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. If you haven’t found the perfect PMS yet, keep reading!
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 Short Overview How To Use ClickUp
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.
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. There are many features available, and most of them are easy-to-use and convenient. It is also known for its free, jam-packed plan and highly valuable premium alternatives.
Because of these, ClickUp has gained a highly favorable public following and critical acclaim. 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. 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
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
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 is a heavy-featured platform. Asana counters this by offering powerful tools for work and a simplified way to manage tasks.
ClickUp has more tools than Asana, so this may be a good thing 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
ClickUp and Asana offer core workspace tools and features for teams, along with additional customization and portfolio access. 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. 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. However, its entry-level tier includes unlimited storage among the only saving graces. ClickUp has the clear advantage in this 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.
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. 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.
- The high price tag may not be a good fit for small teams or 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 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.
The pricing range for Monday’s version is between Asana’s most expensive and ClickUp’s most valuable. Its Basic plan costs $8 – just a good $3 more than ClickUp’s equivalent, but not as pricey. Though admittedly, there’s not much to offer, Monday’s free plan wins when it comes to storage allowance. You’ll spot the difference immediately if you compare its 500MB to ClickUp’s 100MB. How To Use ClickUp
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. 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 works best for small-scale groups, so it’s fitting for Monday to be the ClickUp for bigger 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
- 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.
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
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.
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.
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. 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.
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, on the other, seems to fit groups who may not need any of the increasingly complicated fuss of extra features better. How To Use ClickUp
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.
Organizing tasks and other duties have always been challenging given its minimalist feel. 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
- 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.
- 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
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
ClickUp vs. Trello
Trello is breaking with tradition and aiming to be the most popular project management platform. 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. How To Use ClickUp
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. Nevertheless, its limited scope of tool offerings makes onboarding less cumbersome.
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. 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? 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. How To Use ClickUp
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.
- You’ll only be limited to Kanban boards unless you sign up for its mid-tier Premium plan.
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
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.
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. 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. 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
ClickUp and Jira share some commonalities, such as scrums and automations, project reporting, power-heavy task managing capabilities, and project reporting. 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. How To Use ClickUp
The commonality of both platforms is their intimidation upon first impression. ClickUp may be well-known for its feature overload. Jira’s features are so extensive that some may have trouble understanding 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.
Although Jira might not have ClickUp, it can offer all the features you need. 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. 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
- Packed with an outstanding set of power-heavy tools, most of which cater to teams who work in IT and 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. How To Use ClickUp
Jira’s Cons
- 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. How To Use ClickUp
Features aside, we have to appreciate how Airtable presents its free plan. 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. 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.
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. Today, with the increasing rise of cloud-based and remote work, Airtable’s signature capabilities are more fitting for teams of all sizes. How To Use ClickUp
Airtable’s Pros
- Houses plenty of remarkable spreadsheet-creating and customization capabilities
- Renowned for its stable and functional user interface and experience
- Its affinity for diversity makes it suitable for many different types of work purposes
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.
- 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? How To Use ClickUp
ClickUp is a great option if you want your team members to be able to do everything at once. 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. 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.
Trello might be better suited for workflows that rely on visuals. However, you may need to integrate with other platforms in order to achieve other goals. 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.
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.
Have you found the perfect PMS to help your team achieve your dream goals? 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!