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Best Free Alternatives to Planner and Project Plan 3
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Category: Project ManagementVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
ProjectLibre
FREEBest Desktop Alternative to Project Pro
Why we like it
100% free; the closest open-source clone of Microsoft Project; supports opening and saving .mpp files; includes Gantt charts, PERT charts, and WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) views; works offline on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Keep in mind
Interface is dated (resembles Office 2010); lacks cloud-based collaboration and real-time co-authoring.
GanttProject
FREEBest Lightweight Scheduling Tool
Why we like it
Free and open-source; focused strictly on Gantt charts and resource load balancing; supports baseline comparisons and PERT chart generation; exports to PDF, HTML, and MS Project formats.
Keep in mind
Lacks 'Board' (Kanban) views; no integrated document storage or advanced team chat features; limited to traditional Waterfall methodology.
ProjectManager.com
Best for Mac Users & Hybrid Teams
Why we like it
Arguably the best Gantt chart engine on the web; supports 4 types of dependencies and real-time workload tracking; superior to Microsoft for teams with both Windows and Mac users; offers a 100% faithful MS Project file import.
Keep in mind
No 'forever free' tier for teams; advanced resource leveling requires the higher-priced 'Business' plan.
Wrike
FREEBest for Enterprise Agility
Why we like it
Superior request forms and automated workflows; excellent for creative agencies and marketing teams; the 2025 'Pinnacle' tier includes AI-driven resource optimization that rivals Project Plan 5.
Keep in mind
The interface is very dense and has a steep learning curve; the best Gantt features are locked behind the 'Team' tier.
Monday.com
FREEBest for Visual Workflow Management
Why we like it
Highly visual and customizable; better for 'non-technical' project managers; world-class mobile app; massive library of automations to replace manual status updates.
Keep in mind
Gantt charts are not as mathematically 'deep' as Microsoft Project; lacks advanced resource leveling for complex engineering projects.
OpenProject
FREEBest for Privacy & Self-Hosting
Why we like it
Excellent open-source alternative for BIM and construction; supports Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall in a single view; can be self-hosted for maximum data sovereignty.
Keep in mind
The Community (free) version lacks some advanced features like 'Baselines' and 'Project Templates'.
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