Top 10 Best Software Project Management Tools for Businesses in 2025

Managing a software project is hard when everything is in different places, I mean when you outsource your software development. Tasks get lost, people forget what to do, and deadlines are missed. It wastes time and creates stress for the whole team. 

Let's try software project management tools to see the big difference. They help you plan work, assign tasks, and keep track of progress in only one tool. Everyone knows what to do, when it’s due, and who’s handling what. It makes team projects easier and more organized.

Having the right tool is a must for managing a remote software team in 2025. But, with so many tools out there, how can you choose the best one? In this blog, we'll recommend 10 best project management tools for software development with their strengths, pricing, and everything you need to know to determine whether they would be a suitable fit for your team.

Asana

Asana is a project management tool that helps teams keep track of their work. It lets you create tasks, assign them to team members, set deadlines, and follow progress in one place. The layout is easy to use, and many teams like it because it makes organizing work much simpler. Whether you’re working on small tasks or big projects, Asana gives you a clear view of what needs to be done and who’s responsible for it.

Key Features

• Task tracking: You can break projects into tasks, add details, and assign them to the right person.
• Multiple views: Choose how you want to see your project—list, board, calendar, or timeline.
• Team collaboration: Comment on tasks, tag teammates, and share files all inside Asana.
• Integrations: Connect with apps like Slack, Google Drive, Zoom, and many others.
• Automation: Set simple rules to automate steps like assigning tasks or setting due dates.

Pros

• Easy to understand, even for beginners.
• Lets you view your project in different ways, so you can work how you prefer.
• Connects well with other tools you might already use.
• Has a free plan that’s useful for small teams.

Cons

• Doesn’t have built-in time tracking—you’ll need a separate tool for that.
• Only one person can be assigned to a task, which can be limiting for group work.
• New users might need a bit of time to learn all the features.
• Export options are limited to CSV or JSON, which may not be ideal for everyone.

Wrike

Wrike is an online project management platform that helps teams plan, track, and collaborate on projects. Founded in 2006, it offers tools to create tasks, set deadlines, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress in real time. Wrike is designed to support teams of various sizes and is used across multiple industries to streamline workflows and improve productivity.

Key Features

• Custom dashboards: Teams can build their own dashboards to track tasks, deadlines, and progress.
• Time tracking: Built-in time logs help track how much time is spent on each task or project.
• Workload management: Helps managers see who’s busy and who has room to take on more tasks.
• Task dependencies: You can set tasks that must be done before others can start.
• Integrations: Connects with apps like Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Salesforce, and others.

Pros

• Works well for large teams and more complex projects.
• Offers good visibility into team workload and task progress.
• Time tracking is built in—no need for extra tools.
• Customizable dashboards help teams stay focused on what matters most.

Cons

• Can feel a bit complicated at first, especially for small teams.
• The layout may take some time to get used to.
• Some useful features are only available on higher-priced plans.
• Mobile app isn’t as smooth as the desktop version.

Jira

Jira is built with software developers in mind. It’s not just for organizing tasks—it’s used to manage the full cycle of a software development project. From collecting bug reports to planning product updates, Jira helps teams keep everything in one place. What sets it apart is how deeply it fits into agile development. Teams can create detailed workflows, manage sprints, and see progress in real time. For engineering teams that need structure and traceability, Jira offers exactly that.

Key Features

• Agile boards: Teams can work in sprints using Scrum or organize tasks visually with Kanban.
• Issue tracking: Bugs, tasks, or feature requests are easy to log and monitor.
• Sprint planning: Build and manage sprints with drag-and-drop tools and estimates.
• Project roadmaps: Show big-picture progress and upcoming milestones.
• Dev tool integrations: Syncs with tools like Bitbucket, GitHub, and CI/CD pipelines.

Pros

• Works well for software teams following agile workflows.
• Advanced tracking for issues, bugs, and backlogs.
• Can be customized to fit almost any development process.
• Integrates smoothly with popular software development tools.

Cons

• Too complex for teams that just need simple task tracking.
• Requires onboarding and setup time, especially for new users.
• Some features can feel hidden or hard to find.
• Might overwhelm teams that don’t follow a structured process.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet works like a spreadsheet but with the power of a full project management system. It’s a good choice for people who like working in rows and columns but want more features than Excel can offer. Teams can use it to track tasks, manage schedules, plan events, or even handle budgets. It’s flexible enough for many industries—from marketing and IT to construction. Because it looks familiar to spreadsheet users, many people find it easy to get started.

Key Features

• Grid view: A spreadsheet-style layout that makes organizing data simple and clear.
• Gantt charts: Helps teams plan timelines and track progress with a visual timeline.
• Automation tools: Set up rules to send alerts, move tasks, or update statuses automatically.
• Forms and data collection: Create forms to collect information and feed it directly into sheets.
• Collaboration: Share sheets with teammates, comment on rows, and update in real time.

Pros

• Feels familiar to anyone used to Excel or Google Sheets.
• Flexible enough for many types of projects and industries.
• Easy to create reports and track overall progress.
• Automation features help reduce manual work.

Cons

• Can feel too much like a spreadsheet for teams used to visual boards.
• Some features require extra learning or support.
• No free version—only a free trial is available.
• Mobile app is decent but not as smooth as the desktop version.

Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is a part of the larger Zoho suite, and it's built for small to mid-sized teams that need solid project tracking without a high price tag. What makes it stand out is its balance between features and affordability. It's designed to help teams plan tasks, set timelines, and track progress without feeling too heavy. If you're already using other Zoho apps like Zoho CRM or Zoho Mail, this tool fits in easily, making it even more convenient.

Key Features

• Task lists and milestones: Break down your project into small pieces and mark key points on the timeline.
• Time tracking: Track time spent on tasks with built-in timers or manual entries.
• Gantt charts: Visualize task timelines, dependencies, and progress.
• Team communication: Built-in chat, comments, and forums for easy communication.
• Integration with Zoho tools: Connect with other Zoho apps and popular third-party tools like Google Drive and Slack.

Pros

• Affordable, especially for small businesses.
• Easy to use once you're familiar with the layout.
• Works well with the rest of the Zoho ecosystem.
• Offers time tracking without needing extra apps.

Cons

• The interface can feel outdated compared to other tools.
• Initial setup may take time if you're new to Zoho products.
• Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors.
• Mobile experience is okay, but not very advanced.

Monday.com

Monday.com is a visual project management tool built for teams that want to manage tasks without getting lost in complexity. Instead of sticking to one layout, it lets users switch between boards, calendars, timelines, and more. It's very customizable—you can adjust it to match how your team already works. Teams use it for everything from managing client projects to tracking content, sales pipelines, or internal tasks. Its colorful and modern design makes it easier to stay focused and organized.

Key Features

• Custom workflows: Build boards and columns to match how your team works, whether it’s sales, content, or development.
• Views: Access multiple views like Kanban, Gantt, calendar, and workload to track progress your way.
• Automations: Set up rules to handle status changes, notifications, and task assignments.
• Dashboards: Combine data from multiple boards to track performance and timelines in one view.
• Team collaboration: Add comments, tag teammates, and attach files directly to tasks.

Pros

• Very flexible—you can shape it to fit many use cases.
• Easy for non-technical users to understand and get started.
• Visually clear and colorful, which helps keep tasks organized.
• Strong community and help center for support and tutorials.

Cons

• Advanced features might require a paid plan.
• Can feel overwhelming with too many boards or customizations.
• Automations have monthly limits on lower plans.
• Some users report slower performance with large boards.

ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management tool that tries to bring everything into one place—tasks, docs, goals, chat, and more. It’s built for teams that want to customize the way they manage work without needing multiple apps. Whether you're a startup managing daily tasks or a larger team planning complex projects, ClickUp lets you adjust almost every part of the platform. Some users use it for just to-do lists, while others run entire departments through it.

Key Features

• Everything view: See tasks across all spaces, folders, and lists in one central spot.
• Custom fields: Add your own fields to match your team’s unique needs—like status, priority, budget, or type.
• Docs and wikis: Create and store docs right next to your tasks.
• Built-in time tracking: Track how long tasks take without needing another app.
• Multiple task views: Choose from list, board, calendar, Gantt, or workload views.

Pros

• Very customizable—can work for almost any team or workflow.
• Free plan includes a lot more than many other tools.
• All-in-one platform—no need to switch between apps for docs, tasks, or goals.
• Offers built-in time tracking and goal tracking without needing add-ons.

Cons

• So many features can feel overwhelming at first.
• Setup can take time if you want to make the most of it.
• Occasional bugs or slow loading with large data sets.
• New users might find the number of settings confusing.

Teamwork

Teamwork is a project management tool built with client service businesses in mind—especially agencies, consultants, and service providers. It helps teams stay on top of tasks, communicate with clients, and deliver work on time. 

One thing that makes Teamwork different is how it handles client access and billing features. This makes it useful for teams that work with external partners and need clear tracking on who’s doing what and when. It’s simple enough for daily use but also has extras for long-term planning.

Key Features

• Task lists and subtasks: Break projects into steps, assign tasks, and track progress.
• Time tracking: Log time directly inside tasks or use timers for more accurate reporting.
• Client access: Let clients view project progress and leave feedback without seeing internal work.
• Workload planner: Helps managers see who’s available and balance assignments.
• Billing and invoicing: Turn tracked time into invoices with built-in tools.

Pros

• Especially useful for client-based work like marketing or design.
• Has built-in time tracking and billing tools.
• Good visibility into team availability and workload.
• Allows limited client access so clients can check the progress themselves, cutting down on manually update requests.

Cons

• Not as visually flexible as tools like ClickUp or Monday.com.
• Takes time to set up billing and invoicing features.
• Smaller teams may not need all of its advanced tools.
• Some users find the interface a bit outdated compared to newer apps.

Trello

Trello is a simple tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams stay organized. It works especially well for small teams or individuals who want a clear view of tasks. The setup is very visual—think sticky notes on a whiteboard, but digital. Each card can hold checklists, comments, due dates, and files. Trello is often used for content planning, to-do lists, and team projects where things don’t get too complex.

Key Features

• Kanban-style boards: Organize tasks by dragging cards between columns like “To Do,” “Doing,” and “Done.”
• Custom card details: Add checklists, attachments, labels, and comments to each card.
• Butler automation: Set up simple rules to move cards, assign tasks, or send reminders.
• Power-Ups: Add features like calendar view, custom fields, or integrations with Google Drive, Slack, etc.
• Team collaboration: Tag teammates, leave comments, and get notifications in real time.

Pros

• Super easy to learn and use, even for first-timers.
• Great for visual thinkers and small teams.
• Many features are available in the free version.
• Can be customized with Power-Ups when you need more features.

Cons

• Not ideal for complex projects or large teams.
• Limited reporting and time tracking unless you add external tools.
• Too simple for users who need detailed planning or workload views.
• Cards can become messy if too many tasks are packed into one board.

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is one of the oldest project management tools still in use today, and it’s mainly designed for companies that need detailed planning and scheduling. It’s often used in industries like construction, engineering, and enterprise IT where managing timelines, budgets, and resources is essential. The software is packed with advanced features, but it’s best suited for project managers who already know how to handle complex projects. While it's powerful, it may be more than what a small team needs.

Key Features

• Gantt charts: Helps users plan out tasks, deadlines, and dependencies in a timeline format.
• Resource management: Track availability and assign people to tasks based on workload.
• Budget tracking: Monitor project costs and compare them to planned budgets.
• Multiple project support: View and manage several projects together in one workspace.
• Office integration: Works well with Microsoft 365 apps like Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Pros

• Great for detailed project planning and scheduling.
• Strong tools for budgeting, resource tracking, and dependencies.
• Trusted by large companies and industries that follow formal project methods.
• Works smoothly with other Microsoft products.

Cons

• Not beginner-friendly—requires training or experience.
• Interface feels outdated compared to newer tools.
• Expensive, especially for small teams or casual use.
• Mostly suited for traditional project management, not agile or flexible workflows.

What Makes Best Free Software Project Management Tools?

When looking at free project management tools, it’s important to check what features they actually offer. A good free tool should help your team stay organized, communicate easily, and manage work without needing a paid upgrade too soon. Here are the key features that make a free tool stand out:

• Task and subtask management: You should be able to create tasks, break them into smaller steps, assign them to people, and keep track of what’s done and what’s not.
• Scheduling and milestones: A calendar or timeline view helps you plan ahead. You can mark important dates like deadlines or meetings to make sure nothing is missed.
• Team collaboration: Look for features that let teammates leave comments, tag each other, and share files. This keeps everything in one place and cuts down on back-and-forth messages.
• Time tracking: Some tools let you see how much time is spent on tasks. It’s helpful for keeping projects on schedule and spotting where time is being lost.
• Integrations with other apps: A tool is more useful if it works well with things your team already uses—like Slack, Google Drive, or GitHub. This helps keep everything connected.
• Basic automation: Some tools let you set rules that move tasks or send reminders automatically. Even simple automation can save time and reduce manual work.

How to Choose the Right Tool?

With so many project management tools out there, it’s easy to feel stuck when trying to pick one. Some tools are simple and quick to set up. Others are packed with features but take time to learn.

Here are some simple things to think about before choosing:

• Team size and type of work: If you're a small team or startup, a free or lightweight tool might be enough. Larger teams or those working on complex projects may need more structure, like timelines and resource planning.
• Ease of use: Tools that are hard to use will slow your team down. Try one with a clean layout and clear instructions. If possible, go for something your team can start using without lots of training.
• Essential features: Make a list of what you really need. Is it task tracking, time tracking, a calendar, or file sharing? Pick a tool that covers your must-haves without adding too much clutter.
• Integration with other apps: If your team uses Slack, Google Workspace, or GitHub, make sure the tool you choose works well with those apps. It saves time and keeps everything in sync.
• Budget and upgrade path: Some tools are free for basic use, but costs add up as your team grows. Check the pricing to see if it still makes sense once you need more features or more users.
• Flexibility and views: Do you prefer lists, boards, timelines, or calendars? Choose a tool that lets you work in the view you’re most comfortable with.
• Support and learning resources: Good support can make a big difference. Look for tools with helpful guides, video tutorials, or a support team that answers quickly.

Taking a little time to test a few tools with your team can help you see what works best before you commit. Most tools offer a free version or trial—use that to your advantage.

Instead of looking for the “best” tool overall, focus on the one that fits your team’s size, budget, and daily work. If your team also drives strategic initiatives or new product ideas, consider using corporate innovation tools alongside your project management platform.

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Conclusion

There is no single project management tool that is suitable for all teams. While some solutions are suitable for startups and small teams, others are for big businesses with complex systems. Crucially, you should choose a tool that meets the working style, project requirements, and budget of your team.

Before you choose the best tool for your needs, you should make a list of your top goals. For example, are you most interested in visual planning, team coordination, or time tracking? Then, you have to test whether those tools fit your project requirements or not. Many tools let you do test runs without instantly committing yourself with free plans or trials. The appropriate tool helps your team to remain ready, run projects on time, and work together.

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