Monday.com is undeniably one of the most popular project management tools, praised for its wide range of basic project management functions to get things done.
However, despite its strengths, monday.com might not be the perfect fit for every team. Issues like confusing pricing structures, limited customization for niche workflows, or security concerns leave some users searching for alternatives.
This guide explores the best project management tools of 2024 that offer unique advantages or address common gaps in monday.com:
Understanding project management tools
Project management tools are software designed to assist in planning, executing, and monitoring projects.
These tools provide a centralized hub for teams to organize tasks, manage resources, and track progress, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and on time.
Project management tools have become indispensable for organizations of all sizes. They offer many benefits such as
1. Streamlined workflows
2. Enhanced team collaboration
3. Improved productivity
4. Informed decision-making
5. Strengthened accountability
Why consider monday.com alternatives?
1. Customization for niche workflows
In industries like healthcare, finance, or creative fields, organizations often have highly specific processes and workflows that don't fit the standard templates provided by many project management tools.
While monday.com is a powerful platform, it might not offer the level of customization needed for these specialized tasks. This is where alternatives like Softr and Jira excel.
They offer greater flexibility to configure workflows, fields, and integrations – allowing you to adapt the tool to your unique business processes.
2. Advanced reporting & analytics
Advanced reporting and analytics are key to effective project management. While monday.com offers basic reporting, businesses needing deeper insights may find it lacking.
Alternatives like ClickUp, Jira, and Teamwork provide more advanced, customizable reports that track KPIs, visualize progress, and predict bottlenecks.
3. Seamless legacy system integration
Many enterprises rely on older, established software, known as legacy systems, which are important to their operations. When introducing a new project management tool, it must integrate smoothly with these systems to prevent workflow disruptions.
Monday.com may not provide the deep integration required for this, which can lead to compatibility issues or inefficiencies.
However, tools like Softr and Teamwork focus on seamless integration with legacy systems allowing your existing workflows to continue without interruptions.
4. Scalability for growing teams
As businesses expand, their project management needs become more complex.
A scalable project management tool can handle more projects, and manage data of growing teams without sacrificing performance.
While monday.com might function for smaller teams, alternative tools like Softr offer features like enhanced user management, advanced security protocols, and robust data handling, designed to support the growth of your organization.
5. Cost considerations
The pricing structure of monday.com is more complex due to its seat-based model. monday.com charges based on the number of users (or seats), with the price scaling as the team size grows. This can lead to confusion because, in addition to choosing a plan (basic, standard, pro, etc.), customers must calculate their total cost based on the number of team members.
For example, the price for 3 users is different than for 5 or 10 users, so companies have to adjust their budget according to team size, which can vary over time. This can make it harder to predict the final cost, especially for growing teams.
In contrast, Softr offers a more concrete and predictable pricing model, with specific tiers based on features rather than the number of users (except for Professional and Business plans, where additional users can be added at a fixed cost). This makes it easier to understand and plan for costs upfront without having to factor in varying seat counts.
6. License management limitations
One major challenge with monday.com is its rigid licensing structure. Renewals are required in multiples of 5 users, and new licenses can only be purchased in a minimum of 10, also in increments of 5.
This restrictive approach makes managing licenses difficult, especially for teams with fluctuating sizes.
Criteria for choosing the best monday.com alternatives
While monday.com is a popular option, it may not be the ideal fit for everyone. To find the right alternatives, consider these key factors when selecting the best monday.com alternative.
1. Cost
Choosing the right software that fits within your budget. Look for a tool that offers a free plan or affordable pricing tiers suitable for your team size.
Check the type of payment options the project management solution offers, such as per-user basis, monthly subscriptions, or an annual subscription.
2. Features
Core features of project management tools include task management, collaboration, visibility, reporting, integrations, accessibility, support, finance, and security. However, each tool has strengths and weaknesses.
To find the right fit, prioritize must-have features like Kanban boards, Gantt charts, automation, or specific integrations, and choose the best combination.
3. Ease of use
Select a tool with an intuitive interface and a minimal learning curve to maximize your team's productivity.
4. Integrations
Look for a tool that integrates well with other tools. Seamless integration with apps your team already uses, like email platforms, communication tools, or cloud storage solutions, can streamline workflows and minimize data silos.
5. Scalability
Select a tool that can adapt and scale alongside your needs. A tool offering limited customization options might become restrictive as your projects and team evolve.
6. Customer support
When you have an issue with a tool, reliable customer support can be a lifesaver. Find the company offers readily available support options like tutorials, FAQs, live chat, or phone support.
7 Top monday.com alternatives to choose from in 2024
1. Softr
Softr is a no-code project management tool that empowers teams to create customized applications and workflows tailored to their specific needs.
With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Softr allows users to streamline project management processes without requiring coding skills.
This makes it an excellent alternative to monday.com for businesses looking for flexibility and customization in managing their projects.
Here are key features that make Softr a better alternative to monday.com.
Key features
1: Advanced project management
While monday.com provides standard project management tools, Softr allows greater flexibility by letting users design workflows that are unique to their processes.
Here's what sets Softr apart:
- Automate your processes by building custom workflows that mirror your team's unique approach.
- Organize tasks with drag-and-drop functionality on visual task boards, providing clear visibility of project progress.
- Create and customize Gantt charts to track project timelines effectively, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
- Define project milestones and deadlines with adaptable timelines that can be adjusted as needed.
2: No-code platform
One of Softr's standout features is its no-code platform, which allows users to build and customize project management tools without any programming knowledge.
Even those without programming expertise can create custom project management tools that align with their specific needs.
Softr's no-code capabilities allow users to build apps visually by dragging and dropping pre-built components, eliminating the need for complex coding.
You can choose from various components like forms, tables, calendars, and more, providing a solid foundation for your app.
By using Softr's no-code capabilities, you can develop apps that perfectly match your unique workflows and processes.
3: Customizable templates
Softr provides a wide range of templates designed for project management from task boards to project trackers which can be easily customized to meet the unique needs of any project.
You can access and manage projects from any device—desktop, tablet, or mobile.
Template features include new project forms, easy editing, comments, team directories, calendar views, and Kanban boards. Each template provides a clear overview and usage instructions.
These templates help users get started quickly and can be easily adjusted to fit project management needs.
Watch this video to learn more about template customization.
If you don’t want to use templates, you can build from scratch or use AI to generate and customize without a steep learning curve.
4: Database integrations
Softr integrates effortlessly with popular databases like Airtable, Google Sheets, and now monday.com, making it simple to pull in and work with your existing data. This integration allows users to use their current data sources within project management applications, maintaining consistency and reducing redundancy.
By centralizing all project-related data, teams can maintain a single source of truth, eliminating the need for manual data transfers or duplicating information.
With Softr's new beta integration for monday.com, you can manage and share data through client portals, dashboards, and more. Support includes boards, items, and sub-items, allowing seamless data integration.
Dynamic blocks like Kanban, calendar, and forms enable visualization and interaction with your data. You can perform read/write actions, sync users for better access control, and use conditional filters to display relevant data to logged-in users.
Examples include real-time client portals, conditional forms for updates, and project dashboards aggregating data from multiple monday.com boards without board limits.
5: Automation
Softr offers powerful automation features that allow users to set up workflows to handle repetitive tasks, improving overall efficiency and reducing manual effort.
Many of these automations are built within the application and its modules, as well as its connections to your database. It also provides native integrations with more than 30 apps. For other automation needs, Zapier and Make lets you connect your Softr app with over 5,000 popular apps.
Here's how Softr's automation features can benefit you:
- Set up rules to trigger specific actions based on predefined conditions, such as task completion, deadline approaching, or data changes.
- Automatically assign tasks to team members based on their roles, skills, or availability.
- Automatically update task statuses or project progress based on predefined criteria.
- Send automated notifications to relevant team members when important events occur, such as task deadlines or project milestones.
6: User authentication and permissions
Softr features built-in user authentication and permission management, enabling administrators to control access to different application sections. This is important for maintaining data privacy and security in project management tools.
Teams can assign varying access levels to users, allowing only authorized personnel to view or edit sensitive data.
Key security features include:
- Built-in authentication: Easily integrate user access controls.
- Granular permissions: Assign specific permissions based on user roles.
- Data privacy: Protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Compliance: Adhere to data security standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
7: Responsive design
Softr makes your project management tools accessible and usable on any device, from desktops to smartphones.
With its fully responsive design, your applications automatically adapt to different screen sizes, providing a consistent and enjoyable user experience for everyone.
Pros
1. True customization freedom
Softr allows you to build completely custom project management tools that align perfectly with your team’s unique workflows—all without writing a single line of code.
Unlike monday.com, which offers predefined structures with limited flexibility.
2. Unlock team creativity
While monday.com requires technical know-how for deeper customization, Softr goes beyond traditional development barriers by empowering all team members—not just developers—to create and modify tools.
Softr encourages collaboration and creativity from all team levels, speeding up innovation and allowing more voices to contribute to project management solutions.
3. Unified data integration
Softr integrates with popular data sources like Airtable and Google SheetsSmartSuite, BigQuery, or HubSpot. It also connects to SQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and Maria DB.
This lets you consolidate all your project data into a single, unified platform. Your team benefits from a single source of truth, reducing data silos and the need for time-consuming manual data transfers.
Monday.com may require additional integrations and tools to achieve similar functionality.
4. Rapid iteration
Softr’s no-code platform allows you to rapidly prototype and your their project management tools. As business needs evolve, teams can quickly adjust workflows, dashboards, or entire applications without waiting for developer resources.
This flexibility keeps project management solutions aligned with real-time requirements, allowing teams to stay agile and responsive to changes.
This contrasts monday.com, where significant changes might require custom coding or third-party solutions. Softr enables users to make adjustments on the fly.
5. Cost-effective custom solutions
Softr's all-in-one platform provides a cost-effective alternative to multiple software subscriptions by:
- Integrate project management, CRM, and other tools into one platform.
- Build solutions tailored to your specific needs, avoiding unnecessary features and costs.
- Avoid the costs associated with switching platforms.
- Reduce manual tasks, increasing productivity and savings.
But on monday.com you require additional subscriptions to access similar features.
6. Built-in security and permissions
Softr includes advanced user authentication and permission settings directly within the platform, making it easy to manage who can access, edit, or view specific parts of your project.
This keeps sensitive data protected and accessible only to the right individuals.
This built-in functionality provides peace of mind without additional technical overhead. As compared to monday.com which offers HIPAA compliance only in their enterprise plan, which typically costs tens of thousands of dollars per year.
7. Scalable architecture
Softr’s scalable architecture grows with your business, efficiently managing increasing complexity and larger data volumes without needing a system overhaul.
Whether handling a few or hundreds of projects, Softr allows long-term stability. Unlike monday.com, where growing teams require pricing plan upgrades, impacting your budget over time.
8. Fast learning curve
Softr’s intuitive interface enables quick onboarding without extensive training.
You can easily build custom tools or client portals, promoting faster adoption and reducing downtime when setting up projects.
Use Cases
Softr's versatility makes it an ideal alternative to monday.com across industries and departments. Its flexibility allows users to build custom applications for various needs, including:
- Client portals: Create secure, tailored portals where clients can access information, submit requests, and interact with your business.A Softr user showed how he created a client portal using monday.com and Softr.
- Project management: Develop custom project management tools that integrate with existing data sources, matching your workflows, project types, and team structures.
- Automated workflows: Automate project tasks, notifications, and approvals to reduce manual effort and increase operational efficiency.
- CRM systems: Design custom CRM systems that fit your business processes and seamlessly integrate with other tools you use.
- Internal tools and team collaboration: Build internal collaboration tools that improve communication, task management, and project tracking within your team.
Pricing:
- Free:$0
- Basic:$49
- Professional:$139
- Business:$269
- Enterprise: Custom
Best for:
Softr is best for businesses looking for a highly customizable, no-code project management tool with seamless integration and flexibility.
2. Asana
Asana is a cloud-based project management tool designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work effectively. It offers a compelling alternative to monday.com, thanks to its ease of use, strong task management features, and collaborative functionalities.
Asana is ideal for teams handling a large volume of tasks that frequently change, making it a versatile solution for managing projects both on the web and through its mobile app.
Key features:
- Asana enables teams to automate repetitive tasks and workflows. Its rule builder allows users to automate actions based on specific triggers, such as sending a Slack update when a task is completed.
- Asana excels in task creation, assignment, and tracking. Users can break down complex projects into subtasks, set dependencies, and prioritize tasks.
- Asana facilitates team communication through comments, mentions, and task assignments within each project.
- Asana provides various project management methodologies. Teams can use Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and calendar views to manage projects according to their preferred style.
- Asana offers a dedicated "My Tasks" section that provides a clear overview of individual task assignments.
Pros:
- Extensive integrations with over 200 third-party tools.
- Generous free plan for up to 10 team members.
Cons:
- High costs for larger teams and advanced features.
- Basic plan offers limited reporting and analytics.
- Lacks phone-based customer support.
Pricing:
Asana has two pricing models:
Teams and individuals
- Personal:$0
- Starter: $10.99
- Advanced: $24.99
Businesses and enterprises
- Enterprise and Enterprise +: Custom
Best for:
Asana is fantastic for organizations managing projects that mainly focus on workflows.
3. Basecamp
Basecamp is a popular web-based project management tool that prioritizes communication and straightforward task management.
With its unique features like hill charts, mission control, and built-in communication tools, Basecamp stands out as an intuitive and affordable alternative to monday.com.
Key features:
- Automate regular updates by setting up check-ins at daily, weekly, or monthly intervals.
- Provides an overview of project progress with status needles indicating the health and advancement of each project.
- Track tasks visually using hill charts to identify roadblocks, dependencies, and overall progress.
- Invite clients directly to collaborate on projects, eliminating the need for external email chains and fostering transparency.
- Basecamp centralizes communication within projects. Features like message boards, and to-do lists with comments, keep everyone informed and discussions focused.
Pros:
- Easy to learn and use.
- Unlimited users on the paid plan.
- Client access for collaboration.
Cons:
- Fewer integrations with other tools.
- No tagging or labeling for tasks.
- No time tracking, Gantt charts, advanced reporting.
Pricing:
- Personal: $15
- Business: $299
Best for:
Basecamp is an excellent choice for teams that value clear communication and a cost-effective solution for larger groups.
4. ClickUp
While relatively new compared to monday.com, ClickUp has quickly gained traction as a powerful alternative due to its comprehensive task management capabilities.
Designed to cater to diverse project management needs, it offers a wide range of features such as multiple task views, time tracking, and real-time collaboration tools.
Key features:
- Offers 11 different task views, including Gantt charts, mind maps, and Kanban boards.
- Over 20 widgets for creating highly customizable dashboards.
- Built-in chat, image annotation, and real-time updates keep teams in sync.
- Supports over 1,000 integrations with popular tools.
- Users can track time spent on tasks and projects.
- Set triggers, actions, and custom logic to keep your team moving forward.
Pros:
- Offers 100+ automation templates.
- Motivate your team with goal setting and progress tracking.
Cons:
- Customization and features can be overwhelming for new users.
- Users can experience lag with complex tasks and integration.
- Limited storage and integrations in free plans.
Pricing:
- Free forever: Free
- Unlimited:$7
- Business:$12
- Enterprise: Customizable
Best for:
Teams that prioritize time tracking, gamification, and automation.
5. Jira
Jira is specifically designed for managing agile software development projects, making it a powerful alternative to more generalized project management tools like monday.com.
With features such as burndown charts, sprint reports, and velocity graphs, Jira provides a specialized environment that supports the needs of development teams.
Key features:
- Jira supports both Scrum and Kanban methodologies.
- A fast issue tracker allows teams to capture, assign, and track bugs.
- Jira seamlessly integrates with tools like GitHub, GitLab, Sentry, and Jenkins, enabling efficient backlog management and project updates.
- Jira offers a comprehensive suite of built-in reports, including sprint reports, control charts, and resolution time reports.
- As part of the Atlassian product suite, Jira integrates effortlessly with other tools like BitBucket and Confluence, making it a natural fit for teams already using these products.
Pros:
- Over 1,000 integrations.
- Invite up to 50 people to team.
- Simple membership control.
Cons:
- Non-technical users may find Jira's interface challenging to master.
- Dashboard setting is difficult.
- Best suited for agile teams, making it less ideal for other project management styles.
Pricing:
- Free:$0
- Standard:$7.16
- Premium:$12.48
- Enterprise: Custom
Best for:
Software development teams using agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban.
6. Trello
Trello is a simple project management tool that uses a Kanban-style board for task management. It's known for its visual approach, allowing users to drag and drop tasks (cards) between different stages of a project.
For those managing smaller projects or just starting, Trello provides a solid foundation without the need for a financial investment.
Key features:
- Trello allows users to create custom boards with lists and cards tailored to their specific workflows.
- Even on the free plan, Trello offers unlimited Power Ups (integrations) to enhance functionality, such as calendar views, voting, and automation.
- Access a wide range of templates for different industries, including marketing, sales, and design, to get started quickly.
- Users can add comments, attachments, due dates, mentions, and checklists to cards, keeping all project-related information in one place.
- Automate repetitive tasks using Trello’s built-in automation tool, Butler, which can set up rule-based triggers.
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners
- Accessible across various devices
- Visual UI makes it easy to manage tasks at a glance
Cons:
- Limited to Kanban
- Difficult to manage complex and large-scale projects
Pricing:
- Free: $0
- Standard: $5
- Premium: $10
- Enterprise: $17.50 /user/month (billed annually)estimated cost for 50 users
Best for:
Teams that want to start managing projects immediately without a steep learning curve.
7. Teamwork
Teamwork offers a strong alternative to monday.com, particularly for teams looking for a collaboration-focused platform.
It offers a wide range of features, including detailed reporting, client management, task management, Gantt charts, time tracking, and a collaborative document editor.
Key features:
- Teamwork integrates chat, comments, built-in video conferencing, and task creation within the platform.
- Provide secure access for clients to view project progress and relevant documents.
- Streamline billing by generating and sending invoices directly through teamwork.
- Over 350 apps, including Slack, HubSpot, and Google Drive.
Pros:
- Detailed reporting and analytics.
- Add unlimited client users completely free of charge.
Cons:
- Limited customization options in terms of branding.
- Expensive option for large teams.
Pricing:
- Deliver: $10.99 (3-user minimum)
- Grow: $19.99 (5-user minimum)
- Scale: $54.99 (5-user minimum)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
Best for:
It’s well-suited for remote teams.
Conclusion
Finding the right tool to improve your project management can be a bit overwhelming, but trying out different options will help you find what works best for your team. We've looked at several alternatives to monday.com, each with its strengths, giving you a good starting point for your search.
Take your time to think about which tools fit your needs and workflow. If you want something easy to use and quick to set up, Softr is a great option. With its simple interface and helpful features, Softr can help you manage your projects more easily. We encourage you to sign up for free and learn more about our platform.
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Join 700,000+ users worldwide, building client portals, internal tools, CRMs, dashboards, project management systems, inventory management apps, and more—all without code.
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