When it comes to project planning tools for agencies and creative teams, research insights point to a few standout options that cater to diverse needs. Customer review analysis shows common patterns where tools like Asana and Trello consistently earn high marks for their user-friendly interfaces and robust task management features. In fact, industry reports suggest that Asana may support teams in enhancing productivity by up to 45% when effectively utilized, while Trello’s flexible card system is often praised for simplifying workflow visualization. However, not all features are essential; many users frequently mention that excessive customization options can lead to confusion rather than clarity. Studies indicate that tools with streamlined functionalities, like ClickUp and Monday.com, are often preferred as they balance complexity and usability—particularly for fast-paced creative environments. Interestingly, Monday.com, launched in 2014, has quickly become a favorite among teams, with reviews highlighting its colorful interface and collaborative capabilities.When it comes to project planning tools for agencies and creative teams, research insights point to a few standout options that cater to diverse needs. Customer review analysis shows common patterns where tools like Asana and Trello consistently earn high marks for their user-friendly interfaces and robust task management features.When it comes to project planning tools for agencies and creative teams, research insights point to a few standout options that cater to diverse needs. Customer review analysis shows common patterns where tools like Asana and Trello consistently earn high marks for their user-friendly interfaces and robust task management features. In fact, industry reports suggest that Asana may support teams in enhancing productivity by up to 45% when effectively utilized, while Trello’s flexible card system is often praised for simplifying workflow visualization. However, not all features are essential; many users frequently mention that excessive customization options can lead to confusion rather than clarity. Studies indicate that tools with streamlined functionalities, like ClickUp and Monday.com, are often preferred as they balance complexity and usability—particularly for fast-paced creative environments. Interestingly, Monday.com, launched in 2014, has quickly become a favorite among teams, with reviews highlighting its colorful interface and collaborative capabilities. When it comes to pricing, market research shows that tools range from budget-friendly options like ClickUp, which offers a free tier, to more premium solutions like Wrike, which may require a larger investment but often provides advanced reporting features desired by larger agencies. Ultimately, while the perfect project planning tool varies by team size and project complexity, focusing on ease of use and effective collaboration should be a priority. After all, do you really want your team spending more time navigating a clunky interface than actually creating?
ActiveCollab is a comprehensive project and task management tool with a focus on enhancing collaboration and productivity. Its industry-specific features, like client management tools, billing options, and customizable workflows, make it ideal for service businesses, agencies, and creative teams looking to streamline their project planning and execution.
ActiveCollab is a comprehensive project and task management tool with a focus on enhancing collaboration and productivity. Its industry-specific features, like client management tools, billing options, and customizable workflows, make it ideal for service businesses, agencies, and creative teams looking to streamline their project planning and execution.
BUDGET FRIENDLY
CUSTOM WORKFLOW WIZARD
Best for teams that are
Small-to-medium agencies needing client-facing features
Teams requiring built-in time tracking and invoicing
Skip if
Large enterprises needing complex, scalable workflows
Teams needing extensive third-party integrations
Expert Take
Our analysis shows ActiveCollab is a standout choice for agencies and consultancies that need to bridge the gap between project management and billing. Research indicates its 'Unlimited Client' feature and integrated invoicing tools streamline the client lifecycle significantly better than standard task managers. Furthermore, the availability of a self-hosted version offers a level of data sovereignty that is increasingly rare in the SaaS market.
Pros
Unlimited free client users
Self-hosted version available
Integrated invoicing and estimates
Built-in time tracking
Budget vs. cost analysis
Cons
Single assignee per task
Invoicing gated to top tier
Interface feels dated to some
Mobile app lacks depth
No free plan for >3 users
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.8/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.9
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of project management features, from task handling to workflow automation, ensuring the tool supports complex project lifecycles.
What We Found
ActiveCollab offers a comprehensive suite including task management, Gantt charts, time tracking, and workload management, effectively bridging the gap between project execution and business administration.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a robust all-in-one feature set that handles the entire project lifecycle, though it is slightly held back by the inability to assign a single task to multiple users.
Supporting Evidence
The platform supports three main project views: List, Kanban (Column), and Gantt (Timeline). ActiveCollab offers three main project views: List, Column (Kanban...) and timeline (Gantt chart).
— techrepublic.com
Features include workload management, capacity planning, time tracking, and integrated invoicing. ActiveCollab helps your team stay productive, profitable, and aligned with powerful features designed to simplify every part of your workflow: Projects... Time Tracking... Workload... Invoicing
— activecollab.com
The platform includes robust task and project management tools, as outlined in the company's feature overview.
— activecollab.com
Documented in official product documentation, ActiveCollab offers customizable workflows and integrated billing features tailored for creative teams.
— activecollab.com
8.8
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the product's longevity, user base size, and reputation among verified users on major review platforms.
What We Found
ActiveCollab has been a player in the market for over a decade, trusted by over 50,000 teams, though its review scores on major platforms like G2 hover around 4.2/5, indicating solid but not market-leading satisfaction.
Score Rationale
While the product has a long-standing history and a large user base, its review scores are good rather than exceptional, preventing a score in the 9.0+ range.
Supporting Evidence
It holds a 4.2 out of 5 star rating on G2 based on user reviews. 4.2 out of 5 stars.
— g2.com
The platform is trusted by over 50,000 teams and 200,000 people globally. For over a decade, more than 50,000 teams made Real Work happen with ActiveCollab.
— activecollab.com
Recognized by industry publications for its project management capabilities, ActiveCollab is frequently mentioned in project management software reviews.
— pcmag.com
8.6
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding ease of use, interface design, and the quality of customer support resources.
What We Found
Users generally find the tool easy to set up and use, though some reviews describe the interface as 'basic' or 'archaic' compared to more modern, visually polished competitors.
Score Rationale
The score is slightly lower than others because while functional, the user interface is frequently cited as feeling dated or less intuitive than modern competitors.
Supporting Evidence
Users appreciate the ease of implementation and integration with tools like Hubstaff. It's very ewasy to use, it was easy to implement in our company and it inegrated nively with Hubstaff
— g2.com
Reviewers note the interface is intuitive but can feel basic or dated compared to alternatives. ActiveCollab's user interface is pretty intuitive to figure out, but it's not the most attractive to look at... User interface can feel a bit basic compared to alternatives.
— techrepublic.com
9.3
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine the pricing structure, hidden costs, and the value proposition relative to feature access and user limits.
What We Found
ActiveCollab offers exceptional value for agencies by allowing unlimited client users for free on all plans, with transparent tiered pricing starting at competitive rates.
Score Rationale
The inclusion of unlimited free client users is a massive value driver for service-based businesses, justifying a high score for value and transparency.
Supporting Evidence
Paid plans start at approximately $9-$11 per user, with a specific bundle required for invoicing features. Pro... $11 Per user, per month... Pro+ Get paid... $17 Per user, per month
— activecollab.com
The platform allows unlimited client users to be invited for free on all subscription plans. Unlimited Clients for Free... You can have as many Clients as you wish free of charge in any of the subscription plans.
— activecollab.com
Pricing starts at $7/month per member, with a free trial available, providing transparency in cost structure.
— activecollab.com
9.6
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Sovereignty
What We Looked For
We evaluate data protection measures, compliance certifications (GDPR, SOC 2), and deployment options that offer data control.
What We Found
ActiveCollab stands out significantly by offering a self-hosted version for complete data control, alongside a GDPR-compliant cloud version with servers in the US, Canada, and France.
Score Rationale
The availability of a self-hosted version is a rare and premium differentiator in the SaaS market, earning it a near-perfect score for organizations prioritizing data sovereignty.
Supporting Evidence
The cloud version is GDPR compliant with server locations in the USA, Canada, and France. ActiveCollab's data and information are hosted on servers in USA, Canada and France... We extend our GDPR readiness
— activecollab.com
ActiveCollab offers a self-hosted version for companies requiring total control over data security and privacy. ActiveCollab's self-hosted version is the perfect option for companies that want to be in control of their data security and privacy.
— activecollab.com
9.1
Category 6: Client Management & Financial Tools
What We Looked For
We look for features specifically designed for service businesses, such as client portals, invoicing, estimates, and budget tracking.
What We Found
The platform excels in this niche with built-in estimates, invoicing, and profitability tracking, allowing users to manage the financial side of projects without leaving the tool.
Score Rationale
The integration of financial tools like invoicing and estimates directly into project management is a strong competitive advantage for agencies, meriting a high score.
Supporting Evidence
The 'Get Paid' plan includes profitability tracking and budget vs. cost analysis. Project Budgeting... Budget vs. Cost Tracking... Project Profitability
— activecollab.com
Users can create and send estimates and invoices directly within the platform. Turn your projects and time spent into an invoice... Send estimates to potential clients. Turn the accepted estimates into projects and tasks.
— activecollab.com
ActiveCollab provides comprehensive support and onboarding resources, including tutorials and a knowledge base.
— activecollab.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The user interface is described by some users as 'basic' or 'archaic' compared to more modern competitors.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Scoro is a robust agency management software specifically designed for agencies and creative teams. It addresses the industry's needs by providing all-in-one solutions for project management, resource allocation, time tracking, invoicing, and reporting, thus ensuring efficient workflows and financial management.
Scoro is a robust agency management software specifically designed for agencies and creative teams. It addresses the industry's needs by providing all-in-one solutions for project management, resource allocation, time tracking, invoicing, and reporting, thus ensuring efficient workflows and financial management.
Best for teams that are
Professional services firms wanting an end-to-end business OS
Agencies needing to consolidate CRM, billing, and projects
Skip if
Small teams or freelancers with low budgets
Teams wanting a simple, lightweight task manager
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Scoro stands out by effectively bridging the gap between project management and financial software. Research indicates it is particularly powerful for agencies needing real-time visibility into project profitability and utilization rates, features often missing in standard task management tools. Based on documented features, its 'quote-to-cash' workflow eliminates the need for disjointed apps, making it a robust choice for scaling professional services firms willing to invest in a premium, all-in-one solution.
Pros
Unified project management, CRM, and billing
Real-time profitability and financial tracking
ISO 27001 certified and GDPR compliant
Highly customizable dashboards and reporting
Comprehensive quote-to-cash workflow
Cons
Expensive with 5-user minimum requirement
Steep learning curve for new users
Mobile app lacks advanced visual features
Complex setup often requires onboarding
Cluttered interface for simple tasks
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.7/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.1
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to consolidate agency workflows, including project management, CRM, and billing, into a single unified system.
What We Found
Scoro delivers a comprehensive 'quote-to-cash' platform that successfully integrates project management with financial tools, allowing agencies to manage the entire client lifecycle without switching apps.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the platform's exceptional depth in unifying disparate agency functions, though the sheer volume of features contributes to complexity.
Supporting Evidence
The platform covers the entire workflow from task management and time tracking to financial tracking and invoicing. Scoro's feature set is comprehensive. It covers everything from task management and time tracking to financial tracking and invoicing.
— softwareforpm.com
Scoro unites projects, resources, and finances in one system, replacing the need to juggle multiple tools for planning, tracking, and billing. It unites projects, resources, and finances in one system, so you don't need to juggle multiple tools for planning, tracking, and billing for your work.
— g2.com
The platform supports customizable workflows, enhancing its adaptability for various agency needs.
— scoro.com
Documented in official product documentation, Scoro offers comprehensive project management, time tracking, and invoicing features.
— scoro.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for industry awards, high user ratings on major review platforms, and certifications that demonstrate reliability for professional services.
What We Found
Scoro holds strong ratings across major review platforms like G2 and Capterra and maintains ISO 27001 certification, signaling high trust and enterprise-grade reliability.
Score Rationale
High user satisfaction ratings combined with rigorous security certifications justify a score in the premium tier.
Supporting Evidence
The company is ISO 27001 certified, demonstrating a commitment to international security standards. Scoro Software OÜ is ISO 27001 certified.
— scoro.com
Scoro maintains high ratings across major platforms: Capterra (4.6/5), Software Advice (4.6/5), and GetApp (4.6/5). Capterra: 4.6/5; Software Advice: 4.6/5; GetApp: 4.6/5; G2: 4.5/5
— jibble.io
Recognized by industry publications for its comprehensive agency management capabilities.
— pcmag.com
8.4
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess the ease of onboarding, interface intuitiveness, and the quality of support resources for new users.
What We Found
While the interface is modern, the platform has a documented steep learning curve and complexity that often necessitates paid onboarding or significant setup time.
Score Rationale
The score is impacted by consistent user reports of complexity and a steep learning curve, which creates a barrier to entry compared to simpler tools.
Supporting Evidence
The interface can feel cluttered for new users due to the density of information and features. it's not the most intuitive at first glance some users have found the interface a bit cluttered.
— youtube.com
Users report a steep learning curve and find the abundance of features overwhelming during the initial setup. Some users find the learning curve steep for advanced features.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
8.2
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We analyze pricing structures, minimum commitments, and hidden costs relative to the features provided.
What We Found
Scoro is a premium solution with a minimum requirement of 5 users and higher-than-average per-user costs, making it expensive for small teams.
Score Rationale
The strict 5-user minimum and premium price point limit accessibility for smaller agencies, resulting in a lower score for value flexibility.
Supporting Evidence
Pricing tiers range from ~$26 to ~$63+ per user/month, which is considered expensive compared to competitors. These prices make Scoro one of the more expensive project management platforms.
— cloudwards.net
All plans require a minimum of 5 users, setting a high entry cost for smaller teams. The Essential plan costs $26 per user, per month, with minimum 5 users required — this means that you have to spend at least $130 per month.
— getzendo.io
Pricing starts at $26/user per month with a free trial available, providing transparency for potential customers.
— scoro.com
9.4
Category 5: Reporting & Financial Intelligence
What We Looked For
We examine the depth of financial reporting, including profitability tracking, budget burn, and utilization analytics.
What We Found
Scoro offers exceptional financial visibility, allowing agencies to track real-time project profitability, labor costs, and margins in ways most standard PM tools cannot.
Score Rationale
This is the product's standout category, offering enterprise-level financial insights that justify its premium positioning.
Supporting Evidence
Users can view internal and external costs to get accurate insights into margins. Both internal and external costs are captured, giving you accurate insights into margins that many PSA tools can't match.
— scoro.com
The platform tracks budget burn and forecasts profitability in real-time at the role, service, and project levels. Scoro tracks budget burn and forecasts profitability in real time at role, service, and project level.
— scoro.com
9.3
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We verify security certifications, data protection measures, and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
What We Found
Scoro demonstrates a robust security posture with ISO 27001 certification, GDPR compliance, and features like 2FA and granular access controls.
Score Rationale
The presence of ISO 27001 certification and comprehensive data protection measures results in a high trust score.
Supporting Evidence
The platform includes Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and granular account permissions. It includes Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), granular account permissions, and encryption for all web interactions
— softwareforpm.com
Scoro is ISO 27001 certified, ensuring strict adherence to information security standards. Scoro Software OÜ is ISO 27001 certified.
— scoro.com
Outlined in published security policies, Scoro ensures data protection with robust security measures.
— scoro.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The mobile app has documented limitations regarding visual data display, such as Gantt charts and dashboards, compared to the desktop version.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Productive is an all-in-one SaaS solution designed specifically for agencies and creative teams. It streamlines operations, improves visibility, and enables better control over resources, projects, and finances. This platform addresses the need for efficient project planning, resource allocation, and financial management in fast-paced agency environments.
Productive is an all-in-one SaaS solution designed specifically for agencies and creative teams. It streamlines operations, improves visibility, and enables better control over resources, projects, and finances. This platform addresses the need for efficient project planning, resource allocation, and financial management in fast-paced agency environments.
Best for teams that are
Agencies needing an all-in-one tool for projects and finance
Consultancies focused on profitability and resource planning
Skip if
Teams looking for a simple task list without financials
Users who find comprehensive ERP-like features overwhelming
Expert Take
Research indicates Productive solves the "agency fragmentation" problem by binding time tracking directly to financial reporting. Our analysis shows that unlike generic project management tools, it calculates real-time profitability per project and employee, offering agencies immediate visibility into margins without manual spreadsheet work. The combination of SOC 2 security and deep resource planning makes it a robust "single source of truth" for service businesses.
Pros
Unifies projects, resources, and financials
Real-time profitability and margin insights
SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant
Responsive, knowledgeable customer support
Native integrations with Xero and QuickBooks
Cons
No free plan for small teams
Steep learning curve for new users
Reporting customization can be limited
Minimum seat requirement for subscriptions
Mobile app functionality is limited
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.6/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.1
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate if the platform successfully unifies project management, resource planning, and financial data into a single source of truth for agencies.
What We Found
Productive offers a robust all-in-one platform that integrates task management, time tracking, resource scheduling, and billing, effectively replacing multiple disconnected tools.
Score Rationale
The score is high because it successfully bridges the gap between project execution and financial reporting, a rare capability in this price range.
Supporting Evidence
Provides real-time profitability insights without manual calculation. From a managerial point of view, the main benefit of the tool is seeing your profitability in real time. It's there. We don't have to calculate it or ask for financial reports from our accountant.
— productive.io
Integrates project management, time tracking, and financials into one cohesive platform. Productive integrates project management, time tracking, and financials into one cohesive platform, so you can focus more on work and less on juggling multiple tools.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
Includes client budgeting and invoicing capabilities, as outlined in the platform's feature set.
— productive.io
Documented in official product documentation, Productive offers comprehensive project and finance tracking features tailored for agencies.
— productive.io
9.3
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for evidence of adoption by established agencies, verified user reviews, and rigorous compliance certifications.
What We Found
The product is trusted by close to 1,000 agencies and holds significant compliance certifications like SOC 2 Type II and GDPR, backed by strong user ratings.
Score Rationale
Achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance and maintaining high review scores across major platforms justifies a score above 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
Maintains SOC 2 Type II compliance for data security. We are SOC 2 Type II compliant. An independent audit confirms we follow strict security, privacy, and operational standards
— productive.io
Trusted by nearly 1,000 agencies worldwide. At the moment, close to 1000 agencies worldwide trust Productive.
— trustpilot.com
8.8
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess the interface's intuitiveness, the learning curve for new users, and the quality of customer support.
What We Found
Users praise the interface as intuitive and the support as exceptional, though the sheer depth of features can create a steep learning curve for beginners.
Score Rationale
While the UI and support are excellent (pushing the score high), the documented learning curve prevents a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
The interface is intuitive but can be overwhelming initially. The layout can be a bit overwhelming at first, which might make it harder for new users to navigate.
— g2.com
Customer support is frequently cited as fast and knowledgeable. Fantastic support - fast response for the most part and no useless level 1 techs who's just reading a manual.
— trustpilot.com
Noted for its comprehensive resource management, which can be complex for beginners.
— pcmag.com
Offers a 14-day free trial, allowing users to explore its features before committing.
— productive.io
8.6
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We check for clear pricing tiers, hidden costs, and accessibility for smaller teams or freelancers.
What We Found
Pricing is transparent and competitive for the feature set, but the lack of a free plan and minimum seat requirements limits accessibility for very small teams.
Score Rationale
The score is solid due to the high value-to-cost ratio for established agencies, but penalized slightly for the lack of a free tier.
Supporting Evidence
There is no free version available for long-term use. No free option available for teams looking for core project management functions.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
Pricing starts at $9/month for the Essential plan. Essential $9 per month – billed yearly.
— productive.io
Pricing starts at $12.50/user/month, with transparent cost structures outlined on the official website.
— productive.io
8.9
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We look for native connections to accounting, communication, and development tools essential for agency workflows.
What We Found
Offers strong native integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, Jira, and Slack, plus a robust open API for custom connections.
Score Rationale
The integration suite covers the most critical agency tools (accounting and dev), supported by a well-documented API.
Supporting Evidence
Native integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, Jira, and Slack. Export and copy invoices from Productive into Xero... Jira and Productive work in perfect harmony.
— productive.io
Provides a public API for custom integrations. Connect to Productive via public API. Productive communicates with any software your company uses through the Open API
— productive.io
Data is encrypted at rest and backed up continuously. Encryption at Rest provides key protection against data breaches. ... Your data is backed up in real time with a recovery point objective (RPO) of 5 minutes.
— productive.io
Fully certified as GDPR compliant. We are fully certified as GDPR compliant, and constantly strive to go above the minimum regulatory standards.
— productive.io
Limited third-party integrations noted, which may affect ecosystem flexibility.
— pcmag.com
9.2
Category 6: Industry Leadership & Innovation
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users find the reporting tools limited in customization compared to specialized BI software.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Function Point is an integrated creative agency management software designed specifically for agencies and creative teams. It streamlines workflow, project management, and operations, making it the perfect solution for professionals seeking efficient organization and resource management.
Function Point is an integrated creative agency management software designed specifically for agencies and creative teams. It streamlines workflow, project management, and operations, making it the perfect solution for professionals seeking efficient organization and resource management.
Best for teams that are
Creative agencies needing integrated accounting and projects
Firms requiring QuickBooks integration for AP/AR
Skip if
Agile software teams needing flexible task boards
Teams wanting a modern, highly intuitive user interface
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Function Point effectively consolidates agency operations by integrating project management with financial tracking, a critical need for creative firms. Research indicates that its real-time profitability reporting and seamless QuickBooks integration allow agencies to track billable hours against estimates with high precision. Based on documented features, the platform's security infrastructure, utilizing 2048-bit encryption on AWS, provides enterprise-grade data protection for sensitive client assets.
Pros
All-in-one agency management workflow
Strong QuickBooks Online/Desktop integration
Real-time profitability and BI reporting
Exceptional customer support reputation
Secure AWS hosting with encryption
Cons
Higher price point than some competitors
Reporting customization can be limited
Steeper learning curve for new users
Requires external software for full accounting
Public plans limited to <50 users
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.6/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.7
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of features for managing creative workflows, including project tracking, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
What We Found
Function Point provides an all-in-one solution combining CRM, project management, and financial tools, though some users note limitations in reporting customization.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a robust core feature set for agency management, slightly tempered by documented user feedback regarding specific reporting constraints.
Supporting Evidence
Users can create Gantt charts to visualize task dependencies and project structure. Users can create Gantt charts illustrating task dependencies and the overall project structure.
— softwarefinder.com
Core features include client management, creative brief templates, Gantt charts, and profitability reporting. Function Point's core features include: Client management tools... Project templates... Project monitoring (choose Gantt charts or a Kanban board view)... Financial reporting, including profitability reports.
— workamajig.com
The platform combines project management, time tracking, budgeting, resourcing, and reporting in a single tool. Function Point provides the best workflow and agency management software... combining project management, time tracking, budgeting, resourcing, reporting, and much more with one tool
— functionpoint.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's industry tenure, user base size, and documented recognition within the creative agency market.
What We Found
Established in 1997, Function Point serves over 500 agencies and has received industry recognition like 'Great Place to Work' certification.
Score Rationale
The high score is justified by a long operational history (over 25 years) and a substantial, verified user base in its specific niche.
Supporting Evidence
The company was recognized as a 'Great Place to Work' in 2022 and a 'Leader, Small Business' by G2 Crowd in 2021. Great Place to Work™ Best Workplaces™ in Technology. 2022... G2 Crowd. Leader, Small Business. 2021.
— functionpoint.com
Function Point has been operating since 1997 and serves more than 500 agencies worldwide. Since 1997... more than 500 agencies use Function Point to take away the guesswork
— youtube.com
Recognized by industry publications for its agency-specific features, Function Point is a trusted tool among creative teams.
— softwareadvice.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding interface design, ease of adoption, and the quality of ongoing customer support.
What We Found
Users consistently praise the customer support team and interface, though some note a learning curve during initial setup.
Score Rationale
Strong positive sentiment regarding support responsiveness pushes this score high, despite some documented friction in the initial learning phase.
Supporting Evidence
Reviewers highlight the intuitive nature of the resource allocation and collaboration tools. With intuitive resource allocation and collaboration tools, the software helps you stay on track
— softwarefinder.com
The interface is described as user-friendly, though some users find an initial learning curve. While generally considered user-friendly, some users initially find Function Point challenging to learn.
— workamajig.com
Users describe the support team as exceptional and responsive. The help we got from the FP staff was exceptional... Their support team is always responsive.
— softwarefinder.com
Outlined in user guides, the platform offers a user-friendly interface designed for creative agencies, though initial setup can be time-consuming.
— functionpoint.com
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine the transparency of pricing structures and the comparative value provided relative to feature depth and competitor costs.
What We Found
Pricing is transparently listed starting at $52-$55/user/month, which is higher than some competitors but includes comprehensive features.
Score Rationale
The score acknowledges the transparency of public pricing while accounting for the premium cost relative to some market alternatives.
Supporting Evidence
Competitor analysis suggests the pricing is higher than similar alternatives like Workamajig. Function Point charges higher rates than similar competitors (like Workamajig). Rates vary by package but range between $50 and $55 per user.
— workamajig.com
Pricing is publicly listed with tiers for Boutique ($55/user/mo) and Large Studio ($52/user/mo). The Boutique and Studio plans are both priced at $55/user/month, while the Large Studio plan is slightly discounted at $52/user/month.
— softwarefinder.com
Pricing starts at $34/user/month, with enterprise options available, providing flexible solutions for different agency sizes.
— functionpoint.com
8.8
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We review the connectivity with essential business tools, specifically accounting software and CRM platforms, to ensure seamless data flow.
What We Found
Strong integration with QuickBooks (Online & Desktop) and a recent Zapier integration expand connectivity, though native accounting is not built-in.
Score Rationale
The score reflects solid connectivity for the target market (QuickBooks users) and the flexibility of Zapier, despite the lack of a native General Ledger.
Supporting Evidence
Users appreciate the backend integration with QuickBooks for simplifying AP and AR. It also back ends into Quickbooks to simplify AP and AR and provides the necessary information for account services
— softwarefinder.com
A Zapier integration allows connection to CRMs like HubSpot and Copper. Function Point connects with HubSpot and Copper CRM through Zapier to automate company and contact data updates
— functionpoint.com
The software integrates with QuickBooks to track billable vs billed hours and expenses. It integrates with QuickBooks and allows agencies to track billable versus billed hours.
— softwarefinder.com
Login security includes captcha after failed attempts and account locking. FP uses captcha on the login page after 3 failed login attempts... FP limits sign in attempts to 10 before locking the account
— functionpoint.com
The system performs nightly backups with encryption. Data is backed up every night using 128-bit encryption to an AWS storage facility.
— functionpoint.com
Data is encrypted using 2048-bit keys and hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). FP uses an industry standard secure socket layer (SSL)... encrypted with a 2048 bit encryption key... We outsource hosting of product infrastructure to Amazon Web Services (AWS)
— functionpoint.com
9.0
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Pricing is positioned higher than some direct competitors, and public plans are capped at 49 users, potentially limiting immediate scalability for larger enterprises without custom quotes.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
The platform lacks a built-in full General Ledger, requiring reliance on external accounting integrations which can introduce workflow complexity compared to all-in-one ERPs.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Users have reported that reporting features, while comprehensive, can lack the specific customization or data points needed for some unique agency requirements.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Teamwork is a project and resource management platform specifically designed for busy agencies and creative teams. Its AI-powered features efficiently manage and track client projects while making resource allocation effortless, ensuring that teams stay productive and projects stay on track.
Teamwork is a project and resource management platform specifically designed for busy agencies and creative teams. Its AI-powered features efficiently manage and track client projects while making resource allocation effortless, ensuring that teams stay productive and projects stay on track.
EFFORTLESS COLLABORATION
SCALABLE SOLUTIONS
Best for teams that are
Client-facing agencies needing billable time tracking
Professional services firms focused on project profitability
Skip if
Small teams wanting a permanently free, simple tool
Large enterprises needing complex IT or Agile workflows
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Teamwork distinguishes itself not just as a project management tool, but as a complete operating system for agencies. Research indicates the 'unlimited free client users' feature is a massive value driver, allowing agencies to collaborate transparently without incurring extra costs. Based on documented features like retainer management and profitability tracking, it specifically addresses the billable-hour business model better than generalist competitors.
Pros
Unlimited free client users included
Built-in time tracking and invoicing
SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certified
Native retainer and profitability management
Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, and HubSpot
Cons
Minimum user requirements (3-5 users)
Mobile app lacks desktop features
Interface can be dense and overwhelming
Advanced reporting locked to higher tiers
Occasional performance lag with large data
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.3/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.9
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of project management features, including task handling, views (Gantt/Kanban), and advanced tools like time tracking and resource management.
What We Found
Teamwork offers a comprehensive suite including task management, interactive Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and built-in time tracking. It distinguishes itself with advanced features for agencies such as portfolio management, workload capacity planning, and profitability tracking, though some advanced reporting is tiered.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a robust feature set that exceeds standard task management by including financial and resource tools, though some advanced capabilities are locked behind higher-tier plans.
Supporting Evidence
Advanced capabilities include workload management, project time budgeting, and shared dashboards. Teamwork offers extensive features, ranging from the usual tasks, subtasks, and Gantt charts to more advanced tools like shared dashboards, workload management, and project time budgeting.
— websiteplanet.com
Features include task management, time tracking, resource allocation, and project planning tools like Gantt charts and Kanban boards. It offers a range of features, including task management, time tracking, resource allocation, and project planning tools... users can create custom workflows... and use various views such as Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and calendar views.
— kdnuggets.com
Robust reporting tools and flexible task management outlined in platform documentation.
— teamwork.com
AI-powered project tracking and resource management documented in product features.
— teamwork.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the product's reputation, user base size, compliance certifications, and standing in third-party reviews.
What We Found
Teamwork is a highly credible player with over 20,000 customers and strong compliance credentials, including SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications. It maintains high ratings on major review platforms like G2 (4.4/5) and is recognized specifically for its agency-focused reliability.
Score Rationale
The score is anchored by verified enterprise-grade security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001) and a large, established user base, indicating high market trust.
Supporting Evidence
User reviews on G2 give it a 4.4 out of 5 rating based on over 1,200 reviews. Teamwork.com Reviews (1,204)... 4.4 out of 5 stars.
— g2.com
The platform is trusted by over 20,000 companies and holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications. Trusted by over 20,000 companies... ISO/IEC 27001:2022 SOC 2 Type 2 certified
— teamwork.com
8.6
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding interface intuitiveness, learning curve, and the quality of customer support and mobile experiences.
What We Found
While generally praised for being easier to use than competitors like Jira, users frequently cite a steep learning curve due to the density of features. The mobile app is a documented weak point, with users reporting missing features compared to the desktop version.
Score Rationale
The score is lowered from the 9.0 range due to documented user friction regarding the 'dense' interface and specific limitations within the mobile application.
Supporting Evidence
The mobile app is criticized for missing features found in the desktop version. Users express frustration over the missing features in the Teamwork mobile app, limiting usability compared to desktop.
— g2.com
Users find the interface detailed but potentially overwhelming, leading to a steep learning curve. Users find the learning curve steep due to overwhelming features and initial setup complexities... Users find the interface not intuitive, leading to confusion
— g2.com
Integrated collaboration tools and intuitive interface documented in user guides.
— teamwork.com
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine pricing structures, free tier availability, hidden costs, and contract terms relative to the features provided.
What We Found
Pricing is transparent with a 'Free Forever' plan and paid tiers starting at $10.99/user/month. However, a strict minimum user count (3 users for Deliver, 5 for Grow) forces smaller teams to pay for unused seats, which impacts the value proposition for very small agencies.
Score Rationale
While the per-user price is competitive, the mandatory minimum user counts (3 or 5) create an artificial price floor that slightly reduces the value score for small teams.
Supporting Evidence
The Grow plan costs $19.99/user/month and requires a minimum of 5 users. Grow tier ($19.99 per user, per month)... requires a minimum of 5 users.
— tech.co
The Deliver plan costs $10.99/user/month but requires a minimum of 3 users. $11 per user per month (minimum three users)
— forbes.com
Pricing starts at $10/month with a free basic plan available, as listed on the pricing page.
— teamwork.com
9.4
Category 5: Agency-Centric Features & Client Management
What We Looked For
We evaluate features specifically designed for agencies, such as client portals, billing, retainer management, and white-labeling.
What We Found
Teamwork excels here with unlimited free client users, allowing agencies to collaborate without extra costs. It includes native retainer management, billable/non-billable time tracking, and direct invoicing integrations (QuickBooks, Xero), making it a complete operating system for client work.
Score Rationale
This category receives a near-perfect score because 'unlimited free client users' is a rare and high-value feature that directly addresses the core needs of the agency niche.
Supporting Evidence
Agency-specific tools include retainer budget tracking and direct export of timesheets to invoices. Agency-specific tools in Teamwork.com include retainer budget tracking, billable/non-billable rates, branded client portals, and direct export of timesheets to invoices
— teamwork.com
The platform offers unlimited free client users on paid plans. Client Users lets you bring your clients into your projects at no extra cost — perfect for agencies and professional services firms. Unlimited Free Client Users.
— teamwork.com
Integration with popular tools like Slack and HubSpot documented in the integrations directory.
— teamwork.com
9.1
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We assess the product's adherence to industry security standards, data residency options, and compliance certifications.
What We Found
Teamwork demonstrates enterprise-grade security with SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications. It utilizes AWS servers in the US and EU, offers 2FA (though enforcement controls vary by plan), and supports HIPAA compliance requirements for specific implementations.
Score Rationale
The presence of both SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications places it in the top tier of SaaS security, justifying a score above 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
Data is hosted on AWS servers located in the US and EU. Our servers are with Amazon Web Services AWS and are hosted within the US and the EU.
— teamwork.com
Teamwork holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 SOC 2 Type 2 certified
— teamwork.com
SOC 2 compliance and data protection measures outlined in security documentation.
— teamwork.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Users have reported performance lags and slower runtimes when managing large projects with extensive data.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Wrike's solution is specifically designed for creative agencies, providing a streamlined workflow for campaign management. The software caters to the unique needs of creative teams, fostering collaboration, improving productivity, and ensuring timely delivery of projects.
Wrike's solution is specifically designed for creative agencies, providing a streamlined workflow for campaign management. The software caters to the unique needs of creative teams, fostering collaboration, improving productivity, and ensuring timely delivery of projects.
CREATIVE TEAM FAVORITE
REAL-TIME TRACKER
Best for teams that are
Marketing teams and creative agencies needing proofing tools
Mid-to-large teams requiring cross-department collaboration
Skip if
Small businesses with limited budgets
Teams wanting a simple tool with no learning curve
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Wrike distinguishes itself with its unique 'cross-tagging' capability, allowing tasks to live in multiple projects simultaneously without duplication—a critical feature for matrixed agency workflows. Research indicates the platform's deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud and robust proofing tools (supporting video and HTML5) significantly streamline the creative review process. Furthermore, its ability to sign Business Associate Agreements (BAA) for HIPAA compliance makes it a rare fit for agencies handling healthcare clients.
Pros
Deep Adobe Creative Cloud integration
Advanced video and image proofing
Unique cross-tagging for flexible workflows
Enterprise-grade security (HIPAA/SOC2)
Scalable automation and AI features
Cons
Steep learning curve for new users
Key features cost extra as add-ons
Minimum 5-seat requirement for Business plan
Interface can feel cluttered and complex
No phone support on lower-tier plans
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.3/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.0
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of project management features specifically for creative workflows, including task dependencies, resource management, and automation.
What We Found
Wrike offers a comprehensive suite including Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and a unique 'cross-tagging' feature that allows tasks to exist in multiple folders without duplication. It includes AI-driven risk prediction and robust resource management tools.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the platform's exceptional depth, particularly the cross-tagging capability which solves complex hierarchy issues, though the sheer volume of features contributes to complexity.
Supporting Evidence
The platform includes AI-powered insights to optimize resource allocation and predict project risks. Its AI-powered insights optimize resource allocation and predict risks.
— techera.ai
Wrike's standout feature is cross-tagging, which allows tasks and folders to live in multiple locations/projects simultaneously without duplication. Cross-tagging in Wrike is a one-of-a-kind feature that gives you... end-to-end transparency into every activity... without it, you'd have duplicate tasks.
— wrike.com
The platform supports customizable workflows, enhancing project management for creative agencies.
— wrike.com
Documented in official product documentation, Wrike offers visual proofing, time tracking, and task prioritization tailored for creative teams.
— wrike.com
9.3
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for evidence of market leadership, user base size, and industry recognition relevant to enterprise and agency adoption.
What We Found
Wrike is a recognized leader in the Collaborative Work Management space, serving over 20,000 customers and 2 million users globally. It has maintained Leader status in Gartner Magic Quadrants and recently acquired Klaxoon to enhance visual collaboration.
Score Rationale
The consistent recognition by major analyst firms combined with a massive, verified user base and strategic acquisitions anchors this high score.
Supporting Evidence
Wrike was named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Collaborative Work Management for the third consecutive year. Gartner named Wrike a Leader in Collaborative Work Management for the third consecutive year
— wrike.com
Wrike is trusted by over 20,000 customers and has a user base exceeding 2 million worldwide. Wrike is trusted by 20,000+ leading brands and 2M+ users worldwide
— cdn.wrike.com
Recognized by the 2023 SaaS Awards for Best Project Management Solution, highlighting its industry credibility.
— cloud-awards.com
8.5
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess the ease of onboarding, interface intuitiveness, and quality of customer support resources for creative teams.
What We Found
While powerful, the platform is frequently cited for having a steep learning curve and a complex interface that can overwhelm new users. Support quality is mixed, with some users reporting excellent service while others note limitations on lower tiers.
Score Rationale
This score is lower than others because the steep learning curve is a significant, well-documented barrier to entry that impacts the initial customer experience.
Supporting Evidence
The interface can feel cluttered, especially when multiple widgets or fields are active. interface can feel cluttered. especially when too many widgets or fields are active
— youtube.com
User reviews frequently mention a steep learning curve and a non-intuitive interface as primary drawbacks. Users find the learning curve steep for Wrike, making onboarding and maximizing efficiency challenging without better resources.
— g2.com
Offers 24/7 support and real-time collaboration features, enhancing user experience for creative teams.
— wrike.com
8.7
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing structures, the value of free vs. paid plans, and transparency regarding add-on costs.
What We Found
Wrike offers a robust free plan and clear per-user pricing for Team ($10/mo) and Business ($24.80/mo) tiers. However, essential features like advanced integrations and security often require paid add-ons, and Enterprise pricing is opaque.
Score Rationale
The score balances the competitive entry-level pricing and generous free tier against the hidden costs of necessary add-ons and seat minimums for the Business plan.
Supporting Evidence
The Business plan requires a minimum purchase of 5 seats, raising the entry cost. Unlike their other plan, you need to buy at least 5 seats, which increases the overall cost from $25 per user/month to $125/month for 5 users.
— smartsuite.com
Pricing starts at $10/user/month for Team and $24.80/user/month for Business plans. Wrike pricing starts with the Team plan, which costs $10 per user, per month... Business plan, which costs $24.80 per user, per month.
— tech.co
Pricing starts at $9.80/user/month, with a free plan available, providing flexible options for various team sizes.
— wrike.com
9.4
Category 5: Creative Workflow & Proofing
What We Looked For
We examine features critical for agencies, such as proofing tools, file versioning, and integrations with creative software.
What We Found
Wrike excels with a native Adobe Creative Cloud extension allowing creatives to work within their preferred tools. It supports advanced proofing for video, HTML5, and static assets, enabling side-by-side version comparison and annotated feedback.
Score Rationale
The deep, native integration with Adobe CC and comprehensive proofing capabilities (including video) make it a market leader for this specific niche.
Supporting Evidence
The proofing tool supports over 30 file types including video, allowing for frame-accurate comments and side-by-side version comparison. Video Proofing works with the following file types: MP4. MOV. AVI. 3GP. FLV.
— help.wrike.com
Wrike's Adobe extension integrates with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro, allowing users to manage tasks without leaving the apps. Teams can manage their assets from programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe Premiere Pro.
— wrike.com
Listed in the company's integration directory, Wrike integrates with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, enhancing its ecosystem.
— wrike.com
9.5
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We verify security certifications and compliance standards relevant to agencies handling sensitive client data.
What We Found
Wrike maintains an impressive security profile with SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001/27017/27018/27701 certifications. Crucially for some agencies, it offers Business Associate Agreements (BAA) for HIPAA compliance and has a 'Lock' add-on for customer-managed encryption keys.
Score Rationale
The availability of HIPAA compliance and the full suite of ISO certifications places Wrike in the top tier of security for SaaS platforms.
Supporting Evidence
Wrike will sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for customers needing HIPAA compliance. If Wrike processes Protected Health Information (PHI)... Wrike has a Business Associate Agreement that meets industry standards... available upon request.
— wrike.com
Wrike is compliant with SOC 2 Type II and the entire ISO 27K series (27001, 27017, 27018, 27701). Wrike has just been recertified for SOC 2 and all ISO 27K series certifications.
— wrike.com
Offers extensive training resources and onboarding support, as documented in their support center.
— help.wrike.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The Business plan enforces a minimum purchase of 5 seats, which may force smaller teams to pay for unused licenses.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Key features such as 'Wrike Integrate' and 'Wrike Lock' are sold as paid add-ons rather than being included in standard plans, increasing the total cost of ownership.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Microsoft Planner is a project management tool that caters to the unique requirements of agencies and creative teams. Its robust features streamline planning, tracking, and managing projects, enabling teams to work flexibly and deliver work effortlessly. It scales from one-time projects to large initiatives, making it ideal for both small and large agencies.
Microsoft Planner is a project management tool that caters to the unique requirements of agencies and creative teams. Its robust features streamline planning, tracking, and managing projects, enabling teams to work flexibly and deliver work effortlessly. It scales from one-time projects to large initiatives, making it ideal for both small and large agencies.
INTEGRATED CHAMPION
PROOFING PRO
Best for teams that are
Teams already deeply embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Small teams needing simple, Kanban-style task management
Skip if
Agencies needing billing, invoicing, or external client portals
Complex projects requiring Gantt charts or dependencies
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Microsoft Planner excels as a gateway project management tool because it is already included in most business subscriptions, removing cost barriers for adoption. Research indicates the 2024 unification of To Do, Planner, and Project provides a seamless upgrade path from simple task lists to complex portfolio management. Based on documented integrations, its ability to sync tasks across Teams, Loop, and Outlook creates a cohesive ecosystem that standalone competitors cannot easily match.
Pros
Included free with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions
Seamless sync with Teams, Outlook, and Loop
Intuitive Kanban board interface for simple tasks
Enterprise-grade security and compliance inheritance
Scalable to Premium for Gantt and dependencies
Cons
No Gantt charts in the basic plan
Mobile app suffers from synchronization delays
Recent UI updates removed useful personal views
Task history visibility is limited in basic
Confusing licensing overlap with Microsoft Project
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.2/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.8
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of task management features, views, and scalability from simple lists to complex project planning.
What We Found
Planner unifies individual and team task management, offering Kanban boards and grids in the basic version, while Premium plans add Gantt charts, dependencies, and AI Copilot.
Score Rationale
The product scores highly for its scalable architecture, though essential project management features like Gantt charts and dependencies are locked behind premium licensing.
Supporting Evidence
Premium plans are required for advanced features like Timeline (Gantt) views and task dependencies. View tasks in Timeline (Gantt chart)... Add dependencies between tasks... Premium only.
— support.microsoft.com
The new Planner merges To Do, Planner, and Project for the Web into a single experience. The revamped Microsoft Planner will incorporate: The collaborative features of the current Planner. The straightforward task management of Microsoft To Do. The robust capabilities of Microsoft Project for the web.
— astt.net.au
Documented in official Microsoft documentation, Planner offers visual task management and collaboration tools.
— microsoft.com
9.5
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's reputation, market adoption, and reliability as an enterprise software provider.
What We Found
As a core component of the Microsoft 365 suite, Planner benefits from massive enterprise adoption and Microsoft's established reliability infrastructure.
Score Rationale
Microsoft's dominance in the enterprise space and the product's integration into the standard Office suite guarantee exceptional market stability and trust.
Supporting Evidence
Planner is included in most Microsoft 365 business subscriptions, ensuring widespread availability and support. A free version of Microsoft Planner is not available, but it is included in certain Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it suitable for users already within the Microsoft ecosystem.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
Referenced by TechRadar as a key component of Microsoft 365's productivity suite.
— techradar.com
8.6
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user interface design, ease of adoption, and user feedback regarding recent updates and mobile performance.
What We Found
While the core Kanban interface is intuitive, recent updates to the 'Assigned to Me' view and persistent mobile sync issues have frustrated users.
Score Rationale
The score is impacted by documented user friction regarding recent UI changes and mobile application synchronization reliability.
Supporting Evidence
Recent updates removed the Board view from the 'Assigned to Me' section, causing workflow disruption. Previously, this view acted as a personal Planner automatically grouped by buckets... Now, it's been replaced with a simple list view.
— techcommunity.microsoft.com
Users report sync issues between the iPhone app and desktop version, requiring workarounds like reinstalling. Sync issues can happen if the Iphone app isn't updated or if two people edit the same task at the same time... The lack of sync renders the Planner app completely useless.
— learn.microsoft.com
Praised for its easy-to-use interface and integration with other Microsoft apps.
— pcmag.com
9.0
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine the cost-to-value ratio, specifically comparing the included version against paid premium upgrades.
What We Found
The basic version offers immense value as a free inclusion in M365; Premium plans range from $10 to $55/user/month for advanced project management.
Score Rationale
The inclusion of a robust task manager in standard subscriptions represents market-leading value, with clear upgrade paths for power users.
Supporting Evidence
Advanced portfolio management is available in Plan 5 at $55/user/month. Microsoft Planner's paid plans start from $10 per user per month and go up to $55 per user per month.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
Paid plans start at $10/user/month for Plan 1, offering premium features like Gantt charts. Premium Plan (Plan 1): $10.00/user/month... Adds advanced tools like Gantt charts, sprint planning, task dependencies.
— nboldapp.com
Available with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, offering value through integration with other Microsoft services.
— microsoft.com
9.6
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We evaluate how well the product connects with other tools, particularly within the Microsoft 365 environment.
What We Found
Planner offers best-in-class integration, syncing tasks across Teams, Loop, Outlook, and To Do without requiring third-party connectors.
Score Rationale
The native, seamless data flow between Planner and the broader Microsoft ecosystem is a unique advantage that earns a near-perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
Tasks from Planner automatically appear in the 'Tasks' tab in Teams and Outlook calendar. Planner tasks appear in the 'Tasks' tab in Teams and in the Outlook calendar, facilitating coordination for business teams.
— intranet.ai
Planner integrates deeply with Microsoft Loop, allowing task components to sync across apps. Loop components sync in real time across apps, including Microsoft Planner... Tasks captured in the Loop app, Microsoft Teams, or Outlook are now automatically captured in Planner.
— youtube.com
Listed in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, enabling seamless integration with tools like Teams and Outlook.
— microsoft.com
9.4
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We assess data security measures, compliance certifications, and administrative control over data.
What We Found
Planner inherits the enterprise-grade security of M365, including MFA and SSO, though granular audit logging can require premium licenses.
Score Rationale
Security is top-tier due to the M365 foundation, but the gating of some audit capabilities behind premium tiers prevents a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
Audit events for Planner are available but may require Purview Audit (Premium) licenses. Audit events for Planner, Project, and To Do would be available in the Purview compliance policy, but only if tenants have Microsoft Purview audit (premium) licenses.
— office365itpros.com
Planner ensures compliance with corporate policies via the Microsoft 365 environment. Thanks to the data protection system of the Microsoft 365 environment, Planner can ensure full compliance with corporate policies and international regulations.
— intranet.ai
Outlined in Microsoft documentation, Planner scales from small to large projects efficiently.
— microsoft.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Recent updates to the interface removed the 'Board' view from the 'Assigned to Me' section, forcing a list view that users find less efficient.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Basecamp is a robust project management tool that's perfect for ad agencies, designers, consultants, software developers, and other creative teams. It provides a centralized, collaborative platform that allows teams to plan, coordinate, and track projects, making it ideal for meeting the unique needs of project-based industries.
Basecamp is a robust project management tool that's perfect for ad agencies, designers, consultants, software developers, and other creative teams. It provides a centralized, collaborative platform that allows teams to plan, coordinate, and track projects, making it ideal for meeting the unique needs of project-based industries.
AI-ENHANCED EFFICIENCY
VISUAL MANAGEMENT MASTER
Best for teams that are
Remote teams prioritizing communication and simplicity
Small businesses wanting flat-rate pricing for unlimited users
Skip if
Agencies needing native time tracking and detailed reporting
Complex projects requiring dependencies and Gantt charts
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Basecamp remains a unique outlier in the SaaS market by prioritizing 'calm' collaboration over feature density. Research indicates its flat-rate pricing model offers unbeatable value for growing teams, while its dedicated client access features set the standard for agency-client workflows. However, based on documented limitations regarding database encryption and lack of Gantt charts, it is best suited for communication-heavy teams rather than complex technical project management.
Pros
Flat-rate pricing for unlimited users
Exceptional client access controls
Zero-learning-curve interface
All-in-one tool replaces Slack/Dropbox
Free guest accounts included
Cons
No native Gantt charts
No task dependencies
Database text not encrypted at rest
No live chat support
Limited reporting capabilities
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.9/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.5
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of project management features, including task dependencies, views (Gantt/Kanban), and automation capabilities.
What We Found
Basecamp offers a simplified suite of tools (to-dos, message boards, schedules) but intentionally omits standard project management features like Gantt charts, subtasks, and native time tracking.
Score Rationale
The score is below 8.7 because the product lacks critical project management functionalities like dependency mapping and Gantt charts found in direct competitors.
Supporting Evidence
Task management is limited to simple checklists without advanced subtask attributes. Native support for subtasks exists... but they lack independent due dates, assignees, or status tracking.
— productowl.io
The platform does not include native time tracking, requiring third-party integrations. Unlike some other project management tools, Basecamp does not include a native time tracking feature.
— articlesbase.com
Basecamp does not offer native Gantt charts or dependency mapping features. No, Basecamp doesn't offer a Gantt chart. It includes only the essential features needed to organize tasks and documents... You also cannot create task dependencies.
— blog.ganttpro.com
The platform includes built-in chat and client access features, enhancing collaboration and client interactions.
— basecamp.com
Basecamp offers a centralized platform for project coordination and tracking, as documented on their official website.
— basecamp.com
9.4
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's longevity, user base size, and reputation within the software industry.
What We Found
Basecamp is a veteran in the space with over 20 years of operation and a massive user base, widely recognized for defining the remote work and collaboration category.
Score Rationale
The score is exceptionally high due to its 20+ year history, millions of users, and status as a pioneer in the project management software industry.
Supporting Evidence
The platform is used by over 75,000 organizations across 166 countries. Over 75,000 organizations, across every industry imaginable, in 166 countries, use Basecamp for project management.
— basecamp.com
Basecamp has been in business for over 20 years and is used by millions of people. We've been around the block... Over the past 20 years we've worked hard to earn the trust of over hundreds of thousands of companies world wide.
— 3.basecamp-help.com
Basecamp is widely recognized in the industry, with coverage in reputable publications like TechCrunch.
— techcrunch.com
9.1
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We examine the ease of onboarding, interface design, and availability of customer support channels.
What We Found
The interface is renowned for its 'no-frills' simplicity and ease of use, though support channels are limited to email/web forms without a live chat option.
Score Rationale
A high score reflects its industry-leading ease of use and intuitive design, slightly tempered by the lack of real-time chat support.
Supporting Evidence
Customer support is available 24/7/365 but is limited to email and web forms, with no live chat. The provider doesn't offer live chat support... help is available through knowledge base articles, video tutorials, and a web form.
— connecteam.com
Reviewers praise the simple, no-frills design that requires almost no training. Its no-frills focus makes it easy to use for users who are getting started with project management.
— connecteam.com
Basecamp is praised for its easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for teams without extensive training.
— basecamp.com
9.3
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing structures for hidden fees, scalability, and transparency compared to market norms.
What We Found
Basecamp offers a unique flat-rate pricing model for unlimited users, providing exceptional transparency and value for growing teams compared to per-seat competitors.
Score Rationale
This score is high because the flat-rate 'Pro Unlimited' plan eliminates per-user fees, offering significant cost savings and predictability for larger organizations.
Supporting Evidence
Guests and clients can be invited to the platform for free. Invite guests/clients for free.
— basecamp.com
Basecamp Pro Unlimited costs $299/month billed annually for unlimited users. $299/month billed annually, all-inclusive. Your whole organization for one fixed price. Every feature & upgrade. No per-user pricing or fees.
— basecamp.com
Basecamp offers a straightforward pricing model with a flat rate of $99/month for businesses, as outlined on their pricing page.
— basecamp.com
9.5
Category 5: Client Collaboration & Access
What We Looked For
We look for features that facilitate external collaboration, such as guest access controls and client-facing views.
What We Found
Basecamp excels here with dedicated client access features that allow granular control over what external users see, keeping internal and external communication distinct but centralized.
Score Rationale
This category achieves a near-perfect score as Basecamp's client access model is a core differentiator, allowing seamless integration of clients into projects without extra cost.
Supporting Evidence
Client access is integrated directly into project workflows. Work with Clients using all the same tools you already use with your team... If you can do it with your team, you can do it with your Clients.
— 3.basecamp-help.com
Users can control visibility of specific items to keep them private from clients. Essentially, clients can contribute to the work going on inside the projects they're part of, but they'll only see the items (messages, lists, etc...) that you share with them.
— 3.basecamp-help.com
Basecamp integrates with various third-party tools, enhancing its functionality within existing workflows.
— basecamp.com
8.8
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We assess data encryption standards, compliance certifications (SOC 2, GDPR), and security infrastructure.
What We Found
While Basecamp uses HTTPS and encrypts files at rest, it explicitly states that database text (messages, to-dos) is not encrypted at rest, which is a notable limitation for enterprise security.
Score Rationale
The score is anchored at 8.8; while physical security and transmission encryption are strong, the lack of database encryption at rest prevents a higher score.
Supporting Evidence
Uploaded files are encrypted at rest. Any files which you upload to us are stored and are encrypted at rest.
— 3.basecamp-help.com
Project data and text are not encrypted at rest in the database. Project data, messages, text documents and todos aren't encrypted at rest — they are active in our database.
— 3.basecamp-help.com
Basecamp provides comprehensive support and onboarding resources, including guides and tutorials.
— basecamp.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Customer support is limited to email and web forms; there is no live chat option for immediate assistance.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Adobe Workfront is a cloud-based solution designed specifically for agencies and creative teams to streamline project planning and management. It offers robust features like real-time project tracking, resource management, and digital proofing that address the complex needs of creative industries.
Adobe Workfront is a cloud-based solution designed specifically for agencies and creative teams to streamline project planning and management. It offers robust features like real-time project tracking, resource management, and digital proofing that address the complex needs of creative industries.
AGENCY POWERHOUSE
RESOURCE OPTIMIZER
Best for teams that are
Large enterprises with complex marketing workflows
Teams deeply integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud
Skip if
Small businesses or startups with limited budgets
Teams wanting a simple, low-learning-curve tool
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Adobe Workfront is the premier choice for large-scale marketing and creative operations, offering unrivaled integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem. Research indicates it excels in high-compliance environments with certifications like SOC 2 and HIPAA readiness. While it carries a steep learning curve and higher cost of ownership, its depth in proofing, resource management, and strategic planning makes it indispensable for enterprise teams managing complex creative lifecycles.
Pros
Deep native integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
Enterprise-grade security (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.8/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.4
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of features for enterprise work management, including resource planning, demand management, and proofing capabilities.
What We Found
Adobe Workfront offers a comprehensive suite for enterprise work management, featuring advanced scenario planning, goal alignment, and specialized tools for marketing lifecycles. It excels in demand management with auto-routing and smart approvals, alongside robust resource management that optimizes capacity at both project and global levels.
Score Rationale
The product scores highly due to its market-leading depth in handling complex enterprise workflows, particularly for marketing and creative teams, far exceeding standard project management tools.
Supporting Evidence
Provides centralized work management connecting strategy to execution. Workfront allows upper management to set clear priorities, allocate budgets, and foster collaboration across divisions... It's a hub where teams can streamline workflows and achieve their goals.
— oshyn.com
Features include scenario planning, goal alignment, and demand management with auto-routing. Prioritize high-value projects using business cases, scorecards, and optimization tools... Process incoming work quickly and intelligently with auto-routing, custom forms, and smart approvals.
— business.adobe.com
Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud enhances collaboration for creative teams.
— business.adobe.com
9.6
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess industry recognition, analyst rankings, and the vendor's stability and reputation in the SaaS market.
What We Found
Adobe Workfront is consistently recognized as a Leader in major analyst reports, including the Gartner Magic Quadrant and Forrester Wave for Collaborative Work Management. As part of the Adobe ecosystem, it benefits from the stability and trust associated with a global enterprise software leader.
Score Rationale
The score reflects its dominant position as a recognized Leader in multiple top-tier analyst reports and its ownership by Adobe, ensuring long-term stability.
Supporting Evidence
Adobe is a consistent Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant reports for related digital experience categories. Adobe has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ — recognized for its Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision.
— business.adobe.com
Recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave for Collaborative Work Management Tools. According to Forrester, Adobe Workfront is a Leader, possessing among the strongest capabilities in the collaborative work management market.
— business.adobe.com
8.1
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding ease of use, learning curve, and interface intuitiveness for daily operations.
What We Found
While powerful, the platform is frequently cited for its steep learning curve and complexity, which can be overwhelming for new users. Reviews indicate that while the interface has improved, it remains less intuitive than lighter competitors, often requiring dedicated administrators or extensive training to navigate effectively.
Score Rationale
The score is impacted by consistent user feedback regarding the steep learning curve and interface complexity, which acts as a barrier to adoption compared to more intuitive competitors.
Supporting Evidence
Reviews highlight interface complexity as a remaining issue. Collaboration and Reporting Made Easier but Interface Complexity Remains Problematic.
— gartner.com
Users report a steep learning curve and complex interface. Adobe Workfront offers extensive features that can feel overwhelming at first, especially for new users. Its interface requires a learning curve... A very complex software that may not be as intuitive as its competitors.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
8.0
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing transparency, total cost of ownership, and value for money relative to features.
What We Found
Pricing is opaque with no public figures; costs are quote-based and typically high, targeting large enterprises. Implementation often requires significant additional investment ($5,000–$50,000+), and the total cost of ownership is substantial, making it unsuitable for small teams or those with limited budgets.
Score Rationale
This category receives a lower score due to the complete lack of public pricing transparency and the high barrier to entry caused by significant implementation and licensing costs.
Supporting Evidence
Implementation costs are significant, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. On average, small to medium businesses can expect to pay between $5,000 to $15,000 for implementation... Larger enterprises... may incur higher implementation costs ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
— itqlick.com
Pricing is not public and requires contacting sales. No upfront pricing and requires giving your contact info to get it... No free plan and not suited for small teams and startups.
— techrepublic.com
We assess the quality of native integrations, particularly within the vendor's ecosystem, and the availability of third-party connectors.
What We Found
The platform offers unrivaled native integration with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, etc.), streamlining creative workflows. It also connects with enterprise tools like Salesforce and Slack, though advanced integrations often require Workfront Fusion, a powerful but separate iPaaS add-on.
Score Rationale
The score is anchored by its unique and powerful integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which is a critical value proposition for creative teams, despite some complexity in broader integrations.
Supporting Evidence
Workfront Fusion allows for broad custom integrations. Workfront Fusion. Connect business systems and applications, create custom workflows, and automate everyday tasks to accelerate work.
— business.adobe.com
Native integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Integrate Workfront comments and approvals with the following Adobe Creative Cloud applications: InDesign; Illustrator; Photoshop; XD; Premiere Pro; After Effects
— experienceleague.adobe.com
Listed in the Adobe Exchange as having robust integration capabilities with other Adobe products.
— exchange.adobe.com
9.5
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We examine the product's security certifications, compliance with regulations like HIPAA/GDPR, and data encryption standards.
What We Found
Workfront maintains top-tier enterprise security standards, including SOC 2 Type 2 attestation and ISO 27001 certification. It supports HIPAA compliance (via a specific package), utilizes AES 256-bit encryption, and offers FedRAMP Moderate authorization through Adobe Managed Services.
Score Rationale
The score reflects best-in-class security measures suitable for highly regulated industries, including healthcare and government, which is a significant differentiator.
Supporting Evidence
Supports HIPAA compliance and strong encryption standards. Adobe Workfront employs PCI DSS approved encryption algorithms to encrypt documents and assets at rest with AES 256-bit encryption... HIPAA-Ready Package.
— adobe.com
Holds SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications. Workfront has both a SOC2 Type 2 attestation and ISO 27001 certification.
— adobe.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The native Jira integration is being deprecated in favor of Workfront Fusion, which may increase complexity and cost for engineering team alignment.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Pricing is completely opaque with no public figures; implementation fees are high ($5k-$50k), and the tool is noted as expensive compared to competitors.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Zoho's Marketing Project Management Software is a comprehensive tool specifically designed for agencies and creative teams. Its robust features like Gantt charts, project baseline, documentation, blueprint, calendar, and Kanban board, address the unique needs of marketing teams, facilitating seamless project planning, tracking and collaboration.
Zoho's Marketing Project Management Software is a comprehensive tool specifically designed for agencies and creative teams. Its robust features like Gantt charts, project baseline, documentation, blueprint, calendar, and Kanban board, address the unique needs of marketing teams, facilitating seamless project planning, tracking and collaboration.
Best for teams that are
Budget-conscious teams needing enterprise-level features
Users already invested in the Zoho ecosystem (CRM, Books)
Skip if
Teams wanting a highly polished, modern user interface
Agencies needing premium, dedicated phone support
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Zoho Projects excels for marketing teams through its 'Blueprints' feature, which enforces process compliance for campaign approvals and creative workflows. Research indicates that while it may lack niche visual proofing tools, its seamless integration with Zoho CRM and Analytics provides unmatched visibility into campaign ROI. Based on documented security certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001, it offers enterprise-grade protection at a fraction of the cost of competitors.
Pros
Unbeatable pricing starting at ~$4/user/month
Deep integration with Zoho CRM & Social
Enterprise-grade security (SOC 2, ISO 27001)
Powerful 'Blueprints' for workflow automation
Comprehensive Gantt and resource management tools
Cons
Steep learning curve for new users
Limited native visual proofing for creatives
Interface can feel cluttered and complex
Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Phone support limited on lower plans
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.3/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Project Planning Tools for Agencies & Creative Teams. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.8
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of project management features specifically for marketing workflows, including task automation, campaign templates, and creative asset management.
What We Found
Zoho Projects offers robust task management with Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and a unique 'Blueprints' feature for automating complex marketing workflows, though it lacks deep native visual proofing tools found in niche creative software.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to advanced automation and comprehensive planning tools, but capped below 9.0 because it relies on integrations rather than native features for advanced creative proofing.
Supporting Evidence
While strong in general PM, it lacks built-in visual proofing tools for creative assets compared to specialized platforms like Asana or Monday.com. It lacks built-in tools for visual proofing (online proofing tools) of creative, managing content calendars in a highly visual way, or enforcing brand compliance
— brandeploy.io
The platform provides specific templates for digital marketing plans to organize campaigns, milestones, and task lists. Supercharge your digital marketing efforts with Zoho Projects' digital marketing plan template. Organize campaigns and track performance with our customizable template.
— zoho.com
Blueprints allow teams to design and automate complex workflows with drag-and-drop ease, enforcing process compliance for tasks like content approvals. Visualize and design workflows... Set up task statuses, identify the people responsible for each stage, and make sure the right process is always followed.
— zoho.com
Project baseline and blueprint features are outlined in the platform documentation, enabling performance measurement and process automation.
— zoho.com
Gantt charts and Kanban boards are documented in the official product documentation, supporting detailed project planning and tracking.
— zoho.com
9.3
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's industry standing, user base size, and third-party recognition to ensure long-term reliability.
What We Found
Zoho is a massive global entity with over 130 million users, consistently recognized as a market leader and holding extensive third-party validations.
Score Rationale
The score reflects Zoho's status as a dominant global player with a massive user base and consistent recognition from major industry reviewers like PCMag.
Supporting Evidence
PCMag named Zoho Projects one of their Editors' Choice winners for growing teams. PCMag named Zoho Projects one of their Editors' Choice winners for growing teams, praising its accessible pricing and helpful array of features.
— invensislearning.com
Zoho has over 130 million users worldwide trusting their ecosystem for business operations. More than 130 million users place their trust in us to run their businesses
— zoho.com
8.4
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We examine user interface intuitiveness, learning curve, and the quality of customer support resources.
What We Found
While powerful, the platform is frequently cited for having a steep learning curve and a complex interface that can overwhelm new users, along with mixed reviews regarding support responsiveness.
Score Rationale
This category scores lower than others because multiple independent sources document a significant learning curve and complexity that hinders immediate adoption for some marketing teams.
Supporting Evidence
Some users note limitations in customer support, specifically the lack of phone support on certain plans. Drawbacks include a lack of phone support, limited third-party integrations, and a restricted free plan.
— project-management.com
Reviews indicate that the interface, while comprehensive, can be overwhelming for beginners compared to streamlined alternatives. The interface, though comprehensive, may not be as intuitive for beginners compared to more streamlined alternatives.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
Users report a steep learning curve due to the broad array of features and configuration options. New users might find the software slightly complex, resulting in a steeper learning curve compared to some simpler project management tools.
— thedigitalprojectmanager.com
The platform offers a free plan and premium plans starting at $3/user/month, providing flexible pricing options.
— zoho.com
9.6
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We analyze pricing structures, hidden costs, and the feature-to-cost ratio compared to industry competitors.
What We Found
Zoho Projects offers exceptional value with transparent, low-cost tiers starting at ~$4-5/user/month, significantly undercutting major competitors while including enterprise features.
Score Rationale
The score is near-perfect because the pricing is aggressively competitive (starting at $4/user) while offering features often reserved for much more expensive enterprise plans.
Supporting Evidence
Industry analysis identifies the Premium plan as having one of the best value propositions in the market. At this price point, Zoho Projects is well below the average SMB project management software budget of $40 per user per month... this premium plan represents one of the best value propositions
— invensislearning.com
Premium plans start at approximately $4-5 per user/month, which is significantly lower than the industry average. Zoho Projects has three plans: a free plan for up to five users, a Premium plan priced at $4 per user, per month... and an Enterprise plan for $9 per user, per month
— tech.co
Pricing details are transparently listed on the official website, with options for both free and premium plans.
— zoho.com
9.4
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We evaluate how well the product connects with other marketing tools, CRMs, and the broader software ecosystem.
What We Found
The platform excels with deep native integrations across the vast Zoho suite (CRM, Analytics, Social) and supports major third-party tools like Google and Microsoft, creating a unified marketing stack.
Score Rationale
A very high score is warranted due to the seamless interoperability with Zoho's extensive suite, which allows marketing teams to link projects directly to CRM data and social campaigns.
Supporting Evidence
The platform supports a wide range of third-party integrations including Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Office. Integrations: Zoho Docs, Zoho Meeting, Google Drive, Box, Google Calendar, Zoho Books... MS Office, Jira.
— zoho.com
Zoho Projects tightly integrates with Zoho CRM, Analytics, and Social, allowing marketing teams to leverage native apps for campaigns. Zoho Projects tightly integrates with some of the most powerful applications in the Zoho ecosystem—Zoho CRM, Zoho Analytics, and Zoho Social
— zoho.com
Integration with the Zoho Suite is documented, enhancing functionality for users already within the Zoho ecosystem.
— zoho.com
9.5
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We verify the presence of critical security certifications and compliance standards relevant to handling sensitive marketing and customer data.
What We Found
Zoho maintains a comprehensive security posture with SOC 2 Type II compliance and ISO 27001/27017/27018 certifications, ensuring enterprise-grade protection for user data.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a top-tier security framework that includes not just standard ISO certifications but also specific cloud privacy standards (ISO 27018) and SOC 2 Type II compliance.
Supporting Evidence
The platform adheres to GDPR and provides encryption at rest and in transit. We provide encryption at rest as well as in transit to protect our customers' data... We comply with... GDPR.
— zoho.com
Zoho Projects is SOC 2 Type II compliant and holds ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018 certifications. Zoho Projects is certified with ISO/IEC 27017:2015... ISO/IEC 27018 establishes commonly accepted control objectives... Zoho Projects is SOC 2 Type II compliant.
— zoho.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Users on lower-tier plans report limitations in support channels, specifically a lack of direct phone support.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
The platform lacks deep, native visual proofing and annotation tools for creative assets (video/images), which are standard in niche marketing project management tools.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
The "How We Choose" section for project planning tools for agencies and creative teams focuses on a comprehensive evaluation based on several key factors including specifications, features, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value. In this category, specific considerations such as collaborative features, integration capabilities, user interface design, and project tracking functionalities were critical in influencing the selection process. The research methodology employed involved analyzing detailed product specifications and comparing customer feedback across multiple platforms, while also evaluating the price-to-value ratio to ensure that the selected tools deliver optimal performance for agency needs. This thorough analysis allowed for a well-rounded ranking of the top project planning tools available.
Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.
Verification
Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of project management features.
Rankings based on an analysis of user reviews, expert opinions, and key functionality ratings.
Selection criteria focus on collaborative tools and integration capabilities specific to agencies and creative teams.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners.
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Score Breakdown
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Deep Research
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