How is your team currently collaborating on project management? If you’re still in a nightmare of tracking recurring tasks, chasing missed calls, and sitting in endless Zoom meetings, it’s time to consider collaboration tools for project management.
Project team members need more efficient and effective ways to communicate and collaborate. Project managers also need to streamline their workflows, so they can more easily tackle massive to-do lists and deliver projects successfully. That’s where modern project management collaboration tools come in.
In this guide, discover the best online collaboration tools for project management. Each is packed with essential project management capabilities, including real-time collaboration, the ability to track multiple projects, and third-party integrations for everything from instant messaging to sharing project updates.
- What Should You Look for in Project Management Collaboration Tools?
- 15 Best Collaborative Project Management Software
- 1. ClickUp (Best for integrated collaboration, work, and project management)
- 2. AdaptiveWork (Best for resource management between teams)
- 3. Proofhub (Best for creative team collaboration)
- 4. Height (Best for collaboration with external teams)
- 5. Miro (Best for visual collaboration)
- 6. Freedcamp (Best for client collaboration)
- 7. Flock (Best for communication among small project teams)
- 8. Slack (Best for real-time project collaboration)
- 9. Podio (Best for project team communication)
- 10. Bit.ai (Best for file sharing between teams)
- 11. Asana (Best for team collaboration)
- 12. Trello (Best for Kanban-style collaboration on projects)
- 13. Jira (Best for software and technical teams)
- 14. Microsoft Teams (Best for Microsoft 365 users)
- 15. Basecamp (Best for no-frills project management by small teams)
- Why Project Teams Should Use Collaboration Tools
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Project Management Collaboration Tools?
If you are new to project management software, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all your options for project collaboration tools. There are a lot of productivity apps out there promising to help you supercharge your day, and not all of them will deliver results.
When you start looking for project management software and team collaboration tools, you’ll want to look for features such as:
- Task management: Look for collaboration tools that allow you to create, delegate, track, and manage tasks throughout your team
- Real-time communication: Stop waiting for emails and callbacks. The best online collaboration tools integrate communication features like video conferencing, group chat, and discussion boards to move the conversation forward
- Document management: File sharing is a great way to boost your team collaboration, especially if you can share files and simultaneously work on the same document within the platform. Effective document collaboration is a must-have feature in the platform you choose
- Scalability: As your team grows, you’ll want a tool that can grow with you
- Integration capabilities: Your team collaboration software needs to connect with all your favorite apps and platforms, extending their functionality and making them more integral to your day
- Great user experience: Of course, any project management software you choose should be easy to use and have an intuitive interface. The sooner you can use it effectively, the more significant the positive impact it will have on your work life
- Free plan: Most tools offer free trials or demos. Some, like ClickUp, even have a free forever plan. Take advantage of these to see how the tool works in your day-to-day operations. Involve team members in testing and gather their feedback before making a final decision
Choosing the right project management collaboration tool can transform your team’s work. Take the time to assess your options carefully—you’ll thank yourself when your projects run smoother than ever!
Summarize this article for me please15 Best Collaborative Project Management Software
Ready to select the best project collaboration tool to stay on top of complex projects? We looked at some of the most popular project management collaboration tools on the market and highlighted our top ten recommendations for highly productive teams.
1. ClickUp (Best for integrated collaboration, work, and project management)
ClickUp is an all-in-one solution for project management, whether you’re managing projects one by one or juggling multiple users and numerous project plans all at once. The super user-friendly platform lets project teams and development teams break complex projects into bite-sized tasks and store all the information in one centralized platform.
The team collaboration capabilities are unmatched, too, because everyone can access real-time data and stay on the same page as project managers plow through the to-do list.
With virtual whiteboards, real-time chat with audio and video call features, and collaborative documentation, ClickUp helps project teams get more done faster.
The project management platform also has excellent customization and integration options. That means project teams can connect it with their current tech stack and streamline workflows, eliminating repetitive admin tasks so team members can focus their energy and efforts on their specialized skills.
Teams eager to hit the ground running will love the platform’s free project management templates, which create new workspaces in seconds. Get started with ClickUp’s Project Management Template!
There is a lot to love about free, easy-to-use collaborative project management software designed to help project teams achieve big goals in less time.
ClickUp best features
- Virtual ClickUp Whiteboards connected to tasks, documents, and chat for real-time brainstorming and process discussions that can quickly lead to action
- AI-powered task creation, project updates, meeting minutes summaries, etc., with ClickUp Brain so teams always stay on top of things
- ClickUp Chat integrates instant messaging and audio/video calls with tasks and documents, so team members never lose context
- Detailed reporting tools help project managers dive deep into their team’s data, track progress, and get feedback on things like task time and productivity trends on past projects so managers can make better data-driven decisions on the next project or identify roadblocks on a current project
- With over 1,000 integration options, team members can connect ClickUp with online collaboration tools like Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Loom, Microsoft Office, and more
ClickUp limitations
- Some of ClickUp’s workspace views aren’t available on mobile devices yet, but updates are in the works
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,900+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
Also Read: Best Enterprise Collaboration Tools
2. AdaptiveWork (Best for resource management between teams)
As a project management platform, AdaptiveWork (formerly Clarizen) can help project managers streamline their work processes, automate tasks, and encourage better communication. For instance, the collaboration software allows project managers to make detailed Gantt charts and project roadmaps in a few clicks, so mystery milestones and hazy timelines are a thing of the past.
AdaptiveWork delivers real-time visibility on every task, so teams know the progress of everything happening within their project. This promotes transparency on progress, keeps project stakeholders in the loop, and helps build accountability and teamwork.
It is also an excellent project collaboration software platform for team management, allowing team members to share updates and adapt quickly to changes.
AdaptiveWork best features
- Capacity planning tools and resource management can help project managers see who is available and who is getting overscheduled on every project
- Portfolio management allows the project manager to centralize work across teams, departments, and platforms so everything is right where they need it
- Robust demand management functions let project managers track, manage, and prioritize work so nothing gets lost in the shuffle
AdaptiveWork limitations
- This free project management collaboration tool is packed with features, and all these options may take getting used to
AdaptiveWork pricing
- Call for a quote
AdaptiveWork ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (530+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.2/5 (170+ reviews)
3. Proofhub (Best for creative team collaboration)
Proofhbub is a user-friendly project management and team collaboration software designed to streamline communication and improve productivity. This project collaboration tool keeps everything organized while tracking project progress and keeping team members up-to-date. Teams can use the collaboration software to create tasks, track progress, set deadlines, and view timelines on Kanban boards.
There are even handy discussion boards where team members can contribute their ideas. Using those collaboration tools with online proofing abilities allows real-time team collaboration on documents, designs, and more. Team members speed up the approval process and avoid revision history roadblocks while ensuring everyone’s ideas are heard.
Proofhub best features
- Effortless task management allows project managers to capture and delegate tasks while customizing work views to their project team’s preferences
- Online collaboration tools let project managers start quick conversations and send feedback right on the platform
- Board view helps team members visualize project progress and spot any roadblocks holding the team back
Proofhub limitations
- The project collaboration software platform offers very limited integrations, so project managers may have to give up their favorite collaboration tools and platforms in favor of finding a workaround within Proofhub
- Pricing may be an issue for some, as there is no free plan to try out its collaboration features
Proofhub pricing
- Essential: $45 per month, billed annually
- Ultimate Control: $89 per month, billed annually
Proofhub ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (80+ reviews)
Also Read: Best ProofHub Alternatives
4. Height (Best for collaboration with external teams)
Height’s project management collaboration tools emphasize simplicity. Start by managing tasks in spreadsheets, then transform them with a click into a Kanban board, Gantt chart, or calendar. Project managers can centralize all the project information within the platform through tasks, keeping everything organized and maintaining a complete history of progress for stakeholders.
Height’s project collaboration software also keeps team members focused and productive with real-time updates as a project progresses.
Height best features
- Instant messaging gives teams a way to collaborate in real time, with project status updates and inline media to add context
- An intuitive interface makes it easy for teams to adopt the collaboration software and start using it on day one
- Guest collaboration allows team members to invite clients, contractors, and other project stakeholders to give feedback on tasks and manage projects while keeping the rest of the project data safe
Height limitations
- As one of the newer project management software and team collaboration tools, Height offers fewer integration options than other platforms
Height pricing
- Free
- Team: $6.99 per member per month
- Enterprise: Call for a quote
Height ratings and reviews
- G2: n/a
- Capterra: n/a
5. Miro (Best for visual collaboration)
Miro delivers digital collaboration in a visual platform. As a virtual whiteboard tool, Miro allows teams to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate in real time. This makes this project collaboration software especially popular with creative agencies. It has an intuitive interface with an excellent range of templates to jumpstart the project team’s brainstorming process.
Miro can help a project team unleash creativity without being in the same room. There are even virtual sticky notes and fun interactive diagrams to jumpstart online project collaboration.
Miro best features
- Real-time online collaboration tools mean teams can bounce ideas off each other, even with remote teams
- Miro’s library is full of dozens of ready-to-use team collaboration templates
- Basic integration options connect to popular tools like Jira, Trello, and Slack
Miro limitations
- It’s a great project collaboration tool, but functionality is pretty limited; you’ll need to connect this collaboration software to other project management apps to get the most out of it
Miro pricing
- Free
- Started: $8 per member per month billed annually
- Business: $16 per member per month billed annually
- Enterprise: Contact for a quote
Miro ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.8/5 (4,900+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,300+ reviews)
Also Read: Best Digital Whiteboard Software Programs
6. Freedcamp (Best for client collaboration)
Freedcamp’s project collaboration software caters to teams of all sizes, from small businesses to enterprise-level organizations. It covers all the basics, such as letting your team members create tasks, set deadlines, and manage projects with customizable views.
Unlike some of the project collaboration software options we’ve listed, this platform boasts built-in CRM tools and invoicing functions. This makes it one of the best project collaboration tools for those who also need assistance with client management.
Freedcamp best features
- Time tracker gives insight into where work hours go and what to bill clients for
- Issue tracker allows project managers to identify problems and assign them to top problem solvers
- Wiki feature with a search functionality improves knowledge management and keeps your organization’s documentation in a central space, available to every team member
- Project managers can mark some tasks as private, giving members more control of what others can see on their to-do list
Freedcamp limitations
- The built-in CRM system doesn’t offer as many features as a dedicated CRM platform would
- The project collaboration tools don’t allow you to assign tasks to multiple team members
Freedcamp pricing
- Free
- Pro: $1.49 per user per month, billed annually
- Business: $7.49 per user per month, billed annually
- Enterprise: $16.99 per user per month, billed annually
Freedcamp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (130+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (460+ reviews)
7. Flock (Best for communication among small project teams)
Flock is a communication and project collaboration software platform focused on simple, budget-friendly project management tools. It promises to build a team ecosystem that prevents distractions and unnecessary context-switching.
Using Flock, teams can communicate in real-time using channels and direct messaging, fostering collaboration and teamwork. The platform’s shared to-do list helps teams manage their tasks more effectively and keeps everyone on the same page.
There are great integration options to reduce repetitive tasks and boost productivity.
Flock best features
- File sharing keeps information secure and organized no matter who needs it
- Shared to-do lists allow teams to create and manage their task list collaboratively
- This project collaboration software platform integrates with most mainstream productivity apps and services so team members can centralize data from other platforms
Flock limitations
- While it has robust communication features, some users may find the project management features a bit lacking
Flock pricing
- Free
- Pro: $4.50 per user per month
- Enterprise: Contact for a quote
Flock ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (235+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (300+ reviews)
8. Slack (Best for real-time project collaboration)
Slack is a widely-used communication and project collaboration tool that connects with popular project management platforms like Asana and Trello. With Slack, teams can talk using dedicated project channels and direct messages, creating faster and more effective communication.
For even more functionality, team members can integrate bots to deliver reminders, help with scheduling, or let team members know when they’ve been tagged.
Slack also offers great file sharing so project teams can access essential documents whenever needed.
Check out the best Slack competitors!
Slack best features
- Powerful search function allows team members to access past conversations so nothing gets lost
- Create different channels for teams, departments, and projects so everyone can keep their communication organized
- Slack integrates with calendar apps, so you can easily see where people are or what they are working on without leaving Slack
Slack limitations
- While Slack is one of the best online collaboration tools when you need quick team communication, it lacks key project management features that other project collaboration tools include
Slack pricing
- Free
- Pro: $7.25/month
- Business+: $12.50/month
- Enterprise: Contact for a quote
Slack ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (31,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (23,000+ reviews)
9. Podio (Best for project team communication)
Podio takes project data and puts it into one beautifully designed collaborative project management software platform. Within Podio, you can create workspaces and apps tailored to your team’s needs, creating a custom-made space for project management and team communication.
Podio integrates with other platforms to automate workflow and eliminate repetitive, time-wasting tasks. That means more time for the stuff you love to do and less time wasted on admin.
Podio best features
- Customized views allow a project team to get progress updates in the way that works best for them without missing anything
- Online collaboration tools integrate with all the heavy hitters in the tech stack, including Google Drive, Evernote, Zendesk, and more
- Offers time tracking and basic CRM features so it can become an all-in-one platform for an organization
Podio limitations
- While the customization options are amazing, some users might find the level of customization complex and time-consuming
- Some of its best collaboration tools are not available on the free plan
Podio pricing
- Free
- Plus: $11.20/month
- Premium: $19.20/month
Podio ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (460+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (300+ reviews)
10. Bit.ai (Best for file sharing between teams)
Bit.ai is a collaboration platform for teams to work together and manage their documents, projects, tasks, contacts, notes, and more in one central workspace. Its cloud-based system enables teams to securely store and share documents with each other while staying organized, enabling smoother collaboration across distributed teams.
It helps teams to build a single source of truth for their project information, enabling quick access to the most up-to-date and relevant data when needed.
Bit.ai best features
- Multiple workspaces for different functions and teams
- Smart search using keywords, titles, descriptions, and source
- Integrations with SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, and Box
Bit.ai limitations
- Unlimited documents is a paid feature
Bit.ai pricing
- Free
- Pro: $8/month per member
- Business: $15/month per member
Bit.ai ratings and reviews
- G2: 4/5 (15+ reviews)
- Capterra: 5/5 (5+ reviews)
11. Asana (Best for team collaboration)
Asana is a versatile project management platform that enables teams to organize, track, and manage work with ease. It offers features like task assignments, project timelines, and workflow automation to enhance productivity and improve collaboration.
With Asana, project managers can create detailed project plans, set priorities, and ensure that everyone is aligned toward common goals.
Asana best features
- Timeline (Gantt charts) visualize project plans, allowing teams to map out and adjust schedules as needed
- Workflow builder can automate routine tasks and create custom workflows to streamline processes and reduce manual work
- Integrations connect Asana with other essential tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Drive to create a cohesive work environment
Asana limitations
- Lesser customizability compared to some other project management tools
- Some users may find the multitude of features overwhelming initially, requiring time to fully adapt to the platform
Asana pricing
- Personal: Free
- Starter: $8.50/month per user
- Advanced: $19.21/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Enterprise +: Custom pricing
Asana ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (10,800+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (13,200+ reviews)
Also Read: Asana Alternatives
12. Trello (Best for Kanban-style collaboration on projects)
Trello is a user-friendly project management tool that uses Kanban boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize tasks and projects. Its visual approach makes it easy to track progress and collaborate effectively.
Project managers can create detailed project boards, assign tasks, and set deadlines, ensuring clarity and accountability within the team.
Trello best features
- Customizable boards you can tailor to your project needs, allowing for flexible organization of tasks and workflows
- Power-Ups (integrations) with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Jira to streamline processes
- Butler automation to automate repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency
Trello limitations
- While Trello is excellent for simple projects, it may lack the advanced features required for complex project management needs.
Trello pricing
- Free
- Standard: $6/month per user
- Premium: $12.50/month per user
Trello ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (13,600+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (23,300+ reviews)
Also Read: Trello vs. ClickUp
13. Jira (Best for software and technical teams)
Jira is a robust project management tool designed primarily for software development teams. It facilitates agile project management, issue tracking, and bug reporting, enabling teams to plan, track, and release software efficiently.
Project managers can use Jira to create detailed roadmaps, manage sprints, and monitor progress to ensure timely project delivery.
Jira best features
- Support for Scrum and Kanban boards allows teams to manage workflows and visualize progress effectively
- Customizable workflows match your team’s processes, ensuring flexibility and control over project management.
- Advanced reporting features give access to real-time insights with customizable reports and dashboards to monitor team performance and project health
Jira limitations
- The complexity of features may present a steep learning curve for new users, requiring time to become proficient
- It may not be the most useful software for non-IT teams
Jira pricing
- Free (upto 10 users)
- Standard: $7.53/month per user
- Premium: $13.53/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Jira ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (6,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (15,000+ reviews)
Also Read: Jira vs. ClickUp
14. Microsoft Teams (Best for Microsoft 365 users)
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration. It enables seamless communication and collaboration within project teams, enhancing productivity and teamwork.
Project managers can organize meetings, share documents, and collaborate in real time, ensuring everyone stays connected and informed.
Microsoft Teams best features
- Integrated Office 365 apps let you collaborate on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly within the platform
- Dedicated channels for different projects or departments help to organize conversations and resources effectively
- Easy meeting scheduling and recording facilitates communication and information sharing
Microsoft Teams limitations
- Some users may find the interface complex, and integration with non-Microsoft tools can be challenging.
Microsoft Teams pricing
- Free
- Paid plans as a part of the Microsoft 365 subscription, which starts at $4/month per user
Microsoft Teams ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (15,600+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (9,700+ reviews)
Also Read: Microsoft Teams Alternatives & Competitors
15. Basecamp (Best for no-frills project management by small teams)
This is a project management and collaboration software that aims to simplify project tracking. It centralizes all your project communications, updates, to-do lists, etc., to improve transparency and collaboration within teams.
Easy to use and intuitive in design, this is a great project management collaboration tool for small teams working together on simple projects. You can save frequently used to-do lists as templates too, saving time on future projects.
Basecamp best features
- Communication features like message boards, chat, and check-ins improve team communication and collaboration throughout the project
- Drag-and-drop project stacks help teams track projects on a portfolio level
- Interactive Hill Charts and Kanban-like cards make task tracking easier
Basecamp limitations
- The inability to see milestones and dependencies makes task management difficult
- No native time tracking
Basecamp pricing
- Free
- Plus: $15/month per user
- Pro Unlimited: $349/month for one organization
Basecamp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (5,300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (14,400+ reviews)
Also Read: Basecamp alternatives
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhy Project Teams Should Use Collaboration Tools
Managing projects without the right tools can feel like juggling too many balls at once. Project management collaboration tools are designed to make teamwork smoother, more efficient, and less stressful. Here’s why your project team should consider using them:
- Centralized communication: No more lost emails or scattered updates. Collaboration tools provide a single platform where all discussions, updates, and files live, making it easy for everyone to stay in sync
- Task tracking made simple: With a clear overview of who’s doing what and when, teams are less likely to miss deadlines. Most platforms for task management will include alerts and reminders to keep things on track
- Real-time collaboration: Whether your team is remote, hybrid, or on-site, these tools allow everyone to collaborate in real time, keeping momentum going
- Document sharing and storage: Easily share files, manage versions, and ensure that the latest project documents are always accessible to the team
- Boosted accountability: Assigning tasks and tracking progress ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities, keeping the whole team on track
Using project management collaboration tools helps teams reduce miscommunication, stay organized, and focus on delivering successful projects.
Also Read: Best Team Collaboration Software
Summarize this article for me pleaseFind the Best Project Collaboration Software for Your Team
Having the right project collaboration tool significantly impacts your team’s success. And the best project management software can be a catalyst for better teamwork and productivity when it includes all of the key features from the best online collaboration tools, but is integrated directly into your existing project management platform.
You can start experiencing the art of collaborative project management today for free with ClickUp.
ClickUp is a comprehensive project management collaboration tool that seamlessly integrates task management, collaboration, and communication into one easy-to-use platform. Its robust features allow you to plan your next project while keeping the whole team aligned and on track.
Start accomplishing great things with ClickUp. Try it out today by signing up for the Free Forever Plan!
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
