Trello is a great platform, and for many can be a good starter into the world of task management.
However, depending on your budget and business requirements it is very possible that Trello might not be the best for you. Whether it is additional functionality, more flexibility or better pricing that you need, the good news is that there are lots of great Trello alternatives available.
In this article, we will introduce you to 20 of the best Trello alternatives. Each alternative tool has its own different features to consider to work out which Trello alternative is right for your business, your team, and your project.
What is Trello?
Trello is a web-based project management tool. Using a very visual interface, it allows people and teams to organize and track their tasks, projects, and workflows.
Trello is known for its simplicity and ease of use. Users can create boards, lists, and cards, resembling a virtual Kanban board, using a drag-and-drop functionality. In just a few clicks, you can move cards across lists, add due dates, checklists, and comments, assign tasks to team members, and attach files and documents. The Trello app is effective, but overall it is quite a lightweight platform that you can quickly outgrow.
However, Trello’s simplicity also restricts its functionality. Some teams may require more advanced features that are not available in Trello, which may lead to other tools being used or at least considered.
What app is better than Trello?
Tools like Trello offer users a simpler way of tracking tasks and managing processes efficiently. The way in which they do this varies between platforms, with each one offering different advantages and disadvantages. Below we provide a full list of Trello alternatives that you should consider alongside Trello.
Depending on what your organization plans on using task management software for, you might find that an alternative to Trello is better suited to your requirements. Some of the things to consider when looking through the options are:
User interface (UI)
- How your processes are visualized is one of the most important elements of a task management tool. Simplicity, intuitivity, and ease of navigation are a must.
Advanced features
- Advanced features like email integration, mobile accessibility, and task automation help to save time and streamline processes. Having dependent tasks and dynamic due dates is something that Trello struggles with.
Flexibility
- While ready-to-go templates can make life a whole lot easier, having the flexibility to customize your own workflows is a valuable addition. With Trello, your workflow path is fairly basic, so process management isn’t an easy option.
Pricing
- Trello pricing is based on tiers which ensures that you can choose the right plan for your budget and team, and that you’re not paying for features you don’t need. However, the paid version can quickly become expensive.
What is Trello not good for?
The common issues that users find with Trello are listed below, and you should be aware of these as you evaluate your options:
Trello is for basic projects only
- Trello works best for simple, linear workflows or projects. As soon as they become more complex, you’ll hit the limits of Trello.
Trello has limited views
- Trello is based around Kanban, and many managers need different views to get a real sense of progress, team workload and any blockers.
Trello doesn’t handle task dependencies
- This can be a major problem, as usually tasks are dependent on something else being done before the next task can proceed. If you need to also bring due dates into this equation, then Trello is not for you.
It’s not the best tool for Agile
- Kanban is a common approach to Agile, a development or project methodology using Sprints. To achieve this effectively, you’ll need additional Power-ups in Trello to cover roadmaps, daily stand-ups and iteration management – other platforms have these built-in.
Limited notifications customization
- Trello has limited notification customization, which can cause frustration among users. Definitely check this through with your team as you evaluate.
Limited security & permissions
- Depending on the complexity of your team or organization, you’ll need to ensure that access and editing permissions can be defined according to your organization’s policies.
20 Best Trello Alternatives 2023
What is the alternative to Trello? While Trello is a hugely popular tool, it might not be the best fit for every single project or team. Fortunately, there are plenty of other project and task management tools that offer different features and ways of working.
Take a look through our list of the top 20 Trello alternatives to gain a better understanding of which one is best for you.
1. Trello vs beSlick best for process & recurring schedules
Like Trello, beSlick users can create tasks using customizable boards, lists, and cards. However, the functionality is greater in terms of being able to assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress.
Although beSlick does not offer a free version like Trello, it is priced similarly but offers more functionality for teams.
Tiered pricing starting at $70/month, with a 14-day free trial.
Correct as of August 2023, current pricing here
Pros
- An uncluttered interface that’s easy to navigate and the ability to create personalized templates for complex workflows.
Cons
- No free version (but the basic version offers more features than other options).
2. Trello vs Asana best for projects
What is the difference between Asana and Trello task management? Well, Asana offers a much wider range of features and integrations. Where Trello offers simplicity, Asana focuses on customizable workflows, which makes it a popular choice for teams of all sizes.
However, Asana is significantly more expensive than Trello at $12 per user per month for the cheapest account option. So although it offers far more in terms of features, it also costs more.
Customizable views, progress tracking, multiple inbuilt communication platforms, and integration with third-party software. For more optios, check this list of Asana alternatives.
Asana is priced per user, costing $10.99pppm for the Premium version and $24.99pppm for the Business version. There’s also a free, lightweight version.
Pros
- A wide range of features and advanced integration with other teams and platforms.
Cons
- Some users find it difficult to get their head around Asana’s many features and sizable interface.
3. Trello vs Monday.com best for visual customisation
Monday.com provides a visually appealing interface, like Trello. However, it is a highly customizable tool with extensive collaboration options and custom workflows.
This makes Monday.com a versatile alternative to Trello, although but it is more expensive. at $12 per user per month.
Customizable dashboard, Gantt chart view, automation rules for process optimization, and a mobile app for on-the-go access.
Free for up to two users, with plans starting at $249 per month for more. Bigger businesses are quoted individually.
Pros
- Visual project management with a high level of flexibility.
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors.
4. Trello vs Wrike best for reporting
Wrike offers a more comprehensive approach to project management than Trello, boasting features such as Gantt charts, task dependencies, and real-time collaboration, making it an ideal choice for larger, more intricate projects and teams.
Despite its advanced features, Wrike’s pricing is comparable to Trello’s. However, this advanced functionality results in a more complicated user interface, which could impact team engagement. Consequently, this might influence the return on your investment.
Integration with popular tools, quarterly roadmaps, form management, and real-time collaboration. If you’d like to review more options, here is a list of Wrike alternatives.
There’s a free version for one user and a range of paid options starting at $9.80 per user per month.
Pros
- A comprehensive approach to project tracking and reporting. Wrike also offers advanced security and permission settings.
Cons
- Limited customization options, plus a relatively complex setup and onboarding process.
5. Trello vs ClickUp best for integrations
Unlike Trello, ClickUp combines customizable views, automation capabilities, and a user-friendly interface. It is a more comprehensive solution for project management than Trello.
However, ClickUp’s time-tracking feature is basic and the tool does not support integration with other tracking tools well.
Robust task management features, time tracking, customizable views, and goal tracking.
Free for one user with a $5 subscription for every additional user. Advanced plans are more expensive.
Pros
- Free for one user with a $5 subscription for every additional user. Advanced plans are more expensive.
Cons
- Occasional performance issues and a lack of effective customer support for all users.
6. Trello vs ProofHub for document proofing
ProofHub offers a unique feature that other Trello alternatives do not. Its built-in proofing tool streamlines the feedback and approval process, by allowing for editing and commenting of documents right in the interface.
However, Proofhub does not offer many other task management features, so is limiting for teams looking for a comprehensive Trello alternative.
Workflow creation, interactive Gantt charts, project templates, and time tracking.
Plans start at $45 for unlimited users, but with a cap on the number of projects allowed.
Pros
- Using the inbuilt proofing tool, users can annotate and provide feedback without having to move to a different tool.
Cons
- Might be too expensive for smaller businesses.
7. Trello vs Hive for employee engagement
Hive offers more in the way of integrations than Trello. It supports Microsoft Teams, Slack, emails, calendars, Google Data Studio, and more.
However, Hive does not offer many automation options compared to other Trello alternatives, like beSlick. So Hive may not be the right choice for teams looking to streamline and automate processes.
Email integration, progress reporting, task labelling and tags, and flexible project views.
Free for small teams of up to 10 users, then $12 per user per month.
Pros
- The communication functionality is seamless, encouraging teams to collaborate.
Cons
- Limited customization options and a steep learning curve for new users.
8. Trello vs Zenkit for intergrated file management
Zenkit offers flexibility in how it presents projects. Users can switch between lists, tables, Kanban boards, and more, while in Trello you can only view a project on a Kanban-style board.
While Zenkit integrates with popular tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zapier, the range of available integrations is not as extensive as Trello.
Search functionality, integration with popular file sharing apps, and alternative project views (e.g. mind maps).
Zenkit is free for personal use and $9 per user for the tier up. Business plans start at $25 per user.
Pros
- Great for visualizing workflows, with a selection of versatile and customizable views.
Cons
- Without paying for additional features, Zenkit’s standard interface might lack the functionality requirements for more complex workflows.
9. Trello vs MeisterTask for agendas
MeisterTask offers a Kanban-style task management system collaboration features, and integration capabilities make it an excellent alternative.
However, unlike Trello, MeisterTask’s functionality is heavily reliant on other integrations which means you will need multiple tools at once.
Standard task management features – assignees, due dates, checklist, and time tracking. MeisterTask also has a ‘task relationship’ feature.
A free ‘Basic’ plan that accommodates up to three projects, and paid plans from $12 per month.
Pros
- More automation options than some of the other Trello alternatives on this list.
Cons
- Limited reporting and customization options.
10. Trello vs Freedcamp for on a budget
Freedcamp offers a free plan, like Trello, but has more affordable paid plans.
However, Freedcamp’s customization options are more limited compared to some other Trello alternatives. While you can customize project boards and tasks, users are limited in terms of creating highly tailored workflows.
Discussion boards, issue tracking, file management, invoice creation, and Wiki document storage.
The basic plan costs $1.49 per user per month, making Freedcamp one of the cheapest Trello alternatives on the market.
Pros
- Freedcamp’s ‘Tasky’ feature hides tasks from other viewers, allowing users to keep tasks private.
Cons
- The interface isn’t as intuitive as it could be, which can put people off using it to its full potential.
11. Trello vs Kanbanize for Kanban boards
For more customization options, Kanbanize is a good option. The tool is a Kanban-based project management tool with more advanced customization options.
However, these features add complexity to the process and interface. So for teams with simple project requirements, Kanbanize may be overwhelming.
Flexible and interlinked Kanban boards, analytics and reporting, goal-setting framework, and progress tracking.
Plans start at $179 per month for a maximum of 15 users. Additional users will incur an extra cost.
Pros
- The Kanban-style board view makes it easy to monitor progress and identify bottlenecks within projects.
Cons
- Kanbanize is a fairly advanced project management tool, which shows in the pricing. It therefore might not be feasible for smaller organizations.
12. Trello vs ProWorkFlow for Xero integration
If more advanced time tracking is what your project needs, ProWorkflow is a good Trello alternative for you. This feature enables accurate time logging, facilitates resource allocation, and aids in generating precise reports.
ProWorkflow is more costly than Trello, though, with plans starting at $20 per month per user. For larger projects or teams, this is not cost-effective.
Customizable workflows, resource allocation, budget management, and time tracking.
ProWorkFlow’s ‘Professional’ plan is priced at $18 per user per month.
Pros
- The combination of time tracking and account software integration helps to streamline billing processes.
Cons
- ProWorkFlow’s ‘Professional’ plan is priced at $18 per user per month.
13. Trello vs Bitrix24 for managing communications
Bitrix24 is different from Trello as it combines project management with CRM functionalities in one platform. It allows businesses to manage leads, track customer interactions, and store customer data.
While Trello is a cloud-based tool, Bitrix24 also offers options to be cloud-based or on-premise deployment, which is vital for handling some data projects. However, the interface can be cluttered compared to Trello.
Work-time tracking, video call and conferencing capabilities, private and group chats, and lead management.
Paid plans start at around $495 per month, depending on the amount of features included.
Pros
- With such a comprehensive range of features, Bitrix24 is more of a business management tool than an individual task management one.
Cons
- Bitrix24’s top level functionality means it’s not as well designed for specialized workflows.
- Some users may find the interface complex at first, but the email integration certainly helps with employee engagement.
14. Trello vs Redbooth for video conferencing
Redbooth offers more reporting options than Trello. You can create customized reports to track project and task status as well as team performance.
Redbooth does integrate with popular tools, like Google Drive and Slack, but its integration options are not as extensive as other alternatives to Trello.
Task management, visual project timelines, file sharing, video conferencing, and productivity reports.
$9 per month, which increases if additional features are opted for.
Pros
- Redbooth’s infrastructure is scalable and agile, making it a great choice for growing teams.
Cons
- Time tracking tools can be integrated but there are none built into the platform already.
15. Trello vs Smartsheet best for reporting
Smartsheet, as its name might suggest, has a spreadsheet-like interface, which appeals to teams already familiar with Excel. Its user-friendly and simple interface helps with adoption and engagement rates across teams.
However, Smartsheet’s pricing is higher than Trello’s. Pricing is based on both the number of users and additional features, which can make it unfeasible for smaller teams or projects.
Forms and data collection, workflow automation, process ticketing, and advanced reporting.
Smartsheet offers a free plan with limitations on features, or it’s $7 per month for the step up.
Pros
- The intuitive dashboard system and data analysis capabilities.
Cons
- Limited options for customization and integration.
16. Trello vs TeamGantt best for visual timelines
TeamGantt specializes in Gantt chart-based project management. It visualizes project timelines, dependencies, and milestones using Gantt charts, which are perfect for scheduling.
Compared to Trello, TeamGantt is designed to handle more complex projects. This might mean that it is less suitable for small or simple projects as there are far more features to pay for and navigate around than needed.
Customizable project timelines and Gantt charts, collaboration tools, and third-party app integration.
Prices range from $19 to $99 per user per month.
Pros
- An intuitive and user-friendly interface that’s centered around visual planning.
Cons
- Not well suited to smaller teams or simpler projects.
17. Trello vs Airtable best for spreadsheet lovers
Airtable combines the flexibility of a spreadsheet with the power of a database. It offers customizable grids, kanban boards, and calendar views, to help teams track their work.
However, understanding how to create and configure tables, fields, formulas, and views can be complex and challenging. This may mean that you have issues getting all team members to engage as they find it too complicated.
Advanced report building, custom interfaces, data integration, and AI-generated tasks.
For smaller teams and solo workers, Airtable offers a free plan. For $10 a month, the paid plans offer additional features, like custom branded reports, integrations, and more.
Pros
- Data visualization and a wide range of available templates.
Cons
- Airtable is primarily a database tool, so it’s missing some of the project management functionality that other Trello alternatives have.
18. Trello vs Notion best for documentation
Is Trello better than Notion? Well Notion, unlike Trello, also works as a knowledge management tool. Users can create comprehensive documentation, wikis, and knowledge bases that are easy to edit and find.
However, for large projects with big databases, Notion is less reliable. Users report slower load times when navigating and editing complex pages or databases.
Product roadmaps, Wiki knowledge center, inbuilt note taker, and an inbuilt AI idea generator.
Notion offers a 7-day free trial and paid plans from $8 per month.
Pros
- AI-powered tools automate a lot of the grunt work of setting up new tasks, saving time and energy.
Cons
- Some users have experienced performance issues when integrating Notion with other apps or databases.
19. Trello vs Basecamp best for communication
Basecamp is similar to Trello in providing a streamlined interface with features like to-do lists, message boards, file sharing, and scheduling.
But Basecamp’s pricing structure is based on a flat fee per month, which is less flexible than Trello’s tiered pricing. So depending on your team size and the features needed, Basecamp may not be a cost-effective alternative to Trello.
File sharing and storing, message boards, project timelines, task creation and delegation, and Q&A sections.
Here is a list of more alternatives to Basecamp if you need them.
There’s a free plan for individual users or it’s $15 per user per month. Business plans start from $299 per month.
Pros
- Auto check-ins keep all team members up to date. Control over notification settings prevents user fatigue.
Cons
- The simple task management structure is missing a certain degree of flexibility.
20. Trello vs Todoist best for lists
Todoist offers a simple and intuitive interface to create, organize, and prioritize tasks. It allows users to add due dates, labels, and assign tasks to team members, making it easy to stay organized and track progress.
However, since Todoist’s primary focus is on task lists, it does not offer more visual views, like Trello’s Kanban board. So for teams that need or prefer a more visual representation of tasks, Todoist may not be the ideal choice.
Productivity visualizations, activity history, calendar and email integration, kanban boards, and recurring due dates.
Personal and starter plans are free, while the pro version costs $4 per month and the business plan is $6.
Pros
- Easy task and project organization, especially for recurring tasks.
Cons
- A lack of additional features and integration options.
- Unlike Asana and other alternatives in this list, Redbooth does not offer time tracking or budget tracking.
- You can integrate time tracking tools, but extra time and cost should be factored into this.
What Trello Alternative Tool Is Right For You?
Whether you prioritize collaboration, customization, or flexibility, these 20 alternatives to Trello offer a range of solutions for different teams and projects.
To choose the right tool for your business, you need to consider the specific requirements of your projects, workflows, and teams. For simple projects, Trello may be the best option with its simple interface and lack of features. But for more complex projects or tasks that need more features than Trello offers, your business will need to consider implementing another task management tool, like beSlick, to suit.
Using the information in our list, you can select the alternative that best aligns with your team’s goals and objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does anyone still use Trello?
- Yes, lots. It was a trailblazer, and the Power-ups available mean that it keeps evolving. However, many other alternatives are now available that offer wider functionality, an improved user interface or are better suited to your specific requirement. This list of Trello alternatives will help you make the right decision for your business.
What is better than Trello and free?
- Well, Trello has a free option that definitely covers the basics. Most of the other tools on this list also have a free version. However, if you’re expecting to boost team productivity it is usually worth investing in paid software, as the upgrades are more than worth it. Remember, saving just one hour of each user’s time a month will more than pay for the software they are using.
Is there a free Trello alternative?
- There are many, as above we’d recommend testing the different options but having an eye on what you would gain by going paid so that you know you won’t have to switch platforms as your requirements evolve.
Is Trello paid worth it?
- The limits of the Trello free version are 10 boards per workspace, limited storage, very limited views and restricted security features. Typically you’ll want unlimited boards, multiple views (such as calendar or dashboard) and these are only available in the paid versions.
What is better Trello or Asana or Monday?
- It really depends on what you need to use the platform for. All of these support Kanban to different degrees, if that is what is important to you. Asana and Monday both have additional features you should also consider. In our list above we cover this in more detail.
Is there a Microsoft tool like Trello?
- You can either integrate Trello with Microsoft Teams, or take a look at Microsoft Planner.
Is there a Google equivalent to Trello?
- Yes, you can take a look at Google Keep. It is quite limited, but always an option to consider if you are already using Google Workspace.
Is Trello paid worth it?
- Yes, as above the paid version brings a lot of benefits that you are likely to need to truly take advantage and achieve the productivity benefits you expect.
What is the competitor to Trello?
- All of the above! You can review the full list of Trello alternatives in this article and make a shortlist of what looks suitable for your organization. Then, you can trial each in that shortlist along with the rest of your team and make sure you have something that will evolve with your requirements and help you achieve your goals.
Alister Esam, Author of The Dirty Word and CEO at beSlick
Alister Esam is a successful entrepreneur and investor, having bootstrapped his fintech software business eShare to international status operating in over 40 countries and servicing 20,000 board directors, before successfully exiting to a multibillion-dollar organisation in 2018. He now invests in a variety of startups and on a global mission to make work, work.
