A Guide to Top 10 Project Planning Tools

Embarking on a successful project journey requires more than just vision—it demands strategic planning, precise execution, and efficient collaboration. 

The area of project management is evolving, driven by technological advancements and the demand for seamless coordination.

In this dynamic landscape, the need for cutting-edge project planning tools has never been more critical. 

Join us as we explore the top 10 project planning tools that are set to redefine project management. From intuitive interfaces to collaborative features, these tools promise to elevate project planning to new heights, ensuring success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

What are project planning tools?

Project planning tools with their integrated suite of functionality assist individuals and teams, in seamlessly taking care of the management and execution of the project from the beginning to the completion of the project lifecycle.

These tools support users in the project planning phase by allowing them to manage tasks, set goals and milestones, allocate resources, track progress and communicate effectively all from a one-single platform. 

These take care of everything from the granular level to the bigger scale.

To make things a little easier for you, I have tried to review tools and gather information on the basis of key features, their positive and negative feedback (including real user reviews), and pricing.

The 10 Best Project Planning Tools list

Navigating the complexities of project planning requires tools that not only streamline the process but also empower teams to achieve optimal results. In the realm of project management, the right tool can make all the difference. 

As we delve into the landscape of project planning in 2024, let's explore the top 10 project planning tools that stand out for their unique features and capabilities.

Also Read: Top 5 Software for Effective Project Planning You Need to Try

1. ClientVenue– Best for project planning & scheduling

Known for its robust project planning and scheduling features, ClientVenue offers an intuitive platform designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency in project execution. 

ClientVenue is an award-winning project management and collaboration software. It covers all project-related tasks, including team communication, budgeting, time tracking, and scheduling.

Users can access ClientVenue, a cloud-based project management tool, from anywhere in the world via three servers.

With the help of ClientVenue's visual dashboard, users may quickly and easily view an overview of a project. The option to encourage other visitors to engage with the project online—such as suppliers or customers—is an addition to that.

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Key Features

• Time Tracking: Efficiently monitor and manage the time spent on client projects. ClientVenue's time tracking feature helps your team log billable hours, track progress, and ensure accurate project timelines.
• Invoicing: Create professional invoices that reflect the scope of your work accurately. Customize your invoices, set up recurring billing, and automate the invoicing process for seamless client interactions.
• Client Communication: Keep all client communication in one place. ClientVenue's communication tools enable you to manage client requests, track conversations, and maintain a detailed client history.
• Project Management: Streamline project workflows with ClientVenue. Organize tasks, set priorities, and allocate work to your team members effortlessly, ensuring projects run smoothly.
• Task and Work Allocation: Assign tasks to your team members efficiently. Track task progress and workload allocation to optimize resource management and meet project deadlines.
• Document Management: Securely store project-related documents and assets in one centralized location. Simplify access and collaboration among team members and clients.

Pricing

• Try it for free for 14 days! ClientVenue Teams plans start at $19/user per month.

2. Avaza – Best for project planning & expense tracking

Avaza excels in both project planning and expense tracking, providing a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage projects seamlessly while keeping a close eye on budgets.

If you want a 360-degree solution for your project planning needs, Avaza is the answer for project success. Its intuitive project resource planning enables secure resource management across projects.

Whether it's helping to collaborate on projects or manage expenses, Avaza even lets you track time to create timesheets that you can accurately reflect to create invoices and get paid.

Key Features

• Kanban Board, Gantt Chart, and Task List View for task management 
• Email integration to convert emails into tasks. 
• Desktop timer for time tracking 
• Project Resources Interactive and Visual Planning 

Pricing 

Starting monthly at $11.95 USD for two users using Timesheet

3. Height – Best for project planning using visualization tools

Height distinguishes itself with powerful visualization tools, offering a dynamic approach to project planning that enhances clarity and understanding across teams.

Height is one of the comprehensive project planning tools that offers the potential to streamline your project planning by promoting transparency and getting everyone on the same page.

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It allows you to create sprints, milestones, releases, and create OKR (Objectives and Key Results) models for better planning. Teams that rely on cross-platform collaboration can use it to keep everyone in sync.

Key Features 

• Have a unique URL ID assigned to the task.
• Inline command to make changes to tasks from chat using.
• CSV export of tasks, status changes, messages, and all other logs.
• Recently launched its mobile app for iOS and Android. 

Pricing

Starts at $6.99 per month for up to 100 automation runs per member.

4. TeamGantt – Best for visualizing project plans

TeamGantt specializes in visualizing project plans, offering an easy-to-use interface that allows teams to conceptualize and track projects with unparalleled clarity.

TeamGantt is another project planning tool that is on my list.  And before we continue, let me tell you not to be fooled by that name.  It has  more features than just Gantt and is no less than any other tool.

With this tool, you get all the task management features like Kanban, Calendar, Gantt, information storage, collaboration metrics, and resource management, all in one place where you can be used without any trouble.

Key Features 

• Gantt chart to detect bottlenecks.
• Available tabs are easily accessible for resource management.
• Report project status to prevent tasks from falling behind schedule.
• Baseline report to compare planned and actual deadlines.

Pricing

Starts at $19.00 a month for each manager handling up to five projects.

5. Monday.com – Best for automatic workflow

Renowned for its automation capabilities, Monday.com ensures that project workflows are not only efficient but also automated, minimizing manual efforts and enhancing productivity.

The sector can sign up for the platform's robust task and team management tools, which will offer you an extra advantage in completing your project successfully.

Key Features

• Using resource management, procedures and projects are defined.
• Task and project management in visual form for improved performance.
• Create a workflow using code-free building pieces.
• Tailor automation to reduce time spent on time-consuming chores.

Pricing 

• Starts at $27 per month when billed annually

6. LiquidPlanner – Best for predictive scheduling

With a focus on predictive scheduling, LiquidPlanner utilizes intelligent algorithms to help teams foresee potential roadblocks and optimize project timelines proactively.

If data-driven planning and intelligent scheduling are important to you, Liquidplanner is a useful tool for project planning.

LiquidPlanner's predictive scheduling engine performs diagnostics on various projects to monitor progress and produce precise projections. You can take use of these insights by making modifications that are well-informed and actively responding to the changes.

Key Features

• Monte Carlo models for instantaneous project estimation
• Levelling resources automatically according to priorities and constraints
• Organising your priorities to help you stay focused
• Combined timekeeping for analysis and billing

Pricing 

• Starts at $15 per user per month for medium-sized teams

7. Trello – Best for Kanban management

Trello stands out for its excellent Kanban management, providing a visual and flexible way for teams to organize tasks and track progress throughout the project lifecycle.

Trello is ranked among the best online project planning tools because of its exceptional three-stage workflow capabilities and customizable workflow, which make it ideal for organisations with small teams or projects.

Key Features

• Easy drag-and-drop attachment addition functionality
• Integrated automated system to simplify repetitive tasks
• Lists for breaking down tasks into smaller ones
• smooth drag-and-drop performance

Pricing 

• Starts at $5 per user per month for medium-sized teams

8. ClickUp – Best for workflow customization

Recognized for its customization options, ClickUp allows users to tailor workflows according to their unique requirements, ensuring a personalized and efficient project planning experience.

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With its simple, user-friendly interface and adaptable task views, ClickUp leads you through every stage of project planning with ease. It fosters a cooperative atmosphere where people can stay in touch and cooperate to achieve better outcomes.

Key Features

• ClickUp AI solution designed specifically to operate faster and smarter
• To get a single source of truth, custom import data from different tools
• 24/7 customer service via live chat, emails, webinars, and on-demand demos
• To record time from anywhere, use native time tracking.

Pricing 

• Starts at $7 per user per month for small teams

9. Hive – Best for task management

Hive excels in task management, offering a platform that streamlines task organization, collaboration, and tracking, making it an ideal choice for effective project planning.

As the programme itself promises to be the best democratic project management platform, Hive's primary focus on improving team cooperation is what distinguishes it from other project planning applications.

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With an easy and visually appealing interface, Hive raises the bar for your strategic planning and paves the way for the attainment of better results by sweeping clarity throughout your organisation.

Key Features

• Proofing of documents and videos
• Dashboard built-in; additionally customizable
• Goal tracking that is both automated and in real time utilising HiveMind to maximise automation.

Pricing

• Starts at $12 per user per month for seven flexible add-ons.

10. Hubplanner – Best for capacity planning

Hubplanner is a tool for project planning that focuses heavily on resource management and is suitable for companies of all sizes.

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The software allocates resources optimally, placing a high priority on them in order to produce exceptional outcomes. Aside from this, the platform excels in task management, producing dynamic and insightful reports, and assigning teams to projects. 

Key Features

• Resource Scheduler: Drag & drop
• Combined timesheets to evaluate predicted and actual time
• ready-made templates for determining team availability
• Ability finder to find resources that are available

Pricing

• Starts at $7 per resource per month for unlimited projects.

Why choose ClientVenue for Project Planning?

Managing projects efficiently is a fundamental element for the success of small teams. Project management software plays a vital role in the operations of teams, and its need is driven by various factors that significantly impact a team's efficiency and success. 

In a dynamic business landscape, where every resource counts, choosing the right project management platform is essential. Enter ClientVenue, a solution perfectly tailored to meet the needs of teams for project planning. 

ClientVenue is more than just a project management platform; it's a tailored solution that empowers small teams to thrive in the project management arena. 

With its small team-focused approach, streamlined collaboration features, task management simplicity, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, ClientVenue offers an exceptional environment where your team can shine.

 If you're ready to elevate your project management practices, it's time to choose ClientVenue. Your journey to project management excellence begins here. Here's why organisations should consider using project management software:

1. Task Organization

Project management software helps teams organize tasks, projects, and workflows effectively. It provides a central platform where all team members can access and track tasks, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

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2. Efficient Collaboration

These tools promote collaboration by allowing team members to share project-related information, files, and updates in real-time. Communication is streamlined, reducing the need for lengthy email threads or in-person meetings.

3. Time Management

With built-in time tracking and scheduling features, project management software helps teams manage their time more effectively. It allows for setting deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring that everyone stays on schedule.

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4. Resource Allocation

Some organisations often have limited resources. Project management software enables efficient resource allocation by providing insights into workloads, making it easier to assign tasks based on team members' availability and skills.

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5. Client Collaboration

For organisations working with clients, project planning software facilitates client collaboration. It provides a secure platform for sharing project updates, discussing requirements, and seeking feedback.

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Read more: Top 7 Tools for Seamless Client Collaboration in Project Management

6. Daily Standups

ClientVenue's daily standup feature is a great way to keep your entire team on track. With regular check-ins, you can ensure that your entire project's creativity is moving forward and that everyone is on the same page.

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7. Productivity Enhancement

Project planning software automates repetitive tasks, reducing the administrative burden on firms. This automation leads to improved productivity and a focus on high-impact activities.

Conclusion

The landscape of project planning tools has evolved to meet the dynamic needs of modern businesses. Each tool on this list brings unique strengths to the table, catering to diverse aspects of project management. 

However, as we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, it's clear that ClientVenue stands out as the optimal choice for comprehensive project planning and scheduling.

With its user-friendly interface, robust features, and commitment to enhancing collaboration, ClientVenue addresses the intricate challenges of project management. 

The tool's capabilities empower teams to streamline workflows, allocate resources effectively, and navigate the complexities of project execution seamlessly.

As businesses strive for greater efficiency and success in their endeavors, ClientVenue emerges as the go-to solution for those who prioritize excellence in project planning. 

Embrace the future of project management with ClientVenue and witness the transformation of your projects into unparalleled success stories. Elevate your planning, elevate your projects—choose ClientVenue.

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