ClickUp has steadily gained recognition as one of the most effective task management platforms over the years. Backed by a great-value range of plans and a long list of powerful features, it has been used and trusted by companies worldwide, small or big.
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.
Deya has posted a video review on her YouTube channel Deya // Entrepreneurship, Freelance, DBM and Entrepreneurship. ClickUp is a great way to get an overview. You can also check out the article below that compares ClickUp to other companies.
What is ClickUp? A brief overview ClickUp Formula Custom Field
ClickUp is a cloud-based project management software that, like all other platforms, provides companies and groups of different sizes a space to work productively with optimized task-handling, goal-tracking, and reporting tools, as well as an open opportunity to foster growth as a collective to great heights.
The best productivity platforms of today have distinct factors that set each other apart, and ClickUp takes on it by cashing in on being a one-stop shop for all work-related needs. It has a huge load of features, most of which are designed to be convenient and easy to use. Additionally, it’s best known for its jam-packed free plan and impressively valuable premium contemporaries.
Because of these, ClickUp has gained a highly favorable public following and critical acclaim. Although ClickUp is packed with productivity features, some users find it too much.
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. ClickUp offers everything you need, including core tools like task creation, calendar, report, and communication. ClickUp also has handy functions such as time and screen recording and real-time collaborations.
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. We all know that dealing with a lot of stuff at once may leave us feeling fatigued at some point. ClickUp has many users complaining about the fact that they have to spend more time learning. Most teams will need to learn the tools before they can use them for their full-time work.
Although not as serious as the other, ClickUp needs to improve its UI. It can sometimes be a little difficult to navigate and may become unresponsive in some cases. 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 the best in 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.
- More time is needed to onboard if you have too many tools
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ClickUp vs. Asana
Similar to ClickUp and Asana, Asana allows you to track your team’s tasks from anywhere on the internet. Did you know that you can access both platforms via the iOS or Android mobile apps?
Asana comes with the core features you may expect, such as unlimited storage, reporting, goal tracking, and communication. 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. However, as high-quality as its lineup of features may seem, its estimated price range is twice as much as the other.
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. The latter offers life-saving tools such as integrated time-tracking management. However, ClickUp does not. This means that you will need to create a program specifically for this purpose.
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. As for the free plans, Asana does not have the same key features as ClickUp, and most of them cannot be accessed unless you register for a premium tier. The only thing that saves Asana’s entry-level tier is unlimited storage. This gives ClickUp the obvious upper hand in the 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. But, for what it’s worth, not having a lot to provide may have given Asana a bigger advantage than ClickUp.
Although the latter has a lot of features, it may not be enough for all teams, especially those who are going through the onboarding process. With the former, teammates wouldn’t have to worry as much, as its display of core tools is simply laid out and ready to use, further saving time in the process.
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.
- Has an impressive list of advanced integrations with third-party apps and services
Asana’s Cons
- 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.
Essentially, Monday allows you to do exactly what ClickUp promises to offer – the only notable differences are that the interface is sleeker than the other, it’s easier to navigate, and it’s more appropriate in a large-group setting.
Comparison of the Features
Monday provides the following tools for work management that ClickUp offers: In addition to primary functions such as task-making and reporting, and automations; these include the Gantt charts and Kanban boards, in-house Documents feature and time-tracking tools. 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.
Regarding the pricing range, Monday’s version falls comfortably between ClickUp’s more valuable set and Asana’s more expensive one. Its Basic plan costs $8 – just a good $3 more than ClickUp’s equivalent, but not as pricey. Although there isn’t much to be had, Monday’s free plan has the best storage allowance. Comparing ClickUp’s 500MB storage allowance to ClickUp’s 100MB will immediately show the difference. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
Monday’s Unique Aspects
Monday might be able to offer a greater number of features than ClickUp, but that is only because ClickUp requires access beyond the paywall. We do appreciate the polished UI. Much like Asana, Monday’s interface has been designed to be easy to navigate, even upon onboarding.
Monday stands out best in its simplicity based on how it lays out its features. 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.
Additionally, considering the cost range of its priced plans and their included tools, Monday has the potential to be a better great-value project management program for mid to large-sized teams. 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
- Its interface is simple enough for anyone, including newly welcomed teammates.
Monday’s Cons
- The free plan does not offer unlimited storage, but it has certain limitations.
- 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.
You won’t be able use other useful tools like the Gantt chart because Notion doesn’t have enough capacity. It does have a limited number of powerful solutions but it makes up for it with a simpler working environment.
Comparison of the Features
As already established, Notion does not have as wide of a range of functions to offer on the table as ClickUp. The general design of Notion is less bold and bold than ClickUp’s (unless you use one of the pre-made templates it has on its website). But given how it was originally presented, it makes more sense that it turned out this way.
Beyond how much it can offer, Notion’s simplistic nature similarly influences its free tier and paid plans. 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. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
Notion’s Unique Aspects
The notion is one of the only software out there that caters to solo freelancers and minimalist teams better than large-scale companies with a lot at stake. It is easy to use, considering the limited features it offers. It is easy to understand and use.
Given its minimalist look, organizing tasks and other duties has always been difficult. You may be able to cut right to the chase and accomplish whatever task you set your mind, whether you are working alone or in a group.
Not only is Notion easy to navigate, but its layout is simple enough that it can be maximized however you want. It may not be as great as other tasks like automation, but those won’t be much of a great concern if you’re a simple task management type.
Notion’s Pros
- It excels in task-creating and note-taking. This is especially impressive considering that it was originally a simple notes application.
- Its minimalistic interface leads to a less complex setup process
- Encourages users to be more functional and fluid in their workflow – this is enough to suit both one-person freelancers and teams with multiple players
Notion’s Cons
- It also requires other essential project management tools such as automation or 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. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
From the looks of it, Trello’s task layout capabilities have given ClickUp a worthy competitor in the field. It excels in automations and integrations. ClickUp’s free plan seems comparable.
Trello’s visual layouts are what make it stand out, but we cannot say the same about other aspects of project management like reporting. Nevertheless, its limited scope of tool offerings makes onboarding less cumbersome.
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. Even if you’re confined to the limits of Trello’s free plan, you may be lucky to take advantage of its native and Power-Up offerings, ultimately giving your extra workflow flexibility. 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
Trello is not as flexible as ClickUp. 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. If all you need is a place to organize your tasks for your entire team, will this matter? Unless you’re willing to expand with Trello’s integration feature, just using the default version may not be enough to satiate your workspace needs.
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. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
Trello’s Pros
- A wide range of work view designs that are board-based, optimized for various purposes.
- Has fewer features, ultimately making the onboarding and setup process less cumbersome
- The free plan offers unlimited storage space which is great news for people who work with more data.
Trello’s Cons
- Trello must improve its ability to create visuals and boards, as well as other critical tools such reporting and time management.
- If you don’t sign up for the Premium mid-tier plan, your access to Kanban boards will be restricted.
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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. These features are targeted at teams that specialize in IT or other high-skill areas, so if this is something you’re interested in, it may be worth your time.
Like ClickUp, Jira is quite robust and flexible to use based on its current offering of interesting tools – the only difference being it’s more suited for coding pros and the like. Its core functions aside, many have praised it for its excellent reporting, dev-ops and bug-tracking capabilities.
It is also highly praised for its impressive 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.
Comparison of 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. The key distinction is the focus on dev teams, which may explain why some of Jira’s features are hard to digest if you’re not tech-savvy. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
Another aspect both platforms share is the intimidation upon first impression – ClickUp may be notorious for its feature overload. Still, Jira’s range is so advanced that others may struggle with it. As for Jira’s free and paid plans, you may likely reap the benefits of what each tier offers, especially if you work in IT. Atlassian Access subscriptions are a good option if you want to have expert-level access, such as SCIM and SSO.
Jira’s Unique Aspects
As daunting as it may seem, Jira has the potential to be a highly functional project management platform. Its many functions and tools make it a good choice for agile teams, especially when you consider the inclusion of unique assets such as DevOps or IT companies.
Jira may not be capable of offering every feature under the sun like ClickUp. It is able to integrate with ClickUp and offers extra gigabytes storage space. This allows you to easily add any feature that you need into your workspace. Want to incorporate Gantt charts and 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. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
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.
ClickUp may have good database management features, but Airtable excels across the board in this field. 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. But, in some cases, it can be challenging to use, especially with its data input functions.
Comparison of the Features
Airtable makes it easy to create a well-organized layout using spreadsheets. They can be used in multiple ways and for multiple purposes thanks to the template library. The Interface Designer update has added new ways to view tasks. You can now customize your views to look like ClickUp. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
Airtable’s free plan is a great feature. It may be less robust in features, but it is surprisingly 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.
Before the advent of digital boards or other task views, spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel were used to import data and set up tasks for projects. The design of these spreadsheet programs has helped teams achieve their goals.
They became less popular as they were no longer practical and had to be replaced by more functionality. Airtable was created to address the lack of oomph found in most spreadsheet platforms during its release. Today, with the increasing rise of cloud-based and remote work, Airtable’s signature capabilities are more fitting for teams of all sizes. ClickUp Formula Custom Field
Airtable’s Pros
- Houses plenty of remarkable spreadsheet-creating and customization capabilities
- It is well-respected for its functional and stable user interface.
- Its affinity for diversity makes it suitable for many different types of work purposes
Airtable’s Cons
- Sometimes, data import and export can be difficult to manage, especially when data is transferred from 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? ClickUp Formula Custom Field
If you want your team to do all things at once, ClickUp may be our best option. However, if you don’t want your mates to be fully overwhelmed for the first time, Monday.com is a great alternative. 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.
ClickUp is the only way to combine the best features from all other PMS in one place. 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. It’s worth mentioning that some of ClickUp’s tools may be better, while others may not – nevertheless, it offers a decent list of integrations, which you can use to your advantage if you need it most, as with any other existing project management software.
Are you looking for the right PMS to help your team reach their dreams? Is ClickUp the right platform for your team, or is it something else that best suits your needs? Regardless of your choice, we’ll wish you the best of luck!