Projects function much like complex systems—every task, deadline, and collaboration point acts as a variable influencing the final outcome. A developer coding a new application, a marketing team orchestrating a product launch, or a media team producing a campaign all operate within intricate networks of dependencies. Without structured coordination, patterns become unpredictable, efficiency declines, and progress slows.
Advancements in technology transformed project management from instinct-driven execution to data-backed precision. Modern tools provide structured frameworks where tasks follow logical sequences, progress remains visible, and collaboration happens in real time. Whether in agile development, sales management, or content production, these platforms enable teams to maintain focus and optimize outcomes.
Choosing the right tool requires an analytical approach—evaluating integrations, pricing, security, usability, and collaboration features. Each platform offers unique capabilities, aligning with different workflows and team structures. The following seven solutions represent the most effective approaches to transforming projects from fragmented efforts into seamlessly coordinated executions.
What is a project planning tool?
A project planning tool is specialized software that project managers can utilize to manage projects given to individuals or teams. The software allows the manager to organize, plan, execute, and track aspects of various projects. Users can easily create and assign tasks, as well as set due dates for team members. The software then allows the project manager to monitor progress, identify issues, and communicate with team members to resolve them.
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With a well-structured tool, managers can break complex projects into manageable steps, keeping tasks on track and dependencies visible. Kanban boards, Gantt Charts, and real-time updates shape efficiency, allowing teams to complete projects with precision.
A project planning tool offers the following benefits:
- Easy collaboration: Offers a centralized platform where team members can share files, receive assignments, and work together seamlessly.
- Effective task management: Helps managers break down projects into tasks with clear deadlines and dependencies.
- Transparency and accountability: Enables project managers to track responsibilities and ensure accountability through a centralized system.
- Real-time progress tracking: Allows teams to monitor progress in real time and make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
- Proper budget management: Helps managers track expenses against the budget and optimize resource allocation.
With a well-equipped team and a structured planning system, projects unfold with clarity, workflows remain efficient, and teams operate at their highest potential. The right tool strengthens execution, amplifying the ability to create, innovate, and achieve better results.
Top 7 project planning management software
We conducted an unbiased comparison of the top seven project planning tools, including Meegle, ClickUp, Jira, Monday, and others. This comprehensive list aims to help you select the tool that best aligns with your team’s requirements in terms of features and cost.
Here is a comparison of the 7 best project planning solutions you should consider in 2025:
Here is a detailed overview of each of the 7 project planning tools:
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Meegle's customizable templates
Meegle is a powerful product management tool with a strong emphasis on roadmapping. While Meegle offers an intuitive design that requires minimal training, project managers get a robust tool that offers rich visual workflows. From customizable templates to hierarchical views, collaborative tools, automation, and integration, Meegle is a go-to option for project managers in need of superior visual planning.
Meegle's key features
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Meegle's workflows
In Meegle's member schedule, you can monitor manpower distribution across multiple project spaces and work items from a single view. Displayed as a Gantt chart, this feature allows you to:
- View the workload distribution across various project spaces and different types of work items, ensuring balanced responsibilities.
- Assess the workloads of team members to facilitate timely and dynamic adjustments, maintaining project momentum.
- Flexibly allocate manpower and plan schedules, adapting to project demands as they evolve.
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Member schedule in Meegle
To modify the person-day (PD) estimate in Member Schedule, simply drag and drop the Gantt bar to reschedule. A pop-up window will then appear, allowing you to update the estimated person-day. This intuitive interface streamlines scheduling adjustments, enhancing your project management efficiency and responsiveness.
Another feature of Meegle that helps with project planning is estimates and schedules. As a project manager, you are responsible for deciding the time required for the tasks under your purview. The time and effort you need and retain for your tasks will contribute to the overall project timeline.
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Schedule and estimate in Meegle
For this purpose, Meegle offers two scheduling methods: "Aggregate by individuals" and "Dynamic calculation." You can also automatically calculate schedules, work hours, and estimated scores based on the complete schedule of tasks and nodes.
Meelgle's Gantt Chart helps you visually track and manage the progress of each work item throughout the project's lifecycle. It shows each task's progression within sprints, giving a clear depiction of timelines and dependencies, allowing for strategic planning.
Here is what you can do with Meegle's Gantt Chart:
- Interactive Gantt Chart: You can directly adjust project timelines by dragging and dropping schedule blocks on the Gantt chart. This feature allows you to quickly and efficiently respond to changes in project scope or deadlines.
- Person-days adjustment: You have the option to update the person-days (PD) for work items or simply adjust the schedule while keeping the existing PD unchanged. This ensures your resource planning remains accurate without disruptions.
- Enhanced project visibility: The Gantt chart's design uses distinct background colors to differentiate between workdays and holidays, enhancing your visibility into work schedules.
- Effective resource allocation: This clear distinction helps you plan and allocate resources more effectively, optimizing productivity around available working days.
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Meegle's Gantt Chart
The design of the Gantt chart enhances visibility into work schedules, with distinct background colors distinguishing between workdays and holidays. This distinction aids managers in planning and allocating resources more effectively around available working days.
Additionally, Meegle’s Gantt charts offer flexible time range settings, including options to view schedules monthly, bi-monthly, semi-annually, or annually. This adaptability allows project managers to tailor the project timeline view to best suit the project’s duration and complexity, facilitating detailed long-term planning and ensuring alignment with project goals and deadlines.
The Delay Label in Meegle allows you to track delays in project progress through an easy-to-use list view, which also includes filtering options. This feature facilitates rapid identification and resolution of bottlenecks, thereby ensuring that your projects adhere to their timelines and maintain seamless workflow efficiency.
Types of delay displays:
- Delayed: Shows tasks that are delayed by a specific number of days, calculated by subtracting the target completion date from today's date
- Due: Indicates tasks with a scheduled completion date of today
- Schedule Information Incomplete: Flags tasks that lack necessary schedule information
- Normal: Refers to ongoing tasks projected to finish after today
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Task delay view in Meegle
Using the Delay Label, you can effectively manage delays by promptly identifying them and taking necessary actions to realign resources or adjust task priorities, reducing the risk of your project falling behind unnoticed.
Tree View gives you a comprehensive overview of your project's progress using a hierarchical structure. This view is particularly useful for managing schedules effectively, especially in complex projects like product development. For example, you can organize your project into multiple levels, categorizing it by phases, features, and specific issues.
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Tree View with schedule management, Meegle
This structured organization allows you to better manage and track every aspect of your project. You can see how different tasks relate to each other, understand their dependencies, and plan accordingly to prevent any overlaps. The clear layout of Tree View ensures that you maintain a logical sequence in your task completion, promoting a smooth workflow and enhancing overall project efficiency.
By effectively managing your schedule with Tree View, you can ensure timely delivery of each project component, adjust timelines as needed, and maintain visibility into the progress of all tasks and phases. This visibility is necessary for making informed decisions and reallocating resources efficiently, helping you keep your project on track and within scope.
Meegle's pros and cons
Meegle's pricing
Meegle offers a free version for managers handling simple projects with small teams of up to 20 members. For more advanced features, premium plans provide greater functionality and customization options:
- Standard: $8 per seat/month (billed annually) or $9 per seat/month (billed monthly).
- Premium: $12 per seat/month (billed annually) or $16 per seat/month (billed monthly).
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on team size and feature requirements.
Managers seeking enhanced automation, visual workflows, and collaboration tools may find the Premium or Enterprise plans better suited for their needs.
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ClickUp project planning tool (Source: ClickUp)
ClickUp is a project management tool that allows teams to manage tasks, collaborate, document information, and track time. The software is also AI-powered, allowing users to streamline their workflows using AI.
ClickUp's key features
- Centralized workspace – Manages tasks, chats, project views, and document sharing on one platform
- AI features – Provides task suggestions, chat assistance, and document summaries through the toolbar or Command Center
- Permission levels – Includes View Only, Comment, Edit, and Full Access for managing user roles
- Collaboration tools – Supports real-time document editing, chat, and project tracking
- Integrations – Works with email, GitHub, Trilio, and other external platforms
ClickUp's pros and cons
ClickUp's pricing
ClickUp offers a free version for personal use. Paid plans include:
- Unlimited: $10 per seat/month (billed monthly) or $7 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Business: $19 per seat/month (billed monthly) or $12 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on team size and feature requirements
- Jira
- Jira
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Jira project planning software (Source: Jira)
As a project planning and tracking tool by Atlassian, Jira can be used for managing software development, Agile projects, and business workflows. Teams can create, prioritize, and assign issues like tasks, bugs, and more. It also offers agile support through its Scrum and Kanban boards for progress tracking.
Jira's key features
- Performance tracking – Uses burndown charts and cumulative flow diagrams for monitoring progress
- Collaboration tools – Integrates with Confluence, Bitbucket, and third-party apps
- Customizable workflows – Allows teams to modify processes and set permission controls
- Agile project management – Supports software development and business projects
- Multiple view options – Includes Kanban boards, burndown charts, graphs, and Scrum boards
Jira's pros and cons
Jira's pricing
Jira offers a free version for up to 10 users. Paid plans for a team of 300 include:
- Standard: $7.53 per seat/month
- Premium: $13.53 per seat/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on team size and feature requirements
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monday project planning software (Source: monday.com)
monday.com is project management software that features a modern interface filled with vibrant colors and is easy to use. Monday excels at customization, giving project managers complete control over the software's features.
monday's key features
- Views – Supports table, calendar, Gantt charts, and Kanban boards
- Integrations – Connects with Gmail, Slack, Zoom, and other apps
- Automation – Executes actions based on predefined triggers
- Templates – Provides pre-built project management templates
- Time tracking – Allows manual time logging or start/stop timers
monday's pros and cons
monday's pricing
monday offers a free version for up to 2 seats. Paid plans include:
- Basic: $9 per seat/month
- Standard: $12 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on team size and feature requirements
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Trello project planning tool (Source: Trello)
Trello is a very simple task-tracking tool from Atlassian suitable for small to medium teams. Team members require no training before using this software, which is available on a mobile version. Here are the key features.
Trello's key features
- Task management – Uses cards, boards, and lists to organize tasks
- Assignments & tracking – Assign tasks, set due dates, add attachments, and leave comments
- Integrations – Connects with Gmail, Slack, Outlook, and other tools
- Automation – Runs commands and sets rules for task actions
- Permissions – Controls access and editing rights for board information
Trello's pros and cons
Trello's pricing
Trello offers a free version for up to 10 users. Paid plans include:
- Standard: $5 per seat/month
- Premium: $10 per seat/month (billed annually)
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Asana's project planning software (Source: Asana)
Asana is a powerful project management software that offers a user-friendly interface without compromising functionality. Users get decent views for projects, with the timeline view making it easier to manage dependencies. Regarding flexibility, Asana allows users to tailor it to suit their specific needs as an organization
Asana's key features
- Templates & workflows – Use built-in templates or create and save custom workflows
- Task management – Create tasks, subtasks, set timelines, and assign team members
- AI assistance – Supports project management with AI-driven features
- Collaboration – Comment on tasks and mention team members for updates
- Views – Supports list view, files view, and calendar view
- Reporting & goals – Set goals, milestones, and track progress
- Permissions – Manage access for teams, members, and guests
- Integrations – Connects with Gmail, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, Box, and Google Drive
Asana's pros and cons
Asana's pricing
Asana offers a free personal plan for up to 10 members. Paid plans include:
- Starter: $10.99 per seat/month
- Advanced: $24.99 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on team size and feature requirements
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Airtable's project planning software (Source: Airtable)
Airtable allows project managers to run important business processes, from marketing campaigns to roadmapping projects. The software is good for projects that involve complex data.
Airtable's key features
- No-code app builder – Generates custom apps based on user prompts
- Project roadmapping – Provides customizable views for task planning and role visibility
- Feedback repository – Collects and organizes feedback from integrated tools
- AI integration – Assists in workflow analysis and organization
- Tool integration – Connects with Zendesk, Twilio, Slack, and Outlook
Pros and cons
Airtable's pricing
Airtable offers a free version for up to 5 editors. Paid plans include:
- Team: $20 per seat/month
- Business: $40 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on team size and requirements
Features to consider when choosing project planning tools
Selecting the right project planning tool requires a thorough evaluation of its capabilities to ensure it meets the needs of your team and projects. Below are the key factors to consider:
- Pricing – The cost of project planning tools varies depending on the features offered, subscription model, and team size. It is essential to assess the pricing structure to ensure it fits within your budget while providing the necessary functionalities.
- Integration with other tools – A project planning tool should seamlessly integrate with other essential software, such as email clients, reporting systems, CRM platforms, and communication tools. This ensures smooth workflow transitions and reduces the need for manual data entry.
- Resource management – Effective project planning tools offer resource allocation features, allowing managers to assign workloads, track resource utilization, and monitor project capacity. This helps in optimizing team performance, analyzing bottlenecks and preventing them.
- Collaboration tools – Built-in collaboration features, such as task assignment, real-time chat, and file sharing, enable team members to work together efficiently. These tools facilitate communication and ensure that everyone remains informed and aligned.
- Task management features – The ability to create task lists, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and track progress is crucial for keeping projects on schedule. Task management capabilities help teams stay organized and focused on priorities.
- Planning and scheduling features – Features such as Gantt Charts, automated reminders, and calendar views help project managers visualize timelines, manage deadlines, and track dependencies. These tools ensure that project milestones are met efficiently.
- Reporting and analysis – Comprehensive reporting and analytics features provide valuable insights into project performance, team productivity, and potential risks. These reports enable managers to make data-driven decisions and optimize processes.
- Security – Ensuring data security is critical when using project planning tools. Features such as access controls, encryption, and compliance with data protection regulations help safeguard sensitive project information.
- Ease of use – A user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation ensure that team members can quickly adapt to the tool with minimal training. A steep learning curve may slow down adoption and reduce overall efficiency.
- Scalability – A good project planning tool should be able to scale according to business needs. Whether managing small teams or large enterprises, the software should support project complexities and evolving requirements.
Project managers can easily choose the best project planning tool in 2025 by considering their preferences and the features discussed above.
Why Meegle is the best project planning tool for 2025
Project planning correctly is extremely important in streamlining workflows, improving collaboration, and ensuring projects stay on track. Whether managing software development, marketing campaigns, agile workflows, or operational processes, the right tool provides visibility, structure, and efficiency. With features such as task management, reporting, integrations, and automation, these tools help teams stay aligned and work more effectively.
While various project planning tools offer a range of features, Meegle stands out as the most comprehensive solution for teams that require visual workflows, automation, and seamless collaboration. Unlike traditional project management software, Meegle provides:
- Highly visual workflows – Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and hierarchical tree views ensure clear project mapping.
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Visual workflows in Meegle
- Customizable templates – Teams can start quickly with pre-built templates tailored for different industries.
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App development template in Meegle
- Advanced automation – Repetitive tasks and workflows can be automated to save time and reduce errors.
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Automation features of Meegle
- Strong integrations – Connects seamlessly with platforms like Slack, Zapier, Lark, and GitHub
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Meegle's integrations
- Scalability – Adapts to various project complexities, from small teams to enterprise-level planning
Compared to alternatives like ClickUp, Jira, Monday.com, and Trello, Meegle offers a more adaptable approach to project planning. Its focus on visual clarity, workflow automation, and collaboration makes it the best choice for teams looking to enhance productivity and execute projects with precision.
Investing in the right project planning tool is more than just selecting software—it’s about empowering teams, optimizing workflows, and achieving better results. Meegle provides the structure and flexibility that modern teams need, making project execution smoother and more efficient in 2025 and beyond.
Try Meegle for free now to experience seamless project planning!
FAQs
Which tool is used for project planning?
You can use several tools for project planning. Meegle is the best project management software for project managers looking for a flexible and versatile solution. You can also check out the other tools covered in this blog.
What are the 7 steps of project planning?
Here are the 7 steps of project planning:
- Clearly defining project goals and objectives
- Identifying the stakeholders of the project
- Outlining the project scope
- Breaking down the project into small manageable tasks
- Allocating project resources
- Risk management
- Developing a communication plan
The specifics of these steps may vary depending on the type of project you are planning.
What is the best PM tool?
Meegle is the best project management software for users looking for a robust solution to various projects. You can learn more about the PM tool through our detailed review.
What is the primary tool for project planning?
A Gantt chart is the primary tool for project planning as it visualizes a project's tasks, timelines, and completion status. You can use Gantt charts on several project management tools, including Meegle.
