15 Best Zoho Projects Alternatives & Competitors in 2024

Zoho Projects is a popular project management tool. Used by over 200,000 businesses globally, its reputation and effectiveness are undoubtedly noteworthy. However, with so many options on the market, it’s worth considering what else is available. After all, every team has unique needs and processes—and there might be a few Zoho Projects alternatives that are a better fit. 

So, without further ado, let’s explore 15 Zoho Projects alternatives. After this, you’ll have a clearer picture of which option aligns best with your working style.

What is Zoho Projects and how does it help businesses?

Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management tool that is part of Zoho’s suite of business solutions. It’s a solid choice for keeping projects organized, on track, and the entire progress accountable. Some of its key features include:

• Task management (creating, assigning, and tracking tasks)
• Resource allocation with time-tracking capabilities
• Team collaboration tools for sharing files, discussing ideas, and communicating within the platform
• Reporting and analytics provide data-driven insights into project performance
• Seamless integration with other Zoho applications

Why Zoho Projects may not be the right fit for your business

Let’s be honest. While Zoho Projects is an effective project management tool, it’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone. As we mentioned earlier, every team is unique. You may already be using Zoho Projects but are starting to feel something is missing.

These are some tell-tale signs that you might need to look into Zoho Projects alternatives.

• You need security features, but they’re only available on premium plans.
• You need precise workflows, but the customization options available are too basic.
• You may have specialized project requirements or industry-specific compliance regulations, but Zoho Projects is more of a general-purpose project management tool.
• Your business is scaling quickly, but the cost adds up for larger teams.

Top 15 Zoho Projects alternatives to explore

So, if Zoho Projects doesn't quite fit your needs, here are 15 popular alternatives to consider:

1. ManyRequests (best for service-based businesses)

ManyRequests is an easy-to-use platform for managing projects, clients, and payments all in one place. Since it is specifically designed for service businesses, most of its automation features center around tasks like design and multimedia. 

If you manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously yet aim to maintain quality client interactions at the same time, you’ll find this tool the best of the best Zoho Projects alternatives.

The features we love the best are:

• Automated project workflows: This means automating the project management process. Teams will be able to set predefined workflows that automatically trigger actions based on specific client requests or project milestones. 
• Task management and assignment: Automatically distribute incoming client requests or tasks to different team members. The automatic assignment feature enhances accountability within the team by providing a clear overview of who is responsible for what.
• Built-in design feedback: Here, clients can annotate designs directly within the platform. All feedback is stored in one location, making it easier for teams to track and manage feedback efficiently.

Pros:

• Real-time collaboration lets revisions to be implemented more efficiently
• Clear overview of all ongoing projects for smooth tracking 
• Built-in invoicing and payment management system
• Simplified client communication with the client portal

Cons: 

• Might offer more features than necessary for startups

Pricing:

• Starter ($99/month if paid monthly; $79/month if paid yearly)
• Core ($149/month if paid monthly; $119/month if paid yearly)
• Pro ($399/month if paid monthly; $319/month if paid yearly)
• Enterprise (Book a call with the ManyRequests team for a custom quote)

2. Asana (best for detailed project tracking)

Asana is another Zoho Projects alternative that makes it easy to break down projects, delegate tasks to your team, and assign deadlines. This software is ideal for medium to large teams that require comprehensive methods to monitor and manage their projects more efficiently. 

Its best features include:

• Multiple project views: Asana presents the flexibility to view projects according to the team or individual’s preferences, with options like list, board, and timeline views. Whether your team thrives on Gantt charts for tracking every detail or prefers Kanban boards for an at-a-glance approach, Asana’s got you.
• Task dependencies and timelines: Manage project timelines with task dependencies easily—a task only kicks off once the previous one is complete. This keeps everything organized and helps teams plan more effectively, especially when dealing with complex projects.

• Project tracking and goals: Track project milestones, goals, and key deliverables with features that provide progress visibility to keep your team aligned and on track.

Pros:

• Automation features for setting rules that trigger specific actions 
• Highly customizable to fit various team needs
• Integrates with Teams and Outlook

Cons: 

• Can be overwhelming for new users

Pricing:

• Starter ($10.99 per user, per month billed annually)
• Advanced ($24.99/month per user, per month billed annually)
  
  

3. ClickUp (best for teams that prioritize time management)

ClickUp is an all-in-one application for managing projects and even departments. It tracks task completion and records the time it takes to complete it. Plus, it’s worth noting that ClickUp lets you customize virtually every aspect of the workspace. 

It’s crucial to highlight the following features:

• Time tracking: ClickUp helps users keep tabs on how much time they spend on tasks and projects. With both manual and automatic time entry options, tracking work feels effortless. You can also link time entries to specific tasks, clearly showing where your time is going across different projects.

• All-in-one platform: ClickUp integrates task management, documents, goals, and chats into a single interface, reducing the need for multiple tools and helping teams streamline their workflows.
• Customizable dashboards: Users can create custom dashboards to track metrics, visualize project progress, and analyze team performance, all from one place.

Pros:

• Accurate time-tracking to identify areas where time is spent too much or too little time
• Highly customizable workspace
• Intuitive user interface

Cons: 

• Interface can be cluttered at times
• Too many features for small teams just starting out
• The huge library of features can be overwhelming when setting up the spaces

Pricing:

• Unlimited: $7/month per user
• Business: $12/month per user
• Enterprise: Contact the ClickUp team for the exact pricing
  
  

4. Teamwork.com (best for teams prioritizing communication)

With Teamwork.com, managing projects, assigning tasks, and monitoring progress is seamless. If you manage multiple projects, the comments and messaging features make it very efficient to communicate and collaborate. 

These features deserve the spotlight:

• Task comments and updates: Users can comment directly on tasks, making it easy to have context-rich discussions tied to specific work items. This keeps all relevant information in one place, so teams always stay in the loop.
• Team and Project Channels: Create dedicated team channels and project-specific channels. This structure enables focused discussions, where team members can communicate about relevant topics without the distractions of unrelated conversations. The ability to segment communication helps streamline discussions and keeps everyone aligned on project goals.
• Comprehensive project tracking: Teamwork’s Gantt charts, task lists, and milestones help teams map out projects, track progress, and manage deadlines in real time.

Pros:

• Manage project-related discussions, documents, and updates in one place
• Supports project profitability tracking
• Generating reports is easy

Cons: 

• the newer interface is more difficult to use than the old one

Pricing: 

• Deliver: $10.99/user/month billed yearly
• Grow: $19.99/user/month billed yearly
• Business: $54.99/user/month billed yearly
• Enterprise: Contact the team for the exact pricing

5. Trello (best for teams that prefer simplicity over complex features)

Many people like Trello's visual simplicity and flexibility as project management software. The drag-and-drop functionality lets users move tasks between columns representing different stages of a project. From personal task tracking to large team projects, you can use this tool to create custom workflows and add checklists, labels, and due dates to cards.

Here are the top features that make Trello a worthwhile Zoho Projects alternative:

• Kanban-style boards: Simple and intuitive boards allow teams to visualize tasks and projects, making it easy to manage work at a glance.
• Power-Up integrations: Trello’s Power-Ups extend functionality, enabling teams to integrate tools like Slack, Google Drive, and automation workflows without leaving the platform.
• User-friendly interface: The straightforward, easy-to-navigate interface makes it accessible for teams of all sizes and expertise.

Pros:

• Highly visual organization method
• Centralize project details and updates in one place
• Power-Ups allow users to integrate with other apps to enhance functionality

Cons: 

• Insufficient advanced customization options

Pricing: 

• Standard: $5 per user/month if billed annually ($6 billed monthly)
• Premium: $10 per user/month if billed annually ($12.50 billed monthly)
• Enterprise:$17.50 per user/month, billed annually ($210.00 annual price per user)

6. Notion (best for task management with note-taking and knowledge-sharing requirements) 

Notion is worth mentioning as one of the top Zoho Projects alternatives if you need a workspace you can customize based on your needs. You can think of it as a minimalist workspace for personal use but a powerful tool for team collaboration. Check out these features:

• All-in-one workspace: Notion combines task management, note-taking, databases, and wikis into one flexible platform, giving teams a central hub for all their work and documentation.

• Customizable templates: Users can leverage Notion’s vast array of customizable templates to build workspaces tailored to their specific needs.

• Real-time collaboration: Notion’s shared pages and live collaboration tools allow multiple team members to work together seamlessly, providing updates, comments, and edits in real time.

Pros:

• All-in-one solution (from task management to wikis) rather than juggling multiple applications
• Collaboration features that integrate well with remote teams
• Rich media support

Cons:

• Slow at times, especially when loading complicated sites or working with bigger datasets

Pricing: (can get started for free)

• Plus: $10 per seat/month, yearly plan
• Business: $15 per seat/month, yearly plan
• For enterprise plan, contact sales

7. Basecamp (best for those who prefer a flat-fee pricing structure)

Basecamp is another tool for flawlessly tracking all conversations, planning, tasks, and project progress. It has a clean, modern design that’s easy to navigate without compromising its functionality. 

• Cost structure: Basecamp charges a flat fee of $299 per month—regardless of the number of users. You can add as many team members as needed without incurring additional costs.
• Project communication hub: Basecamp centralizes communication by combining task management, team messaging, and file sharing, keeping all project discussions and files in one place.

• Simple task management: The to-do lists, schedules, and automated check-ins keep teams focused on project priorities, making it easy to track progress without over-complicating workflows.

Pros:

• The dashboard gives a bird’s-eye view of all ongoing projects
• Automated reminders for task deadlines and status updates
• No per-user fee structure

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for new users

Pricing:

• A flat fee of $299/month, unlimited users

8. Wrike (best for enterprises that need advanced project management features)

Wrike is another alternative for keeping project teams on schedule and providing a high-level overview of the project status for top management. Noteworthy features include:

• Advanced task management: The platform includes features for task dependencies, milestones, and critical path analysis. These tools are essential for complex project planning and execution, allowing teams to manage interdependencies between tasks effectively.

• Security and compliance: Wrike offers enterprise-level security features, including data encryption, customizable user permissions, and compliance with industry standards (such as GDPR). 
• Customizable dashboards and reports: You can create custom dashboards to track key metrics and generate project performance reports. 

Pros:

• One place to extract information from 
• Advanced reporting capabilities
• Extensive integration options make it suitable for organizations already using various tools

Cons:

• learning curve is a bit of a challenge

Pricing:

• Team: $9.80 user/month, billed on an annual per-user basis
• Business: $24.80 user/month, billed on an annual per-user basis
• For Enterprise and Pinnacle plans, please contact the team
  
  

9. Smartsheet (best for teams that require detailed project plans, budget tracking, and resource management)

Smartsheet uses a spreadsheet-like interface to manage complex projects. It employs familiar spreadsheet functionalities while integrating powerful collaboration tools. Specifically, these are its top-tier features:

• Grid-based task management: The spreadsheet-like interface is perfect for teams that prefer to organize tasks in a familiar grid format while still managing timelines and priorities.

• Automated workflows: The powerful automation features allow teams to create workflows that automatically trigger actions like reminders, approvals, and task assignments.

• Gantt charts: This functionality gives teams a clear timeline of their projects, making it easy to spot dependencies and identify critical paths. 

Pros:

• Familiar spreadsheet interface
• Supports various project views, including Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and calendar views
• A no-code environment allows users to automate workflows without programming knowledge

Cons:

• Customization can feel limited

Pricing:

• Pro: $9 per member/month, billed annually
• Business: $19 per member/month, billed annually
• Custom pricing for Enterprise and Advanced Work Management plans
  
  

10. Hive (best for integrated time tracking and analytics alongside project management)

Hive combines task management with time-tracking capabilities. Depending on how your team prefers to manage tasks, you can switch between Kanban, Gantt, or Calendar views. Specific features to highlight include:

• Real-time task tracking: Hive’s real-time tracking features allow teams to stay up-to-date on task progress, deadlines, and priorities, ensuring projects stay on schedule.
• Goal tracking: Integrating time tracking with goal-setting features helps teams achieve their objectives. It keeps everyone aligned and ensures time is spent where it matters most, driving real results.
• Project templates and automation: Hive offers project templates and workflow automation, helping teams standardize recurring tasks and improve efficiency across projects.

Pros:

• Analytics dashboard helps track performance metrics effectively
• Automatically tracks the time spent on tasks to ensure accurate data collection for reporting and analysis
• Built-in chat functionalities facilitate seamless communication directly within the platform

Cons:

• Sometimes buggy

Pricing: 

• Starter: $5/month/user, billed annually
• Teams: $12/month/user, billed annually
• Custom pricing for Enterprise plan
  
  

11. RoboHead (best for creative and marketing teams)

RoboHead is one of the best Zoho Projects alternatives for creative and marketing teams. Its comprehensive features accelerate project execution, facilitate collaboration, and give real-time insights for successful outcomes. Specifically, these features are worth mentioning:

• Creative project templates: RoboHead’s pre-built templates help creative teams quickly set up projects for design, marketing, and content production, reducing administrative overhead.

• Customizable project request forms: You can customize forms to capture the exact details needed for each project, cutting through confusion and ensuring every stakeholder provides the proper context.

• Centralized documentation: Keep all requests and related files in one place, making it easy for your team to access what they need and collaborate smoothly at every project stage.

Pros:

• Explicitly tailored towards creative professionals
• Easy client feedback and approval processes
• Facilitates client collaboration through shared project views and feedback mechanisms directly integrated into the workflow process

Cons:

• Complex UI for beginners

Pricing: 

• Available upon request.
  
  

12. Bordio (best for visually-oriented task management)

Bordio is designed to streamline both personal and team workflows with ease. Its visual planning board makes task management straightforward without overcomplicating things thanks to these functionalities:

• Time-blocking for tasks: Bordio allows users to allocate time slots for each task, improving time management by allowing users to focus on one task at a time without distractions.
• Integrated calendar and task manager: Bordio’s seamless integration between tasks and calendars helps users keep track of deadlines and daily schedules with visual clarity.

• Clean and intuitive interface: Bordio’s minimalist design reduces clutter, making it easy for teams to manage tasks, deadlines, and priorities without unnecessary complexity.

Pros:

• Color-coded task distribution
• Simple user interface
• Focuses on productivity without feature overload.

Cons:

• Notifications can be more customized

Pricing:

• Free for personal use
• For organizations, a special price for the first 3 months of $3.99 per user /month. Then $9.99 per user/month.
  
  

13. Runrun.it (best for optimizing resource allocation)

Runrun.it specializes in managing tasks while providing visibility over team performance. This transparency allows organizations to track progress and allocate resources based on real-time data—ensuring optimal productivity.

Other helpful features include:

• Capacity planning: Easily forecast future workloads with a clear view of current allocations alongside upcoming projects. 
• Performance analytics: Generate performance reports showing where time is spent, helping teams optimize workflows and improve overall productivity.

• Task reassignment: When projects shift or deadlines change, Runrun.it makes it easy to reassign tasks based on real-time availability. This level of flexibility keeps the project momentum going strong and helps you avoid any bottlenecks arising from resource constraints.

Pros:

• Enhanced accountability among team members
• Task automation to streamline workflows
• Built-in performance reports

Cons:

• More advanced features are less intuitive

Pricing:

• For small teams: Free
• Business: $8 per user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: $25 per user/month, annual plan only

14. ProofHub (best for comprehensive project oversight)

ProofHub is a personal time management assistant that keeps teams synchronized and on the same page. Its unique functionalities, like task management, time tracking, discussions, and file sharing, are all integrated into one cohesive platform. 

• Activity logs: ProofHub offers comprehensive activity logs that enable project managers to monitor every action taken within a project. 
• Milestone tracking: This allows users to set and monitor milestones throughout the project lifecycle. It’s more than just a way to measure progress—it’s an essential checkpoint to keep the project on track and within scope. 
• Time tracking: ProofHub includes built-in time tracking capabilities, allowing users to log hours worked on different tasks for accurate billing and productivity analysis7.

Pros:

• Comprehensive suite of collaboration tools.
• Built-in time tracking
• Flat pricing model (no per-user fees)

Cons:

• Limited third-party communication app integrations

Pricing:

• Essential: $45/month, billed annually
• Ultimate Control: $89/month, billed annually

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15. BigTime (best for professional services firms in accounting and consulting niche)

BigTime is a professional services automation (PSA) that helps firms easily navigate tasks like invoicing and resource allocation. Plus, its robust reporting capabilities empower users to monitor project budgets and profitability closely. These features are the most helpful ones:

• Time and expense tracking for projects: BigTime’s integrated time-tracking and expense management tools help professional services teams log billable hours and monitor project costs accurately.

• Resource allocation and budgeting: BigTime allows project managers to allocate resources based on availability, skills, and budget constraints, ensuring that projects remain profitable.

• Client billing and invoicing: BigTime's built-in invoicing feature simplifies client billing, helping teams issue accurate invoices based on tracked hours and project expenses.

Pros:

• Helps reduce operation costs and billing errors
• Intuitive time tracking and billing features
• Centralized view for financial management

Cons:

• Steep learning curve and potential confusion due to overwhelming available options

Pricing:

• Essential:$20/user/mo
• Advanced: $35/user/mo
• Premier: $45/user/mo
• Foresight: Request a demo for custom pricing

Compare Zoho Projects alternatives and take the next step

Now it’s time to reflect on what matters most. Choosing the right project management tool can impact your success—even if that means finding a Zoho project alternative. 

And guess what? By exploring these 15 tools, you’ve taken an essential first step toward finding a solution. Hive might be worth exploring if your team puts a premium on time tracking and workload management. However, if you’re looking for a platform where each department in your organization can have their own space for their own processes, ClickUp is your best bet. 

But if you’re a service provider or an agency aiming for a balance between internal project management and external client communication, ManyRequests is your no-brainer choice. This software meets all your project management needs, from its customizable client portals and billing to project intake and routing forms. 

Experience it firsthand and sign up for your free trial today.

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