Over the years, ClickUp has slowly gained acclaim as one of the top-performing task management platforms. It is trusted worldwide by small and large companies, thanks to its great-value plans and extensive list of powerful features.
But, as eye-catching as it appears to be, it’s not the only software you should consider getting, as there are plenty more out there that might suit your team’s needs better than, say, 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 ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
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.
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?
ClickUp is a great tool for project management. 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.
The best thing about large tool storage is the fact that they can all be accessed in one location, rather than using multiple apps. You don’t have to pay anything to access most of the core tools. ClickUp has been offering this free forever plan 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. A common complaint nearly everyone has about ClickUp is that the overload of tools requires them to allot extra time to learn. 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. But that aside, it catches up in its customization abilities and offers excellent support and learning resources whenever help is 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, 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 comes with the core features you may expect, such as unlimited storage, reporting, goal tracking, and communication. ClickUp is a heavy-featured platform. Asana counters this by offering powerful tools for work and a simplified way to manage tasks.
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.
Comparing 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. ClickUp Unlimited plans start at $5, while Asana’s is a staggering $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 might not be well-known 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. 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.
Asana makes it easy to incorporate and integrate as many things as you need to improve your team’s experience. Asana, like every other project management platform allows you to integrate with different apps and services such as Zapier for a wider 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
- Most of Asana’s key features require access to any of its paid-tier offerings.
- Its expensive price range may not bode well for small-scale teams and low-budget groups.
ClickUp vs. Monday.com
Monday.com is one of the few platforms that offers almost the same capabilities as ClickUp. The former, much like ClickUp, allows you to manage all tasks with the best quality.
Monday allows you to create any type of task, file them in folders and subtasks. You can also collaborate with your mates in real time even if you are far away.
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 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. While you can get half of these already in ClickUp’s freemium plan, with Monday, you’d have to pay up just to access them, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Regarding the pricing range, Monday’s version falls comfortably between ClickUp’s more valuable set and Asana’s more expensive one. 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. ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
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 stands out best in its simplicity based on how it lays out its features. It can be integrated with third-party platforms so that companies with additional needs or solutions have a place to make the most of the software.
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
- 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 lacks multi-device support, as it can’t be currently connected to voice control platforms like Alexa and 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. Instead of relying on the usual design-heavy interface filled to the brim with tools, as seen in some top platforms such as ClickUp, Notion lays out its offering of features in a more simplified, minimalistic manner.
With Notion, you get to use a set of barebones work features, such as creating an organized list of to-do tasks, viewing the happenings in your workspace in different ways (from Kanban boards to calendar and timeline views), and crafting info-rich documents and 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.
Comparing 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.
Notion’s simplicity is reflected in its paid and free tiers. Its free plan, on the one hand, allows you to taste its core tools – what makes it different is that it’s more suited for personal use compared to ClickUp’s Free Forever plan. Notion’s Teams plan, on the other, seems to fit groups who may not need any of the increasingly complicated fuss of extra features better. ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
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. The notion has the advantage of being easier to explore and use.
Given its minimalist look, organizing tasks and other duties has always been difficult. 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. 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 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 also requires other essential project management tools such as automation or advanced-level reporting.
- You may need to rely on third-party integrations if you want to use Notion and maximize it with other features it currently cannot offer
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
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 Gantt Chart Tutorial
ClickUp has been made a credible competitor by Trello’s task-laying capabilities. It excels in automations and integrations. ClickUp’s free plan seems comparable.
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.
Comparing 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. You can create a Kanban Board for free but you will need to purchase a premium plan for $10 to have access to many other 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. Also, Trello’s entry level tier grants unlimited storage which ClickUp is currently unable to offer. This is a great 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.
This lack of range means it won’t be a great fit for ambitious data-heavy projects. If all you need is a place to organize your tasks for your entire team, will this matter? 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. ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
Trello’s Pros
- Offers a stellar range of board-based work view designs optimized for a variety of 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. Its core functions aside, many have praised it for its excellent 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.
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. 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. ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
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
Jira is a powerful project management platform that can be as simple or complex as you might think. 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.
Although Jira might not have ClickUp, it can offer all the features you need. 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. 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. With that said, Jira can be viewed as a platform where colleagues can collaborate as quickly as possible, so long as you have enough time to explore the platform.
Jira’s Pros
- A great set of tools packed with power, many of which are designed for teams working in IT or web development
- Has a generally functional free plan – and an equally robust list of paid plans
- Jira is known for its over 1000 integrations with different platforms. ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
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. Penned as a “real-time spreadsheet-database hybrid” that takes on a new spin on the usual project management software, it focuses on letting teams mix in all the workflow and data into one cohesive 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.
Airtable is trusted by so many people because of its stability and ease-of-use. But, in some cases, it can be challenging to use, especially with its data input functions.
Comparison of the Features
Airtable allows you to craft an organized layout with the help of spreadsheets. They can be used in multiple ways and for multiple purposes thanks to the template library. 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. ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
Airtable’s free plan is a great feature. 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. These plans are a little 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. Their formal and neatly stacked nature stemmed from the design has helped get teams to reach their goals.
But, as time passed, they slowly went out of style, considering the need for more flexibility and functionality. Airtable was designed to solve the shortcomings of spreadsheet platforms. Airtable’s unique capabilities make it more suitable for all types of teams, especially with cloud-based work and remote work. ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
Airtable’s Pros
- Houses plenty of remarkable spreadsheet-creating and customization capabilities
- Renowned for its stable and functional user interface and experience
- Because of its affinity for diversity, it is suitable for many types of work.
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 I Choose? ClickUp Gantt Chart Tutorial
ClickUp is a great option if you want your team members to be able to do everything at once. However, if you don’t want your mates to be fully overwhelmed for the first time, Monday.com is a great alternative. Technically, most platforms on our list count as alternatives, but Monday has more in-house features, including communication and collaboration tools, reporting, and time-tracking.
If you’re striving for a perfect balance between functionality and form, Asana, Notion, and Airtable are the best bets. You can focus on the task at hand while using as few features as possible. If you want to, integrations are available. 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. It shines best when it is used with 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. 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? We wish you all the best, regardless of which platform you choose.