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’ll also help you determine if your team has better compatibility with either ClickUp or any of the 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 Microsoft 365 vs 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.
ClickUp is one of the most popular productivity platforms today. It has distinct features that make each platform stand out. 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.
ClickUp is a popular and highly regarded product. 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.
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
Although having as many features as possible in one platform is a good idea, there are downsides. 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. 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 offers so many features that it can be intimidating for those who are new to it.
- 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 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.
Comparison of the Features
Both Asana and ClickUp offer teams a handy slew of core workspace features and tools, plus some additions, including portfolio access and customization. While the latter has life-saving tools like integrated time-tracking management, the former does not – this means you would have to find a dedicated program just for that.
Asana’s paid plans cost twice as much as ClickUp’s currently. 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 may not be best recognized for its financial value. It might also need to be proficient in its offerings of project management tools. Asana may have had a greater advantage than ClickUp by not having much to offer.
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.
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
- It has enough task management features to ensure a fast 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.
Asana’s Cons
- 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. Much like the latter, the former lets you do all kinds of task management duties of the highest quality possible.
With Monday, you can create any kind of task and file them into folders and subtasks, collaborate with your fellow mates in real-time even while you’re far away, draft reports using its excellent cloud-based framework, customize your dashboard with drag-and-drop options, and track goals at any moment whether you’re in desktop view or on mobile.
ClickUp Monday lets you do what it promises. The only differences are that ClickUp’s interface is more modern than the other, easier to use, and more suitable for large groups.
Comparison of the Features
Monday 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. You’ll spot the difference immediately if you compare its 500MB to ClickUp’s 100MB. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
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. 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. 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
- Has a great-value range of paid plans, most of which are suited for mid-sized and large-scale 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
- 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. As for the general design, the former appears to be less bold and brash than the latter (unless you try out any of its pre-made templates available on its official website). But given how it was originally presented, it makes more sense that it turned out this way.
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 seems to be more suitable for groups that don’t require the additional features. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
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. 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
ClickUp has been made a credible competitor by Trello’s task-laying capabilities. Furthermore, it excels in its distinctive way when it comes to automations and integrations, and its free plan seems to be on par with what ClickUp’s Free Forever variant has in store.
As Trello shines best in its visual layouts, we can’t say the same regarding other important aspects of project management, like reporting. Nevertheless, its limited scope of tool offerings makes onboarding less cumbersome.
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. However, while you can create a Kanban board for free, you may need to pay for a $10 Premium plan to access many options. Regardless, its task management and automation features seem good enough to use 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
Compared to ClickUp, Trello lacks a diverse range of workspace capabilities. Trello currently doesn’t allow you to track your projects, set up a timer or record work hours.
It is not suited for data-intensive projects that require a lot of flexibility. 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.
Speaking of organizing your tasks, it’s quite telling that Trello’s task management functions have helped the software get to where it is today. Apart from the assorted range of visuals, the Trello Cards feature lets you collate all your tasks into sub-ecosystems full of workplace interactions. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
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. 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. 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. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
Another aspect both platforms share is the intimidation upon first impression – ClickUp may be notorious 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. 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. 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. Want to incorporate Gantt charts and time checking? You can explore all of them in the Atlassian Marketplace.
A recurring issue some users have with Jira is since it can house as many integrations as possible, your computer may run into some hardware issues. 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. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
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.
While ClickUp has some great database management features, Airtable is the best in this area. It’s best recognized for its generously customizable spreadsheet-adjacent table view. Though more appropriate for teams specializing in organizing important data, Airtable’s inclusive approach makes it a welcoming solution for any purpose.
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. 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. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
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.
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. Airtable’s unique capabilities make it more suitable for all types of teams, especially with cloud-based work and remote work. Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
Airtable’s Pros
- There are many amazing customization and spreadsheet-creating capabilities.
- It is well-respected for its functional and stable user interface.
- Because of its affinity for diversity, it is suitable for many types of work.
Airtable’s Cons
- The data export and import process may sometimes be a struggle to work with, especially when transferring data from other platforms like MS Excel.
- Although it may seem difficult to sign up for Airtable, once you get used to the overall functions of the platform, it will be worth it.
Bottom Line: Which Project Management Software Should You Choose? Microsoft 365 vs ClickUp
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, 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. 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. The only difference lies in how they’re used: Notion focuses on note-taking and documents, Airtable on spreadsheets, and Asana on task handling with a little communication on the side.
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. 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. ClickUp may have some tools that are better than others, but it does offer a good list of integrations which you can use to your advantage when you most need them.
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.