27 Best Free Project Management Tools

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, project management tools are the cornerstone of successful teamwork, efficient collaboration, and goal delivery. Whether you’re a small startup, a freelancer, or part of a larger organization, utilizing a robust project management solution can significantly boost productivity. Even better, many of these platforms offer free plans that allow you to explore their features without any financial commitment.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the 27 best free project management tools. Each tool is designed to help you plan tasks, organize resources, track progress, and communicate with your team—all without breaking the bank. By the end of this article, you’ll have in-depth insights into which free project management tools best suit your needs and how to integrate them seamlessly into your workflow.

1. Trello

Overview:
Trello is a widely popular project management tool centered around Kanban boards. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to create boards, lists, and cards for tasks. Free users can take advantage of unlimited personal boards and basic automation features through Trello’s Butler.

Key Features:

• Visual Kanban board organization.
• Simple drag-and-drop functionality.
• Integration with popular apps like Google Drive, Slack, and Dropbox.
• Task assignment and due dates.
• Basic automation with Butler for Free plan users.

Why It Stands Out:
Trello’s user-friendly interface and dynamic boards make it easy for beginners to adapt quickly. With its focus on visual task management, individuals and small teams often find it a perfect tool to keep tasks organized and deadlines in check.

2. Asana

Overview:
Asana is a renowned project management platform that offers a robust free plan for up to 15 users. You can track tasks and subtasks, manage deadlines, communicate with team members, and switch between different view options (list, board, calendar) effortlessly.

Key Features:

• Task lists and timeline views.
• Up to 15 team members on the free plan.
• Unlimited tasks, projects, and messages.
• Basic dashboards to track project progress.
• Integration with over 100 third-party apps.

Why It Stands Out:
Asana’s ability to handle multiple workflows and provide diverse viewing options (list, board, and calendar) makes it a top choice for teams with varying needs. The straightforward user experience and well-structured interface allow new users to get started quickly.

3. ClickUp

Overview:
ClickUp is an all-in-one project management powerhouse that’s known for its flexibility. From simple task lists to complex custom workflows, ClickUp caters to a variety of teams, including developers, marketers, and remote workers. The free version is generous, allowing unlimited tasks, members, and two-factor authentication.

Key Features:

• Multiple project views (list, board, calendar, Gantt).
• Unlimited tasks and members in the free plan.
• Built-in time tracking and reporting.
• Robust integration with Slack, Google Drive, Zoom, and more.
• Advanced automation and customization options.

Why It Stands Out:
ClickUp’s comprehensive feature set, paired with a highly customizable interface, provides a single platform to manage different aspects of project planning, from workflow automation to time tracking. Despite the feature-rich environment, the free plan allows significant exploration of its core capabilities.

4. Wrike

Overview:
Wrike is a versatile project management solution that supports teams looking for advanced work automation and collaboration features. The free plan targets smaller teams or individuals, offering board and spreadsheet views, along with some of Wrike’s core task management functionalities.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration and editing.
• Built-in time tracking and workload management in paid plans.
• Customizable dashboards and request forms.
• Cloud-based storage integrations (Google, Dropbox, OneDrive).
• Board and spreadsheet views in the free version.

Why It Stands Out:
Wrike’s modern interface and robust features cater to growing teams, making it a powerful solution once you transition beyond the free plan. However, for teams who need only basic task-tracking and communication tools, Wrike’s free offering is a solid start.

5. Monday.com (Free Individual Plan)

Overview:
Monday.com, though widely recognized as a paid platform, offers a free individual plan perfect for freelancers or smaller project needs. Known for its visual boards and color-coded system, Monday.com helps organize tasks, set up timelines, and track project progress seamlessly.

Key Features:

• Up to 2 seats in the free plan.
• Unlimited boards and docs.
• 200+ templates to jumpstart projects.
• Customizable columns (e.g., status, people, tags).
• Integration with apps like Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams (with paid upgrades).

Why It Stands Out:
Monday.com’s hallmark is its visually appealing interface and flexible boards that can be tailored to various workflows—from agile development to creative campaigns. If you’re a freelancer or working with just one more partner, Monday.com’s free version might be all you need.

6. Freedcamp

Overview:
Freedcamp is a feature-rich project management tool that offers an exceptionally generous free plan. Designed to simplify collaboration, Freedcamp allows unlimited users and projects, making it a popular choice for startups and non-profit organizations with tight budgets.

Key Features:

• Unlimited users and projects in the free version.
• Kanban board, Gantt chart, and calendar views.
• Built-in invoicing and CRM modules (paid features).
• Task discussions and file management.
• Integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

Why It Stands Out:
Freedcamp’s biggest advantage is its unlimited user offering without any financial barrier, which is uncommon among most project management tools. It provides essential project management features while allowing teams to scale at no additional cost.

7. Zoho Projects

Overview:
Zoho Projects is a part of the Zoho ecosystem, offering a free plan suitable for small teams. With task automation, Gantt charts, and timesheet capabilities, it aligns well with both agile and traditional project management methodologies.

Key Features:

• Up to 3 users and 2 projects in the free plan.
• Task lists and Gantt charts for scheduling.
• Built-in time tracking and timesheet management.
• Email-based collaboration.
• Integrations with other Zoho apps and external tools like GitHub.

Why It Stands Out:
For teams already using Zoho applications such as Zoho CRM or Zoho Mail, Zoho Projects offers smooth integrations. Even without the entire ecosystem, Zoho Projects’ free plan provides enough task management features for small teams experimenting with formal project management processes.

8. TeamGantt

Overview:
If Gantt charts are central to your project planning, TeamGantt should be on your radar. It focuses primarily on providing an intuitive drag-and-drop Gantt chart interface, complemented by task-level collaboration features.

Key Features:

• Up to 3 users and 1 project in the free plan.
• Drag-and-drop Gantt chart scheduling.
• Color-coded dependencies and milestones.
• Basic collaboration features (comments, discussions).
• Integration with Slack, Trello, and Basecamp.

Why It Stands Out:
TeamGantt’s specialty is its Gantt chart interface, which is both user-friendly and robust. If you need advanced scheduling tools and a visual timeline, it’s a perfect fit. The free plan’s limitation to one project may be a drawback for some, but it remains ideal for smaller or singular projects.

9. Airtable

Overview:
Airtable merges the familiarity of spreadsheets with the power of a relational database. Although not purely a project management tool, its flexibility allows you to build customized project tracking workflows, calendars, and Kanban boards.

Key Features:

• Spreadsheet-like interface for data organization.
• Relational databases for linking data across tables.
• Multiple views (grid, Kanban, calendar, gallery).
• Real-time collaboration and file attachments.
• Integrations with Slack, Google Workspace, and more.

Why It Stands Out:
Airtable’s adaptability shines when dealing with complex data that needs to be interconnected. Creative teams, product developers, and analysts often choose Airtable for its powerful relational database functionalities.

10. Notion

Overview:
Notion is an all-encompassing workspace solution that combines note-taking, databases, wikis, and project management in one platform. The free plan allows unlimited personal blocks and collaborative workspaces with limited file uploads, making it ideal for solopreneurs and small teams.

Key Features:

• Pages and subpages for storing documents, tasks, or wikis.
• Multiple views (board, list, calendar, gallery).
• Powerful database and relation features.
• Real-time collaboration with team members.
• Integration with Slack, GitHub, and more.

Why It Stands Out:
Notion’s modular approach to content creation and project management makes it a one-stop shop for personal productivity and team collaboration. Whether you need a knowledge base, a task list, or a hybrid approach, Notion’s free plan covers most basic use-cases efficiently.

11. Bitrix24

Overview:
Bitrix24 is a cloud-based collaboration suite that includes project management, CRM, and communication tools in one package. Its free plan offers a substantial set of features for small teams, including task and project management, chat, and basic CRM functionalities.

Key Features:

• Task management with Kanban, Gantt, and list views.
• Integrated team chat and video conferencing.
• Basic CRM for managing leads and deals.
• Document sharing and calendar sync.
• Up to 5 GB of storage in the free plan.

Why It Stands Out:
With Bitrix24, small teams can manage tasks, communicate, and handle customer data without jumping between different apps. The breadth of its features in the free plan is impressive, though it may have a bit of a learning curve due to its all-in-one approach.

12. MeisterTask

Overview:
MeisterTask is a Kanban-style task management tool developed by the same team behind the popular mind-mapping software, MindMeister. It offers a polished interface and a straightforward approach to managing tasks in collaborative boards.

Key Features:

• Kanban board for visual task management.
• Integrations with MindMeister for brainstorming sessions.
• Automation for recurring tasks and repetitive workflows.
• Customizable dashboards to track progress.
• Focused on simplicity and ease-of-use.

Why It Stands Out:
MeisterTask’s smooth user interface and direct integration with MindMeister make it ideal for teams that heavily rely on brainstorming and visual organization. The free plan supports unlimited tasks and limited automation, enough to get started efficiently.

13. nTask

Overview:
nTask is a relatively newer entrant in the project management sphere, focused on providing essential features without overcomplicating the interface. From meeting management to risk assessments, nTask offers a well-rounded suite of tools in its free plan.

Key Features:

• Task management with Kanban boards and Gantt charts.
• Time tracking and timesheets.
• Meeting management with agenda and follow-up.
• Issue tracking and risk management modules.
• Integrations with Slack, Zoom, Google Calendar, and more.

Why It Stands Out:
nTask goes beyond basic task management by incorporating more specialized features like meeting management and risk tracking, which are typically reserved for more advanced platforms. Its clean interface and structured modules make it ideal for SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) and startups.

14. Quire

Overview:
Quire takes a nested task list approach that helps teams break down large goals into actionable steps. With a sleek minimalistic design, Quire keeps the focus on tasks, deadlines, and real-time collaboration.

Key Features:

• Hierarchical (nested) task lists.
• Kanban board view for better visualization.
• Real-time sync and offline support.
• Task comments, attachments, and integrations with Slack, GitHub, and Google Drive.
• Unlimited tasks and projects on the free plan.

Why It Stands Out:
Quire’s free plan stands out by providing an unlimited number of tasks and projects, and the nested list structure is particularly useful for teams that want to break down complex projects into smaller, manageable pieces.

15. Infinity

Overview:
Infinity is a versatile work management platform that combines customizable boards, lists, and tables. Though Infinity primarily offers paid plans, it sometimes provides limited free access or trial options. Teams can design data structures to suit their workflows, whether Kanban, Scrum, or a simple to-do list.

Key Features:

• Fully customizable board layouts.
• Variety of views (Kanban, Gantt, list, form).
• Extensive filtering, sorting, and grouping options.
• Real-time collaboration with file attachments and comments.
• Integrations with third-party apps (Zapier, Clockify, etc.).

Why It Stands Out:
Infinity’s greatest asset is the freedom to tailor your boards to any process. If your team requires extensive customization, Infinity’s flexible data structuring and advanced filtering options could be exactly what you need.

16. ProofHub (Free Limited Trial)

Overview:
ProofHub is a project management and collaboration software best known for its proofing and annotation features. Although a fully free plan isn’t offered, ProofHub does provide a limited free trial, enabling users to test out its functionalities.

Key Features:

• Online proofing and markup for documents and designs.
• Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and table views.
• Group chat, discussions, and file sharing.
• Custom roles and workflows.
• Comprehensive reporting and time tracking.

Why It Stands Out:
If you often work with visual media or design files, ProofHub’s proofing features can save you hours of back-and-forth emails. Although the free trial is limited, it’s worth exploring for teams seeking robust approval workflows.

17. Redbooth (Free Starter Plan)

Overview:
Redbooth is a team collaboration and project management platform that lets users assign tasks, create workspaces, and implement Kanban boards. Its free starter plan is rather limited but still offers essential project management capabilities.

Key Features:

• Task assignment and due dates.
• Kanban boards for visual task management.
• Workspaces for grouping projects.
• Built-in chat and HD video conferencing (on paid plans).
• Integration with Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box.

Why It Stands Out:
Redbooth’s interface is clean and intuitive, which allows for a straightforward onboarding process. Although the free plan limits the number of users and workspaces, it may be adequate for personal use or very small teams looking for a simple project management solution.

18. Taiga

Overview:
Taiga is an open-source project management platform centered around agile teams. With Kanban and Scrum project templates, Taiga offers a free SaaS option limited by certain features and storage.

Key Features:

• Scrum and Kanban project templates for agile workflows.
• Backlog management and sprint planning.
• User-friendly interface with a minimalistic design.
• Integrations with GitHub, GitLab, and Slack.
• Free plan for one private project or unlimited public projects.

Why It Stands Out:
If you’re into agile methodologies, Taiga’s specialized Scrum and Kanban boards are a natural fit. The open-source community around Taiga also allows you to self-host for more control, which can be beneficial for tech-savvy teams.

19. OpenProject

Overview:
OpenProject is another open-source solution that provides extensive project management features, including time tracking, Gantt charts, and agile boards. While self-hosting is free, their cloud-based plan does come with costs. However, nonprofits can sometimes qualify for special discounts or free hosting.

Key Features:

• Work packages for tasks, sub-tasks, and issues.
• Gantt charts, Scrum boards, and bug tracking.
• Wiki pages and document management.
• Time tracking and cost reporting.
• Option to self-host for free (open-source community edition).

Why It Stands Out:
OpenProject is highly customizable and can be tailored to match different project management frameworks. Its open-source nature ensures community-driven improvements and strong security. For organizations seeking complete data ownership, self-hosting OpenProject is a viable (and free) route.

20. KanbanFlow

Overview:
KanbanFlow is a lean project management tool based heavily on the Kanban system. It features a Pomodoro timer built right into the dashboard to encourage productive work habits.

Key Features:

• Simple Kanban board interface for task management.
• Pomodoro timer and time-tracking features.
• Swimlanes for categorizing different project sections.
• Basic reporting on tasks completed.
• Integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box.

Why It Stands Out:
KanbanFlow’s hallmark is its embedded Pomodoro timer, which helps users break tasks into focused intervals. This fosters productivity and accountability for both individuals and teams that use timeboxing techniques.

21. Project.co

Overview:
Project.co is a client-facing project management tool that emphasizes transparent communication. It provides free project management for unlimited team members, though projects and file storage are limited.

Key Features:

• Unlimited team members on the free plan.
• Task management and discussion threads for each project.
• Shareable project statuses with clients or stakeholders.
• Built-in payment processing (in higher tiers).
• Real-time chat and file sharing.

Why It Stands Out:
Project.co’s approach is unique: it’s designed for teams working closely with external clients, making collaboration more transparent. The free plan’s limitation on the number of projects is something to note, but for smaller agencies or freelancers, it can be perfect.

22. Flowlu (Free for Up to 2 Users)

Overview:
Flowlu combines project management with CRM functionalities, financial management, and knowledge bases. The free plan accommodates up to 2 users, which may fit small teams or independent consultants with an emphasis on client relations.

Key Features:

• Task and project tracking with Kanban boards.
• Basic CRM to manage leads, invoices, and deals.
• Knowledge base module for storing company documentation.
• Collaboration via chat and file sharing.
• Limited automation options.

Why It Stands Out:
Flowlu is a Swiss Army knife for freelancers or small agencies that need project management plus CRM and finance tools in one platform. Although the free plan is user-limited, it can still handle essential tasks for micro-teams and independent professionals.

23. Paymo (Free for 1 User)

Overview:
Paymo is a project management tool specifically designed for freelancers, offering a blend of time tracking, billing, and task management. The free plan is for a single user, making it a robust choice for solo freelancers handling multiple clients.

Key Features:

• Task management with Kanban boards and list views.
• Detailed time tracking and timesheets.
• Invoicing and expense tracking.
• Desktop and mobile apps for on-the-go management.
• Integration with Slack, Google Calendar, and QuickBooks.

Why It Stands Out:
If you’re a freelancer, Paymo is a one-stop shop for both task planning and financial management. The free plan limitation (one user only) is offset by the robust features that help you manage time efficiently and bill clients with minimal hassle.

24. GanttProject (Open-Source)

Overview:
GanttProject is a free, open-source desktop tool that specializes in Gantt chart scheduling. While it’s a standalone application rather than a cloud-based solution, it remains popular among users who prefer offline project planning.

Key Features:

• Gantt chart focus with milestones and dependencies.
• Resource load chart to manage team workloads.
• PDF, CSV, and HTML import/export options.
• Basic collaboration via file-sharing solutions.
• Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Why It Stands Out:
GanttProject’s offline capability is beneficial for individuals or teams working with sensitive data who prefer not to rely on cloud services. While lacking modern collaboration features, it excels at offering a straightforward approach to scheduling and resource planning without any cost.

25. Hitask

Overview:
Hitask is a simple task management solution that provides a free plan for up to 5 users. It includes task assignment, shared calendars, and file storage, focusing on clarity and ease of use.

Key Features:

• Shared task lists, calendar, and file repository.
• Task assignment with due dates and reminders.
• Up to 5 users and 500 MB of storage on the free plan.
• Email notifications and basic reporting.
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Why It Stands Out:
Hitask’s minimalistic approach makes it straightforward for smaller teams to jump in and collaborate. Despite the user and storage limits, it still offers a good balance of simplicity and essential functionality for day-to-day task management.

26. Taasky (Mobile-Focused)

Overview:
Taasky is a mobile-centered task management app that keeps things extremely simple. Although it’s not a fully-featured project management solution, it’s helpful for individuals or small teams who need a lightweight, free mobile app for task tracking on the go.

Key Features:

• Create and manage tasks with priority labels.
• Simple color-coded interface.
• Sync between devices for real-time updates.
• Reminders and deadline notifications.
• Ideal for personal or freelance task organization.

Why It Stands Out:
For those who primarily need on-the-go task management, Taasky’s intuitive mobile-first design shines. It might not offer advanced collaboration or automation, but its simplicity makes it appealing to solo workers or digital nomads.

27. Basecamp (Free for Teachers and Students)

Overview:
While Basecamp does not offer a traditional free plan for businesses, it provides free accounts to teachers and students through its Basecamp for Education initiative. Basecamp is a seasoned tool in the project management space, known for its straightforward approach to collaboration and communication.

Key Features:

• Message boards for team communication.
• To-do lists, schedules, and automatic check-ins.
• Centralized file storage.
• Real-time chat (Campfire) for quick discussions.
• Hill Charts for progress updates.

Why It Stands Out:
Basecamp’s hallmark is simplicity and a focus on clear communication. If you’re an educator or student eligible for the free educational plan, Basecamp provides a robust platform to manage group assignments, coursework, and ongoing projects without any monthly fees.

Choosing the Right Free Project Management Tool

With an abundance of free project management solutions at your disposal, how do you select the perfect tool for your needs? Consider the following factors:

1. Team Size
   • Some tools limit the number of users in their free plans (e.g., Zoho Projects with 3 users, Flowlu with 2 users). Ensure the tool’s user limits align with your team size.
2. Project Complexity
   • If you’re dealing with complex projects and you need Gantt charts or advanced reporting, solutions like TeamGantt, GanttProject, or OpenProject might be best.
   • If you prefer a simpler Kanban approach, Trello, MeisterTask, or KanbanFlow could be enough.
3. Workflow Methodology
   • Agile teams often need Scrum boards or more robust Kanban functionality (Taiga, OpenProject).
   • Waterfall-based teams may need Gantt charts and resource management (TeamGantt, GanttProject).
4. Feature Requirements
   • Do you need time tracking, invoicing, or integrated CRM? Tools like Bitrix24, Paymo, or Flowlu might be more suitable.
   • Are you looking for strong collaboration features with proofing? ProofHub or ClickUp offer advanced options.
5. Scalability
   • If you’re anticipating rapid growth or need unlimited users, Freedcamp stands out for being free with unlimited users.
   • Consider the free-to-paid transition, as many tools tier up significantly once you exceed free plan limits.
6. Ecosystem Compatibility
   • If you’re already using Zoho, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365, pick a tool that integrates smoothly with your existing software. This saves time and reduces friction.
7. User-Friendliness
   • If your team doesn’t have experience with formal project management tools, a platform with an intuitive UI, such as Trello or Asana, might be best.
8. Offline or Self-Hosting Needs
   • Open-source solutions like OpenProject and GanttProject excel in scenarios where you want control over your data or need offline functionality.

Final Thoughts

Project management tools are no longer a luxury reserved for large enterprises. Thanks to feature-rich free plans and open-source alternatives, it’s easier than ever to adopt efficient collaboration and task-tracking solutions regardless of your organization’s size or budget. From visually intuitive Kanban boards (Trello, MeisterTask) to advanced Gantt charts (TeamGantt, GanttProject) and everything in between (Asana, ClickUp, Freedcamp), you can find a tool that fits your team’s unique workflow.

Keep in mind that while free project management tools can be incredibly powerful, they often come with feature caps, storage limits, or user restrictions. If you outgrow these limitations, consider upgrading to a paid plan or exploring a different platform that aligns better with your evolving needs.

Remember, the best project management tool is the one that your team will actually use. Focus on a solution that meets your core requirements, is user-friendly enough for daily adoption, and integrates seamlessly with your current processes. By doing so, you’ll set the stage for smoother collaboration, on-time task delivery, and ultimately, successful project outcomes.