ClickUp has steadily gained recognition as one of the most effective task management platforms over the years. It is trusted worldwide by small and large companies, thanks to its great-value plans and extensive list of powerful features.
It’s certainly eye-catching, but it’s not all you need. There are many other software options that may be more suitable for your needs than ClickUp!
We’ve had the pleasure of looking at six of its close competitors that are impacting the task management scene, checking out their similar traits, and examining their distinct aspects that set each other apart. We can also help you decide if your team is more compatible with ClickUp or other platforms. Keep reading if you still haven’t found your perfect PMS.
For those of you who prefer a more visual experience, here is a video review from Deya on her YouTube channel Deya // Freelance, DBM & Entrepreneurship. To get a comprehensive overview of ClickUp, you may still want to check out our article below, which compares it to some competitors.
What is ClickUp? A brief overview Can ClickUp vs Freelance
ClickUp, a cloud-based project-management software, is available to companies and groups of all sizes. It offers a place to work efficiently with optimized task-handling and goal-tracking tools as well as reporting tools. ClickUp also gives you the opportunity to encourage growth and collaboration to great heights.
ClickUp is one of the most popular productivity platforms today. It has distinct features that make each platform stand out. It has a huge load of features, most of which are designed to be convenient and easy to use. It is also known for its free, jam-packed plan and highly valuable premium alternatives.
ClickUp is a popular and highly regarded product. However, while being filled to the brim with productivity features, the amount it offers can be overkill for some users.
What Makes ClickUp Stand Out From the Rest?
There’s no denying that ClickUp delivers when it comes to offering teams a wide variety of project management features. From core tools such as task creation, calendar, reporting, and communication, to handy functions you may not get anywhere else, like time and screen recording, real-time collaborations, and public sharing, ClickUp has it all.
What’s particularly nice about the large capacity of tools is that you can access them in one place instead of relying on multiple apps. It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to pay a lot to get a hold of most of the core ones as they’re already available in its Free Forever plan – that’s what ClickUp exactly promised since its inception in 2017. According to some studies, having all of the required work tools in one place can increase team productivity by up to 20%.
ClickUp’s Shortcomings
However, while having as many features in one single platform as possible is a sound idea, it does have a downside. It is a common occurrence for people to feel tired when trying to deal with too many things at once. ClickUp has many users complaining about the fact that they have to spend more time learning. There is a steep learning curve that most teams may have to deal with before using it for work full-time.
Though not much of a great concern as the other, ClickUp also needs to improve in terms of UI in that it can be buggy in rare cases and a bit complicated to navigate through. It is capable of customizing itself and provides excellent support and learning resources when needed.
ClickUp’s Pros
- Includes a widely diverse range of work solutions from task management to time tracking to goal-setting
- Its free plan is one of the most robust in any project management software
- Let’s explore more customization options
ClickUp’s Cons
- It has so many features in one platform that it may intimidate those entering it for the first time.
- Overload of tools means more time for onboarding
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ClickUp vs. Asana
Similar to ClickUp, Asana is a cloud-based program that allows you to keep up with your team’s tasks at any time on any device – did you know you can access both platforms through the iOS and Android mobile apps?
Asana includes all the essential features that you would expect such as unlimited storage and reporting, goal tracking, communication, and reporting. ClickUp aims to be features-heavy, and Asana counters it by striking a perfect balance between offering powerful work tools and simplifying task management duties.
Asana does not have as many tools as ClickUp, which may be good news for some. Its estimated price range is however twice as expensive as the other, despite its impressive list of features.
Comparison of the Features
Both Asana and ClickUp offer teams a handy slew of core workspace features and tools, plus some additions, including portfolio access and customization. While the latter has life-saving tools like integrated time-tracking management, the former does not – this means you would have to find a dedicated program just for that.
Asana’s paid plans cost twice as much as ClickUp’s currently. For reference, the ClickUp Unlimited plan is priced at just $5; meanwhile, Asana’s equivalent is at a whopping $10.99. Asana’s free plans do not offer the same features as ClickUp and can only be accessed by those who have opted for premium tiers. The only thing that saves Asana’s entry-level tier is unlimited storage. ClickUp has the clear advantage in this category.
Asana’s Unique Aspects
Asana may not be best recognized for its financial value. It might also need to be proficient in its offerings of project management tools. Asana may have had a greater advantage than ClickUp by not having much to offer.
The latter is blessed with a huge load of features, but the overloaded offering may be too much for most teams, especially those going through the onboarding process. The former saves time and makes teammates less concerned.
With that considered, it’s more liberating to integrate and incorporate as much as you want to enhance your team’s work experience with Asana. Like every other project management platform, Asana lets you integrate with various apps and services, including Zapier, for an expanded reach.
Asana’s Pros
- It has enough task management features to ensure a fast working environment.
- Its interface and general functions are sleek, making it easier for first-timers to explore the platform.
- It offers a wide range of integrations with third party apps and services.
Cons of Asana
- Access to Asana’s paid-tier offerings is required for most of Asana’s key features.
- Its expensive price range may not bode well for small-scale teams and low-budget groups.
ClickUp vs. Monday.com
On our list of project management platforms, Monday.com is a rare case in which it offers (almost) the exact range of capabilities as ClickUp. The former, much like ClickUp, allows you to manage all tasks with the best quality.
With Monday, you can create any kind of task and file them into folders and subtasks, collaborate with your fellow mates in real-time even while you’re far away, draft reports using its excellent cloud-based framework, customize your dashboard with drag-and-drop options, and track goals at any moment whether you’re in desktop view or on mobile.
ClickUp Monday lets you do what it promises. The only differences are that ClickUp’s interface is more modern than the other, easier to use, and more suitable for large groups.
Comparison of the Features
Monday offers its users the following key work management tools that ClickUp also has: apart from primary functions like task-making, reporting, and automations, these also include the Gantt and Kanban charts, the in-house Documents feature, time-tracking tools, single sign-on, and the ability to privatize boards and files. You can access half of these tools in ClickUp’s freemium program, but Monday will require you to pay for them. This can make it a bit difficult.
The pricing range for Monday’s version is between Asana’s most expensive and ClickUp’s most valuable. The Basic plan costs $8, which is $3 less than ClickUp’s equivalent but not as expensive. Although there isn’t much to be had, Monday’s free plan has the best storage allowance. You’ll spot the difference immediately if you compare its 500MB to ClickUp’s 100MB. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
Monday’s Unique Aspects
Monday may be capable of offering a different amount of features than ClickUp on the table in its free plan – given that most of them require access beyond the paywall. However, we do have to appreciate how polished its UI is. Like Asana’s interface, Monday’s was designed to be simple to use even after you have been onboarded.
Monday’s simplicity is what makes it stand out. Its layout of its features is the best. Since it can integrate with third-party platforms, it gives companies with extra needs or solutions a space to maximize the software to the fullest.
Aside from the fact that Monday’s pricing plans and the included tools are affordable, it could be a great project management tool for large to mid-sized groups. ClickUp is best for small groups so Monday should be the ClickUp for larger ones.
Monday’s Pros
- Offers a wide range of great-value plans that are suitable for large and mid-sized teams.
- It has enough features and work view options to give you a competitive edge
- The interface is easy enough to use for everyone, even new teammates.
Monday’s Cons
- Its free plan has some limits features-wise, despite offering users more free storage space allowance.
- It doesn’t support multi-device connectivity, so it cannot be connected to voice control platforms such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
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ClickUp vs. Notion
Notion was originally a note-taking app. Now it offers a refreshing approach for task management. Notion does not rely on the traditional interface that is cluttered with many tools as ClickUp and other top platforms, but instead presents its features in a simplified, minimalistic way.
Notion allows you to create a simple set of work features. These include creating a list of tasks and viewing your workspace in various ways, from Kanban boards to calendar views and timeline views, and creating info-rich documents or wikis.
However, you wouldn’t be able to try out other handy tools, including the Gantt chart, as Notion does not have enough capacity to offer them. It does have a limited number of powerful solutions but it makes up for it with a simpler working environment.
Comparing the Features
As already established, Notion does not have as wide of a range of functions to offer on the table as ClickUp. As for the general design, the former appears to be less bold and brash than the latter (unless you try out any of its pre-made templates available on its official website). But given how it was originally presented, it makes more sense that it turned out this way.
Notion’s simplicity is reflected in its paid and free tiers. The free plan allows you to try its core tools. What makes it different from ClickUp’s Free Forever is that it’s better suited for personal use than ClickUp’s. Notion’s Teams plan seems to be more suitable for groups that don’t require the additional features. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
Notion’s Unique Aspects
It is the only software that can cater to freelancers and small teams better than large companies with lots at stake. Considering the short list of features, it can offer right away. It is easy to understand and use.
Organizing tasks and other duties have always been challenging given its minimalist feel. Whether you work alone or with a team, you may appreciate how you can cut straight to the chase and do whatever task is on your mind.
Not only is Notion easy to navigate, but its layout is simple enough that it can be maximized however you want. Although it may not be as efficient as automation, that won’t make it a problem if you are a task manager.
Notion’s Pros
- Excels in its task-creating, note-taking, and organization features, especially considering its origin as a simple notes application
- Its minimalist interface makes it easier to set up.
- This encourages users to be more efficient and fluid in their workflow. It is suitable for both freelancers and large teams.
Notion’s Cons
- It needs other vital project management tools, such as automation and advanced-level reporting.
- If you want to maximize Notion’s capabilities and add other features, third-party integrations may be necessary
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ClickUp vs. Trello
Breaking away from tradition, Trello cashes in on being the go-to project management platform with an eye for visual detail. It specializes in offering teams a wide range of flexible ways to see and organize project tasks, with some notable ones including Kanban-style boards, signature Trello cards, and eye-catching views from lists to tables. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
ClickUp has been made a credible competitor by Trello’s task-laying capabilities. Furthermore, it excels in its distinctive way when it comes to automations and integrations, and its free plan seems to be on par with what ClickUp’s Free Forever variant has in store.
As Trello shines best in its visual layouts, we can’t say the same regarding other important aspects of project management, like reporting. However, the limited number of tools available makes it easier to onboard.
Comparison of the Features
Trello, like ClickUp, is a great visual task management tool. Each layout allows you to stay organized and aligned with your team’s main goals. However, while you can create a Kanban board for free, you may need to pay for a $10 Premium plan to access many options. However, the Kanban board’s task management and automation tools are sufficient to be used by any team.
It is also worth noting that ClickUp’s integration capabilities are seamless. Trello’s free plan limits may limit your options, but you might be able to use its native and power-up offerings to give you more flexibility in your workflow. Additionally, Trello’s entry-level tier gives you unlimited storage, something ClickUp currently isn’t capable of having, which is a welcome bonus!
Trello’s Unique Aspects
Compared to ClickUp, Trello lacks a diverse range of workspace capabilities. Trello currently doesn’t allow you to track your projects, set up a timer or record work hours.
It is not suited for data-intensive projects that require a lot of flexibility. But will that matter if all you want is a place where you can organize your tasks for your team? If you don’t want to use Trello’s integration features, the default version might not suffice to meet your workspace requirements.
Trello’s task-management functions are a great way to organize your tasks. Apart from the assorted range of visuals, the Trello Cards feature lets you collate all your tasks into sub-ecosystems full of workplace interactions. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
Trello’s Pros
- A wide range of work view designs that are board-based, optimized for various purposes.
- It has fewer features which makes the setup and onboarding process easier.
- Its free plan gives users unlimited storage space, which is good news for those who handle extra data.
Trello’s Cons
- Aside from boards and visuals, Trello needs to catch up in other crucial tools like reporting and time management.
- You’ll only be limited to Kanban boards unless you sign up for its mid-tier Premium plan.
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ClickUp vs. Jira Software
Jira Software has been proclaimed the best project management software for agile teams. It boasts a variety of highly functional and advanced features. Most of these are geared toward teams specializing in IT and other high-skill fields, so if you happen to be part of one, this may pique your interest.
Jira, like ClickUp is robust and flexible. Its current offerings of tools are great – but it’s better suited to coding pros. Core functions aside, it has been hailed by many who’ve used it for its top-notch reporting, dev-ops, and bug-tracking capabilities.
It’s also praised for its remarkable list of native integrations. While these seem promising, Jira has also drawn ire from most users for its notoriously slow UI, confusing setup, and inability to assign multiple people to one task.
Comparing the Features
If there are a few things that both Jira and ClickUp have in common, they may include scrums, automations, project reporting, and power-heavy task management capabilities. One of the key differences is Jira’s focus on developers. This may explain why Jira’s features can be difficult to understand if you are not tech-savvy. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
The commonality of both platforms is their intimidation upon first impression. ClickUp may be well-known for its feature overload. Still, Jira’s range is so advanced that others may struggle with it. You may be able to reap the benefits of Jira’s paid and free plans, especially if your job is in IT. However, if you wish to get expert-level access to stuff like SSO and SCIM, you must also consider getting an Atlassian Access subscription, which will add more to your expenses.
Jira’s Unique Aspects
As daunting as it may seem, Jira has the potential to be a highly functional project management platform. Plus, given its offering of functions and tools, it may suit agile teams better – considering the inclusion of distinctive assets like DevOps and IT companies.
Jira may not be capable of offering every feature under the sun like ClickUp. But it catches up with its integration capabilities and extra gigabytes of free storage space, encouraging you to add whatever is lacking into your workspace. You might like to integrate Gantt charts or time checking. All of these options are available in the Atlassian Marketplace.
Jira has a problem that users frequently have. It can store as many integrations and your computer could run into hardware problems. But, with that out of the way, as long as there’s enough time to go through the platform, we can envision Jira as a place where teammates can work as swiftly as possible.
Jira’s Pros
- Packed with an outstanding set of power-heavy tools, most of which cater to teams who work in IT and web development
- Has a generally functional free plan – and an equally robust list of paid plans
- Its list of over 1000 integrations with other platforms is one of Jira’s strengths. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
Cons of Jira
- If you’re not as well versed in IT jargon, you may have difficulty navigating through Jira for the first time.
- Has been criticized for its often slow interface, less intuitive functions, and lack of important task management features
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ClickUp vs. Airtable
Airtable has been widely admired for its spreadsheet capabilities, but it has more to offer than that. Airtable is a real-time spreadsheet-database hybrid that focuses on letting teams combine all the data and workflow into one source of truth.
While ClickUp has some great database management features, Airtable is the best in this area. It’s best recognized for its generously customizable spreadsheet-adjacent table view. Airtable is best suited for data-management teams, but it can be used for all purposes.
From its stable functionality to its user-friendliness, there’s no doubt that Airtable has gained the trust of so many folks who use it. It can be difficult to use in certain cases, especially when using its data input functions.
Comparison of the Features
Airtable makes it easy to create a well-organized layout using spreadsheets. Based on its template library, they can be utilized in multiple ways and for multiple purposes. But, as per its recent update, there are more ways of viewing tasks that you can explore beyond spreadsheets, thanks to the Interface Designer feature. You can now customize your views to look like ClickUp. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
Features aside, we have to appreciate how Airtable presents its free plan. Although it lacks some core features, it’s still very functional. While you have access to some core features, customization is limited. You can only explore the premium plans if you are interested in more options. Speaking of which, they’re a bit more expensive than ClickUp’s, so be aware.
Airtable’s Unique Aspects
Airtable excels in spreadsheets, out of all the project management tools on our list. Airtable is also the only platform that makes spreadsheets and table tools their star asset.
For years before the advent of digital boards and other task views designed for today’s age, spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel were primarily used to import data and lay out the tasks for any project. Their formal and neatly stacked nature stemmed from the design has helped get teams to reach their goals.
They became less popular as they were no longer practical and had to be replaced by more functionality. Airtable was designed to solve the shortcomings of spreadsheet platforms. Today, with the increasing rise of cloud-based and remote work, Airtable’s signature capabilities are more fitting for teams of all sizes. Can ClickUp vs Freelance
Airtable’s Pros
- There are many amazing customization and spreadsheet-creating capabilities.
- It is well-respected for its functional and stable user interface.
- Because of its affinity for diversity, it is suitable for many types of work.
Airtable’s Cons
- The data export and import process may sometimes be a struggle to work with, especially when transferring data from other platforms like MS Excel.
- Although it may seem difficult to sign up for Airtable, once you get used to the overall functions of the platform, it will be worth it.
Bottom Line: Which Project Management Software Should You Choose? Can ClickUp vs Freelance
If you want your team to do all things at once, ClickUp may be our best option. Monday.com is an excellent alternative if your team doesn’t want to feel overwhelmed the first time. Technically, all platforms in our list are alternatives. However, Monday.com has more in-house capabilities, such as communication tools, collaboration tools, reporting and time-tracking.
Asana, Notion and Airtable offer the perfect combination of functionality and form. Between the three, you get to focus on the tasks at hand with as minimal features as possible, and you can maximize with integrations if you feel like it. There is only one difference between the three: Notion focuses more on document creation and note-taking, Airtable on spreadsheets and Asana on task management with some communication.
If your workflow relies on visuals, Trello may be a better fit, though you may have to integrate with other platforms for other purposes. After all, it shines best when it comes to Kanban board views. Jira Software is a great choice if you are looking for an advanced interface and agile features, and/or a computer-related skill such as IT, web development or any other computer-related skill.
Lastly, if you want to stuff the best features of all the other PMS into one place, there’s no other thing we could think of other than ClickUp. However, this route is not for everyone. You will need to be aware of its strengths and limitations, which we haven’t covered in detail here. ClickUp may have some tools that are better than others, but it does offer a good list of integrations which you can use to your advantage when you most need them.
Have you found the perfect PMS to help your team achieve your dream goals? ClickUp is the right platform for you or something else? Regardless of your choice, we’ll wish you the best of luck!