PM Tools Comparison 2026: Independent Reviews & Costs

Important features of a project management tool

The field of project management is very broad, and there are currently an enormous number of tools available. This brief overview highlights the most important features of a project management tool—which, of course, depend on your project management methods:

• Requirements management
• Project planning
• Task management
• Resource planning
• Communication and collaboration
• Project controlling
• Document Management
• Multi-project management
• Project Portfolio Management

Some tools limit themselves to very specific sub-areas, such as MeisterTask to task management. Other manufacturers try to build a software for all areas, e.g. Wrike.

You can read a detailed description and analysis of the most important features here.

How much do project management tools cost?

The cost of a tool depends directly on several factors:

• Range of functions
• Users
• Contractual commitment
• and indirectly, of course, from the quality.

Free products

However, many manufacturers also offer free freemium versions for entry-level users with few users or limited functionality.

Favorable solutions

The cheapest providers are around 5-10€ per user and month for a simple project management tool with task management and a simple timeline.

Solid project management tools

If you invest 15€-25€ per user per month, you usually get more features. For example, time tracking or comprehensive project planning with Gantt Chart are still included.

High quality or more comprehensive tools

In the range from 25€ upwards, project management tools start to make a claim as a comprehensive solution. With these tools, you can often map all of your company’s projects and plan and overview the portfolio.

A detailed overview of the costs for project management software and how much it costs to use it in an example can be found here.

What do you have to pay attention to when introducing new software?

Choosing a new project management tool is not witchcraft. But you should consider certain things when choosing. And, unfortunately, the number of these things is not so small.

Implementing a tool inevitably leads to internal effort and a learning curve for everyone involved. If you then realize after a few projects that various functions are not as desired or even the data storage does not comply with the European legal basis, you have a problem.

How can they proceed with the selection?

Due to the confusing situation on the project management software market, it makes sense in some cases to commission an external selection consultancy. Especially for larger companies, this is always the first choice when a new software is to be deployed. The software is often to be used as a new standard in the company/group and one does not want to afford a misstep.

If you prefer to make up your own mind, you need to inform yourself. What is the current market and what are potential solutions?

You can get a lot of opinions through search engines, blog articles, and manufacturer sites, and put in just as many hours of work. Do it yourself, it will be expensive, because you have to invest a lot of time. If an intern or a student assistant does this, the quality may be questionable.

pm-tools.info collects exactly this information and provides high quality tests and information for you.

Guide to choosing a project management tool

To make your work easier, a 7-step selection guidehas been created on pm-tools.info.

1. What is the starting point?
2. Who is the user and what features should the software have?
3. Specific requirements and restrictions
4. The long list
5. The short list
6. Testing
7. Obtain quotes and decide

You can find the detailed description of each of the above steps here.

Are you looking for external help with software selection or implementation after all?

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Have you already chosen a tool and are in the process of testing it? Now, expert advice can help with setup and training your team. Expert assistance and consulting services for most of the tools featured on pm-tools.info are covered in a series of articles on the top experts in software consulting .

The series of articles on the top experts for software consulting

Tools tested on pm-tools.info

Asana offers an affordable way to get started. In addition to solid task management, gamification elements add a bit of fun to your daily routine. To learn more about data privacy, check out the Asana Review.

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awork was developed in Hamburg and relies on data storage at locations in Germany. With its resource planning and robust time tracking features, the tool is well-suited for agencies. In the awork review , you can read about the challenges that can arise with international projects.

By the way:
10% off with code PMTOOLS10

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This tool is actually intended as a supplementary documentation tool, a wiki, or simply for storing meeting minutes. To learn how to plan projects, see the Confluence Review.

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The only tool that supports a project structure plan. In our test, this software for small and medium-sized businesses demonstrates that a lean solution can cover many project management functions. Read the detailed review of factro.

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InLoox has become known as a project management solution for Outlook. The tool, which focuses on traditional project management, now offers a cloud-based product in its portfolio: InLoox now! Find out what this powerful tool can do—beyond its integration with Outlook—in the InLoox Review.

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Whether as simple task management software with a Kanban board or with a timeline and resource planning, MeisterTask can be used in both small and large companies. You can get started with the free basic version. The accompanying mind-mapping tool simplifies brainstorming. In the MeisterTask Review , you can read all about data protection and the key features of this company based in the Alps.

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A solid task management tool that can effectively map out business processes as well as projects. Project planning with milestones isn’t its strong suit, but monday.com excels when it comes to team collaboration. Read more in the monday.com review.

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Many project managers know MS Project as a complex tool for traditional project planning. With MS Project for the web, Microsoft has created a very intuitive solution for new project managers. To learn how the tool covers the most important features while remaining easy to use, read the MS Project for the Web Review.

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Stackfield offers a tool that focuses on communication within the company and project. The combination with a solid task management enables the use in project management. The strengths lie in data protection and security; there are weaknesses in the area of project planning. The Stackfield test is available here.

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One of the market leaders in task management, with a focus on Kanban visualization. With its acquisition by Atlassian, Trello now offers, above all, more integrations. The software excels in its intuitive usability but has weaknesses in data protection if you prioritize server locations within the EU. The Trello Review explains why the basic version, in particular, is well-suited for startups.

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Are you looking for a comprehensive project management tool? Wrike offers solid, traditional project planning, task management with Kanban visualizations, and project monitoring. Portfolio planning and resource planning are also included. You can find out how much it costs in the Wrike review .

Project Management Software News

On pm-tools.info current news about different tools are presented regularly. This involves new functions, modified payment plans or even adjustments within the company itself.

Go directly to the news here.

How We Test
We evaluate each tool based on set criteria—feature set, task and project planning, data protection, value for money, and suitability for the respective target audience. We verify prices and features directly with the provider and include a date of the last update for each review.

Independent & transparent
There are no paid reviews. Links marked with * are affiliate links: We receive a commission if a purchase is made—at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our free content and does not affect our reviews.

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