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.
But, as eye-catching as it appears to be, it’s not the only software you should consider getting, as there are plenty more out there that might suit your team’s needs better than, say, ClickUp!
We’ve had the pleasure of looking at six of its close competitors that are impacting the task management scene, checking out their similar traits, and examining their distinct aspects that set each other apart. We can also help you decide if your team is more compatible with ClickUp or other platforms. Keep reading if you still haven’t found your perfect PMS.
Deya has posted a video review on her YouTube channel Deya // Entrepreneurship, Freelance, DBM and Entrepreneurship. ClickUp is a great way to get an overview. You can also check out the article below that compares ClickUp to other companies.
What is ClickUp? A brief overview Trello V 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. 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?
ClickUp is a great tool for project management. From core tools such as task creation, calendar, reporting, and communication, to handy functions you may not get anywhere else, like time and screen recording, real-time collaborations, and public sharing, ClickUp has it all.
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. 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. 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. It is capable of customizing itself and provides excellent support and learning resources when 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 one of the most robust in any project management software
- Let’s explore more customization options
ClickUp’s Cons
- It has so many features in one platform that it may intimidate those entering it for the first time.
- More time is needed to onboard if you have too many tools
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
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 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. Its estimated price range is however twice as expensive as the other, despite its impressive list of features.
Comparing the Features
ClickUp and Asana offer core workspace tools and features for teams, along with additional customization and portfolio access. The latter offers life-saving tools such as integrated time-tracking management. However, ClickUp does not. This means that you will need to create a program specifically for this purpose.
Asana’s paid plans cost twice as much as ClickUp’s currently. 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. 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. 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. 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.
- Has an impressive list of advanced integrations with third-party apps and services
Asana’s Cons
- Access to Asana’s paid-tier offerings is required for most of Asana’s key features.
- The high price tag may not be a good fit for small teams or 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.
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. 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. Trello V 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. 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. 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 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
- It has enough features and work view options to give you a competitive edge
- Its interface is simple enough for anyone, including newly welcomed 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. Instead of relying on the usual design-heavy interface filled to the brim with tools, as seen in some top platforms such as ClickUp, Notion lays out its offering of features in a more simplified, minimalistic manner.
With Notion, you get to use a set of barebones work features, such as creating an organized list of to-do tasks, viewing the happenings in your workspace in different ways (from Kanban boards to calendar and timeline views), and crafting info-rich documents and wikis.
You won’t be able use other useful tools like the Gantt chart because Notion doesn’t have enough capacity. It does have a limited number of powerful solutions but it makes up for it with a simpler working environment.
Comparing the Features
As already established, Notion does not have as wide of a range of functions to offer on the table as ClickUp. The general design of Notion is less bold and bold than ClickUp’s (unless you use one of the pre-made templates it has on its website). It makes sense, however, given the way it was presented originally.
Notion’s simplicity is reflected in its paid and free tiers. 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 seems to be more suitable for groups that don’t require the additional features. Trello V 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. Considering the short list of features, it can offer right away. It is easy to understand 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.
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 also requires other essential project management tools such as automation or advanced-level reporting.
- You may need to rely on third-party integrations if you want to use Notion and maximize it with other features it currently cannot offer
> > Click Here to Sign Up for Free < <
ClickUp vs. Trello
Breaking away from tradition, Trello cashes in on being the go-to project management platform with an eye for visual detail. It specializes in offering teams a wide range of flexible ways to see and organize project tasks, with some notable ones including Kanban-style boards, signature Trello cards, and eye-catching views from lists to tables. Trello V ClickUp
From the looks of it, Trello’s task layout capabilities have given ClickUp a worthy competitor in the field. It excels in automations and integrations. ClickUp’s free plan seems comparable.
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.
Comparison of 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 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.
This lack of range means it won’t be a great fit for ambitious data-heavy projects. If all you need is a place to organize your tasks for your entire team, will this matter? If you don’t want to use Trello’s integration features, the default version might not suffice to meet your workspace requirements.
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. Trello V ClickUp
Trello’s Pros
- Offers a stellar range of board-based work view designs optimized for a variety of 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.
- 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
Advertised as the #1 project management software for agile teams, Jira Software is packed with a stellar list of advanced-grade and highly functional 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.
Comparison of the Features
If there are a few things that both Jira and ClickUp have in common, they may include scrums, automations, project reporting, and power-heavy task management capabilities. One of the key differences is Jira’s focus on developers. This may explain why Jira’s features can be difficult to understand if you are not tech-savvy. Trello V ClickUp
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. 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. 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.
- Jira is known for its over 1000 integrations with different platforms. Trello V 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.
- 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 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. 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.
Airtable is trusted by so many people because of its stability and ease-of-use. It can be difficult to use in certain cases, especially when using 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. Similar to ClickUp, you now have the option to customize your views into calendar form or a Kanban board. Trello V ClickUp
Features aside, we have to appreciate how Airtable presents its free plan. Although it lacks some core features, it’s still very 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.
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.
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. Trello V 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
- 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 I Choose? Trello V ClickUp
ClickUp is a great option if you want your team members to be able to do everything at once. However, if you don’t want your mates to be fully overwhelmed for the first time, Monday.com is a great alternative. Technically, most platforms on our list count as alternatives, but Monday has more in-house features, including communication and collaboration tools, reporting, and time-tracking.
Asana, Notion and Airtable offer the perfect combination of functionality and form. 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. However, this route is not for everyone. You will need to be aware of its strengths and limitations, which we haven’t covered in detail here. It’s worth mentioning that some of ClickUp’s tools may be better, while others may not – nevertheless, it offers a decent list of integrations, which you can use to your advantage if you need it most, as with any other existing project management software.
Are you looking for the right PMS to help your team reach their dreams? Is ClickUp the right platform for your team, or is it something else that best suits your needs? Regardless of your choice, we’ll wish you the best of luck!