Jira alternatives: a data-backed comparison
Explore the most popular project management tools, including average spend, ideal use cases, pros, and cons, to find the Jira alternatives that might better fit your needs.
Best Jira alternatives in 2025
Monday
Best for: Teams that need powerful yet intuitive work management tools to coordinate projects across teams without the complexity of enterprise software.
- Intuitive, visual interface requires minimal training time
- Strong mobile app functionality for on-the-go monitoring
- Excellent dashboard visualization for metrics
- High user satisfaction ratings for ease of use
- Limited functionality in free version
- Limited customization options for complex processes
- Less robust time tracking capabilities for billable hour management
- Limited number of native integrations
Notion
Best for: Teams that want an all-in-one workspace to manage docs, tasks, and wikis in a highly flexible and customizable way.
- Real-time collaboration and document creation
- Affordable pricing compared to competitors
- Highly customizable with a variety of templates
- Combines note-taking, task management, and databases
- Basic workflow management not ideal for complex projects
- Can be slow with large workspaces
- New users may find it overwhelming due to its high level of customization
Smartsheet
Best for: Organizations of all sizes that need collaborative project management and scalable workflow solutions that can grow with their business.
- Team members can comment, attach files, and update tasks in real time.
- Ability to link data across sheets like a database, enabling dynamic project rollups.
- Connections with systems like Salesforce, Jira, Microsoft Teams, and ServiceNow.
- Unlike Google Sheets, simultaneous edits by multiple users can lag.
- Some features are harder to access or use on mobile.
- Requires third-party tools for detailed time tracking.
Basecamp
Best for: Teams that value simplicity, clear communication, and an all-in-one place to manage projects without unnecessary complexity.
- Clean, intuitive interface that's easy for anyone to use
- Combines messaging, task lists, schedules, and file sharing in one place
- Ideal for async or remote teams with tools like automatic check-ins
- Flat monthly pricing makes it affordable for larger teams
- Centralized communication reduces scattered emails and Slack overload
- Lacks task dependencies and advanced workflow features
- No built-in time tracking or workload management
- Reporting and analytics are minimal
- May not scale well for complex or technical project needs
Teamwork
Best for: Teams managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders who need integrated time tracking, resource planning, and client collaboration in one platform.
- Comprehensive project management tools including Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and templates.
- Built-in time tracking for accurate productivity and budget analysis.
- Advanced reporting with customizable insights on performance and resources.
- Strong collaboration via chat, file sharing, and integrations with Slack and Google Workspace.
- Scalable pricing plans that support teams from startups to enterprises.
- Steep learning curve and a dense interface for new users.
- Performance can lag with large volumes of projects and tasks.
- Limited project view options compared to some competitors.
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features.
- No centralized control or enforcement of two-factor authentication (2FA).