Teamwork vs. Jira: a data-backed comparison
Explore how Teamwork and Jira compare in terms of features, pricing, adoption trends, and ideal use cases to help you determine which project management tool is best for your team.
Teamwork vs. Smartsheet at a glance
Both Teamwork and Jira offer strong project management capabilities, but they are different in their approaches to task management.
Teamwork excels in client-focused project collaboration with intuitive timelines and budgeting tools, while Jira specializes in agile development with sprint planning and technical issue tracking for software teams.
Metrics | Teamwork | Jira |
|---|---|---|
Relative cost | 27% lower cost than category average | – |
Adoption trend | 18% QoQ adoption growth | 8% QoQ adoption growth |
Primary user segment | – | 39% 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. | Organizations of all sizes seeking ticketing systems, developer support tools, and agile project management platforms that scale with team growth and evolving needs. |
Teamwork overview
Teamwork is a project management platform designed for teams handling client-facing projects or time-sensitive deliverables. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and workload planning into one interface.
With features like Gantt charts, task dependencies, and integrated time logs, Teamwork supports teams managing detailed timelines, budgets, and multi-phase projects across different departments.
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 |
Jira overview
Jira is a project management and issue tracking tool built primarily for software development teams. It enables users to manage agile workflows with features like Scrum and Kanban boards, sprint planning, and customizable workflows.
Jira excels in tracking bugs, managing backlogs, and aligning development tasks with broader product roadmaps. Its deep integration with development tools makes it ideal for engineering teams looking to streamline their release cycles.
Jira key features
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Agile boards | Customizable Scrum and Kanban boards for sprint planning and visualizing workflows. |
Issue tracking | Tracks bugs, tasks, and stories with custom fields, filters, and audit trails. |
Workflow engine | Custom issue workflows with conditional transitions and automated actions. |
Roadmaps | Visual timeline tools for planning product features and releases. |
Development tools integration | Connects with GitHub, Bitbucket, Jenkins, and Bamboo to link tasks with code activities. |
JQL (Jira Query Language) | SQL-like query language for creating complex searches and custom reports. |
Pros and cons
Tool | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Teamwork |
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Jira |
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Use case scenarios
Teamwork and Jira both offer powerful project management capabilities, but they cater to different types of teams based on how work is structured and who the end users are.
When Teamwork is the better choice
- Best for teams managing client-facing projects or billable work
- Built-in time tracking, invoicing, and budget management
- Supports multiple projects with granular client permissions
- Ideal for service-oriented workflows needing transparency and delivery tracking
When Jira is the better choice
- Tailored for technical teams working on structured, iterative projects
- Powerful agile support: Scrum boards, sprints, backlog management
- Strong integration with development tools and workflows
- Best for engineering, IT, or product teams managing complex internal systems
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.
- Asana: Offers timeline-based workflows, task dependencies, and visual task tracking for teams managing structured projects.
- Wrike: A project management 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.
- 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.