15 Teamwork Alternatives to Consider Before Investing in Project Management Software

Regina Ongkiko
Last Updated:
November 14, 2024

Ahh, the perils of project management. It’s either projects take longer than they should or nobody knows exactly what they should be working on. 

While investing in a project management tool presents itself as a solution to this problem, it is easier said than done. For one, Teamwork is a popular project management software for a reason—it works. However, as with all things, a project management software is not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

You’re probably here because you’re a Teamwork user and you’re interested in checking out Teamwork competitors. Or Or maybe Teamwork is no longer serving your specific needs and you’re curious to study Teamwork project management alternatives.

Well, we’ve done the work for you. We’ve shortlisted 15 Teamwork alternatives to help you make a decision. You might just find the perfect match for your team’s needs and further enhance your productivity and collaboration.

Why consider Teamwork alternatives?

Teamwork has a solid reputation. No question about that. But while it’s a feature-rich project management tool, it’s not for all. Why?

Because of the user experience and learning curve

Yes, Teamwork’s extensive features are loved by many. Yet, this also means there’s a steeper learning curve—and not everyone has the patience (or time) to figure out the best features to use. For teams that prioritize ease of use or faster adoption among team members, you may find the software’s initial setup complex. 

Because different teams have different requirements 

Every team has respective workflows, collaborative methods, and project demands. If you have a small team or you’re just starting out, Teamwork’s robust feature set might be a bit of an overkill.

Because of budget constraints 

Teamwork has a tiered subscription model. Some users have noted certain features are only available at higher subscription levels. Its pricing may not be cost-effective for teams with tighter budgets.

Because a team may need specific features that Teamwork doesn’t provide

If your team has specific needs like advanced reporting or customization, you may find alternatives that better meet your specific needs. So, while Teamwork offers valuable project management capabilities, its limitations can impact its suitability for certain teams or projects.

Because its scalability isn't always clear

For many teams, Teamwork can handle basic scaling needs, but its scalability can sometimes feel limited as projects become more complex. This lack of clarity around scalability can be a drawback if you anticipate multifaceted projects.

How to choose the right project management tool

Ultimately, choosing a project management tool is also finding the partner for your team’s success. And so you shouldn’t take your decision lightly. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to evaluate. 

A project management tool should:

  1. Make your life easier, not harder. Look for intuitive interfaces, simple navigation, and clear visualizations—especially if your team has less tech-savvy members. Prioritize tools that allow quick team or client onboarding so you’re up to speed without a hitch.
  2. Make staying in sync smooth. Modern teams, especially remote and hybrid ones, rely on smooth collaboration to stay in sync. Think about how your team and clients communicate best, and look for a tool that aligns with that style.
  3. Integrate with your existing tools and tech stack. Most teams already use a mix of applications—from communication tools to CRM, file storage, and specialized software. The right project management tool should integrate well with the tools you already use so there are no duplicate efforts and also bring all your data into one place.
  4. Be budget friendly. Analyze your budget, consider the long-term cost, and factor in any hidden fees for extra features or integrations. If you anticipate growth, ensure the tool’s pricing model is flexible enough to adapt without a major budget overhaul.
  5. Scale where your business is headed. Choose a tool that grows with your business, so you don’t have to go through a disruptive change mid-project. Remember, scalability involves more than just adding users—it means accommodating more complex projects. 

15 Teamwork alternatives to explore

Exploring Teamwork project management alternatives isn’t really about dismissing the tool. It’s just about making a well-rounded choice. 

So, here’s our list of 15 alternatives, to help you find the optimal match for your team.

1. ManyRequests - best for agencies that streamline client communication and project workflows

ManyRequests is the premiere software for design and creative agencies struggling to manage client communication, project timelines, and payments efficiently. This Teamwork alternative combines project management with customer relationship management functionalities so both clients and team members are aligned throughout the project lifecycle. Some of its best features for project management include:

Client-specific portals with branded interfaces

Keeping client communications and updates organized in a branded, consistent space is one of ManyRequests’ best features. You can create personalized portals for your clients to submit requests and track progress. 

Automated project intake and routing forms

Intake phase can be slow, prone to errors, and sometimes require back-and-forth emails. If you gather incomplete information from the get-go, projects can be executed full of misunderstandings—worse, delayed. ManyRequests’ automated intake and routing forms streamline the onboarding process. Clients can fill out customized forms that capture all essential project details upfront and then automatically route them to the correct team members.

Integrated solution combining billing and invoicing with time tracking and reporting

Manual time tracking and invoicing could be more efficient. With ManyRequests, you can accurately track time spent on client work and translate that time into precise billing and invoices—all billable hours are automatically recorded and easily converted into invoices. Plus the built-in reporting tools provide clear insights into project time allocation.

Pros:

  • Strong focus on enhancing client experience—even has client self-service options.
  • Integrated billing and invoicing capabilities.
  • Customizable workflows tailored to agency needs.

Cons:

  • Not many integration options.

Pricing

  • Offers a 14-day free trial then the paid plan starts at $99/month (paid monthly).

2. Zoho Projects - best for users of the larger Zoho ecosystem

Zoho Projects is among the best Teamwork project management alternatives to keep track of complex projects—all within a user-friendly interface. Its intuitive design and integration with Zoho’s suite make it a top choice for companies already using Zoho products. Some of its best features for project management include:

Visualize project plans and track progress

Zoho Projects is packed with tools that make visualizing project plans and tracking progress straightforward. Its Gantt charts let teams view tasks in a timeline, mapping out dependencies and sequences. Meanwhile, Kanban boards offer a hands-on way to manage tasks. Each is displayed as a card, giving everyone a clear snapshot of what’s in progress, what’s next, and what’s done.

Quick project updates

Zoho Projects has built-in chat, and forums, all of which make quick project updates a breeze. These features create a collaborative space where team members can actively engage, share information on the go, and stay up-to-date on project developments in real-time. 

Industry-specific templates

These templates take the guesswork out of project initiation by offering tailored frameworks that align with the unique needs of different sectors. Aside from being a time-saver, it ensures adherence to best practices across all projects. 

Pros:

  • Comprehensive task management functionality.
  • Seamless integration with Zoho products.
  • User-friendly interface.

Cons:

  • Pricing is slightly on the higher end.

Pricing: 

  • Free plan is available. You can sign up for a free trial of 10 days, then the cheapest paid plan costs US$4/user/month.

3. Basecamp - best for teams that prioritize communication

Basecamp is widely recognized as a project management tool centered on team communication and collaboration. The straightforward interface minimizes complexity, preventing users from being distracted by excessive features. Some of its best features for project management include:

Centralized team communication

Basecamp comes with tools for real-time team messaging and long-form discussions so communications are in one place. This reduces the chance of important updates fading into the background and thus keeps everyone on the same page.

Simple user interface

Sometimes, too many features can slow down task tracking. Basecamp offers simple to-do lists and task assignments—a straightforward approach to task management.

Built-in space to organize, share, and store docs, files, and images

Basecamp’s secure repository for file organization and sharing features (where all relevant materials can be easily accessed by the entire team) eliminates the clutter of scattered resources. This ensures that all team members have access to the most current documents.

Pros:

  • Strong focus on communication.
  • Unlimited guest access.
  • Affordable pricing structure.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include built-in time tracking.

Pricing: 

  • Comes with a 30-day free trial. Then $299/month, billed annually for unlimited users.

4. Asana - best for teams that require detailed task breakdowns

Asana excels at task management with intuitive boards, lists, and deadlines so that everyone knows what needs to be done and by when. The Teamwork competitor supports both list and board views for tasks and enables detailed subtasks within projects. Some of its best features for project management include:

All assignments are in one place for easy access

Asana’s "My Tasks" feature keeps assignments organized by bringing all tasks into a single, manageable view. This simple yet effective tool enhances individual productivity by helping users prioritize and track their work—while also promoting collaboration.

Switch between project views

Asana’s ability to take on different project views is a game-changer for project management. With views like List, Board, Timeline, and Calendar, teams can easily shift gears as projects evolve. This feature boosts collaboration across teams by allowing each member to work in the way that suits them best. 

Custom field

This functionality enables personalized data collection so it’s easier to track and manage work in line with team processes. With custom fields, teams can organize essential information in a way that improves reporting.

Pros:

  • Versatile project visualization options.
  • Strong automation capabilities.
  • Wide range of integrations.

Cons:

  • It has a learning curve.

Pricing: 

  • Free for basic use. Premium starts at US$6.92 per user, per month billed annually.

5. monday.com - best for teams with high customization needs

Drowning in spreadsheets and disconnected tools? Monday.com provides a customizable workspace that adapts to your team's needs, consolidating project management, communication, and data visualization into one platform. Some of its best features for project management include:

Highly customizable dashboards

Dashboards on monday.com act as a centralized hub for monitoring project data in real-time. They allow users to pull in data from multiple boards and provide a comprehensive view of progress, budgets, and workloads all in one place. Each dashboard can be customized to suit different needs—whether you need it to be visible to all team members or restricted to specific individuals.

Code-free automation

With a simple drag-and-drop interface, you can quickly create automations to streamline workflows without the need for coding skills. The intuitive automation builder comes with pre-built recipes, easily customizable to fit your team’s specific needs. 

200+ integrations

monday.com integrates with a wide range of applications, including popular tools such as Google Calendar and Salesforce. This extensive connectivity means that teams can work across different platforms seamlessly, thereby reducing time spent switching between apps.

Pros:

  • Flexible customization options.
  • Bird's-eye view of all active projects.
  • Strong integration support.

Cons:

  • Automation can sometimes be difficult.

Pricing: 

  • Free-forever plan available. Paid plan starts at $9 seat/month, billed annually.

6. ClickUp - best for diverse teams looking for a single solution

ClickUp is built to replace multiple productivity apps and help different teams within the same organization. This Teamwork competitor allows users to control tasks, documents, goals, chat, and more within the same environment minus the need for external tools. Some of its best features for project management include:

Customizable tasks

This feature empowers users to create specialized categories for different kinds of work. Example, you can customize its name, icon, fields, and statuses. This level of customization means you can structure tasks based on the exact details and context needed.

Variety of visualization options

With over 15 ways to visualize work—from Gantt charts to Boards—you can find the perfect setup that enhances your workflow and collaboration. This not only supports diverse working styles but also streamlines project management preferences across different functions within an organization.

Unified view of all ongoing initiatives

ClickUp's Portfolio feature is built to give teams a clear, comprehensive view of all ongoing projects. This is especially valuable for managers who must track diverse projects while making sure everything stays aligned with broader strategic objectives. 

Pros:

  • All-in-one project management tool.
  • Customizable interface.
  • Customer support is responsive.

Cons:

  • New users might find it tricky to navigate.

Pricing: 

  • Free plan available but paid plans start at $7 billed per user per month.

7. Trello - best for simple task organization

A Teamwork alternative renowned for the Kanban framework it uses. When it comes to visual simplicity, Trello is the perfect solution for keeping every project organized in one place. Some of its best features for project management include:

Built in automation tools

Trello’s built-in automation tools, led by Butler, are perfect for enhancing project efficiency. Without requiring any coding knowledge—Butler empowers teams to streamline their processes seamlessly. 

Over 300 power-ups available

Power-ups are integrations that link Trello with other tools and services, allowing users to import data, automate routine tasks, and elevate team collaboration directly within their projects. For instance, the Google Drive power-up simplifies document management by enabling effortless attachment of files from Google Drive to Trello card.

Drag-and-drop interface

Trello’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows users to organize work effortlessly through simple mouse actions. This feature is core to Trello’s Kanban-style boards, where tasks are represented as “cards” that can be seamlessly moved across “lists” to indicate different stages of progress. Just click, hold, and drag a card to a new position or list to keep everything organized—no complicated commands. 

Pros:

  • Intuitive user interface.
  • Very visual task organization.
  • Flexible customization options.

Cons:

  • Not recommended for complex projects.

Pricing: 

  • Free tier available and paid plan starts at $5 per user/month if billed annually.

8. Evernote teams - best for teams that need to maintain extensive documentation while coordinating work

Evernote teams is a centralized platform to store and access collective knowledge so it’s simple to discover and share information. Some of its best features for project management include:

Shared notebooks and spaces

In Evernote Teams, shared notebooks mimic personal notebooks for collaborative use. Your team members can set up shared notebooks, grant specific users access to the contents, and enable seamless collaboration on essential project documents. Additionally, Evernote’s “Spaces” centralizes resources and ensures everyone stays aligned on key objectives.

Reminders and notifications

This feature is invaluable for time-sensitive projects or recurring tasks where timing is everything. With options for in-app alerts, local notifications, and even email digests, you can receive timely reminders exactly how you prefer. 

View tasks based on different criteria 

Evernote Teams offers a dynamic approach to task management filtering them by assignment, notes, or due dates. This gives teams the flexibility to prioritize and structure their work around specific needs and deadlines. As you can view tasks based on your responsibilities, related notes, or upcoming due dates, Evernote Teams helps keep projects on track and teams aligned.

Pros:

  • Superior note-taking capabilities.
  • Collaborative features enhance teamwork.
  • Easy to use.

Cons:

  • Users may initially find it difficult to navigate and comprehend.

Pricing: 

  • Free plan offered, but premium plan starts at $10.83/ month (annual billing).

9. Microsoft project - best for large projects

Microsoft Project is built for companies handling large, complex projects. Its detailed planning capabilities combined with resource allocation tools make it ideal for workflows that require thorough oversight during execution. Some of its best features for project management include:

Resource allocation tools

These tools are designed to assign, monitor, and optimize resources at every stage of a project. They’re critical for helping teams stay on schedule and meet project deadlines without risking burnout. With Microsoft Project, you enable smarter, balanced assignments that drive productivity while reducing team overload.

Portfolio management functions

This feature supports decision-makers in pinpointing the most impactful projects for the organization, helping match initiatives with broader business goals. With this feature, you can evaluate the benefits and costs associated with each project and make well-informed decisions about which efforts to prioritize.

Integration with Microsoft Office suite

Microsoft Project’s seamless integration with the Microsoft Office suite elevates project management for teams already utilizing Microsoft 365 tools. This interconnectedness is big for smoother workflows. With SharePoint, teams can centralize project documents, ensuring easy access and collaborative management. 

Pros:

  • Comprehensive resource management.
  • Integration within Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Scalable solution.

Cons:

  • Slightly complex in user experience.

Pricing: 

  • Starts at $10.00 user/month (annual subscription).

10. Bitrix24 - best for visualizing sales pipeline

Bitrix24 helps businesses unify project management, communication, and CRM in a single tool—making it a unique all-in-one solution and addressing the inefficiencies of using multiple disconnected applications. Some of its best features for project management include:

Lead and deal management

Bitrix24 CRM empowers teams to manage leads and deals with a clear, visual sales pipeline. This means a streamlined approach to tracking each deal from first contact to closing. Also, this layout helps to quickly spot bottlenecks, identify areas for improvement, and refine the sales process. 

Built-in communication tools

Bitrix24 unifies essential communication channels—including instant messaging, video calls, and document sharing—to create a cohesive, collaboration-friendly workspace. This boosts productivity helping teams stay focused without constant context-switching. 

Streamline customer interactions

Bitrix24 CRM offers a comprehensive approach to customer management by consolidating all essential information—contact details, communication history, and transaction records—into one centralized hub. This unified view enables team members to access critical data instantly during customer interactions. It’s meant to enhance responsiveness and build stronger, more meaningful client relationships.

Pros:

  • Greater visibility across projects, communication, and processes. 
  • Keep track of leads.
  • Affordable option for sales.

Cons:

  • Can't handle highly complicated operations.

Pricing: 

  • Free trial for 15 days then basic plan is $49 / organization / month / billed annually.

11. Clockify - best for tracking time across projects

Need a solution to track time spent on tasks and projects? Clockify is your perfect choice. It keeps tabs on work hours, manages tasks, and monitors productivity. The Teamwork competitor’s simple yet effective interface is also an advantage that many users appreciate. Some of its best features for project management include:

Systematic recording of time spent on billable work

Clockify’s functionality brings precision to time tracking. It’s now easy for teams to document hours accurately for billing. And with options to mark tasks as billable or non-billable, Clockify allows users to distinguish which activities should be invoiced.

Predict project performance

Clockify’s forecasting tab is for monitoring project progress against time estimates. Scheduled vs. Completed Hours view, allows users to see at a glance how much time has been allotted for upcoming tasks versus what’s already been achieved. Additionally, Clockify’s Forecast Lines uses real-time data and scheduled hours to predict future performance. 

Overview of all tracked time

This feature includes an activity table that compiles all tracked activities, allowing users to sort by criteria like total time logged or by team member. Yes, it’ll also enable you to quickly spot anyone who hasn’t logged hours within a specified timeframe. Plus, the dashboard’s data updates automatically every minute, providing users with real-time insights.

Pros:

  • User-friendly design optimized for ease of use.
  • Eliminates the guesswork from time management.
  • Detailed reporting.

Cons:

  • Mainly focused on time-tracking rather than comprehensive project management.

Pricing: 

  • Get started for free and upgrade to a basic plan (starts at $3.99 per seat/month billed annually).

12. Airtable - best for incorporating project management into larger business processes

Airtable goes beyond spreadsheets with customizable bases that can adapt to any workflow, from project management to CRM or editorial calendars. If you need your team to be on the same page for processes and to build workflows—without being programmers—count on this to help you. Some of its best features for project management include:

Cross-department collaboration 

With Airtable’s integrated workflows, departments can collaborate more fluidly. For example, marketing can coordinate campaigns directly with project timelines tracked in Airtable so all stakeholders stay informed and engaged at each stage.

Tailored project management templates

Airtable has customizable templates designed to fit different project types, which can be adjusted to match each department’s unique needs. These templates help standardize processes across teams while leaving room for necessary tweaks, making it easy to create a consistent, adaptable workflow.

Team directory

Airtable’s team directory serves as a go-to hub for managing team member information, critical for effective resource allocation. Teams can track workloads and availability in real-time, assigning tasks based on capacity. With Gantt charts and timeline views, users can see who’s working on what, making it easy to make adjustments before anything slow things down.

Pros:

  • Collaboration is built directly into the platform itself.
  • Integration support enhances functionality.
  • User-friendly design.

Cons:

  • Can become complex depending on how extensively customized.

Pricing: 

Free version available. Paid plans start at $20 per seat/month, billed annually.

13. Slack - best for teams looking for a centralized communication platform

Primarily a communication platform, Slack is now an essential tool for team collaboration around ongoing projects through its channels, threads, and integrations. It improves project management by keeping conversations, files, and updates in one place.

Brings files and related conversations together

Slack simplifies file sharing and discussion by allowing users to upload documents, images, and spreadsheets directly into channels or direct messages. This feature keeps conversations relevant and organized. As files are shared within the context of ongoing discussions, they’re more accessible when needed. 

Lists for everything you need to do

To support task management, Slack allows users to create simple to-do lists within channels using commands. This built-in functionality enables teams to assign tasks, track progress, and stay accountable—all without the need for an external project management tool. 

Search-friendly knowledge sharing

Slack’s robust search feature further enhances team efficiency by allowing users to search messages, files, and channels with keywords or filters. Teams can also set up dedicated channels as knowledge bases, storing essential information, best practices, and resources in an organized, searchable format. 

Pros:

  • Communication-focused design.
  • Searchable message history improves information retrieval.
  • Integrations with other business tools streamline workflows.

Cons:

  • The notification system can be a bit overwhelming.

Pricing: 

  • Free version available. Paid plans start at $4.38month.

14. Todoist - best for managing personal and team tasks

Todoist is a simple, personal task management tool. It organizes daily activities efficiently while ensuring nothing gets missed during busy periods. Though this Teamwork alternative manages workloads without the complexity you'd find with more extensive platforms, it’s quick to capture tasks and organize them. 

Natural language processing for capturing tasks

Todoist’s NLP feature makes task creation refreshingly simple. With it, you can add tasks using everyday language. For example, you can type “Submit report by tomorrow” or “Call John at 3 PM on Friday,” and Todoist will automatically recognize the due date and time, streamlining task entry so you can focus on the work itself.

Intuitive task organization allowing prioritization based upon urgency level

Todoist also allows tasks to be assigned one of four priority levels, making it easy to zero in on what’s most pressing. High-priority tasks are visually emphasized, ensuring they stand out and receive prompt attention.

Flexible project views

To accommodate different work styles, Todoist offers flexible project views. The traditional list view provides a clear, linear way to see tasks, while the board view presents projects in a Kanban-style layout for a more visual, stage-by-stage approach. For projects where timing is essential, Todoist’s calendar view integrates due dates into a visual schedule, making it easier to manage time-sensitive tasks effectively.

Pros:

  • Simple to add tasks.
  • Intuitive prioritization enhances organization.
  • Sync whether accessed from mobile or laptop.

Cons:

  • Not suitable large-scale complex projects.

Pricing: 

  • Free version available. Pro plan starts at $4 /month, billed yearly.

15. Bordio - best for preventing schedule conflicts and task overload

Bordio is a workload management and time planning tool to brainstorm ideas and plan projects collaboratively. It might look basic, but this Teamwork alternative delivers. It focuses on daily planning, showing users exactly how their day looks and helping them avoid overcommitting.

Automated workload calculation

Bordio’s automated workload calculation provides a real-time view of everyone’s current capacity—and that’s essential for balancing workloads and avoiding burnout. By automatically tracking the time each team member has dedicated to tasks, this feature offers a clear snapshot of who might be overburdened and who has room to take on more.

Color-coded task management

Bordio’s color-coded task feature simplifies prioritization by allowing tasks to be visually organized. With this system, urgent tasks stand out immediately so teams manage priorities at a glance and ensure critical work doesn’t clash with other responsibilities. 

Time estimates

Bordio’s estimated completion time feature is a powerful tool for project planning and workload assessment. When creating a task, users can set an expected time for its completion, offering teams a clearer understanding of the time commitment required. T

Pros:

  • Visibility of existing commitments of team members.
  • Provide clear insights into team capacities.
  • Integrates seamlessly with scheduling features.

Cons:

  • Limited customization.

Pricing: 

  • Free–forever plan available. Paid plan costs $3.99 per user /month.

The best among the Teamwork alternatives is...

The truth is no single project management tool works perfectly for every team. So even if one might seem like the go-to solution, it’s good to always explore the alternate solutions. 

For detailed project tracking and advanced scheduling, Microsoft Project offers extensive tools for tracking progress, managing timelines, and handling complex projects. Meanwhile, Clockify is best for tracking time and billable hours. However, for service-based businesses managing both an internal team and catering to client requests, we recommend ManyRequests—hands down the best for streamlined client communication and invoicing. 

Sign up for a free trial to see if ManyRequests aligns with your needs and explore the flexibility that could set your team up for long-term success.