Alternatives to Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project handles schedules, dependencies, resources and budgets well, but the desktop edition runs only on Windows, licenses are expensive, and people outside the project office rarely learn it. Most teams looking for an alternative want one of two things: a cheaper tool that still draws a proper Gantt chart, or a simpler web app where everyone can see and update tasks.

What to check before switching

• Scheduling depth. Dependencies, a critical path, baselines and resource leveling are what separate a scheduler from a task list. Gantt views in lighter tools often show bars without recalculating dates when one task slips.
• Existing plans. Only ProjectLibre opens .mpp files directly. Several web tools import the XML file that Project can export, but test with a real plan before committing, since custom fields and calendars rarely survive.
• Who edits and who watches. Per-user pricing gets expensive when clients and occasional contributors need access; flat pricing or free guest accounts change the math.
• Time and money. If the same team logs hours and bills clients, a tool with timesheets and invoicing saves a second system.

Closest to Project itself

ProjectLibre

A free, open-source desktop program for Windows, macOS and Linux that deliberately looks and works like Microsoft Project, with Gantt charts, network diagrams, resource histograms and earned value. It opens and saves .mpp files, so it can read plans colleagues send from Project. It is a single-user desktop tool with no built-in collaboration.

LiquidPlanner

A web-based scheduler built on ranged estimates: each task gets a best-case and worst-case effort, and the tool predicts finish dates that update as priorities and progress change. It suits engineering and product teams whose work is uncertain.

Collaboration and task management

Basecamp

Organizes each project around to-do lists, a message board, a schedule, documents and group chat. Basecamp 3 charges a flat $99 a month for unlimited users and projects, which is cheap for large teams. It has no Gantt chart or task dependencies, so it replaces Project only where those were not needed.

Trello

Kanban boards with cards that move between columns, owned by Atlassian since 2017. The free plan is generous; Business Class, at about $10 per user a month, adds unlimited Power-Ups, the add-ons for calendars, custom fields and integrations. Good for visual, lightweight tracking.

Teamwork Projects

Task lists, milestones, time tracking, file sharing and Gantt charts in one web app, with apps for iOS and Android. It sits between Trello’s simplicity and Project’s depth.

ProofHub

Tasks, Gantt charts, discussions, notes and proofing tools for marking up designs and documents. It charges a flat monthly fee rather than per user, which suits growing teams that bring in clients.

Client work and billing

Scoro

A business management suite for agencies and consultancies that combines projects with quotes, time tracking, invoicing and reporting, so a job can be followed from estimate to paid invoice.

ActiveCollab

Project management with time tracking and invoicing built in, available as a cloud service or as a self-hosted version installed on your own server, which some firms need for data control.

Mavenlink

Built for professional services firms, pairing project management with resource planning, time and expenses, and business intelligence reporting. Since then, Mavenlink merged with Kimble and became Kantata in 2022.

Enterprise portfolios

Clarizen

A cloud platform for large organizations running many projects at once, with portfolio views, resource management and configurable workflows. Pricing is by quote. Since then, Planview acquired Clarizen in 2021.

For a single planner who needs Gantt charts and .mpp compatibility, ProjectLibre costs nothing to try. For a team that mostly needs visibility, Basecamp or Trello will be adopted faster than any Project clone.