View all Project Planning & Portfolio Management Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Microsoft Project / Planner (Premium)
Stop paying $10 - $55/user/mo. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Project Planning & Portfolio ManagementVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
ProjectLibre
FREEBest Direct Desktop Replacement
Why we like it
The leading open-source alternative to MS Project desktop; opens existing .mpp files natively; includes Gantt charts, Network Diagrams, WBS/RBS charts, and resource histograms; works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Keep in mind
The user interface looks like a legacy version of MS Project (pre-ribbon); lacks built-in cloud collaboration in the free version.
OpenProject
FREEBest Cloud/Web Alternative
Why we like it
A modern, web-based project management suite; features powerful Gantt charts, Agile boards, and time tracking; the Community edition is free and self-hostable; excellent for high-security environments.
Keep in mind
The 'BIM' and 'Enterprise' features (like SSO) require a paid subscription; self-hosting requires server administration skills.
GanttProject
FREEBest for Simple Scheduling
Why we like it
Extremely lightweight and easy to learn; focused purely on Gantt charts and resource loading; can export to PDF, HTML, and MS Project formats; updated regularly in 2025 with better stability.
Keep in mind
Not suitable for complex portfolio management; lacks advanced features like critical path automation or cost tracking.
TaskJuggler
FREEBest for Large/Algorithmic Projects
Why we like it
A 'Project Management as Code' tool; uses a powerful scheduling algorithm to resolve resource conflicts automatically; perfect for massive engineering projects where human manual leveling is impossible.
Keep in mind
No 'drag-and-drop' interface; requires writing a script-like text file to define the project; steep learning curve for non-technical PMs.
ProjectMgt.com
FREEBest Hybrid Cloud Option
Why we like it
A more intuitive, modern cloud tool that still respects the 'Gantt-first' workflow of MS Project; includes real-time dashboards and better resource management than Project Plan 1.
Keep in mind
Pricing can reach $20-$30/mo, making it less of a 'budget' play and more of a 'usability' play.
Redmine
FREEBest for Tech/Dev Teams
Why we like it
Highly flexible open-source project management; includes Gantt charts, calendars, and per-project wikis; massive plugin ecosystem (many free) to add resource management or CRM features.
Keep in mind
Interface is utilitarian and feels like a 2010-era web app.
TeamGantt
FREEBest Visual Design
Why we like it
Widely considered the most 'beautiful' Gantt chart tool; extremely easy for clients and team members to understand; focus on the visual timeline.
Keep in mind
Free tier is limited to 1 project and 60 tasks; expensive at the professional level.
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