For many project managers, spreadsheets are now the equivalent of a battlefield. Coordinating tasks, their dependencies, and resource requirements becomes difficult to depict on a piece of paper. Deadlines are not achieved, which leads to a scenario whereby goals are not accomplished, and team members get frustrated.
In 2024, advancements in project management software will help you overcome these obstacles. Say hello to Gantt charts: these charts visually map out your project's timeline with bars for each task, making the time frame and task relationships easy to grasp.
This blog post will mainly be based on the comparative analysis of the best software in the Gantt chart category and their characteristics and drawbacks. By providing a comprehensive overview, you will have enough knowledge on How to choose a Gantt chart software for your projects. Let’s take a look at the following top software in the market nowadays:
ClickUp
ClickUp software is an easy-to-use yet effective project management tool with Gantt charts. It is for teams that require a location to manage tasks, communicate, and represent project schedules in Gantt charts. ClickUp has live collaboration features and personalized boards so that team members can work efficiently and know what is happening.
Features
- Task management with drag and drop
- Real-time communication (chat, comments, document sharing)
- Customizable dashboards and reports
Pros And Cons
ClickUp Pricing
Free version of the plan with a limited set of functions. Pricing for the paid plans begins at $7 per user per month.
Trello
Trello software is one of the most popular and easy-to-use project management tools based on Kanban boards. It also contains the most essential features of Gantt charts, making it suitable for a single user or a small team with limited project requirements. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface and robust integrations enhance productivity and streamline workflow management.
Features
- Using Kanban boards to manage the workflows
- The simplest view of the Gantt chart for project timelines
- Integrations (Power-Ups) for further features
Pros And Cons
Trello Pricing
There is a free plan with fewer features than the paid one. The standard plan begins at $5 per user/month.
Instagantt
Instagantt is a perfect app for individuals who appreciate a visual interface and its comprehensibility. It is ideal for users who do not require complex software with advanced Gantt charting features. The free version can be used before purchase, hence helping test one’s capability. Some basic integration tools are provided, although there is a significant lack of other features in other project management systems.
Features
- Convenient and comprehensible application to create and edit Gantt charts
- There is also an emphasis on providing Shareable Gantt charts for project communication
- Collaborative functionality (can be less advanced)
Pros And Cons
Instagantt Pricing
The starting individual plan starts at $12 per month, and the team plan starts at $24 per month.
Monday.com
Monday.com software is a flexible project management tool with a project canvas and a simple Gantt chart as the main features. It is suitable for teams that need a flexible solution with a simple interface. Additionally, the software offers customizable workflows, collaboration tools, and integrations with various apps. It is a comprehensive solution for managing projects of all sizes. Its visual approach to task management helps teams stay organized and aligned, ensuring efficient communication and project execution.
Features
- Customizable boards and views (Gantt chart view included)
- Social features (comments, sharing of files)
- Automations to streamline workflows
Pros And Cons
Monday.com Pricing
This is the freemium plan, which allows customers to use the application with some restrictions. The basic paid subscription is $9 per seat per month.
Wrike
Wrike software is a highly functional project management tool with excellent Gantt chart functionality. It is suitable for mid-sized and large teams with complicated project requirements. Additionally, the software offers advanced collaboration features, real-time updates, and detailed analytics, making it an ideal choice for complex project planning and execution. It's customizable dashboards and robust integration capabilities help teams stay organized and efficient, ensuring seamless project management across various departments.
Features
- Enhancements to the Gantt chart, including dependency and resource features
- Chat and proofing applications
- Customizable dashboards and reports
Pros And Cons
Wrike Pricing
Free plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $9.80 per user per month.
TeamGantt
TeamGantt offers users an easy-to-use and affordable Gantt chart tool for project scheduling and team collaboration. It provides a neat layout centered around the Gantt charts, making it a great option for teams that value project timelines. Additionally, the software includes features such as task dependencies, progress tracking, and drag-and-drop simplicity, allowing for efficient project management.
Features
- Gantt chart with dependencies and critical path functionality.
- Collaboration tools (comments, task assignment)
- Workload management for the purpose of assigning resources to a team
Pros And Cons
TeamGantt Pricing
The free plan comes with limited features. Paid plans start at $59 per month per manager.
GanttPRO
GanttPRO is a professional Gantt chart tool with many useful project management and scheduling options. It is suitable for big groups and intricate tasks that demand extensive integration. Furthermore, GanttPRO offers features like resource management, cost tracking, and customizable templates, making it an ideal choice for complex project planning and execution.
Features
- Extensive Gantt chart with resource, baseline, and workload features
- Communication tools (comments, task discussions)
- Accounting and Analysis for project monitoring
Pros And Cons
GanttPRO Pricing
Free trial available for 14 days. The paid plans begin from $9.99/user/month.
NTask
nTask software is a project management tool equipped with a Gantt chart view in addition to the tasks list, messaging, and team collaboration tools. It provides a good number of features for the price and is therefore recommended for use in organizations of different sizes.
Features
- Gantt chart with activity dependencies and progress bar
- The ability to schedule the tasks and divide them into those with deadlines and those with priority levels.
- Communication tools used within the team (chat, task discussions)
Pros And Cons
nTask Pricing
A basic free plan that offers limited functionalities of the application. The paid plans begin at $3 per user per month.
By having a clear idea about the Gantt Chart software pricing, its pros/cons, and its features, a project manager will have adequate data on Gantt software and which one to opt for in his project management endeavors.
If you are looking for the best free Gantt chart software to help you get started with your project management endeavors, click the link above.
How To Choose The Best Gantt Chart Software In 2024
Before we get into which Gantt chart is best for you, we need to set up an evaluation matrix. So you can compare Gantt charts based on your project needs. Here are the things to consider:
Feature Set
Depth Of Functionality: Does the software provide for the most important aspects of a basic Gantt chart, such as dependency, timeline, and progress? Or does it involve handling complicated projects by working on different schedules and analyzing the critical paths, resources, and workloads? To make the best use of the bunch of computer software available to assist you in getting your work done, understand how their features suit your requirements
User Interface (UI)
Clarity And Ease Of Use: Search for software that is easy to use to encourage a lot of interaction without having to train the clients. Are you able to go through the features, construct Gantt charts, and comprehend the displayed data? The ease of use of an interface ensures team acceptance and, hence, increased productivity
Collaboration Tools
Real-time Collaboration: Teams can operate virtually because of the advancements in technology. Should the software include such tools as commenting, task discussions, and files sharing as the tool enabling collaboration? This makes it possible for all those who engage in the project to be well-informed, and have a good way to relay information within the project
Pricing
Cost Vs. Value: Look at the price of different software and compare it to the use you wish to put it to. Basic free Gantt chart software or functions that are paid, what it is, and what are the additional functions that are available on the paid plan? Ensure to look at the price of the software as this should be within your set budget, but at the same time should provide all the features needed in your projects
Customer Support
Availability And Quality: Every software must have proper and efficient customer support. Are various areas of contact with the vendor possible, for example, by e-mail, telephone, or live chat, and do they provide replies from experienced persons? Professional service allows users to use the programs at their full potential and eliminate potential difficulties
A step-by-step analysis of each Gantt chart software gives you the above factors as a checklist that can help you arrive at a decision that suits your project management needs and your team.
Which Gantt Chart Tool Is Best For You?
Today, the number of applications that can create Gantt charts is immensely large; therefore, choosing the right one is all about needs. Here are some targeted recommendations to help you navigate your choices:
Best For Small Teams (Up To 10 Users)
- ClickUp: Well-equipped with a friendly interface, high-quality Gantt charts, and impressive communication features for effective intrapersonal cooperation within small project teams
- Trello: Easy-to-use program with fundamental functions of a Gantt chart perfect for small teams and simple projects
- nTask: It offers a reasonable set of features that are affordable for small teams and can be viewed as a solid Gantt chart application that also includes space for task management and communication
Best For Enterprise (Large Teams And Complex Projects)
- Wrike: Designed for mid-tier and large projects with the best Gantt view, collaboration capabilities, and reports
- GanttPRO: A potent solution with many functions for producing Gantt charts for complicated endeavors involving substantial customizations and resource control
Best For Affordability
- nTask: Provides a free plan with minimal Gantt chart features and paid plans that start at an incredibly low price
- Trello: It offers a completely free version with limited options, but it can be useful if a team needs a simple project tool
Best For Collaboration
- ClickUp: It has real-time collaboration, using flexible dashboards and interface features that optimize communication and team functionalities
- Wrike: It offers real-time collaboration features, such as messaging and a commenting system, as well as proofing tools for large teams
Take Home Message
Well, the question remains, which Gantt Chart software is best for you? By now, you will have a strong grip on which PM tool offers the best Gantt charts. These are just some tips to get you started. Based on the factors considered and the analysis of the presented software options, you can make a rational decision and choose the most appropriate web-based Gantt chart solution to effectively support your team.
Spreadsheet techniques are incompatible with today’s project management requirements. Most Gantt chart tools adopt different graphical representations, enhanced timelines, smooth workflows, and excellent collaboration. These tools, known as the best software, to create a Gantt chart, allow you to plan, optimize, and execute projects and tasks effectively and with high success rates.