Over the years, ClickUp has slowly gained acclaim as one of the top-performing task management platforms. 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. Keep reading if you still haven’t found your perfect PMS.
Deya has posted a video review on her YouTube channel Deya // Entrepreneurship, Freelance, DBM and Entrepreneurship. 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 Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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. 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. 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?
There’s no denying that ClickUp delivers when it comes to offering teams a wide variety of project management features. ClickUp offers everything you need, including core tools like task creation, calendar, report, and communication. ClickUp also has handy functions such as time and screen recording and real-time collaborations.
What’s particularly nice about the large capacity of tools is that you can access them in one place instead of relying on multiple apps. 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. We all know that dealing with a lot of stuff at once may leave us feeling fatigued at some point. 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.
Though not much of a great concern as the other, ClickUp also needs to improve in terms of UI in that it can be buggy in rare cases and a bit complicated to navigate through. It is capable of customizing itself and provides excellent support and learning resources when needed.
ClickUp’s Pros
- Includes a widely diverse range of work solutions from task management to time tracking to goal-setting
- Its free plan is one of the most robust in any project management software
- Lets you explore a wider scope of customization tools
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 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
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. 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. 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 may also need to be well-versed when it comes to its offering of project management tools and functions, too. But, for what it’s worth, not having a lot to provide may have given Asana a bigger advantage than ClickUp.
Although the latter has a lot of features, it may not be enough for all teams, especially those who are going through the onboarding process. 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.
Asana’s Cons
- 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.
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.
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 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. 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.
The pricing range for Monday’s version is between Asana’s most expensive and ClickUp’s most valuable. The Basic plan costs $8, which is $3 less than ClickUp’s equivalent but not as expensive. 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. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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. 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.
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 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
- The free plan does not offer unlimited storage, but it has certain limitations.
- It lacks multi-device support, as it can’t be currently connected to voice control platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant.
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
ClickUp vs. Notion
Originally a note-taking application, Notion takes on a refreshing approach to 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. It does have a limited number of powerful solutions but it makes up for it with a simpler working environment.
Comparison of 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). 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 seems to be more suitable for groups that don’t require the additional features. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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.
Organizing tasks and other duties have always been challenging given its minimalist feel. 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. 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 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 also requires other essential project management tools such as automation or advanced-level reporting.
- If you want to maximize Notion’s capabilities and add other features, third-party integrations may be necessary
> > 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 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. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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. 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’s also worth noting that its integration capabilities seamlessly match those of ClickUp. Trello’s free plan limits may limit your options, but you might be able to use its native and power-up offerings to give you more flexibility in your workflow. 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.
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. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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.
- If you don’t sign up for the Premium mid-tier plan, your access to Kanban boards will be restricted.
> > 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. These features are targeted at teams that specialize in IT or other high-skill areas, so if this is something you’re interested in, it may be worth your time.
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.
Comparing 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. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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. However, if you wish to get expert-level access to stuff like SSO and SCIM, you must also consider getting an Atlassian Access subscription, which will add more to your expenses.
Jira’s Unique Aspects
As daunting as it may seem, Jira has the potential to be a highly functional project management platform. 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. 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
- 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. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
Jira’s Cons
- If you’re not as well versed in IT jargon, you may have difficulty navigating through Jira for the first time.
- It has been criticised for its slow interface, lack of intuitive functions and inability to manage important tasks.
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
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. Airtable is best known for its flexible spreadsheet-adjacent 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. It can be difficult to use in certain cases, especially when using its data input functions.
Comparing the Features
Airtable allows you to craft an organized layout with the help of spreadsheets. Based on its template library, they can be utilized in multiple ways and for multiple purposes. The Interface Designer update has added new ways to view tasks. You can now customize your views to look like ClickUp. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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. 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. It’s also one of the only platforms that cash in on their spreadsheet and table tools as 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. Today, with the increasing rise of cloud-based and remote work, Airtable’s signature capabilities are more fitting for teams of all sizes. Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
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
- 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? Space vs ClickUp For Software Development
If you want your team to do all things at once, ClickUp may be our best option. 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.
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. 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.
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? We wish you all the best, regardless of which platform you choose.