Teamwork vs. Asana: a data-backed comparison
Explore how Teamwork and Asana compare in terms of features, adoption trends, and ideal use cases so you can choose the right platform for your workflow needs.
Teamwork vs. Asana at a glance
Both Teamwork and Asana offer strong project management capabilities, but they are built for different types of teams.
Teamwork is tailored for client-facing work, combining time tracking, invoicing, and client collaboration in one platform. It’s a go-to for agencies and service-based teams managing external deliverables.
Asana, on the other hand, focuses on internal project and task coordination. With timeline views, task dependencies, and automation, it supports cross-functional collaboration and structured project execution at scale.
Metrics | Teamwork | Asana |
|---|---|---|
Relative cost | 27% lower cost than category average | 2% higher cost than category average |
Adoption trend | 18% QoQ adoption growth | 11% QoQ adoption growth |
Primary user segment | – | 40% of users are SMB |
Best for | Teams managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders who need integrated time tracking, resource planning, and client collaboration in one platform. | Teams that need to coordinate complex projects across multiple departments with adaptable workflows. |
Teamwork overview
Teamwork is a client-focused project management platform built to help service-based teams streamline planning, execution, and collaboration. Designed with agencies and client-centric businesses in mind, it offers built-in time tracking, invoicing, and client access to project dashboards—all in one place. Teamwork stands out for its ability to manage client relationships and internal workflows from a single workspace.
Teamwork key features
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Client management | Includes built-in CRM tools to store client information, manage interactions, and grant project access. |
Task and project planning | Supports Gantt charts, task dependencies, and timelines to organize and manage projects from start to finish. |
Time tracking and invoicing | Tracks hours spent on tasks and generates invoices directly within the platform. |
Collaboration tools | Provides team chat, file sharing, and threaded discussions within project workspaces. |
Custom workflows | Offers customizable templates, task statuses, and reporting formats to suit different industries and teams. |
Resource and workload management | Displays team availability and task assignments across multiple projects |
Asana overview
Asana is a project management platform designed for teams that need structure and clarity when coordinating complex work. It offers multiple ways to view projects—like lists, timelines, calendars, and Kanban boards—so teams can choose the format that fits their workflow best.
With robust automation, task dependencies, and cross-functional collaboration tools, Asana helps teams stay aligned and move projects forward efficiently. It's especially effective for organizations managing multi-step initiatives across departments or teams.
Asana key features
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Project Timelines | Visualizes projects on a timeline to help track deadlines and dependencies |
Custom Fields | Allows teams to add specific data fields to tasks, such as budget figures or approval statuses, tailoring the platform to financial workflows. |
Workload Management | Provides insights into team capacity to prevent overloading resources, aiding in efficient allocation of financial tasks |
Automation | Automates routine tasks like assigning due dates or moving tasks between sections, reducing manual effort in financial processes |
Integrations | Connects with tools like QuickBooks and Xero for streamlined financial workflows, ensuring data consistency across platforms |
Multiple project views | Offers multiple visualization modes—lists, Kanban boards, calendars, and Gantt-style timelines—without altering your project’s underlying data. |
Pros and cons
Tool | Pros | Cons |
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Teamwork |
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Asana |
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Use case scenarios
Teamwork suits client-facing teams that need time tracking, billing, and detailed project planning, while Asana is better for internal teams managing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration in structured workflows.
When Teamwork is the better choice
- Client-focused businesses like marketing agencies, consultancies, and service providers.
- Teams that need built-in time tracking, invoicing, and CRM tools.
- Groups managing multiple client projects with the need for client access and detailed billing.
- Workflows where external accountability and resource tracking are a priority.
When Asana is the better choice
- Internal teams managing cross-functional projects with structured workflows.
- Product, operations, or marketing teams that need task dependencies and visual project views.
- Teams that prioritize internal collaboration and clear communication.
- Groups that benefit from automation, visibility, and an intuitive interface to track progress across departments.
Other project management tools
- Monday.com: A flexible work management system that supports visual workflows, automation, and customizable views. It’s well-suited for teams seeking both structure and adaptability.
- Smartsheet: Brings the ease of spreadsheets to project management, with features like Gantt charts, automation, and real-time dashboards. Best for teams handling data-heavy or operationally complex projects.
- Wrike: A robust project platform with capabilities for time tracking, workload balancing, and advanced analytics. Ideal for teams that need detailed visibility into project execution.
- Airtable: Blends the simplicity of spreadsheets with powerful database functionality. Great for teams managing complex data sets, with support for custom views, automation, and integrations.
- Zoho Projects: Delivers full-scale project management with built-in automation, time tracking, and integration with Zoho’s CRM. A solid choice for businesses looking for a unified software ecosystem.
- Microsoft Project: An enterprise-grade solution offering advanced planning, resource management, and scheduling tools. Best for large teams working on intricate, time-sensitive initiatives.
- ClickUp: An all-in-one productivity platform that adapts to different workflows. It offers automation, multiple task views, and goal tracking, making it ideal for growing teams.
- Jira: Tailored for Agile development teams, Jira supports sprint planning, issue tracking, and backlog management. A top pick for software development projects.
- Trello: A simple, visual task tracker using Kanban boards. Ideal for small teams or individuals who want an easy-to-use tool for managing daily tasks.
- Notion: Combines documentation, task tracking, and databases into a single workspace. Perfect for teams looking for a customizable, collaborative environment to manage projects and knowledge.