Best IT Project Management Software: Top Picks for 2024

The best IT project management software makes it simple for businesses, big or small, to plan projects of all sizes, allocate tasks, and manage teams, ensuring everyone reaches the deadline on time. 

However, since there are so many IT project management tools available, finding the right one for your needs can be tricky.

So, to help you out, we created this guide detailing the ins and outs of IT project management software. Here, you will find in-depth reviews and comparisons of the best IT project management software and tools to help you keep your team and projects on track. 

The Best IT Project Management Software 2022

Although there are many IT project management software options available, not all provide the features you need to manage your tasks efficiently. So, take a look below for a list of project management software our experts rank among the best:

1. Monday.com – Overall Best IT Project Management Software
2. ClickUp – Great IT Project Management Software with Affordable Pricing
3. GanttPro – User-Friendly IT Project Management Software for Beginners
4. Zoho Projects – Top IT Project Management Tools for Small Teams
5. Teamwork – Best Project Management Software for IT Companies with Clients
6. Celoxis – IT Management Project Software with the Best Value
7. Project Manager – Leading IT Project Management Software with a Free Trial
8. Redmine – Best Free IT Project Management Software
9. Wrike – Top Project Management Software for IT and Integration
10. Jira – Best IT Project Management Software with Gantt Charts
11. Liquid Planner – A Flexible Project Management Software for IT
12. Confluence – Top IT Project Management Software for Remote Work

Best IT Project Management Software – Compared

While having a list of the best IT project management software options available is handy, understanding what makes each one outstanding is helpful, too. So take a look below for our in-depth reviews of our top ten picks:

1. Monday.com – Overall Best IT Project Management Software

Our pick for the best IT project management software is Monday.com. Monday.com is a user-friendly software platform that combines elements of project and task management into one handy ecosystem. Used by more than 152,000 clients worldwide, Monday.com has become one of the go-to applications for companies looking to keep tabs on a project’s progress.

One of Monday.com’s most attractive features is its user interface (UI), which is sleek and easy to use, regardless of experience level. Monday.com allows clients to centralize their work into one place, employing easy automation (e.g. email) and real-time messaging options.

Monday.com also has customizable dashboards, making it easy to scale workflow. The platform’s ‘Boards’ feature is also helpful, as users can clearly see the priority level and status of a broad range of tasks. Monday.com can also integrate with various third-party tools, such as Slack, Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud, Gmail, and more.

Regarding pricing, Monday.com offers three plans – Basic, Standard, and Pro. These are priced at $8, $10, and $16 per seat, respectively, with a minimum of three seats per plan. However, Monday.com also has an ‘Individual’ plan which is free forever, featuring up to three boards and over 200 templates to use.

Pros:

• ‘Individual’ plan is free forever
• Three plan types to choose from
• Integrates with an array of leading tools
• Features numerous automation options
• Sleek and clear UI

Cons:

• No live chat feature

2. ClickUp – Great IT Project Management Software with Affordable Pricing

Another great IT project management software to consider is ClickUp. ClickUp is a project management solution serving more than 800,000 teams worldwide, best known for its affordability and clean interface. Using ClickUp makes collaboration simple, thanks to features like visual whiteboards, real-time dashboards, and goal tracking.

There’s no stone left unturned with ClickUp, as this software has pretty much every tool that a client might need. This includes a handy live chat feature for communicating with team members and extensive customization options. The latter element is one of ClickUp’s main features, as it means that clients from any industry can use the software.

ClickUp also has real-time reporting capabilities that allow team leaders to gain in-depth information on the output of each team member. There are also built-in time management features, which include ‘billable time’ toggles which streamline the invoicing process.

This project management software also has an excellent price structure, as clients can pay monthly or yearly. As with most software products, yearly subscriptions offer a substantial discount – for example, the ‘Unlimited’ tier drops to just $5 per month if the year is paid upfront. Finally, ClickUp even has a ‘Free Forever’ plan designed exclusively for personal use.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing strucutre
• Free plan for personal use
• Limitless customizability
• Real-time user reporting

Cons:

• Some features are relatively complex

3. GanttPro – User-Friendly IT Project Management Software for Beginners

Besides offering the ideal IT project management software solutions for small teams, GanttPro provides an easy-to-use interface that makes it perfect for new users. Since the program is well-designed and simple to navigate, getting the hang of things is easy. 

In addition to being user-friendly, GanttPro provides several features that make this a worthwhile software to explore. Besides providing interactive Gantt Charts, it offers ample storage for documents, an in-app task timer, resource management, budgeting tools, time estimates, and guest access. As a result, users can actively track, monitor, and review their projects and resources efficiently.

GanttPro provides several packages, each with an increased number of features and pricing to go with it. While we reviewed the Pro package that comes with additional features like overdue task notifications, the site also provides a Basic, Business, and Enterprise option. 

However, some elements are missing from GanttPro’s offering, including customizable reports and dashboards. Further, there is no free version available. But, users can give the free trial a go to see whether the available features meet their needs. Additionally, while the software integrates with apps like MS Teams, Jira, and Slack, these offerings could be broadened.

Pros:

• Competitive Pricing
• Various packages
• Easy to use

Cons:

• No customizable report tools

4. Zoho Projects – Top IT Project Management Tools for Small Teams

Another leading IT project management software for small IT teams or companies is Zoho Projects. Since it offers value for money and an extensive selection of project management tools, it is a popular choice for businesses new to using IT project management tools.

Users looking into Zoho Projects will find the software features three packages. Firstly, there is a free version that accommodates up to three users. However, this is limited to two projects and offers minimal storage space and features. Following this is the Premium option for 50 users and the Enterprise package for as many users as you want. 

While each package has its own set of additional features, the basic options offered include Gantt Charts, task management, calendars, task and issue reports, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. As a result, Zoho ranks as some of the best project management software for Mac. However, the premium model contains 100GB of storage space for file sharing, project resource utilization, planned vs. actual charting, subtasks, reminders, and timers. 

As a result, Zoho Projects makes functions like project management, team collaboration, issue tracking, timesheet creation, and task automation simple. 

Since the software offers easy functionality, impressive features, and low costs, our experts rank Zoho Projects as the perfect choice for small businesses and IT departments.

Pros:

• Excellent tracking tools
• Easy to navigate
• Competitive Pricing

Cons:

• No premade templates

5. Teamwork – Best Project Management Software for IT Companies with Clients

While most IT project management software provides several features that make managing various projects a breeze, Teamwork is one of those that make managing projects for external clients even simpler. Since the software offers options like invoicing and billing, keeping track of the projects you’ve been paid for becomes less of a hassle. 

In addition to this impressive and relatively rare feature, Teamwork includes features like interactive Gantt Charts that make tracking progress and time management easy. Further, users will find options like resource management and budgeting, along with interactive dashboards and project health charts. However, it is the app, compatible with Android and iOS devices, that steps things up a level so that you can project manage on the go or work remotely.

When looking at Integration, users will find that Teamwork works seamlessly with several third-party apps, including Dropbox, Sharepoint, Microsoft Projects, Quickbooks, Google Drive, and some of the best Google project management tools.

Finally, when looking at the available packages, you’ll find Teamwork provides four options, Free Forever, Deliver, Grow, and Scale. While the options on the free version are somewhat limited, those on the “Deliver” package will meet the needs of most businesses. And, you can try it free for 30 days to see if it has what you need.

Pros:

• Excellent customization options
• Free version available
• Provides billing and invoicing

Cons:

• No image markup tools

6. Celoxis – IT Management Project Software with the Best Value

Although many IT project management software options cater to smaller businesses, if you’re looking for one that brings value to large enterprises, Celoxis makes a fantastic choice. 

Unlike most other software options, Celoxis doesn’t offer several packages. Instead, it provides one comprehensive tier with all the features. As a result, you can choose between the cloud-based or the on-premise option. So, each user gets 2Gb storage space and access to all the features. 

When looking at features, you’ll find all those necessary to efficiently manage your project plan and team, including Gantt Charts, time tracking, budgeting, resource management, and guest access. Further, Celoxis provides impressive integration with several other apps, like Microsoft Project, Excel, Google Drive, Outlook, Salesforce, JIRA, Slack, and Trello.

However, Celoxis doesn’t provide a free version. Nor does it provide billing or invoicing options, so if you work with clients, this may not be the software for you.

Pros:

• Excellent mobile and desktop apps
• Customizable packages
• Unlimited team messaging on all plans

Cons:

• Additional features can be pricey

7. Project Manager – Leading IT Project Management Software with a Free Trial

Although Project Manager is an excellent collaborative IT project management software tool, it doesn’t have the greatest options for larger businesses. If you’re running a larger business or perhaps an enterprise, we suggest you take a look at the best enterprise project management software options for 2024.

Once you look at Project Manager’s packages, you’ll find four tiers. Firstly, the Starter option comes as the free version, designed for no more than three users. But, the features here are minimal, and you won’t find Gantt Chart options. However, the Team, Business, and Enterprise options all provide basic IT project management tools, including Gantt Charts, project budget and cost tracking, team collaboration, document and file management, and time tracking. 

Further, the software integrates with several other apps, including Jira, Slack, Trello, and various Microsoft applications. 

Finally, one aspect of Project Manager that stood out was its ease of use. The program is simple to navigate and ensures new users find their way around without hassle.

Pros:

• Excellent third-party app integrations
• Budgeting options
• Free version offered

Cons:

• Lower packages are quite restricted

8. Redmine – Best Free IT Project Management Software

While most IT project management software comes with free versions, Redmine is free. As a result, this IT project management software is ideal for new companies just starting and want to figure out which features they need most before investing in an annual plan. 

However, this open-source software comes with a few snags. For instance, it isn’t ideal for all teams and projects and is aimed at development teams since it requires installation and maintenance. Further, the support is minimal and comes only in the form of documentation.

But, the software provides some exceptional features too. For example, the projects are customizable, and there are interactive Gantt Charts and time estimates. 

While you won’t find options for budgeting, invoicing, or billing, the software is relatively simple to navigate. However, this is one IT project management software we don’t recommend for beginners. 

Pros:

• Free
• Open-source
• Provides Gantt Charts

Cons:

• Not ideal for all projects or teams

9. Wrike – Top Project Management Software for IT and Integration

Wrike is one of the leading IT project management software options, and it is easy to see why. In addition to providing a wide assortment of features, it is designed to manage both projects and ongoing work. As a result, it is versatile and flexible, making it a popular choice among IT managers. 

However, choosing a Wrike package is challenging and without consulting customer services, finding the perfect one for your needs is almost impossible. While there is a free version available, it has limitations. But, once you go from there, you’ll find over six other options, with most offering custom pricing depending on the features you add to your package. 

So, what options does Wrike provide? Pretty much all of them. As a result, users can find Gantt Charts, in-app time tracking, resource management, markup tools, budgeting, invoicing, and billing. Further, Wrike integrates seamlessly with several third-party apps, including Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

Pros:

• Excellent intelligent features
• Easy to use
• Manages ongoing work and projects

Cons:

• Finding the right plan is tricky

10. Jira – Best IT Project Management Software with Gantt Charts

 Easily one of the most-loved IT project management software applications, Jira is renowned for its extensive selection of features and ease of use. While the overall design is not as pleasing to the eye as other software applications, Jira focuses on user-friendliness instead, providing users with functionality over style.

However, we should also note Jira’s impressive selection of features. For instance, it provides excellent reporting options, making it simple to pull results and data with a few clicks. Further, Jira makes a simple task of focusing on more than one project simultaneously. In addition, Jira provides many customizable templates, including Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and ticketing. 

Besides making it simple for teams to track their productivity and time management, the software gives managers a strong indication of employee performance. 

When it comes to packages, Jira provides four options. While the first is free for up to ten users, the functions are limited. Following that option are three further tiers that increase in price and features as you climb the ladder.

Pros:

• Free trial version
• Features a mobile app
• User-friendly

Cons:

• Not ideal for new users

9. Liquid Planner – A Flexible Project Management Software for IT

Although Liquid Planner provides outstanding online IT project management tools, it makes integration with third-party apps challenging. Further, the interface and customization of certain features also prove challenging. But, once you get the hang of things, it becomes simpler. 

While the software provides these challenges, it offers some excellent features, making it easy to manage workflow, collaborate with teams, oversee tasks, and automatically schedule work for the team. Additionally, Liquid Planner provides flexibility that makes adjusting project plans and implementing changes straightforward. 

When considering plans, Liquid Planner has four available, starting with a limited but free version for up to three users that manages up to ten projects. In addition, the three further tiers provide a wealth of features that increase as you go up the ladder. Further, it is only in the top-tier packages that you have access to options like report customization and unlimited workspaces.

Pros:

• Excellent time tracking
• Impressive resource insight tools
• Intelligent automated scheduling

Cons:

• Gantt Chart is not interactive

10. Confluence – Top IT Project Management Software for Remote Work

Confluence is another IT project management software tool created by Atlassian, known for its Jira software. Whether your team is large or small, Confluence will bring them together in a collaborative workspace that makes managing projects of all sizes a breeze. 

While Jira makes team collaboration simple, Confluence places particular focus on this feature, making it the ideal choice for teams where most employees work remotely. In addition to an app, Confluence makes integration with third-party apps like Zoom and Slack effortless, increasing its ease of use. Further, the software provides features like Gantt Charts and Kanban boards that simplify tracking productivity, resources, and time management. Assigning tasks to teams is also accessible using Confluence, and you can customize many templates.

Finally, Confluence offers several packages, including a free version. However, besides providing many more features, the paid packages offer 250Gb storage instead of the meager 2Gb that comes with the free version.

Pros:

• Seamless document sharing
• Free version
• Excellent integration

Cons:

• Top-tier plans can be pricey

Top IT Project Management Tools and Software – Comparison Table

Besides reading reviews, comparing the offerings of each IT project management software application makes it easy to find the software that best meets your needs. So, to help you out, we created the table below:

What is IT Project Management Software?

Project management software for IT is a digital tool that IT departments (and others) use to plan projects to go off without a hitch. Further, this software allows users to allocate project resources and track their use, assign tasks, schedule timelines, keep up to date on progress made, capture ideas and implement them, and collaborate with team members. In other words, it helps everyone stay on track when following a project plan to ensure timeous completion and efficient use of resources.

Additionally, IT project management software enables companies to store documents, perform searches, and use additional features to stay organized.

Further, the best project management software for IT enables tech teams within a business to secure their data, utilize resources, and improve the quality of the services they provide to the remainder of the company.

When using project management software to assist in creating IT projects, all team members log on to the platform. Here, they can follow up on new tasks that need attending, mark off those they’ve already completed, and add notes for other team members to see. Since this collaborative app makes it easy to see who is doing what, it also makes working on projects remotely a cinch.

What are the Benefits of Using IT Project Management Software?

When running a project using project management IT software, users will enjoy several benefits. So, let’s review the top advantages you can expect from using the best IT project management software:

Improved Collaboration

While team members may sit in different areas of the office or work from home, the IT project management software provides a dashboard for everyone to convene and see where things stand, who needs to perform which tasks, and their scheduled completion date. In this case, each member knows what they need to do and by when, making it more straightforward for everyone to do their part effectively. 

Further, this improves communication amongst the team, keeping everyone on the same page and reducing information gaps.

Controlled Planning

In order for a project to run smoothly, the planning and scheduling must be perfect, no matter what methodology the project leader applies. However, by using IT project management software, a leader can quickly implement a solid plan and prioritize tasks to ensure the project’s success. 

Further, project leaders can allocate resources and set deadlines, leaving them with a streamlined project plan.

Effective Distribution of Tasks

Occasionally, it may become challenging for managers to delegate tasks to team members appropriately. In addition, keeping tabs on who is available and who is currently busy with a task can prove tricky, especially on a large-scale project or in managing the IT division of a large company. 

However, the advantage of IT project management software is that it shows which staff members can take on new tasks. So, it becomes easy for managers to delegate new tasks efficiently. Additionally, it allows workers with several jobs to prioritize them according to importance and deadlines.

Better Budget and Resource Management

Because IT management project software allows project managers to allocate resources and monitor their use, it becomes easier to stick to a budget. Additionally, this software enables managers to track the use of resources in real-time. As a result, users can prevent the project from over-extending and needing budget extensions.

Easier File Sharing

In addition to providing a safe place to store files, IT project management software provides a place where all team members can access these files. Further, members with clearance can see any changes made, review newly uploaded documents, and make comments and annotations where everyone can access them.

Improved Integration of New Team Members

When a new member joins the IT team, providing them access to the project management software the IT team uses gives them all the relevant information in one go. As a result, new members get caught up to speed on the past efforts and current project position much quicker. Further, they can easily see their tasks relevant to the rest of the team.

Increased Productivity

Since IT project management software enables all team members to see what they need to do and by when it makes it simple to prioritize tasks and get them done efficiently. In addition, this allows workers to focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about what still needs doing. As a result, productivity increases. 

Risk Reduction

Because IT project management software keeps everything at your fingertips, tracking each element of the plan is doable. As a result, managers can see when the program is going off track or over budget and can minimize or prevent risks and put counteractive measures in place.

What Features Should I Look For In An IT Project Management Software?

While leading IT project management software provides several features, it is important to remember that those you opt for will depend on your business size and needs. Additionally, the industry you are in will also determine the features you need most in your project management software. 

So, let’s look at the must-have features that make up the best project management software for IT companies:

Gantt Charts

The program must include Gantt Charts to be on our list of the best free IT project management software. So, what is a Gantt Chart? These charts feature a series of horizontal lines showing the amount of work done in specific periods of time relative to the amount of production planned for that period. As a result, these charts make it easy to track progress, stay on schedule, and organize project-related tasks.

Reports & Dashboards

While a Dashboard makes it easy to see at a glance where every aspect of the project stands, reports make it simple to see how the team and the project have progressed in the past week, month or quarter. As a result, reports make it easy to see where the team is lacking, whether the project is on schedule, and what counteractions need the implementation to set the plan back on course. Further, the IT project management software compiles these documents. It includes handy visuals like charts and graphs that put the progress of the various projects and tasks into perspective, making reports and dashboards an essential feature.

Workload Management

The best IT project management tools include workload management features. In this case, the software enables managers to distribute tasks among workers evenly. As a result, each worker ends up with enough jobs without being overloaded, while others have no work at all. While this prevents stress, it also promotes productivity, ensuring workers complete tasks on time.

Timesheets

Another essential feature of any top IT project management software should offer is timesheets. When a manager can review timesheets, it becomes easier to predict a completion date and see whether the team is on track. Further, timesheets make it easy to know when to adjust the plan to accommodate this new information. 

Alerts & notifications

Alerts and notifications are essential IT project management tools. In addition to informing the team when new documents or comments are added to the dashboard, they also alert members to new tasks, schedules, and budget requirements, keeping everyone on the same page. Further, these alerts make it easy for team members to pick up important information quickly.

How Should An IT Project Be Managed?

When effectively managing an IT project, managers should follow six simple steps:

• Initiation

During this first phase, managers must question why an IT project is needed and what its objective should be. Following this, the manager must draw up a business plan and conduct a feasibility test to ensure the proposal is ideal.

• Definition

Once the project receives approval, the manager must identify the objectives and requirements and finalize them to ensure the project runs successfully. Additionally, the manager will draw up a project plan.

• Design

During this phase, the team develops a design that will help them reach their goal efficiently and effectively. Once settled on a plan, the group shares the specifications with the development team.

• Development

Next, the manager assigns the development team their tasks and chooses the IT project management tools and software they will use. Further, the project plan gets fine-tuned to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

• Implementation

While most other phases of IT project management are relatively quick, implementation often takes the longest. In this case, the team sets out to complete their tasks while the manager tracks and reviews projects, risks, and resources using IT project management software, free or paid.

• Follow Up

When implementation is complete and the manager has delivered the final project, the follow-up work takes place. In this case, it usually involves creating support teams, training end-users, and ending the project.

What Types Of IT Project Management Software Are There?

Since there are so many different IT projects, the need for more than one management method arose. As a result, managers will find several management methodologies they can apply. Additionally, users will find that different IT project management software has been developed to cater to these various methods.

Waterfall Methodology

Since it was published in 1970, the Waterfall Methodology has become the project management tool of choice for many IT projects. While typically used for large external projects, it applies well to many IT projects too. Additionally, users will find the Waterfall Methodology has six stages, namely:

• Requirements 
• Design 
• Implementation 
• Testing  
• Installation  
• Maintenance

Agile Methodology

As a result of software development, more flexibility in planning can occur. So, instead of following one rigid plan, managers divide it up into phases that allow flexibility while teams move through the processes of planning, executing, and evaluating as they go. 

Hybrid Methodology

When we refer to a hybrid, we usually mean combining two existing things to create a new element. So, a Hybrid Methodology refers to blending the Agile and Waterfall Methodologies. As a result, managers access a more flexible but structured management approach that gives them the best of both options. 

What Are The Best IT Project Management Tools?

Several must-have IT project management tools will make running the project much simpler when overseeing a plan. So, let’s review a few of these top tools:

Gantt Charts for Waterfall Plans

When looking for a versatile tool that suits most methodologies, the Gantt Chart is a must. In addition to assisting managers in measuring productivity and work done, these charts help assign and manage tasks. Further, users can add notes and comments to individual tasks at every point, making collaboration simpler.

Dashboards for Live Reporting

Cloud-based dashboards make it easy to track a project in real-time, so managers can stay on top of things as they happen. In addition to minimizing risk, it is simple to draw reports at any point, summarize the information into easy-to-read charts and share them with teams.

Integration

Since a project comprises many parts on the go, knowing how a change in one area will affect another is essential. As a result, an IT project management software that offers integration and will analyze resource allocation and how it affects the project overall is a must.

Conclusion: What Is The Best IT Project Management Software?

Although any of the IT project management software reviewed in this guide is worth looking at more closely, each provides unique features that make them suited to particular projects and teams. 

However, our pick for the best IT project management software goes to Monday.com, which provides competitive pricing and a host of features that make managing projects simple. So, don’t let your project fall behind. Instead, sign up with Monday.com today.

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