Managing projects efficiently is challenging, especially when there are countless tasks, tight deadlines, and team coordination challenges.
I’ve been there, juggling complex projects with multiple responsibilities and wishing for a better way to handle it all.
Fortunately, I found some incredible project management software that truly transformed how I handle projects from start to finish. Whether you’re leading a small team or managing large-scale projects, the right project management tool or software solutions can make all the difference.
Based on my experiences and thorough research and testing done by the ClickUp team, I’ve compiled a list of Canada’s best project management software.
These tools will help you manage projects more efficiently and make your project management journey more enjoyable.
Let’s explore and find the perfect fit for your needs! 🤩
What Should You Look for In Project Management Software in Canada?
Not all project management software fits the unique needs of Canadian businesses.
Based on my experience, here’s a straightforward checklist of essential features and considerations when evaluating project management software in Canada:
Seamless integration
No project manager wants to juggle multiple apps. I prioritize software that integrates effortlessly with my existing tools, such as accounting software, CRM, and communication platforms.
Given the need for various permits, licenses, and legal requirements to run your business in Canada, it is best to have a seamless experience across all project-related tools.
The smoother the connections, the less time I waste on manual data entry and app switching.
Affordable pricing
Budgets are real, even for ambitious projects. Always weigh the features and benefits against the cost, and choose software that offers value without draining resources.
If you’re considering costs, you may want to review our list of free project management tools. But if you want to invest, you can try the free trials and demos to test-drive the software before committing.
User-friendly design
A powerful tool is only helpful if it’s simple enough to use. I prefer software with clean interfaces, intuitive navigation, and features that are easy to understand and implement.
The quicker my team can get up to speed, the sooner we can start making progress.
This is why I opt for ClickUp Project Management Software. It is an all-in-one platform with an intuitive and easily customizable dashboard interface.
ClickUp project management software helps me to:
- Organize tasks: Create, assign, and track tasks to stay on schedule
- Collaborate with teams: Communicate in real-time to keep everyone aligned
- Automate workflows: Reduce repetitive tasks and boost productivity with automation
- Visualize progress: Monitor progress and deadlines with Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and calendars
Robust security
Protecting sensitive project data is non-negotiable. I look for software with robust security measures like encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular backups. A data breach is the last thing I need to derail my project’s progress.
Mobile accessibility
We’re not always at our desks. Choose the best type of project management tool and software that works seamlessly on phones and tablets. This allows you to stay connected and make decisions on the go, whether on a site visit or stuck in Toronto traffic.
10 Best Project Management Software to Use in 2024
Study these ten carefully and choose the one that best fits your team structure:
1. ClickUp
Best for all-in-one project management
ClickUp is an all-in-one project management tool with an intuitive interface and flexible hierarchy framework. It effortlessly organizes complex projects into tasks and subtasks, offering multiple views without leaving the workspace.
Customizable features transform ideas into action, while visual roadmaps and milestone tracking keep everyone on track. Integrating with over 1,000 tools, such as Slack and Google Drive, ClickUp enhances productivity and streamlines workflows.
Your team will have access to the right documents when meeting local compliance and regulatory requirements in Canada. You can also set reminders for yourself and your team to ensure you never miss renewing local permits, insurance, and other paperwork.
ClickUp best features
- ClickUp Brain: Inspire your team’s creativity and accelerate project execution with AI-powered brainstorming and task optimization
- ClickUp Whiteboard: Collaborate seamlessly with your team on a virtual canvas to brainstorm, plan, and strategize
- ClickUp’s workflow builder: Take control of your projects with custom workflows tailored to your unique needs
- Multiple views: Visualize project data in the way that works best for you, with options like List, Board, Gantt, Calendar, and more
- Customization: Tailor every aspect of ClickUp to your workflow, from custom fields and statuses to task automation and reporting
ClickUp limitations
- ClickUp has many features and customizable options, which can make it overwhelming for new users. It may take some time to get used to the platform and figure out how to navigate it
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $5 per Workspace member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
2. Jira
Best for agile development
Jira is built for agile software development teams to streamline sprint planning, issue tracking, and release management. It offers customizable workflows and robust reporting to ensure timely delivery.
Jira’s highly customizable workflow and issue-tracking capabilities allow for precise adaptation to your team’s unique development process.
With powerful reporting and analytics, Jira provides deep insights into your project progress and team performance. The extensive integration ecosystem further enhances its capabilities, connecting seamlessly with other development tools.
Jira best features
- Create, assign, prioritize, and track issues with customizable workflows and fields
- Supports Scrum and Kanban with sprint planning, backlog management, burndown charts, and velocity tracking
- Tailor workflows, issue types, fields, and screens to fit your team’s processes
- Track performance and project performance KPI metrics like cycle time, burndown, and velocity for better efficiency
Jira limitations
- It is not ideal for non-technical teams due to its software development focus and Agile terminology
- Lacks broader project management features like built-in budgeting and resource management
Jira pricing
- Free: For up to 10 users
- Standard: $8.15/month per user
- Premium: $16/month per user
- Enterprise: Starts at $141,000 per year for 801-1,000 users
Jira ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 stars (5000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 stars (14,000 reviews)
3. Monday
Flexible for visual collaboration
Monday.com’s intuitive visual interface, with its colorful boards and drag-and-drop functionality, revolutionizes project management by making it accessible and engaging for all team members.
Its flexible workflows cater to various project methodologies and ensure adaptability for any project style.
The platform’s automation capabilities streamline repetitive tasks, boosting efficiency and freeing up valuable time for strategic work. Monday integrates with other project management tools in your tech stack, creating a centralized hub for all your work.
Monday.com best features
- Use color-coded statuses and priority levels for easy tracking
- Access a variety of project templates to streamline setup
- Set up workflows without coding knowledge
- Choose from over 200 automation options to enhance efficiency
- Available for both iOS and Android for on-the-go project management
- Integrates with over 200 popular apps for seamless workflow integration
Monday.com limitations
- The initial setup tends to feel overwhelming
- Some users struggle with custom reminders and experience delays in notifications
Monday.com pricing
- Free: Up to two users
- Basic: $9/month per user
- Standard: $12/month per user
- Pro: $19/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Monday.com ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (10,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
4. Hive
Best for all-in-one agile project management
Hive simplifies how you manage agile projects with flexible project views that adapt to your unique workflow.
With multiple project views (Gantt, Kanban, Calendar), you can visualize progress in the project boards and assign tasks for multiple projects in the way that suits your team best.
Its native time-tracking and resource management tools ensure efficient project delivery, while built-in email and chat keep communication centralized.
Hive’s comprehensive suite of features streamlines Agile processes if you’re working with Agile methodologies.
Hive best features
- Create, assign, and track tasks with ease
- Access customizable templates to streamline project setup
- Automate repetitive tasks to save time and increase efficiency
- Use real-time chat, file sharing, and proofing for seamless team collaboration
- Connect with over 1,000 apps to enhance workflow integration
- Track time spent on tasks to manage resources effectively
Hive limitations
- The mobile app has limited functionality, which is crucial given the extensive use of mobile technology in Canada
- UX may get compromised with many collaborators
Hive pricing
- Free
- Starter: $5/month per user
- Teams: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Hive ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (500+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews)
5. FreshBooks
Best for accounting while managing projects
FreshBooks seamlessly merges project management with essential accounting functions. Track project progress while effortlessly generating invoices, managing expenses, and monitoring billable hours.
Its intuitive interface and automated features simplify financial and project management tasks. It’s an asset for freelancers and small businesses that want to organize their financial management and project tracking in one place.
Freshbooks best features
- Create and send professional invoices seamlessly, whether digitally or through traditional mail
- Saves time and reduces errors with recurring invoices, automatic payment reminders
- Accurately tracks billable hours across projects and tasks
- Easily capture and categorize expenses by taking photos of receipts
- Seamlessly combines project management with comprehensive accounting features
FreshBooks limitations
- Lacks specialized construction management features
- Some banks block online payments through the platform
FreshBooks pricing
- Lite: $17/month billed quarterly
- Plus: $30/month billed quarterly
- Premium: $55/month billed quarterly
FreshBooks ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (670+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (4,300+ reviews)
6. Microsoft Project
Best for enterprise scheduling
Microsoft Project effectively manages complex projects. Its advanced scheduling capabilities, including resource leveling and critical path analysis, ensure optimal resource allocation and timely project completion.
Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem streamlines collaboration and data sharing. Its detailed reporting and customizable dashboards provide in-depth insights into any project’s performance.
Microsoft Project best features
- Ready-made templates for easy project initiation with best practices and standard project management methodologies
- Highlights resource availability and potential overburden for efficient workload distribution
- Comprehensive overview of all projects with portfolio management
Microsoft Project limitations
- Some users believe that Microsoft Project is outdated
- Some users also complain about its costly project plan pricing
Microsoft Project pricing
- Cloud-based solutions
- Project Plan 1: $10/month per user
- Project Plan 3: $30/month per user
- Project Plan 5: $55/month per user
- On-premises solutions
- Project Standard: $679.99 (one-time purchase)
- Project Professional: $1129.99 (one-time purchase)
- Project Server: Custom pricing
Microsoft Project ratings and reviews
- G2: 4/5 (‎1,615+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (‎1,870+ reviews)
7. Nifty
Best for Agile development and legal case management
Nifty brings your project team together in a collaborative platform. Project roadmaps, milestones, and team discussions are neatly organized for easy access.
Nifty provides seamless communication functions for clear project breakdowns and swift feedback. And with its built-in time tracking and reporting, you can monitor progress and identify potential roadblocks.
Nifty best features
- Track team milestones with details like name, description, start date, and due date
- Organize projects into folders based on criteria like departments, locations, or managers
- Assign different access levels to users, including owners, admins, members, and guests
Nifty limitations
- The dashboard interface doesn’t allow for custom automation
- Users lack access to native printing features
Nifty pricing
- Free
- Starter: $5.00/month
- Pro: $10.00/month
- Business: $16.00/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Nifty ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (430+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (‎415+ reviews)
8. Teamwork
Fit for client-focused project management
Need client collaboration? Teamwork provides dedicated client user access, customizable project management templates, and seamless communication channels. You can effortlessly track billable hours, generate invoices, and manage client feedback.
Whether you’re an agency or a client-facing team, Teamwork’s comprehensive portfolio management features simplify project planning and delivery and foster strong client relationships.
Teamwork best features
- Effortlessly track all work hours, distinguishing between billable and non-billable time. Get real-time insights into budget utilization and identify areas for improvement
- Access a range of built-in reports, including detailed breakdowns of budgets, personnel utilization, client metrics, and task completion
- Generate comprehensive Project Health and Utilization Reports with just a tap
- Gain valuable insights into team performance, productivity, and workload allocation
Teamwork limitations
- Users complain about the lack of program overviews, clunky usability
Teamwork pricing
- Free
- Deliver: $9.99/month per user (billed yearly)
- Grow: $19.99/month per user (billed yearly)
- Scale: Custom pricing
Teamwork ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (‎1115+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (‎855+ reviews)
9. Notion
Best with customizability
Notion is a versatile tool that goes beyond traditional project management. It’s a customizable workspace where teams can collaborate on notes, documents, tasks, and projects according to their unique needs.
With its flexible database structure and a wide array of templates, Notion adapts to any workflow. It is a valuable asset for teams seeking a highly adaptable and all-in-one solution.
Notion best features
- Customize views and filters to manage tasks with ease
- Create personalized labels, owners, and tracks to provide clear task updates
- Simplify task management with a user-friendly drag-and-drop feature
Notion limitations
- Performance may be slower with large databases or complex configurations
- Limited offline capabilities compared to similar products
- Native integration options are limited, necessitating workarounds or external tools
- Steep learning curve for new users
Notion pricing
- Free: Forever
- Plus: $8/month per member (billed yearly)
- Business: $15/month per member (billed yearly)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Notion rating and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (5,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
10. Zoho Projects
Works best for integration
For businesses already invested in the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Projects is a natural fit. It seamlessly integrates with other Zoho products, creating a unified platform for managing projects, tasks, customer relationships, and more.
When you set it up, Zoho Projects notifies you of critical tasks and their dependencies. It immediately shows any deviations between your planned and actual progress.
Zoho Projects best features
- Quick-access Gantt charts
- Supports versatile task management use cases
- Highly customizable workflows with project templates
- Easy task scheduling on calendars
- Integrates with various Zoho, Google, and Microsoft apps
- Task management apps (iOS 9.0+ and Android 4.1+)
Zoho Projects limitations
- Initial setup may be challenging
- Software customization can be time-consuming
Zoho Projects pricing
- Free: Up to three users
- Premium: $4/month per user (10-day trial)
- Enterprise: $9/month per user (10-day trial)
Zoho Projects ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (400+ reviews)
Elevate Your Project Management to the Next Level
In the life of a project manager, finding the right tools can make all the difference.
Countless project management hacks can be implemented with the right software to streamline processes and boost productivity.
The key is selecting a tool that fits your team’s needs and priorities. This tool should help you track, organize, and allocate resources, assign tasks, make project budgets, and plan projects effectively.
When comparing options, look for software that offers advanced reporting features at a comparable price. The best project planning and management tool should simplify your work, not complicate it. It should be easy to implement and enjoyable to use.
If you’re still unsure, consider ClickUp. ClickUp stands out for its wide range of features and customizable capabilities. It can also transform your workflow, making project management more efficient and your team more productive.
Sign up to ClickUp today to enhance your project management experience!