

.20210527084730.png)
- Modern, user-friendly interface
- Know where projects stand at a glance
- Open Zoom calls from any dashboard
- Free 14-day trial, no commitment
“monday.com offers some of the nicest customizable dashboards in the industry.“ (Jan 2025)


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- Collaborate with real-time chat features
- Automatic import from other productivity apps
- Track progress and goals



- Scalable project plans
- Advanced task tracking features
- Free 30-day trial



- Scalable project management software
- Advanced security and compliance
- Seamless integration capabilities

- Seamlessly integrates with over 2,000 apps
- Easy, user-friendly interface
- Quickly find messages and files with search


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- All-inclusive project management system
- Marketing automation features
- Freemium plan available, upgrade any time


.20210527084730.png)
- Modern, user-friendly interface
- Know where projects stand at a glance
- Open Zoom calls from any dashboard
- Free 14-day trial, no commitment
“monday.com offers some of the nicest customizable dashboards in the industry.“ (Jan 2025)
What is project management software and why does it matter?
Project management systems are more than just tools, they're your team's command center. Whether you're managing a large remote team or coordinating a few freelancers, these platforms help you:
- Centralize communication, tasks, and timelines
- Track project progress in real-time
- Prevent delays and miscommunication
- Allocate resources and manage responsibilities efficiently
With tools like project management dashboards and workflow automation, staying aligned and productive becomes much easier.
Key Insights
- Project management software centralizes teams while using AI to predict issues and automate work.
- Teams should assess specific needs when choosing PM software, considering size and integration needs.
- Top PM tools offer enterprise encryption, secure storage, and industry-standard security certifications.
Why are project management tools important in 2025?
In 2025, project management tools have become essential infrastructure for modern organizations. As teams increasingly span multiple time zones and departments, having a centralized platform ensures everyone stays aligned. These tools support not only day-to-day task execution but also strategic planning, allowing leaders to pivot quickly based on real-time data.
With AI integration, project management software now predicts roadblocks before they happen and automates repetitive admin tasks. This saves teams time and improves decision-making across the board. In an era defined by speed, collaboration, and data, the ability to manage workflows from one cohesive system isn't just useful, it's business-critical.
Beyond task tracking, these platforms help you:
- Launch projects faster with templates
- Stay aligned using dashboards and automation
- Manage time, budgets, and people in one place
Compare With Top10.com, Choose the Best for You
At Top10.com, we recognize the importance of thorough and accurate product and service reviews in helping you make informed choices. Our team, comprising editors and industry experts, conducts extensive research to provide comprehensive insights. Our content is continually updated to reflect the latest market trends, offering current information.
We provide a range of services, including comparison lists and in-depth reviews, all tailored to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to empower you to make confident and informed choices.
How do I choose the right project management tool for my team?
Start by asking yourself: what does your team actually need? If you're running a small business or startup, you might look for affordable project management software that offers basic features like task tracking, job organizer apps, and simple dashboards.
For larger teams, project management platforms with robust integrations (Google Workspace, Slack, etc.), project scheduling software, and the ability to assign tasks dynamically are crucial.
Also, think about where your team works, do you need project management software for Mac users or something that's fully cloud-based for remote access? Keep usability in mind, too; simple project management software can often get your team onboard faster than complex tools with steep learning curves.
How is AI changing project management?
AI is quickly becoming the silent co-pilot in modern project management. From suggesting deadlines to flagging bottlenecks before they happen, AI takes the guesswork out of planning.
In project workflow management, AI can prioritize tasks, automate status updates, and help you allocate resources based on actual performance data. It's especially helpful when you're managing multiple projects at once, giving you insights across your entire portfolio. For teams juggling fast-paced deadlines, AI-enhanced scheduling software for small business use cases can make all the difference.
What is hybrid project management, and who is it for?
Hybrid project management suits teams that want flexibility with structure. It combines traditional planning (like timelines) with Agile methods (like Kanban boards).
It works best for:
- Agencies juggling client and creative deadlines
- Teams mixing structured and iterative work
- Organizations needing customizable workflows
Look for tools offering:
- Gantt and Kanban views
- Job tracker tools
- Ready-to-use templates
How do project management tools support remote and hybrid work?
Remote work is here to stay, and project management systems are what keep distributed teams in sync. Cloud-based project tracking ensures that updates happen in real-time, no matter where your team is logging in from.
You can assign tasks, check statuses, and even host video calls, all from within your project management website or app. Features like shared dashboards and mobile-friendly interfaces help everyone stay on the same page, whether they’re in the office or halfway across the world.
What integrations should I look for in a project management tool?
Great tools connect easily with what you already use. Prioritize platforms that offer integrations with:
- Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom (communication)
- Google Workspace, Outlook (calendars and docs)
- CRMs (sales and lead tracking)
These integrations can:
- Automate task updates
- Reduce manual work
- Centralize team activity
What are the pros and cons of switching to new software?
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Better visibility into tasks and deadlines | Time needed to train the team |
More streamlined collaboration | Issues with adjusting to a new interface |
Easier reporting and analytics | Possible migration issues |
Tip: Start small with a pilot team and choose software that offers:
- Simple UI
- Helpful onboarding guides
- Strong customer support
Is my data safe in project management tools?
Security is non-negotiable. The best project management software providers use enterprise-grade encryption, secure cloud storage, and strict access controls.
They should let you set user permissions, restrict sensitive data, and track who does what. When evaluating options, look for certifications like SOC 2 or ISO 27001, and confirm the provider does regular security audits. For peace of mind, choose a cloud-based project tracking system with transparent security practices.
How do I choose the right project management software for my team?
Choosing the right project management software is crucial for successful project execution and goal achievement. Here are the key steps involved:
- Evaluate your requirements: Determine what features your team requires to narrow down your options. (Example: Do you need access to a mobile app?)
- Explore available options: Once you know what you need, explore various software options. Compare them based on cost, functionality, and user reviews.
- Do a trial run: Try out the software before buying it. Make sure it fits well with your team's workflow and meets all your requirements.
- Deploy the software: Once you've selected the software, ensure it's correctly set up. Train your team to use it effectively to maximize its benefits.
- Maintain the software: Regularly evaluate your software's performance. Implement updates or adjustments as needed to keep it running smoothly.
How do I find software that fits my specific needs?
Start with your pain points. Need scheduling software for small business operations? Look for tools with drag-and-drop calendars and automatic reminders.
Managing a team of freelancers? Try individual project management software or agile project management software that’s customizable.
Whatever your workflow, there’s likely a solution tailored to you. Check if it supports job tracker functionality, project budgeting, or even industry-specific templates, like for interior design or production management.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1exceptional9.8Efficient resource management tool
- Price - From $27/month ($9/user/month)
- Team collaboration tools - Collaborative docs, updates, Zoom integration, whiteboards
- Free trial - 14 days
Efficient resource management toolRead monday.com Reviewmonday.com unifies your team’s tasks and processes into one user-friendly and visually pleasing interface.
As a work operating system, monday.com gives teams a clear view of responsibilities and deadlines, boosting transparency, accountability, and resource management. It features over 200 templates that can be customized with 20+ column options and various integrated apps. These tools simplify project setup and save time, helping you work more efficiently.
Additionally, you can tailor dashboards to provide detailed, team-specific views of tasks, project progression, and upcoming deadlines to enhance your team’s workflow clarity. Samyuktha Shivakumar, Global Marketing Operations Manager at Thoughtworks, reinforces this, stating that monday.com enables them “to budget the team’s time and efforts much more scientifically.”
Why we chose to review monday.com: monday.com tops our list for its combination of power, flexibility, and user-friendly design, making it ideal for even the most complex projects. It lets you seamlessly import data from spreadsheets and integrate it with your existing tools, eliminating manual data entry and freeing up time for other priorities.
Our experience: monday.com lets me implement processes that would’ve previously taken days or weeks within a few minutes. The platform’s communication tools, such as document sharing, comment annotation, and direct communication with task managers, improve collaboration within my team. The platform allows for excellent transparency for task management through easy-to-use sorting and color-coding methods.
monday.com Pros & Cons
PROS
Color-rich interface for improved organization and coordinationRobust list of supported, third-party integrationsDrag and drop project charting and timeline constructCONS
Pricing structure is fragmented and unclearCertain features (Gantt charts, timelines, etc.) are paywalled by higher-tier plans - 2excellent9.3Visualize tasks and integrate apps
- Price - From $7/month/user
- Team collaboration tools - Collaborative docs, real-time chat, file sharing, proofing
- Free trial - Free plan available
Visualize tasks and integrate appsRead ClickUp ReviewClickUp stands out with its diverse visualization tools, including Gantt charts, mind maps, and Kanban boards, which suit various project management styles.
These features make it easy to track tasks, monitor progress, and identify challenges.
The "Timeline View" offers a clear, linear way to plan schedules and create visual roadmaps. You can group tasks by assignee, priority, tags, custom fields, and more, allowing for a flexible and organized workflow. ClickUp also boosts team visibility with the "Pulse ClickApp," which shows who's online and their current tasks. Its global timer lets you track time automatically or manually, syncing seamlessly with your desktop, mobile, or browser.
Why we chose to review ClickUp: What sets ClickUp apart is its seamless integration with over 1,000 other apps, including Slack, GitLab, GitHub, and Webhooks. This capability makes it a go-to choice for development teams, allowing them to streamline their existing workflows.
Our experience: While trying out ClickUp, I was particularly impressed with ClickUp’s unique features, such as notepads, time tracking software, goal-setting tools, and pre-made templates. I also liked that I could use slash commands (typing “/” in any text field to trigger a command menu) to assign tasks, set due dates, or create subtasks quicker.
ClickUp Pros & Cons
PROS
AI CompatibleCan integrate with over 1,000 appsOffers numerous project tracking toolsCONS
Extensive feature list can be overwhelming for new usersSteep learning curve for beginners - 3excellent9.1Cloud-based dynamic work manager
- Price - From $9/user/month
- Team collaboration tools - Real-time chat, forms, surveys, proofing
- Free trial - 30 days
Cloud-based dynamic work managerRead Smartsheet ReviewSmartsheet is a cloud-based work management platform that allows teams to manage dynamic work regardless of their location. With all data stored on the cloud and updated in real-time, you can track progress, identify potential issues early, and make data-driven decisions quickly.
This tool is also very user-friendly. A testament to Smartsheet’s ease of use comes from Janina Hill, Marketing Program Manager at WebEx, who notes, “Everybody has different levels of Smartsheet skills. But with drag and drop, all solutions are easy to use. Also, the workflow is much smoother when all processes are automated, and all information is in one place.”
This single-platform solution fosters interconnectivity across the entire organization, letting you share sheets with team members and effectively collaborate on projects. By centralizing data, it also reduces time spent on information management, boosting efficiency and enabling your team to focus on their primary responsibilities.
Why we chose Smartsheet: Smartsheet’s spreadsheet-like interface allows you to add new rows and columns as your project grows. This functionality can help you seamlessly expand small tasks into enterprise-wide initiatives. Additionally, its integration with apps like Slack, Teams, and Jira consolidates your data onto a single platform.
Our experience: Smartsheet allowed my team to strategically plan, implement, and monitor work on a large scale. This led to more streamlined processes, fostered innovation, and positively impacted overall business results within our own context. I found it invaluable in effectively navigating the complexities of today’s ever-changing work landscape.
Smartsheet Pros & Cons
PROS
Large template collectionEfficient content approval workflowsSurveying and form creation for both external and internal stakeholdersCONS
Latency for real-time updatesSome features have a steeper learning curve