Microsoft Project Alternatives
8 Tools Like Microsoft Project
Quick answer: Top Microsoft Project alternatives include ProjectLibre, Smartsheet and Wrike. For open source, look at ProjectLibre and GanttProject. ProjectLibre and Wrike are free or have free plans.
Microsoft Project is classic project scheduling software with Gantt charts.
People look for Microsoft Project alternatives as Microsoft moves it into Planner, for lower prices, or for free Gantt tools.
- 8 alternatives
- 7 with a free plan
- 2 open source
The best Microsoft Project alternatives
#1ProjectLibre
projectlibre.com
Free, open-source desktop project management with Gantt charts.
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In ProjectLibre’s own words: “Open your existing Microsoft Project files and keep working — no starting over. Move directly to advanced cloud project management with Resource Leveling, Monte Carlo risk analysis, Project Audits, real-time collaboration and AI — all on a professional scheduling platform.”
ProjectLibre is open source and is free to use.
People switching from Microsoft Project often consider ProjectLibre.
#2Smartsheet
smartsheet.com
Spreadsheet-style work management for enterprises.
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In Smartsheet’s own words: “Personalize workflows, predict outcomes, and move faster with Smartsheet – a platform built for the way you work.”
People switching from Monday.com, Airtable, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and Microsoft Project often consider Smartsheet, along with 1 other tools.
#3Wrike
wrike.com
Work management with resource planning for larger teams.
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In Wrike’s own words: “Wrike is the trusted work delivery platform for people and AI. We help enterprises reach the outcome faster, without losing control of how work gets done.”
Wrike has a free plan.
People switching from Asana, Monday.com and Microsoft Project often consider Wrike.
#4Monday.com
monday.com
Customisable work boards, automations and dashboards.
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In Monday.com’s own words: “Get more work done with AI agents that work side by side with your people. Execute, manage, and operate together on one AI Workspace to drive business results.”
Monday.com has a free plan.
People switching from Trello, Asana, ClickUp, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Planner often consider Monday.com, along with 2 other tools.
#5Asana
asana.com
Project management with lists, boards and timelines.
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In Asana’s own words: “Supercharge your team with AI that gets work done.”
Asana has a free plan.
People switching from Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Planner often consider Asana, along with 2 other tools.
#6TeamGantt
teamgantt.com
Simple online Gantt charts for teams.
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In TeamGantt’s own words: “Plan projects on simple, drag-and-drop online Gantt charts. TeamGantt keeps your team and clients on the same live schedule. Try it free for 14 days.”
TeamGantt has a free plan.
People switching from Microsoft Project often consider TeamGantt.
#7GanttProject
ganttproject.biz
Free desktop Gantt chart software.
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GanttProject is open source and is free to use.
People switching from Microsoft Project often consider GanttProject.
#8ClickUp
clickup.com
Tasks, docs, whiteboards and goals in one app.
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In ClickUp’s own words: “Our mission is to make the world more productive. To do this, we built the everything app for work - Tasks, Docs, Goals, and Chat.”
ClickUp has a free plan.
People switching from Trello, Asana, Monday.com, Jira and Microsoft Project often consider ClickUp, along with 3 other tools.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Microsoft Project alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Microsoft Project | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectLibre | A free desktop replacement | Free and opens Microsoft Project files. | A dated interface, with little collaboration. |
| Smartsheet | Spreadsheet-minded project managers | Gantt views with a familiar grid and better sharing. | Less depth in classic scheduling. |
| Wrike | Enterprise planning across teams | Resource management and collaboration in the browser. | Takes time to roll out. |
| Monday.com | Business teams wanting simplicity | Far easier for people who aren’t project managers. | Lighter critical-path scheduling. |
| Asana | Cross-team work management | Easy adoption and clear ownership across teams. | Less suited to heavy scheduling. |
| TeamGantt | Simple Gantt charts | A very approachable, drag-and-drop Gantt. | Narrow, and less powerful for large programmes. |
| GanttProject | Free, offline Gantt charts | Free and open source, working on your desktop. | A basic interface, and no real collaboration. |
| ClickUp | An all-in-one tool with Gantt views | Bundles Gantt with docs, time tracking and more. | Can feel overwhelming. |
Which should you choose?
- You need to open .mpp files for free: ProjectLibre
- You just want a simple Gantt chart: TeamGantt
- You’re used to spreadsheets: Smartsheet
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best Microsoft Project alternatives?
Popular Microsoft Project alternatives include ProjectLibre, Smartsheet and Wrike. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Project?
Yes. ProjectLibre, Wrike, Monday.com and Asana are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Project?
Yes — ProjectLibre and GanttProject are open source.
Why do people look for Microsoft Project alternatives?
People look for Microsoft Project alternatives as Microsoft moves it into Planner, for lower prices, or for free Gantt tools.
More project management alternatives
- Trello alternatives7 alternatives
- Asana alternatives7 alternatives
- Monday.com alternatives6 alternatives
- ClickUp alternatives6 alternatives
- Jira alternatives6 alternatives
- Airtable alternatives7 alternatives
- Todoist alternatives6 alternatives
- Miro alternatives6 alternatives
- Microsoft Planner alternatives6 alternatives
- Wrike alternatives7 alternatives
- Basecamp alternatives6 alternatives
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