In any Business organization, those who have worked on multiple Projects simultaneously have realized that managing it without a proper open source project management software is equivalent to a natural disaster. When it comes to working on multiple projects, a single bad step can ruin the work you’ve been doing for the past couple of months.
Those working on multiple projects at the same time have discovered that managing them without proper project management software is similar to a significant catastrophe.
Fortunately, now, small and large enterprises can have access to free and open source project management software without paying a single penny.
Looking for Project Management Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best project management tools.
Advantages of a Free and Open Source Project Management System
There are several advantages to using open-source project management software. Some of them are as follows:
1. Minimizes expenses
Open-source solutions are readily transferable and compressed; it takes less hardware power to carry out the tasks, which means less to no costs in equipment.
2. Better communication with clients
A well designed yet straightforward dashboard will help communicate project progress to your clients, thus making it more efficient for you and make you look professionally clean.
3. Management integration
Project management software uses technologies like a standard information model and web-based enterprise management. These high-end technologies enable companies to integrate and manage the work.
4. Outstanding scheduling
Monitoring milestones will become better, especially when each task assigned to different team members can be updated in real-time. That way, whenever one of the members gets free, you’ll know what the next job they need to be assigned without overburdening them with work.
5. Allows easy remote working
An open-source project management software can help boost remote work policy in your organization as all it requires to work through the software is just a reliable internet connection.
In this article, we have listed the top 12 free and open-source project management software that will help companies to get a competitive edge in the market.
Top Free/Open Source Project Management Software
Software #1: Asana
Asana is a free and open-source project management application that enables companies and ad agencies of any size, including freelancers, to manage tasks and projects. It is helpful for teams and companies that handle multiple projects at one time. It organizes everything from routine tasks to company goals all in one place. With Asana, companies can track their real-time progress.
Key features
- Automatic updates to emails and inbox
- Email bridge
- Get notifications and reminders
- Custom calendar and views
- Set company goals and priorities
Pros
- Teams can break down projects into milestones and tasks
- Ideal tool for both formal and informal communication
- Companies can delegate follow up tasks to the members of the team
Cons
- Might seem unfriendly to new users because of its intimidating graphics and interface
- Too many features, which are not useful for small groups or single projects
- Comes with limited exporting functionality like JSON and CSV formats
Pricing
For teams of up to 15 users, Asana is available for free. A free plan comes with basic dashboards, unlimited tasks, projects, and conversations. The premium plan starts at $10.99/user, which is billed monthly.
Software #2: Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is one of those open-source project management software that allows users to choose from its cloud-hosting or self-hosting options. It provides a platform for large and small businesses, even startups, to organize and track interactions with potential or existing clients and partners.
Key features
- Time management
- CRM report
- Recurring task management
- Sales funnel
- Calendar sharing
Pros
- Comes with stable, secure modules that allow manageable and secure connections
- Speeds up organizing and improve the entire business process
- Bitrix24’s library comes with WebDAV versions and other flexible features
Cons
- Beginners may find it challenging to understand the functionality of Bitrix24.
- The support team sometimes lags to provide the necessary support to their clients
- Its mobile app functionality is limited
Pricing
Bitrix24 comes with a free version and a free trial period. The paid version of Bitrix24 starts at $24.00 per month.
Software #3: Freedcamp
Freedcamp is ideal for companies that come in the category of small to medium-sized businesses. It has a fantastic user interface that displays a breathtaking design. Also, it offers unlimited project accounts to unlimited users with countless features. With all the help from Freedcamp in project management, it will be next to impossible not to find cracks easily that delays the operations.
Key features
- Time and expense tracking
- Kanban board
- Gantt charts
- Collaboration tools
- Customizable templates
Pros
- It has an impeccable bug tracker feature
- It is easy to set up and use
- Can help create custom fields and add a filtered view on them
Cons
- Not the right choice for large enterprises that are looking for more and advanced functionalities
- Its free version is too elementary to use
- Although it is an excellent choice for startups and freelancers, already setup companies may find it too basic
- The UI is not easy to follow
Pricing
Freedcamp comes with a free version and a free trial period. The paid version of Freedcamp starts at $1.49 per year, per user.
Software #4: GanttProject
GanttProject is a top-rated free project management software that is well known for its scheduling tool. Often compared with Microsoft Project, GanttProject has many features and complexities that allow quick structured scheduling for all the team members handling one or multiple projects.
Key features
- Resource load chart
- Generation of PERT chart
- PDF and HTML reports
- Create a work breakdown structure
- Task hierarchy and dependencies
Pros
- Its charting designs are excellent
- Can be used on multiple platforms
- Gantt chart helps in different grouping tasks
Cons
- GanttProject is too complicated for larger projects
- It is not regularly updated.
- Users may face minor bugs and some other issues
- GanttProject is inflexible
Pricing
GanttProject comes with a free version and a free trial period. The paid version of the GanttProject starts at $5.00 as a one-time payment.
Software #5: Trello
Trello is an open-source project management software that works on the principles of a Kanban system. For those who don’t know, the kanban system is all about lean scheduling that was popularly followed through in Japan’s manufacturing plants. In Trello, users can get to move representative task cards which will eventually help them manage in making a graphic representation of the development stages of the project.
Key features
- In-line editing
- An easy organization with labeling, tags, and comments
- Detailed & quick overviews of front/back cards
- Card records archive
- Easy, drag-and-drop editing
Pros
- Trello can be used on any screen size
- Its real-time updates are accurate and fast
- Adding a new member to the team is straightforward
Cons
- Trello does not support documents or wiki
- Trello does not have a Gantt chart
- Has limited keyboard shortcuts, and its keyboard productivity usage is restricted
Pricing
Trello has a free version and also a free trial to access if you are looking to check out its premium plan. The paid version costs around $12.50/month per user.
Software #6: 2-Plan
2-Plan is a popular and easy-to-use open-source project management software for project managers. 2-Plan is an enterprise-type management solution that offers three different programs with a web-based tool and several hosting options.
Key features
- Idea management
- Agile methodologies
- Time and expense tracking
- Milestone tracking
- Gantt charts
Pros
- It hits all the essential areas and provides excellent functionality
- Its Gantt view and time tracking feature are out of the ordinary
- It has a visible similarity to Microsoft Projects
Cons
- Companies need to pay extra to buy extra functionalities
- It does not come up with a cloud version
- Though it has an iPhone application, the Android app is yet to come for users
Pricing
2-Plan comes with a free version and a free trial period. The desktop version of 2-plan starts at $12.00 as a one-time payment, per user.
Software #7: GitLab
GitLab is a free and open-source project management platform. It is free. It helps the software developers to create and maintain codes collaboratively. The developers can deploy the application in the cloud or on-premise. GitLab provides a repository mirroring function that allows users to access a repository stored on another server.
Key features
- Collaboration tools
- Source control
- Code refactoring
- Git repository management
- Approval workflow
Pros
- GitLab provides a secure environment for its users
- It comes with a great file management system
- GitLab builds better code and branches powerfully with Create
Cons
- The user interface is hard to use and master
- GitLab lacks some enterprise-level features
- It uses the same Markdown engine everywhere
Pricing
GitLab comes with a free version and a free trial period. The paid version of GitLab starts at $4.00 per month, per user.
Software #8: OpenProject
OpenProject is the open-source project management tool, which supports the team throughout the entire life cycle of the project. Plan, direct, and interact effectively within the projects. The solution lets users collect ideas and define scope and deliverables for the project. Users may use the list view to break down job packets and deliverables into projects and activities. Users can view multiple projects in a single bar chart and point out project schedule changes.
Key features
- Supports classic and agile project management
- Bug reporting
- Meeting management
- Cost reporting
- Time tracking
Pros
- It can be used from any operating system
- It provides all the necessary tools to have control over the task
- It follows up until the end of the project
Cons
- It comes with limited tools and functionalities
- Less flexibility and hard to configure
- Technical knowledge required to install
Pricing
OpenProject is free for the community. Its cloud-based software charges $5.55 per member/month and its enterprise version charges $6.65 per member/month.
Software #9: OrangeScrum
OrangeScrum is easy and free and open-source project management software for enterprises of all sizes. OrangeScrum allows companies to organize multi-functional ventures, teams, and activities, such as Gantt charts, time log, Kanban view, daily catch-up, recurring tasks, project & task templates, invoicing, and more. It is an ideal choice for startups and medium-sized enterprises.
Key features
- Agile methodologies
- Resource management
- Recurring task management
- Multiple billing rates
- Time tracking
Pros
- Provides impressive features and add-ons to its users
- It has an easy to use interface in the initial period with a comfortable layout
- Gives a quick overview of task status and hours spent on a task
Cons
- Companies can see bugs in an old version of OrangeScrum
- Time tracking and user management features are not added to the base pack
- Limited functionality and features are available in the free version
Pricing
OrangeScrum comes with a free version and a free trial period. The paid version of OrangeScrum starts at $9.00 per month.
Software #10: ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is an open-source project management solution, which offers Microsoft Project desktop alternatives. It helps teams to work with multi-projecting and global resource pools and handle projects. It provides products comprising ProjectLibre Cloud and ProjectLibre enterprise mainly to sectors such as businesses, non-profits, and small agencies.
Key features
- Milestone tracking
- Agile methodologies
- Gantt chart
- PERT charts
- Earned value costing
Pros
- It is easy to use and cost-effective project management tool
- Helps its customers with videos and articles available online
- Handles task assignments and task scheduling with the utmost ease
Cons
- It is not made for newcomers
- The free version comes with minor glitches
- The user interface is outdated
Pricing
ProjectLibre offers a free version while its paid version starts at $1.00 per month. It does not provide a free trial.
Software #11: Tuleap
Tuleap is an open-source project management software with great features and a fantastic user interface. With Tuleap, teams plan releases, track tasks, and issues. Moreover, Tuleap helps in workflow automation, building quality code, and managing integration.
Key features
- Built-in risk management system
- Consolidate communication
- Track bugs
- Easy share of documents
- Create task boards on the fly
Pros
- The test module of Tuleap is straightforward to use
- Offers an excellent filter feature
- It is highly customizable and fits well with the team’s needs
Cons
- Does not offer many options for limiting its usage for teammates
- Tuleap does not provide easy integration
- Tuleap has weak cross-links between different projects
Pricing
Tuleap offers a free version while its paid version starts at $10.00 per month, per user. It does also offer a free trial.
Software #12: Phabricator
Phabricator is another open-source project management software that helps in managing tasks and sprints, reviewing code and much more. It is available in the cloud version and also options to help with self-hosting.
Key features
- Reporting analysis
- Bug tracking
- Task management
- Testing management
- Prioritization
Pros
- Publicly open about its coding for companies to study
- Fully-integrated set of tools for project development
- Helpful features for scheduling, graphics and tasks
- Easy to navigate through the software
Cons
- Phabricator community is not as active as other software communities
- Product names are confusing and difficult to understand
- Beginners find it challenging to start with Phabricator, as the interface is not initiative
Pricing
Phabricator comes with a free version. The paid version of Phabricator starts at $20.00 per month, per user.
Software #13: ClickUp
ClickUp is a free project management platform that creates one place for all your work. Visualize your projects any you want with over 10 task views and additional features such as Goals, Docs, Reminders, and Task relationships. With 1,000+ integrations and a robust feature set, ClickUp is customizable for teams of any size.
Key features
- 10+ Views such as Gantt Charts, Mind Maps, and Board view.
- Docs
- Time Tracking
- Email from within ClickUp
- Automation
- Dashboards
Pros
- Customizable for teams of all sizes
- Generous free version
- Robust Hierarchy
Cons
- Can be intimidating when first getting started.
- Not all features available on Mobile
- Can’t export Dashboards
Pricing
ClickUp’s Free Forever plan offers unlimited users and tasks with 100MB of storage space. The Unlimited Plan starts at $5 a month per user and gives you unlimited storage, views, integrations, dashboards, and the ability to invite other users as well as guests with permissions.
Following are few of the demand requirements of project managers in 2022 from project management solutions:
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All in one Project Management Software
Project management usually requires multiple functions. It should be in sync with the other applications, such as Employee management software, HR Software, CRM, etc.
Instead of using multiple applications for project management, it is most preferable to use agile project management solutions that reduce the complexities and serve all the functions at one place. It eradicates workflow confusion and manages the tasks without any hassle.
-
Task Management functionality
Task management is undoubtedly the most important project management function. It takes care of the management of tasks as a whole, which includes, proper assigning of tasks based on the skills of the workforce, allocation of resources, and collaboration with the other applications to make the best out of the single interface application.
Project managers seek a single application, which serves all the above purpose and allows them to work with smart capabilities and better communication. This helps in the overall increase in the operational efficiency of the organization.
-
Time tracking
The time tracking feature help tracks the total time spent on each task and update the project managers with real-time information. This help evaluate team performance, and time spent on each task, with feedbacks and ideas associated available at one place. The detailed evaluation report increases productivity overall.
-
Google Drive + Dropbox integration
The continuous uploading of large files over the server needs storage as good as to store all the information and also should be flexible enough to let the project manager share the information easily with the team members. The cloud storage of Dropbox and Google drive lets bring all the documents at a single place and make sure sharing and uploading are done without any hassle.
-
Gantt chart
Gantt charts are a pictorial representation of the tasks in progress. It represents the status of the tasks in the form of charts and graphs in a single timeline. It helps create dependencies between the tasks ensuring each task is well managed and completed on time by keeping the time track and sending reminders for the same.
-
Mobile Compatible software
With the world being on the move, the major requirement for any business is to have software that is flexible and can be accessed even remotely. Since most of the project workforce are on the field, they need to access the information remotely. However, having a laptop or tablet to check the status is not always possible. Hence, project Management Solutions should be flexible and compatible enough with the mobile device.
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Streamline contribution
Another important feature which the project manager seeks is the capacity to allow the workforce and employees to contribute with their inputs and get information at one place so as to seek the opinion of each and make the overall process better. With a common platform of discussion, inputs, and feedback, data can be accessed by anyone who is authorized and decisions can be made in all the transparency and considering all the facts.
-
Integration with calendar
The project management software should be easy to integrate with the google calendar so as to keep the track of important events, reminders and other dates through a mobile device. Deadlines are easy to track as Google calendar sends notification for each of the tasks on the mentioned dates and hence the work can be done more effectively.
Summing it up
Finding the right project management software, which will help cover all your requirements might seem like rocket science. Moreover, there is no perfect open source project management software that will suffice all the needs and that too within your budget. However, by investing time and doing proper research, you can buy software that is close to your expectations.
Go through all the above-mentioned project management software and analyze what they offer. If you have used any of this software, then let us know your experience in the comment section below.
Also, see a helpful project management guide for beginners
John Stone is a web entrepreneur and an Seo expert from Sydney. He believes in the notion that form should always follow function and that developing the ability to think outside of the box is a prerequisite of being a successful entrepreneur. He currently advises companies about Website Design in Sydney.
Interesting, will come back here later too.
We are glad to know that you liked it!
Great, Google took me straight here. thanks btw for info. Cheers!