Microsoft Planner: Pricing, Free Demo & Features

Name: Microsoft Planner
Rating: 4.5 (108 reviews)

Last Updated Sep 8, 2026

Key Takeaways

Generated from the text of customer reviews

Microsoft Planner is a cloud-based task management tool built into Microsoft 365. Marketing, IT, and HR teams use it most for short-cycle coordination, with educational institutions benefiting the most due to its no-cost bundling. While it is praised for offering value for money, the main complaint is limited depth for complex projects and thin reporting. Microsoft made Planner Agent generally available in June 2026.

Our Verdict

Microsoft Planner suits organizations already working in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem more than first-time buyers. It fits mid-sized teams running short, department-level projects. Its pricing is reasonable compared to dedicated project management platforms, fair for a task-tracking tool rather than a full portfolio suite. We recommend it for teams wanting structured tracking without a new line item.

Overall Rating

Based on 108 users reviews

4.5

All Reviews

Rating Distribution

Positive

94%

Neutral

Negative

Starting Price

$7

per user per month

Product Snapshot

Microsoft Planner Specifications

Data Import/Export
Time Tracking
Collaboration
Data Visualization
Task Management
Customizable Workflows
Activity Tracking
Alerts/Notifications
Project Scheduling
Mobile App

View All Specifications

What Is Microsoft Planner?

Microsoft Planner is a cloud-based work management application from Microsoft. It helps users turn scattered to-do lists into a shared task board that any Microsoft 365 team can work on. Tasks, deadlines, and file attachments are present inside the same Teams or SharePoint environment employees already use. This means nothing has to be copied or re-entered elsewhere.

Because it draws on a company's existing Microsoft 365 login and permissions setup, most employees can start assigning and tracking work within minutes of opening it. Managers get a real-time view of what each person is working on, which cuts down on status meetings and email threads. Planner adds a structured task management layer for teams that are already paying for Microsoft 365.

What Is Microsoft Planner Best For?

The software stands out for advanced task dependencies, including finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish relationships. When changes affect dependent tasks, Planner's scheduling engine automatically updates the plan's execution dates. Teams can also use the ‘Timeline’ view to see tasks and their dependencies in a Gantt-style format. The critical path feature highlights the chain of tasks that directly affects the project's finish date.

How Much Does Microsoft Planner Cost?

Microsoft Planner pricing starts at $7/user/month, paid yearly, through the Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan. It includes access to Planner's basic capabilities. Microsoft Planner is also included with the following Microsoft 365 plans:

Microsoft 365 Business Standard with Copilot: $23.50/user/month
Microsoft 365 Business Premium with Copilot: $32/user/month

For access to advanced project management capabilities, Microsoft offers the following dedicated Planner plans:

Planner Plan 1: $10/user/month
Planner and Project Plan 3: $30/user/month

Microsoft also offers a 30-day free trial for Planner's premium features.

Beyond the base price, buyers should consider the following additional costs:

Number Of Licensed Users: User count is a major cost driver because Planner is licensed per user, with plans ranging from $7 to $55/user/month depending on the required functionality
Microsoft Copilot And Other Add-Ons: Organizations adding AI capabilities or other Microsoft services may incur additional costs, with Microsoft 365 Copilot priced at $30/user/month
Advanced Portfolio And Resource Management: Organizations managing complex portfolios and shared resources may need Planner and Project Plan 5 at $55/user/month for its advanced capabilities
Implementation And Setup: Organizations requiring data migration, workflow configuration, custom templates, or integrations may spend approximately $500 to $5,000+ on one-time implementation and setup
Employee Training And Change Management: Teams adopting advanced Planner workflows may budget approximately $20 to $100/user for onboarding materials, administrator training, or external instruction

Users generally view Microsoft Planner as good value for money, particularly when it is already included in their Microsoft 365 subscription. They appreciate getting task management and collaboration features without adding a separate project management tool.

Reach out to us for a custom Microsoft price quote estimate.

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

Microsoft Planner Integrations

It integrates with tools within the Microsoft ecosystem. These include:

How Does Microsoft Planner Work?

Here's how you can start setting up and running a plan in Microsoft Planner:

Log in with your Microsoft 365 credentials
Create a new plan from the left-hand panel of the dashboard
Name the plan and set it to public or private before inviting team members
Break the work into buckets that group related tasks together
Add tasks under each bucket with due dates, priority labels, and assigned owners
Move tasks across the board as work progresses from to-do to done
Attach files or start a task conversation when updates need sharing

For a detailed breakdown of the functionalities of the software, schedule a Microsoft Planner demo.

Who Is Microsoft Planner For?

Microsoft Planner software can primarily benefit the following industries:

Manufacturing
Retail
Financial services
Healthcare
Construction
Education

Microsoft Planner Use Cases

Based on our analysis of user reviews and Microsoft Planner features, we have identified key scenarios where this software is a good fit:

Marketing Teams Running Multiple Campaigns At Once

Marketing teams working on several launches in the same quarter need to keep each campaign's tasks separate without losing sight of the overall calendar. Microsoft Planner supports this by letting each campaign live in its own bucket. The tasks can be moved across a board as they go from planning to review to live. This way, the tool can help keep users priorities and task tracking under control.

Companies Onboarding New Hires Across Departments

Bringing on a new employee usually involves handoffs between IT, HR, and the hiring manager, and steps get missed when that coordination happens over email. A Planner bucket built specifically for onboarding gives each department its own set of assigned tasks with due dates. So, nothing depends on someone remembering to forward a message.

IT Teams Tracking Requests From Submission To Resolution

Planner’s board view gives IT teams a simple way to move smaller support requests through stages such as submitted, in progress, and resolved. This setup can suit teams handling a steady stream of smaller requests. It helps those that need visible tracking but do not require the automation or ticketing features of a dedicated helpdesk.

Teams Managing Both Communication And Tasks In One Place

For teams already using Microsoft Teams for meetings and daily communication, Planner keeps related tasks within the same work environment. A plan can be added to a Teams channel, which allows employees to turn discussions into assigned tasks with deadlines. This can be done without moving project follow-through to a completely separate application.

Small Teams Testing Project Management Without A New Software Budget

Teams that already subscribe to an eligible Microsoft 365 plan can start using Planner without purchasing a separate project management platform. It provides a practical way to organize tasks and test structured project management before committing to a more advanced tool with additional features and licensing costs.

Is Microsoft Planner Right For You?

Microsoft Planner can be a practical fit for organizations already working within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, particularly as their teams or project needs expand. Adding seats or extending Planner to new departments goes through the same admin center used for other Microsoft 365 services. This helps keep user and license management within an existing administrative setup.

On the security side, Planner data sits under Microsoft 365's existing compliance posture, which carries ISO/IEC 27001 certification and SOC 2 Type 2 attestation from independent third-party audits. It also comes with the access controls and encryption standards applied across Microsoft 365 more broadly.

Microsoft rolled the Planner Agent out to general availability in June 2026. It brings Copilot-driven task creation and prioritization into the tool for licensed users. Planner has adopted this update at the platform level, though the AI features depend on a separate Microsoft 365 Copilot license rather than coming bundled with every plan.

Still not sure if Microsoft Planner is right for you? Contact us at (661) 384-7070, and we will help you make the best decisions for your project management needs.

Microsoft Planner Features

Grid, Board, Schedule, And Charts Views

The application lets users switch between four layouts for the same plan: a spreadsheet-style grid, a Kanban-style board, a calendar-based schedule, and a charts view that summarizes task status. Switching views doesn't create a separate data set, so a task edited in the grid updates automatically in the board and schedule too. This suits teams where some members prefer scanning a list and others prefer visual cards, since both can work from the same plan without translating information between formats.

See How It Works

Prebuilt Plan Templates

Microsoft Planner offers prebuilt templates for common functions, such as marketing campaigns, software development cycles, and new-hire onboarding. Each template comes with relevant buckets and sample tasks. Using it, teams can adjust to match their own processes rather than building a plan from an empty board.

See How It Works

Timeline View And Task Dependencies

On paid Planner plans, tasks can be linked so one task's start or finish date depends on another, and the Timeline view displays these dependencies as a Gantt-style chart across the length of a project. This differs from the base Grid or Board views, which show task status but not how tasks affect each other's scheduling. Teams running multi-phase projects, where a delay in one task pushes back several others, get a visual record of that chain instead of tracking it by hand.

See How It Works

Goal Management

Plan goals can be set at the organizational, team, or project level and linked to the tasks that support them. So, progress on a goal reflects the status of the tasks tied to it. On plans with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, goal creation and tracking can be assisted through natural-language prompts. This lets leadership see whether day-to-day task work is actually moving a stated objective forward.

See How It Works

Microsoft Planner Key Sentiments

Most Positive Sentiments

Workflow Automation

88.89% Positive

5.56% Neutral

5.56% Negative

Seamless integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem enhances collaboration and task management, allowing teams to effortlessly synchronize their workflows across Outlook and Teams. Users appreciate the minimal effort required to incorporate it into their daily routines.

Seamless Integration

100% Positive

0% Neutral

0% Negative

Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications enhances collaboration and task management, allowing users to effortlessly link tasks, files, and conversations. This unified ecosystem significantly boosts productivity and simplifies workflows for teams.

Task Management

96.3% Positive

3.7% Neutral

0% Negative

The seamless integration with Microsoft 365 enhances team task management, while the user-friendly interface simplifies task organization. Its effective visibility and collaborative features empower teams to track progress effortlessly, making project management efficient and straightforward.

Least Positive Sentiments

Project Timeline Visualization

6.45% Positive

25.81% Neutral

67.74% Negative

A limited number of timelines visible on the display creates challenges for users trying to manage multiple projects effectively. The dashboard and graph features need enhancements to improve overall usability and clarity in project tracking.

Recurring Task Management

17.86% Positive

32.14% Neutral

50% Negative

Users express frustration over the inability to set recurring tasks, limiting effective planning. The lack of flexible scheduling options and reminders hampers task management, highlighting a need for significant improvements in this area.

Competitive Analysis

37.04% Positive

22.22% Neutral

40.74% Negative

Users find the platform's features less robust compared to competitors, limiting flexibility and customization. Many suggest enhancements like a sandbox environment and improved integrations to better meet the needs of complex projects.

Most Positive Sentiments

Least Positive Sentiments

Workflow Automation

88.89% Positive

5.56% Neutral

5.56% Negative

Project Timeline Visualization

6.45% Positive

25.81% Neutral

67.74% Negative

Seamless Integration

100% Positive

0% Neutral

0% Negative

Recurring Task Management

17.86% Positive

32.14% Neutral

50% Negative

Task Management

96.3% Positive

3.7% Neutral

0% Negative

Competitive Analysis

37.04% Positive

22.22% Neutral

40.74% Negative

Pros And Cons of Microsoft Planner

A quick look at Microsoft Planner's strengths and weaknesses to
help you decide if it's the right fit

Pros

Drag-and-drop boards make updates quick
Tasks stay connected to Teams
Email follow-ups can become tasks
Buckets keep work visually organized
Deadlines and owners stay visible

Cons

Buckets and labels offer limited flexibility
Complex projects need stronger planning tools
Reporting provides only a basic overview

Microsoft Planner Pricing

An overview of Microsoft Planner pricing plans to help you
choose the best option for your team and budget.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic	Microsoft 365 Business Standard	Microsoft 365 Business Premium	Planner Plan 1	Planner and Project Plan 3

Chat, call, meet up to 300 attendees Manage customer appointments Standard security Anytime phone and web support 1 TB of cloud storage per user Business-class email Web and mobile versions of: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook	All the features of Microsoft 365 Business Basic, and: Tools to create personalized documents Professional layouts Easily host webinars Attendee registration and reporting tools Desktop versions of: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook	Everything in Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and: Access and data control Cyberthreat protection Advanced security	Everything in Planner in Microsoft 365, plus: Sub-tasks Premium plan templates View portfolios Backlogs and sprints Milestones Create custom task fields Create task dependencies Calendar, Timeline (Gantt), and People views Project goals	Everything in Planner 1, plus: Task history Baselines and critical path Advanced dependencies with lead and lag Assignments view Create portfolios Project desktop

Disclaimer: The pricing details were last updated on Aug 21, 2026 from the vendor's website. Please contact us for a tailored pricing list.

Microsoft Planner Reviews

Insights from real users on Microsoft Planner’s features,
performance, and overall experience.

Total 108 reviews

4.5

All reviews are from verified customers

Rating Distribution

Stars

62%

Stars

31%

Stars

Share your experience

Anonymous

Not Specified, 500+ employees

Less than a year

5.0

April 2024

“Smart and Simple Task Manager”

Pros

Microsoft Planner seamlessly integrates with the entire Microsoft 365 software ecosystem, which my team and I extensively use. Whether it is coordinating on Teams or scheduling on Outlook, Planner makes communication and task delegation a breeze.

Cons

I have noticed that Microsoft Planner tends to lag with larger projects. As my team added more tasks, it started slowing down.

Rating Distribution

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer Support

Functionality

Jordan

Manufacturing, 51-100 employees

More than a year

5.0

April 2024

“Solid Project Management Software”

Pros

it serves as an excellent basic project management solution, especially if you do not require advanced features. It effectively keeps track of action items and due dates, making project management straightforward.

Cons

It might feel limiting for more complex projects, but it suits my needs well.

Rating Distribution

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer Support

Functionality

Natalia

Marketing, 51-100 employees

More than a year

4.0

April 2024

“Helpful for task tracking”

Pros

When it comes to team priorities and task tracking, I find Microsoft Planner really helpful. It helps me stay on top of our teamwork and control lists effectively.

Cons

I have a clearer perspective on tasks with higher priority now.

Rating Distribution

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer Support

Functionality

View All 108 Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions to help you better understand the product, features, and services.

Does Microsoft Planner offer an API?

Yes, the software offers an API.

What language does Microsoft Planner support?

Microsoft project management Planner supports a wide range of languages including English, Russian, Arabic, Danish, French, German, among others.

What other apps does Microsoft Planner integrate with?

The software integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications such as Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and Power Automate.

Does Microsoft Planner have a mobile app?

Yes, Microsoft Planner supports mobile devices and has mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices.

What types of pricing plans does Microsoft Planner offer?

Microsoft Planner starts at $7/user/month, paid yearly, through Microsoft 365 Business Basic. Premium plans start at $10/user/month for Planner Plan 1 and go up to $30/user/month for Planner and Project Plan 3. Microsoft also offers a 30-day free trial of Planner's premium features. Contact us for a Microsoft Planner cost estimate.

Who are the typical users of Microsoft Planner?

This software can benefit project teams across various fields, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, education, construction, and more.

What level of support does Microsoft Planner offer?

Microsoft offers various support options for Microsoft 365, including Planner. These options may include online documentation, knowledge base articles, community forums, and paid support plans.

Key Takeaways

Our Verdict

Overall Rating

Rating Distribution

Starting Price

$7

Product Snapshot

Microsoft Planner Specifications

What Is Microsoft Planner?

What Is Microsoft Planner Best For?

How Much Does Microsoft Planner Cost?

Microsoft Planner Integrations

How Does Microsoft Planner Work?

Who Is Microsoft Planner For?

Microsoft Planner Use Cases

Marketing Teams Running Multiple Campaigns At Once

Companies Onboarding New Hires Across Departments

IT Teams Tracking Requests From Submission To Resolution

Teams Managing Both Communication And Tasks In One Place

Small Teams Testing Project Management Without A New Software Budget

Is Microsoft Planner Right For You?

Microsoft Planner Features

Microsoft Planner Key Sentiments

Pros And Cons of Microsoft Planner

Pros

Cons

Microsoft Planner Pricing

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Planner Plan 1

Planner and Project Plan 3

$7 per user per month

$23.50 per user per month

$32 per user per month

$10 per user per month

$30 per user per month

Microsoft Planner Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Microsoft Planner offer an API?

What language does Microsoft Planner support?

What other apps does Microsoft Planner integrate with?

Does Microsoft Planner have a mobile app?

What types of pricing plans does Microsoft Planner offer?

Who are the typical users of Microsoft Planner?

What level of support does Microsoft Planner offer?

What Is Microsoft Planner?

What Is Microsoft Planner Best For?

How Much Does Microsoft Planner Cost?

Microsoft Planner Integrations

How Does Microsoft Planner Work?

Who Is Microsoft Planner For?

Microsoft Planner Use Cases

Marketing Teams Running Multiple Campaigns At Once

Companies Onboarding New Hires Across Departments

IT Teams Tracking Requests From Submission To Resolution

Teams Managing Both Communication And Tasks In One Place

Small Teams Testing Project Management Without A New Software Budget

Is Microsoft Planner Right For You?