Top 8 Monday.com Competitors for Creative Agencies (2025)

Monday.com may be a good ‘generalist’ app for basic projects, but its unwieldy, bloated features only add more work to an already overworked creative team. 

To be fair, Monday.com is quite easy to learn. It also boasts an API that allows you to connect it to any app you choose. However, there’s so much under the hood that using it to handle huge databases can be a nightmare, not to mention the features aren’t tailored to any specific industry.

This can be a deal breaker for creative agencies with unique needs (not the least of which is managing a ton of urgent work). And with tool costs making up the second-largest operating expense of digital agencies, you can’t afford to be stuck in an annual contract only to find that Monday.com gives your team more headaches than relief from scope creep. 

In this article, we’ll pit Monday.com against some of its top competitors to help you zero in on the best Monday.com alternative that will take your creative agency’s productivity to the next level. 

What Do Creative Agencies Say About Monday.com?

Monday.com may have its merits (we actually found it to be on par with or sometimes better than ClickUp in some aspects). However, a lot of creative agencies have the following common complaints about the popular work management software: 

1. Limited Unified View for Tasks and Projects

Monday.com lacks a comprehensive, unified task view where all task details (subtasks, deadlines, comments, attachments) are consolidated in one place. Users mention frustration with having to jump between different boards or views to access full task information.

2. Subpar Time Tracking and Reporting Features

Users consistently highlight Monday.com’s limited time tracking capabilities and lack of robust reporting tools. The inability to track time effectively or generate detailed project profitability reports forces agencies to rely on third-party integrations. 

3. Inefficient Client Collaboration Features

Monday.com does not offer a fully functional client-facing portal that allows secure client communication without exposing sensitive internal information. Agencies want to share updates, receive approvals, and exchange messages with clients while keeping internal discussions private.

4. Lack of Capacity Planning and Resource Management

While Monday.com offers dashboards for workload tracking, users complain about its difficulty in visualizing team capacity, especially when managing many clients and tasks across different boards. They find it challenging to assess resource availability for new tasks or last-minute client requests.

5. High Costs with Limited Automation

Monday.com’s pricing model is considered steep, especially for smaller agencies, with limited automation unless premium functions are unlocked. Users find the cost excessive relative to the value provided, especially when automation is restricted unless paired with other paid tools.

Top 8 Monday.com Competitors for Creative Agencies

Running a design or creative agency has its unique set of challenges requiring an equally unique set of solutions. If you’re dissatisfied with Monday.com, it’s time to consider other options that will better meet your needs–at a price that fits your budget.

1. ManyRequests

Best for: Creative agencies seeking an all-in-one client portal to streamline project management, client communication, and service delivery.

Monday.com may be popular, but it falls short in key areas that matter most for creative agencies. ManyRequests addresses these gaps with a tailored approach, offering tools designed to simplify operations, improve client collaboration, and help agencies scale. 

Let’s break down some of ManyRequests’ best features and how they stack against Monday.com’s. 

a. Unified Task and Project Management

While Monday.com offers flexible boards, its lack of a centralized, unified view of all task details makes managing complex projects cumbersome. Users often find themselves navigating multiple boards and views to access subtasks, comments, and attachments, leading to inefficiencies. 

In addition, Monday’s task delegation can become chaotic with multiple assignees, which dilutes accountability.

By contrast, ManyRequests offers a centralized task management system that streamlines every aspect of your workflow:

• One Portal for All Tasks: All tasks, project briefs, and communications are housed in a single dashboard, reducing the need to jump between tabs.
• Visual Project Views: Easily switch between the Queue view or the more familiar Kanban view to see each project’s progress and team member’s capacity in real time. 
• Automatic Task Assignment: New client requests are auto-assigned to the appropriate team members based on predefined rules, ensuring clear accountability.
• Direct Messaging Within Tasks: Each task includes a built-in communication thread, keeping all project-related details, feedback, and files organized and easy to access.

b. Built-In Time Tracking and Reporting

Monday.com offers limited time tracking capabilities and almost no built-in reporting for project profitability. Agencies often have to integrate third-party tools, which adds complexity and cost. Users also report that the reporting functions in Monday are not detailed enough for tracking key performance metrics.

Meanwhile, ManyRequests integrates time tracking and reporting directly into its platform:

• Track Billable Hours in Real-Time: No need for external tools. Time spent on tasks is tracked automatically within the portal.
• Profitability Insights: Detailed reports show the profitability of each project, helping agencies optimize budgets and resources.
• Hourly Pack Management: Clients who purchase hourly services can view their balance and usage history, offering transparency and reducing billing disputes.

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c. Customizable Client Portal

Monday.com lacks a comprehensive client-facing portal. While it offers shared boards, these aren’t tailored for client interaction.

There’s no secure way for clients to communicate, review progress, or give feedback without exposing internal workflows. This forces agencies to rely on email or other tools, which can be messy and time-consuming.

Fortunately, ManyRequests offers a fully customizable client portal that transforms how agencies collaborate with clients:

Each client gets a secure, branded portal where they can submit requests, track progress, and communicate with the team.

Unlike other generic work or project management platforms, ManyRequests gives you full control of the client portal’s looks and feel through the following customization options: 

• Custom Domain: Use your own domain (e.g., app.youragency.com) for a professional, branded portal.
• Branding Options: Customize the portal’s logo, favicon, and primary colors to reflect your agency’s identity.
• Email Customization: Personalize client-facing emails, including notifications and updates, to maintain consistent branding.
• Language Preferences: Offer the portal in multiple languages to cater to international clients.
• Time Zone Settings: Allow clients to view projects and deadlines in their local time zone.
• Custom Portal Themes: Choose between light and dark themes to match your agency’s aesthetic or client preferences.
• Client Onboarding: Tailor the client onboarding experience with customized instructions and welcome messages.
• Service Catalog and Checkout Forms: Display your services in a branded catalog and let clients purchase directly from the portal.

As the CEO of Grayola (a remote-first graphic design agency) puts it,  ManyRequests has been the backbone of their operations since day 1, allowing them to manage over 1,200 creative projects. 

This is all thanks to ManyRequests’ customizable client portal which allows them to tailor branding and email notifications, and offer multilingual and time zone support for their predominantly Latin American clientele.

See how creative agencies all over the world use ManyRequests to simplify their operations while ensuring client satisfaction. Or, sign up for a free trial today to test its features at no cost. 

d. Comprehensive Design Proofing and Feedback Management

Monday.com also lacks built-in design proofing tools, forcing agencies to rely on external software or email for collecting client feedback on deliverables. This fragmented system slows down revisions and increases the risk of miscommunication.

On the other hand, ManyRequests simplifies the feedback process with its built-in design proofing tools:

• Direct Annotations: Clients can annotate designs (PDFs, images, videos) directly in the portal.
• Centralized Feedback Loop: All comments and revisions are tracked within the task, ensuring nothing gets lost.
• Real-Time Notifications: Clients and team members are notified of updates, speeding up the revision cycle.

ManyRequests Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unified Client Portal: Consolidates project intake, task assignments, and revisions, reducing the need for multiple tools.
• Extensive Customization: Allows portal branding with custom domains, logos, and colors, enhancing professional identity.
• Integrated Design Proofing: Enables clients to annotate designs directly within the platform, facilitating efficient feedback loops.
• Automated Task Assignment: Automatically delegates client requests to appropriate team members, improving workflow efficiency.
• Transparent Pricing: Offers clear pricing plans with no hidden fees, aiding budget planning for agencies.

Cons:

• Limited Native Integrations: Requires external tools or APIs for broader functionality.
• Features More Suitable for Creative Agencies: Less versatile for non-creative industries.

ManyRequests Pricing

• Starter Plan: $99 per month (monthly billing); $79 per month (annual billing).
• Core Plan: $149 monthly (monthly billing); $119 monthly (annual billing).
• Pro Plan: $399 per month (monthly billing); $319 per month (annual billing).

ManyRequests offers three main pricing plans to accommodate various agency sizes and needs. 

The Starter Plan is ideal for small teams, providing essential features at a competitive price point. The Core Plan caters to growing agencies requiring more team collaboration and advanced functionalities. The Pro Plan is designed for established agencies seeking a fully branded experience and comprehensive client management tools. 

Opting for annual billing provides cost savings across all plans. Agencies should assess their team size and feature requirements to select the most cost-effective plan.

2. ClickUp

Best for: Managing complex project hierarchies and workflows with extensive customization.

ClickUp is a comprehensive productivity platform designed to centralize various aspects of project management. 

Unlike Monday.com, which offers a more linear task management approach, ClickUp provides a flexible hierarchy system, allowing agencies to structure projects, tasks, and subtasks in a way that mirrors their unique workflows. This adaptability is crucial for creative teams managing diverse projects with varying scopes and requirements.

Moreover, ClickUp's extensive customization options enable agencies to tailor the platform to their specific needs, enhancing efficiency and collaboration.

ClickUp Features

• Customizable Hierarchies: Organize projects with nested tasks and subtasks to reflect complex workflows.
• Multiple Views: Switch between list, board, calendar, and Gantt views to visualize projects from different perspectives.
• Integrated Docs and Whiteboards: Collaborate in real-time on documents and brainstorming sessions within the platform.
• Automation: Set up automated workflows to reduce manual effort and streamline repetitive tasks.

ClickUp Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatile Customization: Adaptable to various workflows, accommodating the unique needs of creative agencies.
• Comprehensive Feature Set: Offers a wide range of tools, reducing the need for multiple software solutions.
• Affordable Pricing: Competitive pricing with a robust free tier and affordable paid plans.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve: The extensive features may require time to master fully.
• Overwhelming Interface: The abundance of options can be daunting for new users.
• Performance Issues: Some users report occasional lag, especially with large projects.
• Mobile App Limitations: The mobile version lacks some functionalities available on the desktop.
• Support Response Time: Support can be slow during peak times, affecting timely issue resolution.

ClickUp Pricing

• Free Forever Plan: $0 per user/month. Includes 100MB storage, unlimited tasks, and unlimited members.
• Unlimited Plan: $5 per user/month (billed annually). Offers unlimited storage, integrations, dashboards, and advanced reporting.
• Business Plan: $12 per user/month (billed annually). Adds advanced time tracking, goal setting, and custom exporting.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing. Provides white labeling, advanced permissions, and dedicated support.

For creative agencies with limited budgets, the Free Forever Plan offers substantial functionality to get started. As the team grows and requires more advanced features, the Unlimited and Business plans provide scalable options without a significant financial burden. 

ClickUp's pricing structure is designed to be accessible, making it a viable alternative to Monday.com for agencies seeking a cost-effective, feature-rich project management solution.

3. Asana

Best for: Teams seeking a user-friendly platform for task management and collaboration.

Asana is a versatile project management tool designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work. Its intuitive interface and straightforward task management system make it particularly appealing to teams that prioritize ease of use and quick onboarding. 

While Monday.com offers a broad range of features, some users find its interface less intuitive compared to Asana. 

Asana's simplicity doesn't compromise its functionality; it provides robust task management capabilities, seamless collaboration features, and integrates well with various third-party applications. It’s a strong contender for teams looking to streamline their workflows without a steep learning curve.

Asana Features

• Task Management: Create, assign, and track tasks with due dates and priorities.
• Project Views: Switch between list, board, calendar, and timeline views to visualize work.
• Collaboration Tools: Comment on tasks, attach files, and receive notifications to keep everyone aligned.
• Integrations: Connect with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Harvest for time tracking.
• Automation: Set up rules to automate routine tasks and workflows.
• Reporting: Generate basic reports to monitor project progress and team performance.

Asana Pros and Cons

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, reducing the time needed for team onboarding.
• Flexible Project Views: Multiple ways to visualize tasks and projects to suit different preferences.
• Strong Integrations: Connects with numerous third-party apps to enhance functionality.
• Collaboration Features: Facilitates communication and file sharing within tasks.
• Free Tier Available: Offers a free version suitable for small teams or simple projects.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Reporting: Lacks in-depth analytics and reporting tools.
• No Native Time Tracking: Requires integration with other tools for time tracking.
• Customization Constraints: Less customizable compared to some competitors.
• Storage Limitations: File storage capacity may be insufficient for larger teams.
• Premium Features Cost: Advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.

Asana Pricing

• Basic Plan: Free for up to 15 users.
• Premium Plan: $10.99 per user/month (billed annually).
• Business Plan: $24.99 per user/month (billed annually).
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales).

Asana's Basic Plan offers a solid starting point for small teams or those new to project management software. 

As teams grow and require more advanced features like timelines, reporting, and automation, the Premium and Business plans provide scalable options. 

For larger organizations with complex needs, the Enterprise plan offers tailored solutions.

Overall, Asana presents a cost-effective alternative to Monday.com, especially for teams prioritizing ease of use and essential project management functionalities.

4. Teamwork.com

Best for: Agencies managing client projects with a focus on profitability and comprehensive project oversight.

Teamwork.com is a project management platform tailored for client services, offering tools to manage projects from inception to completion. 

Unlike Monday.com, which provides a broad project management framework, Teamwork.com emphasizes features that cater to client-based work, such as time tracking, billing, and resource management. 

This specialization makes it particularly advantageous for agencies aiming to deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining clear communication with clients.

Teamwork.com Features

• Time Tracking: Monitor billable hours directly within the platform.
• Resource Management: Allocate and manage team resources effectively.
• Client Access: Provide clients with controlled access to project progress.
• Project Templates: Utilize customizable templates for recurring project types.
• Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines and dependencies.

Teamwork.com Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Client-Centric Features: Designed specifically for managing client projects.
• Integrated Time Tracking: Built-in tools to monitor and bill hours.
• Comprehensive Reporting: In-depth insights into project performance.
• Resource Allocation: Tools to manage team workload and capacity.
• Customizable Templates: Streamline project setup with reusable templates.

Cons:

• Steeper Learning Curve: Advanced features may require time to master.
• Higher Cost for Premium Features: Advanced functionalities come at a higher price point.
• Mobile App Limitations: Some features may not be fully accessible on mobile devices.
• Interface Complexity: The abundance of features can make the interface feel cluttered.
• Limited Free Plan: The free tier offers restricted functionality.

Teamwork.com Pricing

• Free Forever Plan: $0 per user/month.
• Deliver Plan: $9.99 per user/month (billed annually).
• Grow Plan: $17.99 per user/month (billed annually).
• Scale Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales).

Teamwork.com's pricing structure is designed to accommodate various business sizes and needs. The Free Forever Plan offers basic functionalities suitable for small teams or those exploring the platform.

As project complexity and team size increase, the Deliver and Grow plans provide additional features like advanced reporting, resource management, and enhanced collaboration tools. 

For larger organizations with specialized requirements, the Scale plan offers tailored solutions. This tiered approach allows agencies to select a plan that aligns with their operational needs and budget constraints.

5. Wrike

Best for: Creative agencies requiring advanced project management capabilities.

Wrike is a comprehensive project management platform designed to enhance team collaboration and streamline workflows. 

While Monday.com offers a user-friendly interface suitable for basic project tracking, Wrike provides a more sophisticated suite of tools tailored for complex project management needs. 

Its advanced features, such as detailed reporting, resource management, and extensive customization options, make it particularly beneficial for creative agencies managing multifaceted projects and diverse client requirements. 

However, this depth of functionality may result in a steeper learning curve compared to more straightforward platforms like Monday.com.

Wrike Features

• Custom Workflows: Design and implement workflows that align with specific project requirements.
• Advanced Reporting: Generate detailed reports to monitor project progress and team performance.
• Resource Management: Allocate and manage resources effectively to optimize team productivity.
• Collaborative Proofing: Facilitate feedback on creative assets with built-in proofing tools.
• Integrations: Connect with a wide range of third-party applications to enhance functionality.
• Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines and dependencies for better planning.

Wrike Pros and Cons

Pros

• Robust Feature Set: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools for complex project management.
• High Customizability: Allows extensive customization to fit unique project workflows.
• Advanced Reporting: Provides in-depth analytics for informed decision-making.
• Resource Management: Enables efficient allocation and tracking of team resources.
• Collaborative Proofing: Streamlines feedback on creative assets within the platform.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: The extensive features may require time to master.
• Higher Cost: Advanced functionalities come at a premium price point.
• Complex Setup: Initial configuration can be time-consuming for new users.
• Overwhelming for Small Teams: May be more than necessary for smaller projects.
• Mobile App Limitations: Some features may not be fully accessible on mobile devices.

Wrike Pricing

• Free Plan: $0 per user/month.
• Team Plan: $10 per user/month.
• Business Plan: $24.80 per user/month.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales).
• Pinnacle Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales).

Wrike's pricing structure is designed to accommodate various business sizes and needs. The Free Plan offers basic functionalities suitable for small teams or those exploring the platform. 

As project complexity and team size increase, the Team and Business plans provide additional features like advanced reporting, resource management, and enhanced collaboration tools. 

For larger organizations with specialized requirements, the Enterprise and Pinnacle plans offer tailored solutions. This tiered approach allows agencies to select a plan that aligns with their operational needs and budget constraints.

6. Notion

Best for: Teams needing maximum flexibility to build custom workflows and knowledge management systems.

Notion is a highly flexible, all-in-one workspace designed for note-taking, task management, and project collaboration. 

Unlike Monday.com, which provides a more guided project management experience, Notion operates as a blank canvas, enabling teams to create and tailor their own systems. 

While this flexibility makes it powerful for agencies that need highly specific workflows, it can also lead to complexity, requiring dedicated maintenance and training for effective use. 

Notion excels in cross-team collaboration, making it ideal for teams that juggle multiple functions and need to centralize information seamlessly.

Notion Features

• Flexible Templates and Databases: Build custom templates for projects, tasks, and content.
• Multiple View Options: Switch between Kanban, list, calendar, and table views.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Collaborate on pages with team members in real-time.
• Knowledge Management: Create internal wikis to store and organize company knowledge.
• Integration-Friendly: Connect Notion with third-party tools for enhanced functionality.
• Custom Permissions: Control who can view or edit specific pages or databases.

Notion Pros and Cons

Pros

• Highly Flexible: Adaptable for various workflows, from task management to knowledge sharing.
• Centralized Workspace: Consolidates documents, tasks, and project management in one place.
• Multiple Views for Projects: Different teams can view the same data in formats they prefer.

Cons

• Complex Setup and Maintenance: Requires dedicated time and expertise to maintain.
• Steep Learning Curve: New users may struggle without proper onboarding.
• No Built-In Dashboard: Lacks native reporting tools, requiring third-party apps for advanced dashboards.

Notion Pricing

• Free Plan: $0 for individuals.
• Plus Plan: $8 per user/month (billed annually).
• Business Plan: $15 per user/month (billed annually).
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales).

Notion’s Free Plan provides robust functionality for personal or small team use, making it an appealing entry point. 

For teams requiring advanced features like unlimited file uploads, permission settings, and custom templates, the Plus and Business plans offer significant value at competitive prices.

Larger organizations can opt for the Enterprise plan, which includes advanced security and administrative controls. 

While cost-effective, agencies should consider the potential time investment required to maintain a well-organized system in Notion.

7. Smartsheet

Best for: Creative agencies seeking a spreadsheet-like interface for project management.

Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that combines the familiar feel of spreadsheets with advanced project management features. 

Smartsheet provides a grid-based interface that appeals to users comfortable with traditional spreadsheets. This structure is particularly beneficial for creative agencies that manage complex projects requiring detailed tracking and automation. 

However, the spreadsheet-centric design may present a learning curve for teams accustomed to more visual project management tools.

Smartsheet Features

• Grid-Based Interface: Offers a familiar spreadsheet layout for data organization.
• Automation: Enables workflow automation to streamline repetitive tasks.
• Gantt Charts: Provides visual timelines for project planning.
• Dashboards: Delivers real-time insights into project metrics.
• Collaboration Tools: Facilitates team communication and file sharing within the platform.

Smartsheet Pros and Cons

Pros

• Familiar Interface: Spreadsheet-like layout eases the transition for users familiar with Excel.
• Powerful Automation: Robust automation features reduce manual workload.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Advanced reporting tools provide valuable project insights.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: May require time to master for users new to spreadsheet-based tools.
• Higher Cost: Advanced features are available at a premium price point.
• Limited Visual Appeal: Less visually engaging compared to board-based platforms.

Smartsheet Pricing

• Free Plan: $0 for up to 2 users.
• Pro Plan: $9 per user/month (billed annually).
• Business Plan: $32 per user/month (billed annually).
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales).

Smartsheet's Free Plan offers basic functionalities suitable for small teams or individuals exploring the platform. The Pro and Business plans introduce advanced features such as automation, reporting, and resource management, making them ideal for creative agencies managing multiple projects. 

For larger organizations with complex requirements, the Enterprise plan provides tailored solutions with enhanced security and administrative controls. Agencies should assess their specific needs and budget constraints to select the most appropriate plan.

8. Jira

Best for: Agencies managing complex projects requiring advanced issue tracking.

Jira, developed by Atlassian, is a robust project management tool renowned for its advanced issue tracking and support for agile methodologies.

While Monday.com offers a more visual and user-friendly interface, Jira provides a comprehensive suite of features tailored for teams that require detailed tracking and customization. This makes Jira particularly suitable for creative agencies handling intricate projects with multiple stakeholders and dependencies. 

However, its complexity may present a learning curve for teams accustomed to more straightforward tools.

Jira Features

• Advanced Issue Tracking: Monitor and manage tasks, bugs, and project issues with precision.
• Agile Support: Utilize Scrum and Kanban boards to facilitate agile project management.
• Custom Workflows: Design workflows that align with your agency's specific processes.
• Robust Reporting: Generate detailed reports and analytics to track project progress and team performance.

Jira Pros and Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive Feature Set: Offers a wide range of tools for detailed project management.
• Highly Customizable: Adaptable to various workflows and project requirements.
• Strong Agile Support: Built-in features for Scrum and Kanban methodologies.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: May require time and training to master.
• Complex Interface: Can be overwhelming for users new to project management software.
• Higher Cost for Advanced Features: Premium features come at an additional cost.
• Performance Issues: Some users report slowness with large projects or data sets.
• Limited Visual Appeal: Less visually engaging compared to some competitors.

Jira Pricing

• Free Plan: $0 for up to 10 users.
• Standard Plan: $7.75 per user/month (billed annually).
• Premium Plan: $15.25 per user/month (billed annually).
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales).

The Free Plan offers basic functionalities suitable for small teams or individuals exploring the platform. 

Meanwhile, the Standard and Premium plans introduce advanced features such as automation, reporting, and enhanced security, making them ideal for creative agencies managing multiple projects. 

For larger organizations with complex requirements, the Enterprise plan provides tailored solutions with enhanced security and administrative controls. 

The Bottomline

Choosing the right project management software can be a game-changer for your team’s productivity and your agency’s growth. But even the best software comes with its trade-offs, and finding one that ticks all the boxes for creative agencies can still be a challenge.

Unlike general project management tools like Monday.com, ManyRequests is purpose-built for agencies. From a fully customizable client portal to built-in design proofing, ManyRequests simplifies complex processes so you can focus on delivering exceptional results.

Ready to see how ManyRequests can transform your agency’s operations?Try it free for 14 days and experience the difference yourself.