Monday.com alternatives: a data-backed comparison

Best Monday.com alternatives in 2025

Basecamp

Best for: Teams that value simplicity, clear communication, and an all-in-one place to manage projects without unnecessary complexity.

Relative cost:

The cost is about 73% lower than average

Adoption trend:

Basecamp has seen 8% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• 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

Cons:

• 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

Monday vs. Basecamp

Notion

Best for: Teams that want an all-in-one workspace to manage docs, tasks, and wikis in a highly flexible and customizable way.

Relative cost:

The cost is about 27% lower than average

Adoption trend:

Notion has seen 10% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• 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

Cons:

• 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

Monday vs. Notion

Teamwork

Best for: Teams managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders who need integrated time tracking, resource planning, and client collaboration in one platform.

Relative cost:

The cost is about 11% higher than average

Adoption trend:

Teamwork has seen 1% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• 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.

Cons:

• 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).

Monday vs. Teamwork

ClickUp

Best for: Teams heavily reliant on multiple tools and requiring extensive integrations.

Relative cost:

The cost is about 4% lower than average

Adoption trend:

ClickUp has seen 8% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set
• Regular platform updates
• Powerful automation options
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for new users
• Feature-rich environment can be overwhelming

Monday vs. ClickUp

Airtable

Best for: Teams that need flexible data organization that combines spreadsheet simplicity with database capabilities.

Relative cost:

The cost is about 34% lower than average

Adoption trend:

Airtable has seen 10% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• Links information across multiple tables
• Offers nearly 30 field types for customization
• Enables complex filtering and grouping
• Offers API access for integrations
• Allows no-code interface building
• Supports complex formula calculations

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve requires time to master
• Limited records in free plan
• Mobile app has limited functionality
• Performance slows with large databases

Monday vs. Airtable

Trello

Best for: Small teams and individuals who prefer visual task management and straightforward workflows.

Relative cost:

The cost is about 75% lower than average

Adoption trend:

Trello has seen 6% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• Highly intuitive interface
• Easy to set up and use
• Excellent for simple project visualization
• Flexible card organization

Cons:

• Limited advanced project management features
• Can become cluttered with larger projects
• Basic functionality compared to competitors

Monday vs. Trello

Smartsheet

Best for: Organizations of all sizes that need collaborative project management and scalable workflow solutions that can grow with their business.

Relative cost:

The cost is about 14% lower than average

Adoption trend:

Smartsheet has seen -2% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• 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.

Cons:

• 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.

Monday vs. Smartsheet

Jira

Best for: Organizations of all sizes seeking ticketing systems, developer support tools, and agile project management platforms that scale with team growth and evolving needs.

Adoption trend:

Jira has seen 8% adoption growth in the last quarter

Pros:

• Comprehensive agile boards (Scrum, Kanban)
• Powerful issue and bug tracking system
• Customizable workflows for development processes
• Advanced reporting and sprint planning
• Extensive integration with developer tools

Cons:

• Overly complex for non-technical teams
• Requires significant setup and configuration
• Steep learning curve for new users
• Can feel cluttered for simple projects
• Expensive for small teams

Monday vs. Jira

Criteria for evaluating Monday.com alternatives

User interface and experience

When evaluating project management platforms, prioritize solutions with intuitive dashboards that provide clear visibility into task status, approvals, and reporting, with customizable views that adapt to different user needs. Even the most powerful features fall flat if your team avoids using them due to complexity. Look for interfaces that balance powerful capabilities with ease of use to ensure strong adoption across your organization.

Automation capabilities

The most forward-thinking project management platforms offer robust automation capabilities that eliminate manual task assignment and reduce human error. Seek out systems that intelligently process workflows, categorize tasks, and flag bottlenecks automatically. Be aware that some platforms have limitations in their automation logic—lacking basic operators like "OR" that make sophisticated workflow creation challenging.

Integration ecosystem

Your project management solution should seamlessly connect with your existing tech ecosystem, including communication tools, CRM systems, and productivity platforms. However, watch for solutions that offer overwhelming integration options without intuitive organization, as this can lead to more configuration time than actual productivity gains.

Scalability and pricing structure

Examine the pricing structure through the lens of your growth trajectory. Some solutions start with attractive entry points, but costs can accelerate quickly. Feature accessibility across pricing tiers is equally important, as essential capabilities like time tracking or guest access often reside exclusively in premium packages, potentially forcing premature upgrades.

Security and compliance features

Protecting sensitive project information isn't just good practice—it's essential. Your solution should serve as a compliance partner by providing comprehensive audit trails, approval workflows, and permission controls—reducing risk while streamlining project management processes. Consider solutions that support enterprise-grade security, which typically offer additional protection for sensitive project data and intellectual property.

Reporting and analytics

Effective project management requires transforming data into actionable insights. Evaluate platforms based on their ability to provide customizable reports, visual dashboards, and real-time analytics that help identify workflow patterns, forecast timelines, and make strategic project decisions. The right reporting tools empower project managers to shift from reactive task managers to proactive strategic partners within their organizations.

How to choose the right alternative

You can use the following approach when selecting your project management tool:

Identify your team’s needs

Start by conducting a deep dive into your team's requirements. Ask yourself:

• What key features are missing from your workflow?
• Are there specific integrations that your team relies on?
• Do you need advanced capabilities such as resource management, detailed reporting, or tools for handling complex projects?

Test before you commit

Make the most of free trials and freemium options to explore different solutions:

• Launch a small-scale pilot project to assess functionality.
• Experiment with core features to ensure they align with your workflow.
• Evaluate the platform’s user experience and ease of adoption.
• Collect team feedback on how well the tool addresses current pain points.

Assess long-term viability

Choose a tool that can grow alongside your team’s needs:

• Compare pricing tiers and check which features are available at different levels.
• Ensure seamless integration with other tools your team uses.
• Review the provider’s product roadmap to see how frequently new features are introduced.
• Confirm that the platform can accommodate larger teams and increasingly complex projects.

Review support and training options

A smooth transition depends on the resources available for onboarding and ongoing support:

• Look into customer support availability and response times.
• Check for training materials, user guides, and knowledge bases.
• Participate in user communities or forums to gain insights from other customers.
• Verify whether onboarding assistance and data migration support are provided.