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.
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 have had the privilege of seeing six of its competitors in the task management industry, comparing their similarities and looking at the differences that make them different. We can also help you decide if your team is more compatible with ClickUp or other platforms. If you haven’t found the perfect PMS yet, keep reading!
Deya has posted a video review on her YouTube channel Deya // Entrepreneurship, Freelance, DBM and 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 vs Smartsuite
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?
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.
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. It’s believed that having all the necessary work tools in one centralized place may increase productivity rates within teams by around 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. There is a steep learning curve that most teams may have to deal with before using it for work full-time.
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
- This includes a wide range of solutions for work, 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 offers so many features that it can be intimidating for those who are new to it.
- 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.
ClickUp has more tools than Asana, so this may be a good thing 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. 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 offered set of paid plans costs twice the amount of what ClickUp currently has. 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. 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.
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.
Asana makes it easy to incorporate and integrate as many things as you need to improve your team’s experience. Like every other project management platform, Asana lets you integrate with various apps and services, including Zapier, for an expanded reach.
Asana’s Pros
- Has enough vital task management features to make for a swift working environment
- The platform’s interface and functions are simple, making it easy for new users to use.
- 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.
Comparing 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. 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. Comparing ClickUp’s 500MB storage allowance to ClickUp’s 100MB will immediately show the difference. ClickUp vs Smartsuite
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. 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. 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
- Has a great-value range of paid plans, most of which are suited for mid-sized and large-scale teams
- Has enough work view options, features, and functionality to give off a highly competitive edge
- The interface is easy enough to use for everyone, even new 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. 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. Regardless, while it may lack the range of powerful solutions, it sure does make up for its less complicated setting, making way for a more straightforward working environment.
Comparing the Features
Notion doesn’t have the same number of functions as ClickUp, as we’ve already seen. 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). It makes sense, however, given the way it was presented originally.
Beyond how much it can offer, Notion’s simplistic nature similarly influences its free tier and paid plans. 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 vs Smartsuite
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. 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.
Notion is easy to use. Its layout is also simple enough that you can maximize it however you wish. 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 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 needs other vital project management tools, such as automation and 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
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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 offers a variety of options for teams to organize and see project tasks. Some notable features include Kanban-style boards and Trello cards. There are also eye-catching views that range from lists to tables. ClickUp vs Smartsuite
From the looks of it, Trello’s task layout capabilities have given ClickUp a worthy competitor in the field. 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.
Trello’s visual layouts are what make it stand out, but we cannot say the same about other aspects of project management like reporting. However, the limited number of tools available makes it easier to onboard.
Comparing the Features
Like ClickUp’s take, Trello does not fail to impress us with its storied range of visual task layouts, as each allows you to keep organized and in tune with your team’s primary 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’s also worth noting that its integration capabilities seamlessly match those of ClickUp. 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. You can’t record work hours with a timer, track and report on how well your project has been, or send e-mails within the platform – all because Trello doesn’t offer any of these currently.
This lack of range means it won’t be a great fit for ambitious data-heavy projects. But will that matter if all you want is a place where you can organize your tasks for your team? 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. The Trello Cards feature allows you to combine all your tasks into sub-ecosystems that allow for workplace interactions. ClickUp vs Smartsuite
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
- 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. 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 is also highly praised for its impressive list of native integrations. These are all great features, but Jira is also criticized for its slow UI, confusing setup and inability assign multiple people to the same 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. 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 vs Smartsuite
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. You may be able to reap the benefits of Jira’s paid and free plans, especially if your job is 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. 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. 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. 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
- A generally functional plan is available. There are also a number of premium plans.
- Its list of over 1000 integrations with other platforms is one of Jira’s strengths. ClickUp vs Smartsuite
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 is well-known for its spreadsheet capabilities. But it also has many other features. 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. Airtable is best known for its flexible spreadsheet-adjacent 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.
Comparing 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. ClickUp vs Smartsuite
Airtable’s free plan is a great feature. It may be less robust in features, but it is surprisingly functional. You get to access some core features, but as for customization, there’s not much range of options to explore unless you sign up for any of its premium plans. These plans are a little more expensive than ClickUp’s so be aware.
Airtable’s Unique Aspects
Out of all the project management software on our list, Airtable stands out best regarding spreadsheets. It’s also one of the only platforms that cash in on their spreadsheet and table tools as 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. 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. Airtable’s unique capabilities make it more suitable for all types of teams, especially with cloud-based work and remote work. ClickUp vs Smartsuite
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.
- Onboarding with Airtable may be confusing, but the effort will likely pay off once you’re used to its overall functions
Bottom Line: Which Project Management Software Should You Choose? ClickUp vs Smartsuite
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. 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. After all, it shines best when it comes to Kanban board views. Meanwhile, if you rely on an advanced-level interface and agile features and/or specialize in IT, web development, or any computer-related skill, then Jira Software is.
ClickUp is the only way to combine the best features from all other PMS in one place. But, if you’re going for this route, you may need to consider its strengths and weaknesses, most of which we haven’t fully covered 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? ClickUp is the right platform for you or something else? Regardless of your choice, we’ll wish you the best of luck!