Zoho Projects Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Zoho Projects is a project management tool that sits within the wider Zoho family of business apps. It's a popular choice for teams who already use other Zoho products, but it isn't the only way to plan tasks, milestones and timesheets. If you're comparing options, perhaps because you want a different layout, a lighter set of features or a tool outside the Zoho family, this page is for you.

Below are ten Zoho Projects alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. A few are well-known names and most are smaller or more specialist. I've written each description from the tool's own website and directory listings, so check the current details there before you commit. If you want background on how teams structure their work first, read my plain-English guide to project management methods.

Zoho Projects alternatives at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site lists a plan or open source version you can use without a trial period. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. Details change, so check before you start.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Celoxis	Portfolio and project suite	Planning, resources and reporting	Trial only
GanttPRO	Gantt chart planner	Timeline-first project plans	Trial only
Leantime	Open source work tool	Plain-language project steps	Yes
Nifty	Project and chat tool	Tasks, docs and chat together	Yes
Orangescrum	Self-hostable PM tool	Teams wanting their own server	Yes
Plane	Modern issue and project tool	Work items and cycles	Yes
Redmine	Open source tracker	Issues, wikis and time logs	Yes
Smartsheet	Spreadsheet-style work manager	Grid views and approvals	Trial only
Workzone	Project software for teams	Predictable team workflows	Trial only
Zenkit	Collaboration and PM tool	Flexible views of one list	Trial only

Ten tools to weigh against Zoho Projects

Celoxis

Best for: Teams who want planning, resource views and reports gathered in one product for several projects at the same time.

GanttPRO

Best for: Project leads who think in timelines and want drag-and-drop Gantt charts to plan work and show it to clients.

Leantime

Best for: Small teams and non-specialists who want an open source tool built to keep goals and tasks easy to follow.

Nifty

Best for: Small teams who like having tasks, shared documents and conversations sit in a single workspace.

Orangescrum

Best for: Businesses who'd rather run project management on their own servers, using the community edition, to keep data close.

Plane

Best for: Product and service teams who want a clean tool for work items, cycles and modules, with a self-hosted route.

Redmine

Best for: Technical teams comfortable setting up their own tool for issue tracking, wikis and project calendars.

Smartsheet

Best for: People who think in rows and columns and want project plans, forms and approvals to grow out of a sheet.

Workzone

Best for: Professional services and operations teams who want standard views, reports and a simple way of running repeat projects.

Zenkit

Best for: Teams who like seeing the same set of items as a list, board, table or calendar.

Questions to ask before you leave Zoho Projects behind

It's tempting to start with feature lists. A better start is a short note on what frustrates you today and what you'd miss. Then check each candidate against that note rather than against a marketing page.

• Fit with your other apps. If you rely on a CRM, accounts package or email tool from the same family, ask how well a new tool connects to them.
• Views. Do you need lists, boards, Gantt charts or calendars, and will everyone on the team use them?
• Time and reporting. Can you log hours and see progress without exporting to a spreadsheet?
• Client access. Can outside people comment or approve work without a full seat?
• Setup effort. How long before a new project is ready for the team to use?
• Support. Find out how help is offered and when someone is available.

Hosted, self-hosted or open source: which route suits you?

Most project tools run in the cloud, which means nothing to install and updates handled for you. A few can also be installed on your own server, and some are open source, so the code is public and your data stays where you put it. That suits teams with strict data rules or someone technical on hand.

The trade-off is upkeep. Someone has to look after backups, security updates and access. If nobody on your team wants that job, a hosted tool is usually the calmer choice.

How to move a live project plan across

Moving mid-project is easier when you do it in a sensible order. Here's a routine that keeps surprises to a minimum.

1. Export tasks, dates and files from the current tool, and note anything that won't export.
2. Pick one small, low-risk project as the pilot.
3. Rebuild its task structure and invite only the people involved.
4. Run it for a couple of weeks and ask the team what slowed them down.
5. Move the remaining projects once the pilot feels smooth.
6. Keep the old account read-only for a while in case you need to look something up.

Matching project software to the type of team

• Agencies and consultancies usually need client views, time records and a way to see who has spare capacity.
• Software and product teams often prefer issue tracking, sprints and a release view.
• Operations teams tend to like repeatable templates and approvals for work that happens again and again.
• Small businesses mostly need something simple that everyone will open every day.
• Non-profits and education groups may care most about open source routes and low admin.

Why a smaller project tool can be worth a look

Smaller makers often focus on a few jobs and do them clearly. You may get a simpler screen, quicker replies from support and fewer settings to wade through. That doesn't mean they suit everybody, so it's worth checking a few things first.

Look at how recently the product was updated, read its help pages and make sure you can take your data with you if you move on. Our shared team habits matter as much as the software, and my article on the benefits of team collaboration explains why.

Do you make project management software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Once you've narrowed the list to two, give each a fair trial with a real piece of work. A pretend project hides the awkward moments that a live one shows up quickly.

A short checklist before you commit

• Write down the three jobs the tool must do every week.
• Try the mobile app, since many people check tasks on their phone.
• Ask the people who'll use it daily, not just the person buying it.
• Check how export works, so you aren't stuck later.
• Read the privacy and security pages for your own situation.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in project management software?

Look for the views your team will really use, easy task assignment, reporting that answers your usual questions, and a setup that suits the way you work. Start with a short list of must-haves.

Why would someone look for a Zoho Projects alternative?

Reasons vary: a different layout, a wish to use tools outside one software family, or a need for features such as Gantt charts, client access or time records. Start with what you need most.

Can I move my tasks and files to a new tool?

Often yes, at least in part. Many tools export tasks to spreadsheet files, though comments and links between tasks may not carry over, so test with one project first.

Is open source project software a good idea for a small team?

It can be, particularly if someone can manage updates and backups. Otherwise a hosted option may save you time. Check how each project handles support.

Do I need a long trial before choosing?

A trial with real work is more useful than a long one. Set up one live project, invite the people involved and see whether they open it without being reminded.