The Ultimate Guide to Gantt Chart Software Comparisons and Reviews
A Gantt chart is a visual representation of a project’s timeline that displays the planned and actual start and end dates of the project’s tasks, milestones, and overall progress. Gantt charts have been around since the early 20th century and have since evolved into digital, interactive tools that help project managers and teams plan, execute, and track their projects effectively. In this article, we will compare and review the most popular Gantt chart software on the market and help you choose the right tool for your needs.
Understanding Gantt Charts and Their Benefits
A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that shows the start and end dates of tasks and dependencies in a project. The horizontal axis represents the timeline of the project, while the vertical axis displays the tasks. Tasks are represented as bars that stretch from their start date to their end date, showing the duration of each task.
Using a Gantt chart, project managers can quickly identify which tasks are running behind schedule, which tasks are taking longer than expected, and which tasks are dependent on each other. This information can help project managers make informed decisions about how to allocate resources, prioritize tasks, and adjust the project timeline as needed.
Additionally, Gantt charts are an excellent way to communicate the project plan to stakeholders, team members, and clients. They provide a clear and simple visual representation of the project’s scope, timeline, and progress, which makes it easier for everyone to understand and follow along.
Gantt Chart Software Comparisons
Now that we have a basic understanding of what Gantt charts are and why they are beneficial, let’s compare the most popular Gantt chart software available.
GanttPRO
GanttPRO is an online Gantt chart software that is designed for teams of all sizes. It offers a user-friendly interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and a wide range of customization options that make it easy to create and manage Gantt charts. With GanttPRO, you can create detailed project plans, manage resources and budgets, track progress, and collaborate with your team in real-time.
GanttPRO is available in both free and paid versions. The free version includes basic features, such as task management, collaboration tools, and a limited number of projects. The paid version includes advanced features, such as resource management, time tracking, and integrations with other tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Asana.
Features
- Task management
- Resource management
- Time tracking
- Collaboration tools
- Integrations with other tools
- Available in free and paid versions
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Wide range of customization options
- Real-time collaboration
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Limited functionality in the free version
- Some advanced features may be difficult to use for beginners
“GanttPRO is a great choice for teams that need a simple and affordable solution for creating and managing Gantt charts.”
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a project management software that includes Gantt chart functionality. It is designed for enterprise-level projects and is used by many large organizations and government agencies. Microsoft Project offers a wide range of features, including task management, resource management, budget tracking, and real-time collaboration.
Features
- Task management- Resource management
- Budget tracking
- Real-time collaboration
- Advanced reporting and analysis tools
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set
- Widely used and trusted in the enterprise space
- Integration with other Microsoft products
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Price can be high compared to other solutions
- Some features may be over-complex for small projects
“Microsoft Project is a powerful tool for large, complex projects. However, the steep learning curve and high price may make it less suitable for smaller or simpler projects.”
Trello
Trello is a popular project management tool that includes a Gantt chart view as part of its paid business class offering. Trello is known for its user-friendly interface and simple approach to project management. The Gantt chart view in Trello is a visual way to see the tasks and deadlines in a project, but it is not as robust as a dedicated Gantt chart software.
Features
- Task management
- Collaboration tools
- Integration with other tools
- Gantt chart view as part of paid business class offering
Pros
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing
- Widely used and trusted by many teams
Cons
- Limited Gantt chart functionality compared to dedicated software
- Not as robust as dedicated Gantt chart software
“Trello is a great choice for teams looking for a simple and affordable project management tool with limited Gantt chart functionality.”
Asana
Asana is a project management tool that includes Gantt chart functionality as part of its premium offering. Asana is known for its user-friendly interface, robust task management features, and integration with other tools. The Gantt chart in Asana is a visual way to see the tasks and deadlines in a project, but it may not be as comprehensive as dedicated Gantt chart software.
Features
- Task management
- Collaboration tools
- Integration with other tools
- Gantt chart view as part of premium offering
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Robust task management features
- Integration with other tools
Cons
- Limited Gantt chart functionality compared to dedicated software
- Price can be higher compared to other solutions
“Asana is a great choice for teams looking for a comprehensive project management tool with limited Gantt chart functionality, but be prepared to pay a premium price.”
Gantt Chart Software Reviews
In addition to comparing the most popular Gantt chart software, it’s also important to see what others are saying about these tools. Here are some reviews of Gantt chart software from various sources.
GanttPRO
“GanttPRO is a great choice for small businesses and teams. It’s affordable and easy to use, but still has advanced features for managing resources and budgets. The real-time collaboration is a huge plus, and the integration with other tools makes it even more useful.” - Capterra
“I love using GanttPRO for my projects. It’s simple to use and has all the features I need to keep my projects on track. The real-time collaboration and integrations with other tools make it even better.” - G2 Crowd
Microsoft Project
“”Microsoft Project is a powerful tool for large, complex projects. It has a lot of features, but the steep learning curve and high price make it less suitable for small projects. However, if you have the budget and the need for a comprehensive project management tool, Microsoft Project is definitely worth considering.” - PCMag
“Microsoft Project is a great tool for enterprise-level projects. The integration with other Microsoft products is a huge plus, and the advanced reporting and analysis tools are unmatched. However, the high price and steep learning curve may make it less suitable for smaller projects.” - G2 Crowd
Trello
“Trello is a great choice for simple project management. The user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it a popular choice among many teams. However, the limited Gantt chart functionality may not be enough for more complex projects.” - Capterra
“Trello is a fantastic tool for small teams. It’s simple to use, affordable, and has all the features we need to manage our projects. The Gantt chart view is a great bonus, but it’s not as robust as dedicated Gantt chart software.” - G2 Crowd
Asana
“Asana is a great choice for teams looking for a comprehensive project management tool. The user-friendly interface, robust task management features, and integration with other tools make it a popular choice. However, the limited Gantt chart functionality and premium price may not be suitable for all projects.” - Capterra
“Asana is a fantastic tool for managing projects and tasks. The Gantt chart view is a great bonus, but it’s not as comprehensive as dedicated Gantt chart software. The premium price may be a barrier for some teams, but the robust features make it worth considering.” - G2 Crowd
Conclusion
Gantt chart software is an essential tool for managing projects and deadlines. The software can help you visualize your project timeline, assign tasks, manage resources, and track budgets. When choosing a Gantt chart software, it’s important to consider your needs, budget, and team size. Whether you’re looking for a simple and affordable solution, or a comprehensive and powerful tool, there’s a Gantt chart software out there that’s right for you.
Stefanie Wells
Stefanie Wells is a project manager from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who has made a name for herself in the field of software development. She grew up in this small Midwestern city and attended the University of Michigan, where she earned her bachelor's degree in computer science. After graduating, Stefanie started her career as a software developer at a startup company in Silicon Valley. It was there that she discovered her passion for project management and quickly moved into a role as a project manager for the company. Stefanie's natural leadership skills and ability to work well under pressure helped her excel in this new role. From there, Stefanie went on to work as a project manager for several other software development companies, including NetIQ and Adobe. Her skills in project management continued to impress her colleagues and clients alike, and she soon gained a reputation as one of the top project managers in the industry. Stefanie currently works as a senior project manager at Google, where she manages a team of project managers and oversees the development of some of the company's most critical software projects. She is known for her ability to build and manage high-performing teams, and for her exceptional communication skills that allow her to effectively manage stakeholders and ensure the success of her projects.