12 Best Project Management Software for Startups 2023
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
No matter how many sticky notes or wall calendars you have, every startup founder can benefit from being a little more organized. After all, organization means efficiency and efficiency means profitability.
To help entrepreneurs achieve this goal, there are a number of project management tools — software either free or available for purchase — that simplify or streamline workplace tasks.
The following project management software for startups have the potential to greatly benefit collaboration and communication within any business, but could be particularly useful for the growing number of entrepreneurs looking to take their companies to the next level in 2023.
Best Project Management Software for Startups: Monday
Best Startup Project Management Software
|
Monday
4.8/5 |
Best Project Management Tool Overall
|
Visit Site |
|
Wrike
4.6/5 |
Best for Small Teams
|
Visit Site |
|
Zoho Projects
4.6/5 |
|
Visit Site |
|
Smartsheet
4.5/5 |
|
Visit Site |
|
Trello
4.4/5 |
|
Visit Site |
Founders are busy, project management solutions offer a helpful platform for teams to execute projects as well as leaders to view their progress and success. With this software, you can conduct project planning and resource management and track project progress easily, saving you time that you can spend on growing your business.
Finding the right project management solution for your startup depends largely on your business and team’s needs. Whether you’re looking for optimal reporting or time tracking, there is a project management solution for every business.
12 Best Project Management Software for Startups in 2023:
1. Monday
Used by large companies like Uber, Adobe, Shell, and Costco, Monday is an excellent option for companies looking to better organize their workflow. Monday is best suited for teams that work better with visuals, as the platform focuses on creating easily understandable, customizable visual plans.
Key Features
You can select from a number of different creative templates to form a visual dashboard that suits your company, benefiting from other high-tech features like automation and app integration (including Slack and Trello).
Over 90,000 teams already use Monday, which is extremely easy to transition to due to incredible 24/7 customer support and a simple onboarding process.
Pricing
To test the product, take advantage of Monday’s free trial, but for full-time usage you’ll need a paid plan ranging from “Basic” to “Enterprise.” Price depends on the size of your team. Like Trello, Monday also offers non-profit, NGO, and educational discounts.
Pros
- Customizable dashboard
- Collaboration across teams
- Free trial available
- Integrations with several platforms
Cons
- Time tracking costs extra
- Minimal seats for paid plans
Get started with Monday today!
Learn more by reading our Monday.com project management review.
2. Wrike
Wrike is another secure, easy-to-integrate option for collaborative workflow management. It puts your inbox, projects, and communication all in one place so you can check assignments, create folders, generate reports, and send emails without having to shift away from Wrike’s signature white-and-navy interface.
Ultimately, Wrike’s functionality is similar to many of the other options mentioned on this list, so we would recommend trying a few and seeing which layout fits best with your team.
Key Features
Wrike offers customizable workspaces not only for different team types, such as marketing and creative, but also for a variety of industries. The platform boasts role assignment features, built-in Gantt charts for paid plans, and access to Wrike Work Intelligence, the service’s suite of AI features.
Pricing
To try Wrike, you can request a free demo or jump in headfirst with the $9.80 per user per month “Professional” membership for teams with 5, 10, or 15 members; the $24.80 per user per month “Business” membership for 5-200 users; or the unlimited member “Enterprise” option for which you’ll need to contact Wrike directly.
Also, there are unique team packages for Marketers or Professional Services upon request from Wrike’s customer service team.
Pros
- Unlimited projects and subtasks
- Customizable platform for different teams and industries
- Easy integrations with other platforms
- AI capabilities included
Cons
- No free trial available
- Time tracking costs extra
Get started with Wrike today!
3. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is proof that great project management software doesn’t have to break the bank. With Zoho, users are able to plan projects, track their time, and collaborate with team members all on one platform. Plus, measuring the progress of projects as well as necessary next steps is easy using the service’s Gantt charts and reporting features.
Key Features
Zoho Projects has no shortage of included features, including time tracking, Gantt charts, easy automation options for optimized workflow, and integrations with several popular apps and platforms.
Pricing
For teams under three people, Zoho Projects is free. Beyond this, there are two plan options: Premium for $5 per user per month and Enterprise for $10 per person per month. Both include free 10-day trials.
Pros
- Unlimited free trial for up to three users
- Plans are competitively priced
- Unlimited projects for all paid plans
- Time tracking features available
Cons
- Free version is limited in features
- Missing some features competitors offer
Get started with Zoho Projects today!
4. Smartsheet
Like the other project management tools on this list, Smartsheet hopes to help its clients focus on the bigger picture by clearing away the weeds. The differentiator for this cloud-based program is that it offers a number of tailored solutions for specific industries, roles, and departments, which is just one of the many reasons why more than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Smartsheet.
Key Features
Smartsheet offers similar features to competitors on this list: role assignment, integrations, and Gantt charts, to name a few. However, the platform also boasts features to manage and secure data, document generation, and resource management, from time tracking to project budgeting.
Pricing
Smartsheet solutions can be tested with a 30-day free trial, or purchased for $14 per month for an individual or $25 per user per month for businesses.
For more comprehensive plans including automation, security controls, dashboards, and other features, you can opt for the “Enterprise” plan which requires contacting Smartsheet’s customer service team.
Pros
- Free trial available
- Competitive pricing for paid plans
- Robust set of features
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Some features cost extra
- Interface isn’t intuitive
Get started with Smartsheet today!
5. Trello
Designed for personal or professional use for any type of business, Trello helps your team manage its workflow. The platform uses colorful message boards plus lists and cards that break down projects into simple, chronological steps.
You can either complete the tasks yourself or rely on the help of Butler, an AI robot that can be programmed to help you work through the tedious tasks on your to-do list.
Key Features
Trello’s intuitive platform allows users to drag and drop items, as well as offers templates, automations, and project views to make it exceptionally easy to use. Plus, you can add what Trello calls “Power-Ups” to customize and get the most out of your account.
Pricing
The platform is free with unlimited cards, lists, and personal boards. For clients with larger file attachments and priority support, as well as other additional services, companies can purchase the “Business Class” version for $9.99 per user per month.
In addition, the “Enterprise” option, whose monthly cost decreases as you add more users, is also available. It’s worth noting that Trello offers non-profit and educational discounts.
Pros
- Free plan available
- AI features included
- Intuitive interface
Cons
- Free plan has limited storage space
- Limited workflow options
6. Asana
Asana works somewhat similarly to Trello, however, the design is slightly less whimsical. Again, it’s a medium where you can plan and organize your work, collaborate with your coworkers, and easily share information on the status of your ongoing projects.
Key Features
Like Trello, Asana also has automation to help parse down repetitive, manual tasks. What sets Asana apart is its simple, intuitive design which is easy to learn and navigate, as well as the numerous templates offered by Asana for any corporate need or situation.
When transitioning to Asana’s software, your team is supported throughout each step by an attentive customer success team.
Pricing
Teams of up to 15 people can use Asana for free, but any additional users are required to pay either $10.99 per person per month for a “Premium” membership or $24.99 for “Business.” Larger companies can contact the sales team for “Enterprise” pricing.
Pros
- Robust free plan
- Automations help simplify workflow
- Top-tier customer service
Cons
- Plans are more expensive than competitors
- Limited workflow options
7. ClickUp
ClickUp is an affordable project management software leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a robust, unique set of features for tracking projects. Additionally, the platform is continuously improving its service by releasing new features weekly developed through customer feedback.
Key Features
While ClickUp offers many of the standard features for project management software, the platform also boasts several unique features, giving it a leg up on the competition. This includes real-time chat functionality and in-app video recordings, as well as a robust set of AI tools.
Pricing
To test out if ClickUp is the right project management software for your company, you can take advantage of their free trial. Beyond that, it costs $7 per month per user unless you opt to purchase the platform’s AI tools alone for only $5 per month per user.
Pros
- Free trial available
- AI capabilities included
- Extensive features
- AI tools available for individual purchase
Cons
- Users cannot be individually upgraded
- Platform may have a learning curve for some
8. Jira
Jira is specifically for companies that produce and sell software. What the tool offers is a way to plan, track, release, and assess the success — through real-time, visual data — of new software.
You can either use a template or design one to suit the individual needs of your team, seamlessly integrating the tools you already use which makes for a breezy transition.
Key Features
Jira offers two types of workflows, making it less limiting than competitors. Plus, the platform is feature-rich with features that extend beyond the standard, including issue management, bug tracking, and roadmap creation.
Pricing
Jira is appropriate for companies of all sizes as it was designed for scale. However, prices do vary depending on the size of your team. Teams of under 10, for example, can take advantage of a free plan hosted in the cloud.
For a range of 11 to 100 users, there is the “Standard” option for $7 per user per month or “Premium” (better for scaling) for $14 per user per month. If your team has over 101 employees, you can reach out to Jira’s customer service team for more information on discounts for large teams.
Pros
- Free plan available
- Easy integrations with other software
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Limited to software companies
- Steep learning curve
9. Freedcamp
Used by PayPal, Google, Apple, and Getty Images, Freedcamp is a project management solution built for performance. Even if users opt for the platform’s free version, they will have access to a suite of core features that will help them track and manage projects, collaborate with team members, and much more.
Key Features
Freedcamp, like Trello, is a Kanban board, meaning tasks are dragged into completion areas. On Freedcamp, users are able to track and manage projects, discuss with their team members, and track their time. Most notably, the platform offers a private task function, unlike many competitors.
Pricing
If you opt for Freedcamp’s free plan you will still have access to the platform’s core features. However, you can also choose to utilize one of the platform’s more extensive (but still affordable) packages: the Pro plan at $1.49 per user per month, the Business plan at $7.49 per user per month, or the Enterprise plan at $16.99 per user per month.
Pros
- Free version available
- Innovative features offered
- Competitive pricing
- CRM included in top-tier plans
Cons
- Steep learning curve for some features
- Reported subpar customer service
10. Hive
Hive is a project management solution built to help startups of all sizes track, plan, and collaborate. The platform offers solutions for every stage of the project management process from ideation and roadmapping to tracking milestones as they are reached. Plus, it can be easily integrated into your existing tech stack.
Key Features
Startups looking to track project progress, set and measure goals, and collaborate with team members will find what they are looking for on the Hive platform. In addition to this, Hive offers a series of integrations, automations, and AI assistance to streamline workflows.
Pricing
Hive does offer a free plan for up to two members. After this, you can choose between their Teams package at $12 per month per user or contact their sales team to get a quote for their more robust Enterprise package.
Pros
- Free plan available
- Unlimited projects, tasks, and storage with all plans
- Communication tools available within the platform
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- No pricing information listed for the Enterprise plan
- Analytics and automation cost extra
11. Notion
Notion is a popular project management software used by 50% of Y Combinator companies as well as big hitters such as Headspace and Figma. The Notion for Startups solution is specifically designed to meet the needs of a fast-scaling business.
Key Features
Notion’s startup-friendly platform offers features for road mapping, product launch, and fundraising management. Plus, wikis to better organize the workspace.
Pricing
Startups can apply for six months of free services with Notion, including their AI features. The platform also offers paid plans; their Plus plan costs $8 per user per month, and their Business Plan costs $15 per user per month. To access the Enterprise plan, you will need to contact their sales team.
Pros
- Built for startups
- Lengthy free trial
- Notion AI available as an add-on
- Robust set of features extends beyond projects
Cons
- AI features cost extra
- Must meet requirements to be eligible for free trial
12. Airtable
For app startups or companies looking for an app-building solution, managing the production, planning, and launch of apps is easy with Airtable. This solution not only serves as a platform for app-building, it leverages AI to streamline workflows and integrates with other software to tighten up your tech stack.
Key Features
Airtable’s most notable feature is its no-code app-building functionality. Beyond this, users can utilize their embedded AI to expedite tasks and workflows as well as integrate with a large amount of other apps and software.
Pricing
Airtable offers a limited free plan. In addition to this, you can opt for their Team plan at $20 per month per user, their Business plan at $45 per month per user, or contact their sales team for an Enterprise plan quote.
Pros
- Non-technical user friendly
- Free plan available
- Project templates included
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Limited use cases
- Expensive compared to competitors
Honorable Mentions
With so many great project management tools available to startups, we had to include a few more great options for fast-scaling companies.
Slack
Due to its slick, instinctive design, Slack has become a very popular project management tool used by small- to medium-sized companies around the world, such as Airbnb, Target, Oracle, and EA.
The selling point of Slack is that it brings all corporate communication together into one space. Instead of juggling between emails, texts, phone calls, and Skype messages, employees can message, video chat, and share files on the easy-to-navigate Slack platform.
Scoro
Scoro was created to decrease the time wasted switching between the dozens of different apps needed to get work done.
The software consolidates everything into a central location, helping with every aspect of business “from the first ‘Hello’ to the final invoice.” This comes in the form of a personalized dashboard that gives an overview of you and your team’s progress: revenue, hours worked, ongoing projects, etc. You can then toggle between specific tasks like quotes, invoices, and contacts.
Teamwork
Teamwork is a client-work-specific project management solution offering everything from resource management to time tracking. For agencies and businesses with billable hours to clients, Teamwork allows you to easily manage your time spent, expedite workflow, and get the job done without missing a beat.
Height
Height is an all-in-one project management solution offering a Kanban board workflow similar to Trello with AI functionality — even with their free plan. For startups looking for simple, easy-to-use project management and visualization tools at a low cost, Height is a great option.
Forecast
Project management is only one of Forecast’s solutions, along with resource and financial management, to name just a few. Forecast offers AI-powered project features for planning, road mapping, and executing a variety of projects, including revenue oversight.
FAQs
Do startups need project management?
Early-stage startups that haven’t started hiring may not require project management right away. However, once they begin to scale, effective project management will help executive growth strategies, ideas, and more. This allows founders to focus on more foundational aspects of their startup, such as product-market fit.
What is project management software?
Project management software helps both founders and their teams manage and execute projects to move the company forward. Most of this software tracks both hours spent on projects as well as where it is on the project’s roadmap.
What project management software do startups use?
The type of project management software a startup chooses to use depends largely on its unique needs. A few popular software options for startups include Monday.com, Asana, and ClickUp.
What is the easiest app for project management?
Depending on your experience level, a great project management solution should include an intuitive interface. That being said, Wrike and Zoho Projects offer an easy-to-use platform for beginners.
How do I choose the right project management software?
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a project management tool:
- Pricing: With so much software offering free plans and competitive pricing, finding the right platform that fits your budget is as easy as it is important.
- Features: Knowing the types of features you need to effectively manage your projects is crucial. From there, weigh the included features to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.
- Integrations: Many project management solutions offer integrations with popular apps and software. To slim down your tech stack, look for a platform that will integrate with apps you’re already using.
- Reporting & Analytics: Not only can these solutions help deploy projects, but many can also help you track their progress and success.
- Ease of Use: A steep learning curve can impact both you and your team. An intuitive interface or top-tier training is critical when choosing software.
- Customer Support: Ensuring you, as well as your team, have the support you need to troubleshoot problems and best utilize the service is hugely important.
How secure is project management software?
The security of each project management software platform will vary depending on the measures put in place by the service provider. However, most top-tier project management solutions offer security and encryption features to ensure your data and information is safe.
