quote Generation: Easily generate quotes or estimates for potential projects.
• Payment Integration: Integrate with payment gateways for seamless transactions.

Efficient billing and quoting features help you streamline financial processes and ensure you’re compensated fairly for your work.

Top 5 Simple Project Management Software

If you’re searching for simplicity combined with effectiveness, these top 5 Simple Project Management Software solutions have you covered. 

Whether you’re a small business owner, a solo entrepreneur, or part of a team, these tools offer the right balance of features without overwhelming you. 

#1. Onethread

Onethread is a simple project management software designed for ease of use. It helps teams organize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. With a clean interface, it cuts through the clutter, focusing on what’s essential. Onethread is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. 

It offers features like task assignment, calendar integration, and real-time updates. The software aims to streamline workflow and improve team collaboration. 

There is no steep learning curve involved; it’s straightforward to get started. Onethread makes project management uncomplicated, letting you focus on achieving your goals.

Overview and key features

Packed with user-friendly features, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a streamlined project management experience. In this guide, we’ll delve into the key features that set Onethread apart and explain how they can benefit your project management needs.

Collaboration Made Simple:

Enhance team collaboration and communication with Onethread’s collaborative features.

• Comments and Discussions: Leave comments and start discussions on tasks for clear communication.
• Mentioning Team Members: Notify team members by mentioning them in comments.
• File Sharing: Share project-related files securely within the platform.

Intuitive Task Management:

Onethread simplifies task management with an intuitive interface.

• Kanban Boards: Organize tasks using Kanban boards, making it easy to visualize workflows.
• Task Prioritization: Assign priorities and due dates to keep your team focused on what matters most.
• Task Dependencies: Establish task relationships to ensure work is completed in the right order.
• File Attachments: Attach relevant files directly to tasks for easy access.

Time Tracking and Reporting:

Efficient time tracking and reporting features are at your fingertips with Onethread.

• Time Tracking: Accurately track time spent on tasks and projects.
• Timesheet View: Gain insights into time allocation with detailed timesheets.
• Customizable Reports: Create customized reports to analyze project performance.

Onethread’s time tracking and reporting capabilities empower you to optimize your project workflow and resource allocation.

Pricing plans and options

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing plans and options for your project management software:

1. Free Plan:

• Cost: $0
• Features:
  • Basic Task Management
  • Kanban Boards
  • Task Prioritization

2. Growth Plan:

• Cost: $3.60 per user per month
• Features (Includes Free Plan Features Plus):
  • Advanced Time Tracking
  • Customizable Reports
  • Real-time Data

3. Scale Plan:

• Cost: $6.00 per user per month
• Features (Includes Growth Plan Features Plus):
  • Project Budgeting
  • Expense Tracking

#2. Trello

Trello is a project management tool. It helps teams organize tasks and projects. Simple to use, it works like a digital bulletin board. You create “boards” for projects. Inside boards, you have “lists” for stages. Each list has “cards” for tasks. 

Drag and drop cards to move tasks through stages. Trello is flexible and can be customized. You can add due dates, checklists, and team members to cards. 

Ideal for small to medium-sized projects, it’s used by businesses, freelancers, and even for personal tasks. It’s a one-stop solution for streamlined organization.

Trello – Overview

• Company Valuation: $425 Million.
• Employee Numbers: 873

Founding Team:

Joel Spolsky & Michael Pryor is the founder of Trello

Features 

Here are some of the top features of Trello that make it one of the simplest project management software solutions out there:

Boards, Lists, and Cards

Trello uses a board-based approach to organize your projects. Each board represents a project, and within that board, you can create lists and cards to manage tasks. Lists act as columns, and cards are the individual tasks. You can drag and drop cards between lists to update their status.

Workflows for Any Project

Trello offers customizable workflows. You can start with a pre-designed template or create your own. This flexibility allows users to adapt Trello to various types of projects, from small tasks to complex assignments.

Timeline View

The Timeline view helps you keep track of deadlines. It offers a visual representation of tasks over time. This feature is crucial for people who juggle multiple projects and need to manage their time effectively.

Calendar View

Trello’s Calendar view gives you a clear vision of upcoming tasks. It’s like having a crystal ball for your projects. This feature helps users plan their days and weeks efficiently.

Integrations and Power-Ups

Trello can integrate with other apps your team uses. It also offers Power-Ups to fine-tune your workflow. These features make Trello a versatile tool for those who use multiple software solutions for their projects.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Highly customizable
• Strong integration capabilities
• Free basic plan available
• Excellent for small to large projects

Cons

• Limited features in the free plan
• Can get expensive for larger teams
• No built-in time tracking

Pricing Plans

• Free: $0 USD, suitable for individuals or small teams
• Standard: $5 USD per user/month (billed annually), designed for small teams
• Premium: $10 USD per user/month (billed annually), ideal for larger teams
• Enterprise: $17.50 USD per user/month (billed annually), for organizations needing more security and controls

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.3 out of 5 stars
• Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Review

On the positive side, Trello’s simplicity is a standout feature. We appreciate its easy-to-use interface and straightforward card-based system. It’s a breeze to create, organize, and update tasks. Plus, the ability to customize boards and add labels keeps things tidy.

Collaboration-wise, Trello shines. We can invite team members, assign tasks, and comment in real time. This makes teamwork a smooth process, boosting productivity.

However, there are a couple of downsides. The free version of Trello limits the number of power-ups and file attachments, which can be frustrating. Additionally, for large-scale projects, it may lack some advanced project management features found in other tools.

Trello is our go-to for small to medium-sized projects. It fosters collaboration and keeps tasks organized. But, for complex projects, you might want to explore more feature-rich alternatives.

#3. Asana

Asana is a project management software designed for ease and efficiency. It helps teams plan, organize, and track work. The platform offers a clean interface with tasks, subtasks, and timelines. You set goals, assign roles, and set deadlines. 

It includes features like “boards” for visual organization and “lists” for detailed tasks. You can even track progress with charts. 

Asana is versatile, suitable for various project sizes. Whether you’re in a startup or a large corporation, it streamlines workflow. It’s a tool that makes project management simpler and more productive.

Asana – Overview

Product Information:

• Company Valuation: $3.74 billion as of September 27, 2023.
• Employee Numbers: 1,782 (2023)

Founding Team:

Asana, Inc. was founded in 2008 by Dustin Moskovitz and Justin Rosenstein.

Features 

It offers a range of features that make it easy to plan, track, and manage work. Whether you’re a solo freelancer or part of a small team, Asana has something to offer. Let’s dive into the most relatable ones:

Real-Time Work Tracking

Asana allows you to track work and see progress in real-time. This is crucial for the users who need to manage multiple projects simultaneously. You can set deadlines, assign tasks, and get a clear view of your work pipeline.

Cross-Team Collaboration

Asana excels in facilitating cross-team collaboration. It helps break down silos and enables better communication among team members. This is particularly useful for those who collaborate with other professionals or clients on projects.

Automation and Streamlining

Asana offers automation features that help streamline workflows. From automating routine tasks to setting up approval processes, it helps you focus on what matters most. This is a time-saver for users juggling various responsibilities.

Integration with Other Tools

Asana can integrate with over 1000+ apps including Google Sheets, Microsoft Teams, and Adobe Creative Cloud. This makes it easier to bring all your work into one platform. For the managers using multiple tools, this is a significant advantage.

Custom Dashboards and Reporting

Asana provides custom dashboards and reporting features. You can pull data into Tableau or Power BI to create custom reports. This helps managers track performance metrics and make data-driven decisions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• User-friendly and intuitive interface
• Robust automation features
• Excellent integration capabilities
• Real-time tracking and reporting
• Suitable for both small and large projects

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for first-time users
• Advanced features require a paid plan
• No native time-tracking feature

Pricing Plans

• Basic: Free, ideal for individuals and small teams
• Premium: Custom pricing, offers advanced features like timelines and dashboards
• Business: Custom pricing, designed for larger teams with more complex needs
• Enterprise: Custom pricing, offers advanced security and control features

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.3 out of 5 stars
• Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review

Positively, Asana excels in providing a structured and organized approach to task management. We appreciate its flexibility in creating and customizing projects to suit our needs. The ability to set due dates and priorities keeps us on track.

Collaboration-wise, Asana fosters teamwork with ease. We can assign tasks, leave comments, and share files, which enhances project communication. The project timelines and workload views offer valuable insights for planning.

On the downside, Asana’s interface, while powerful, may appear overwhelming at first. Some team members found it took time to adapt and fully utilize its capabilities. Additionally, the cost of the premium version can be a drawback for smaller businesses on a tight budget.

Asana is a robust tool that shines in organized task management and collaboration. It’s a go-to choice for larger teams and complex projects. However, for those seeking a simpler solution or on a budget, there are alternatives worth exploring.

#4. ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management platform that aims for simplicity and effectiveness. It offers various views like list, board, and calendar to manage tasks. 

Users can create “Spaces” for different projects and “Folders” to organize tasks within them. ClickUp is more than just task management; it integrates time tracking, docs, and chat. The software is customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your team’s specific needs. 

It suits teams of all sizes, from freelancers to enterprises. ClickUp is a comprehensive tool that simplifies complex projects, making teamwork more efficient.

ClickUp – Overview

• Company Valuation: $4 billion.
• Employee Numbers: 1,000 employees.

Founding Team:

Zeb Evans · Founder & CEO at ClickUp 

Features 

It’s designed to be simple yet feature-rich, making it an excellent choice for users who need to manage various tasks and projects efficiently.

Customizable Workspaces

ClickUp offers customizable workspaces that can be tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re managing a single project or juggling multiple clients, you can create a workspace that suits your workflow. 

Task Management

Task management in ClickUp is highly intuitive. You can create tasks, set priorities, and assign them to specific dates. The tool also allows for task dependencies, meaning you can link tasks that need to be completed in a particular order. 

Time Tracking

ClickUp comes with built-in time tracking features. This is a game-changer for users who need to keep track of billable hours. You can start and stop the timer directly within tasks, making it easier to manage your time and bill clients accurately.

Collaboration and Communication

ClickUp offers robust collaboration features, including chat and video conferencing. You can communicate with clients or team members directly within the platform. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple apps, making your workflow more streamlined and efficient.

Integrations

ClickUp can integrate with a variety of other tools, such as Google Drive, Slack, and Trello. This allows you to bring all your work into one unified platform. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Built-in time tracking
• Excellent collaboration features
• Wide range of integrations
• User-friendly interface

Cons

• Can be overwhelming due to numerous features
• Some advanced features require a paid plan
• Learning curve for first-time users

Pricing Plans

• Free: Limited features, suitable for individuals
• Unlimited: $5 per user/month, offers unlimited tasks and integrations
• Business: $9 per user/month, designed for teams and offers advanced reporting
• Enterprise: Custom pricing, tailored for large organizations with complex needs

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.7 out of 5 stars
• Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review

ClickUp offers impressive versatility. We appreciate its customizable features that adapt to our unique workflow. The hierarchy of spaces, folders, lists, and tasks provides a structured approach to project management. Plus, the ability to switch between different views, from boards to calendars, keeps us organized.

Collaboration is a breeze with ClickUp. We can assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress effortlessly. Integrations with various apps and the ClickUp Docs feature simplify our work even further.

However, there are a few downsides. The abundance of features can be overwhelming initially, and the learning curve may deter some users. Also, the sheer complexity might not be suitable for smaller teams with simpler needs.

ClickUp is our go-to for large-scale, intricate projects. Its adaptability and collaboration tools are impressive. For smaller teams or those seeking simplicity, alternatives with a more streamlined approach might be a better fit.

#5. Monday.com

Monday.com is a user-friendly project management software. It’s designed to help teams track tasks, manage projects, and collaborate. The software uses “boards” to organize work. Within boards, “columns” sort tasks by status, priority, or due date. 

You can view your project in different ways: grid, timeline, or kanban. Monday.com is flexible and adaptable. It offers built-in automations to reduce manual work. 

The platform serves diverse industries and project sizes. Whether you’re a small team or a big enterprise, Monday.com offers a simple yet powerful way to manage your projects effectively.

Monday.com- Overview

Product Information:

• Company Valuation: $7.38 billion as of September 27, 2023.
• Employee Numbers: 1,064 employees.

Founding Team:

Roy Mann and Eran Zinman  founder and co – founder of monday.com

Features 

With its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities, it serves as a one-stop solution for project planning, tracking, and collaboration.

Visual Project Planning

Monday.com offers a visual approach to project planning. You can use boards, timelines, and Gantt charts to map out your project steps. This visual representation makes it easier to understand the project flow, allocate resources, and set deadlines. 

Automated Workflows

Automation is a key feature in Monday.com. You can set up automated workflows to handle repetitive tasks, such as sending reminders or updating statuses. This saves time and reduces manual errors, allowing users to focus on more important aspects of their projects.

Real-Time Collaboration

Collaboration is made easy with Monday.com. The platform allows for real-time updates and communication within the team. You can comment on tasks, share files, and even integrate with communication tools like Slack. 

Time Tracking and Reporting

Monday.com comes with built-in time tracking and reporting features. Employees can log hours spent on tasks and generate reports for billing or performance analysis. This is particularly useful for those who need to provide detailed invoices to clients or assess their own productivity.

Customizable Dashboards

The platform offers customizable dashboards where you can track key performance indicators (KPIs), project statuses, and other metrics. These dashboards can be tailored to show the information most relevant to you, making it easier to make data-driven decisions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Strong automation capabilities
• Real-time collaboration features
• Comprehensive time tracking and reporting
• Highly customizable

Cons

• Can be expensive for small teams
• May have a learning curve for some users
• Limited features in the basic plan

Pricing Plans

• Individual: Free, limited features suitable for solo workers
• Basic: $8 per seat/month, offers essential project management features
• Standard: $10 per seat/month, includes time tracking and automation
• Pro: $16 per seat/month, designed for teams needing advanced capabilities

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.4 out of 5 stars
• Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Review

We’ve been using Monday.com for a while now. Setting up our workflows and tasks was a breeze, and the visual interface is intuitive. Collaboration has improved as we can all see what’s happening in real-time.

However, there are downsides too. The pricing can be steep, especially if you need advanced features. We also found that for very large projects, the performance can lag, causing frustration.

What we appreciate most is the flexibility. Customizing boards and automations is handy. It caters well to different team needs. The mobile app also keeps us connected on the go.

Monday.com is a solid choice for project management, but it’s not without its quirks. We’ve had our ups and downs with it, but overall, it’s helped our team stay organized and on track.

Getting the Most Out of Simple Project Management Software

Getting the most out of simple project management software starts with best practices. Here’s a quick guide:

• Plan First: Before jumping in, sketch a basic plan. Know the project’s goals and timeline.
• Assign Roles: Make it clear who does what. Clear roles reduce confusion.
• Use Templates: Many software options have templates. Use them to save time.
• Set Milestones: Break the project into smaller parts. Celebrate when you reach them.
• Track Time: Use the software’s time-tracking feature. It helps manage workload.
• Prioritize Tasks: Some tasks are more urgent. Tag them to keep focus.
• Communicate: Use the in-built chat or comment sections. Stay in the loop.
• Review Progress: Weekly reviews can help. Know what’s done and what’s next.
• Backup Data: Always keep a copy of important files and data.
• Train Team: Make sure everyone knows how to use the software.

Summary

Simple Project Management Software offers a streamlined approach to project planning and execution. Its user-friendly interface and essential features make it a valuable tool for small to medium-sized projects. 

With efficient task management and collaboration capabilities, it enhances productivity. While it may lack advanced functionalities, its simplicity and affordability make it an attractive choice for many teams.

FAQs

Is there a mobile app for Simple Project Management Software?

Many of these software solutions offer mobile apps, allowing users to manage projects and stay connected while on the go.

Can I integrate Simple Project Management Software with other tools?

Yes, some Simple Project Management Software options offer integrations with popular tools like calendars, email, and file-sharing platforms to enhance productivity.

Is there a free trial available?

Many providers offer free trials so that users can explore the software’s features and decide if it meets their needs before committing to a subscription.