Top picks: free management software everyone should know about

Sabina Vardanashvili -

Managing projects efficiently is more important than ever, especially when budgets are tight. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy software to get your projects under control.

In 2025, there are plenty of great free project management tools that can help you keep your team organized, meet deadlines, and streamline your workflows. Whether you're a small business, a startup, or a team looking for cost-effective solutions, we've got you covered.

In this article, we'll explore the best free project management software available in 2025.

Trello

The app has been a favorite for years, thanks to its easy-to-use kanban board style. It's perfect for teams that want a simple, visual way to manage tasks and projects.

Key features

  • Drag-and-drop boards, lists, and cards.
  • Task assignments and due dates.
  • Integrates with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and more.
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Why it's great? Trello's intuitive design makes it ideal for teams that want to get started quickly. The free plan is more than enough for small to medium-sized projects.

Asana

Another well-known tool that offers powerful features to manage both simple tasks and complex projects. The free version comes with plenty of options to help teams collaborate and stay on track.

Key features

  • Task lists, boards, and calendar views.
  • Project timelines for tracking deadlines.
  • Task dependencies and subtasks.
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Why it's great? Asana is perfect if you need more than just a kanban board. Its flexibility makes it great for teams that manage multiple projects at once.

ClickUp

An all-in-one tool designed to replace several other apps. Its free plan includes tons of features, making it one of the most powerful options out there.

Key features

  • Multiple project views (list, board, Gantt, calendar).
  • Time tracking and goal setting.
  • Built-in docs, chat, and automation.
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Why it's great? If you want a project management tool that does it all without costing a dime, ClickUp is a solid choice. The free version gives you access to most of its best features.

Notion

A unique blend of project management and documentation. It's perfect for teams that want a space to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate in one place.

Key features

  • Fully customizable databases and templates.
  • Task boards, lists, and calendars.
  • Rich text editor for project documentation.
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Why it's great? Notion's versatility makes it ideal for teams that need both project management and a collaborative workspace. The free plan is great for small teams.

Wrike

Its free version is perfect for small teams that need robust project management features. An ideal option for marketing, creative, and IT teams looking to streamline their work.

Key features

  • Task management with custom workflows.
  • Real-time collaboration and file sharing.
  • Dashboards for tracking project progress.
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Why it's great? Wrike's free plan includes key features like task management and dashboards, making it perfect for teams that need visibility into their projects.

Airtable

The app combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with powerful project management features. If your team loves working with data, this tool is for you.

Key features

  • Customizable views (kanban, list, gallery).
  • Automation for repetitive tasks.
  • Integrates with apps like Slack, Mailchimp, and Zapier.
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Why it's great? Airtable's free plan offers a lot of flexibility, making it great for teams that need a more data-driven approach to project management.

Orchestra

An all-in-one workspace designed to streamline team communication and task management, combining essential tools into one platform for enhanced productivity.

Orchestra has got you covered, both in terms of communication and management

Key features

  • Integrated communication. Combines chat, voice, and video calls within a single platform, allowing for efficient context-switching between tasks and discussions.
  • Task management. Easily create and track tasks within conversations, ensuring seamless updates without the need for extra management tools.
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Why it's great? It's the most affordable yet powerful tool to manage all your work. Orchestra's 7-day free trial lets you explore every feature of the interface.

Choosing the right project management software can make all the difference in how smoothly your team operates. Thankfully, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great tool. The options listed above offer powerful features, even on their free plans.

Each tool has its strengths, so think about your team's unique needs and workflows. Whether you're a startup looking to scale or a small business trying to streamline processes, there's a free project management tool out there for you.