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Best Microsoft Project alternatives in 2026

Looking for an alternative to Microsoft Project? Whether you've outgrown it, find the pricing steep, or just want to weigh your options, these are the strongest project management alternatives in 2026 — ranked on pricing, features, and who each one fits best. Microsoft Project itself starts at from $10/user/mo, so we've flagged where each option is cheaper, simpler, or more specialized.

  1. 1
    TeamGantt
    Best for: smb

    Gantt charts made simple. A popular project management alternative to Microsoft Project with a genuinely usable free tier — free – $24/mo. Particularly strong for smb.

  2. 2
    Smartsheet
    Best for: enterprise

    If Microsoft Project feels like overkill or over-budget, Smartsheet is a leaner option. Spreadsheet-style work management. Pricing: from $12/user/mo.

  3. 3
    Jira
    Best for: engineering-teams

    Jira goes head-to-head with Microsoft Project on features with a genuinely usable free tier. Agile issue tracking for software teams. Best suited to engineering-teams. Free – $7.90/user/mo.

  4. 4
    Linear
    Best for: engineering-teams

    A well-rated project management pick. The issue tracker built for speed. Linear offers a free plan and starts at free – $8/user/mo, making it a credible Microsoft Project replacement.

  5. 5
    Asana
    Best for: smb

    Work management for cross-functional teams. A popular project management alternative to Microsoft Project with a genuinely usable free tier — free – $10.99/user/mo. Particularly strong for smb.

  6. 6
    monday.com
    Best for: smb

    If Microsoft Project feels like overkill or over-budget, monday.com is a leaner option with a genuinely usable free tier. A flexible Work OS for any workflow. Pricing: free – $9/seat/mo.

  7. 7
    Taskade
    Best for: startups

    Taskade goes head-to-head with Microsoft Project on features with a genuinely usable free tier. AI-powered tasks, notes, and chat. Best suited to startups. Free – $8/mo.

  8. 8
    ClickUp
    Best for: smb

    A well-rated project management pick. One app to replace them all. ClickUp offers a free plan and starts at free – $7/user/mo, making it a credible Microsoft Project replacement.

Still considering Microsoft Project itself? Read our Microsoft Project review →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Microsoft Project alternative?

TeamGantt is our top-rated Microsoft Project alternative for 2026. Gantt charts made simple. Free – $24/mo.

Is there a free Microsoft Project alternative?

Yes — TeamGantt, Jira, Linear all offer a free tier you can start on without a credit card.

Why switch from Microsoft Project?

Common reasons are price, a simpler feature set, better fit for a specific use case, or platform support. Each tool above notes where it has an edge over Microsoft Project.