Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives & Competitors for 2025

Imed Bouchrika, Phd

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

1

5 / 5

Read more about monday

Monday.com is a highly adaptable platform designed to streamline work and project management for teams of various sizes. Its user-friendly, visually organized interface, enhanced by color-coded elements, allows users to navigate effortlessly without needing technical skills. With over 200 ready-made templates and a straightforward drag-and-drop system, teams can quickly set up workflows and begin managing tasks efficiently. Additionally, its powerful dashboard builder and no-code automation tools help users visualize data clearly and eliminate repetitive processes, boosting overall productivity.

Key Features of monday
  • Visual Board Structure
  • Customizable Columns
  • Multiple Board Views
  • Automations
  • Integrations
  • Dashboards and Reporting
  • Time Tracking
  • Mobile App Support
Price of monday

monday.com offers a Free Plan for up to two users at no cost, ideal for individuals or small teams. The Basic Plan costs $12 per seat monthly and includes unlimited boards and prioritized support. The Standard Plan at $17 per seat monthly adds timeline and calendar views, guest access, and automation limits of 250 actions. The Pro Plan, $28 per seat monthly, significantly increases automation and integrations to 25,000 actions and introduces private boards and enhanced analytics. Enterprise pricing is custom and includes advanced security and premium support. A 14-day free trial of Pro is available.

2

4.9 / 5

Read more about WorkBright

WorkBright emerges as a potential option for businesses scouting onboarding software, although the source did not supply a detailed overview of its core functionality. In the absence of specific data, it’s positioned as a contender in a competitive field where simplifying new hire processes is paramount. Prospective customers are encouraged to seek additional insights that further explain how WorkBright might streamline the administrative challenges of onboarding.

Key Features of WorkBright
  • Remote I-9 Verification Process
  • Mobile-Optimized Smart I-9 Interface
  • Automated E-Verify Submission Integration
  • Secure Digital E-Signature Capabilities
  • User-Friendly, Self-Service, Comprehensive New Hire Onboarding Portal
  • Automated Onboarding Workflows and Notifications
  • Fully Mobile and Responsive Compatible Platform
  • Industry-Leading, Robust, High-Security Data Protection System
Price of WorkBright

WorkBright offers diverse plans designed for efficient onboarding across business sizes. The Smart I-9 Starter, starting at $79 per month, suits firms with up to 100 hires by streamlining compliance. For larger companies, Smart I-9 Growth at about $133 and Starter I-9 Premium at $167 deliver additional controls and integrations. HR Onboarding series targets firms with sophisticated needs, with entry solutions at $142 and advanced versions at approximately $200 and $250 monthly. A 60-day risk-free trial encourages assessment, while personalized pricing details are available upon contacting WorkBright for further evaluation.

3

Mobile Text Alerts

4.8 / 5

Read more about Mobile Text Alerts

Mobile Text Alerts serve as a pivotal channel for instantly communicating time-sensitive notifications directly to mobile devices. Designed to foster a proactive connection with audiences, they ensure that essential updates and alerts reach customers without delay. For those evaluating Proactive Notification Software, mobile text alerts offer a straightforward yet effective mechanism to enhance timely engagement and maintain an active communication flow. Overall, this feature exemplifies a commitment to responsive interaction in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

Key Features of Mobile Text Alerts

Explore these essential Mobile Text Alerts capabilities designed for proactive notifications, optimized for businesses seeking efficient, timely, and engaging customer communication while streamlining everyday interactions.

  • Bulk SMS
  • Two-Way Text Messaging
  • Text Scheduler
  • Automatic Replies
  • Transactional SMS
  • Reporting
  • Automation
  • Mobile App
Price of Mobile Text Alerts

Mobile Text Alerts pricing spans a broad range tailored to businesses with diverse messaging requirements. Begin with a no-cost 14-day trial delivering 50 messages. The Basic plan offers 500 monthly texts, while the Starter plan raises capacity to 1,000 texts with additional keywords. For moderate usage, the Standard plan provides 2,000 monthly messages. Larger needs are met with the Professional, Plus, Premium, and Elite plans, gradually increasing message volume. For unique high-demand cases, an Enterprise plan is available with custom pricing. Annual or month-to-month billing options provide additional flexibility today.

4

4.75 / 5

Read more about OnPay

OnPay is designed as a streamlined solution for managing payroll, offering a blend of efficiency and user-friendly design that caters to businesses of diverse sizes. It simplifies the essential functions of payroll processing while maintaining an adaptable framework that can transform routine tasks into intuitive operations. With its ability to manage computations and deductions with ease, OnPay strives to relieve organizations of the administrative burdens that often complicate payroll management. Overall, it stands as an attractive option for companies in search of a reliable payroll software solution that blends clarity with practical performance.

Key Features of OnPay
  • Unlimited, On-Demand Payroll Runs
  • Automated Tax Filing and Payments
  • Direct Deposit and Payment Flexibility
  • W-2 and 1099 Tax Processing
  • Employee Dedicated Self-Service Data Portal
  • Custom Reporting and Dashboard Insights
  • Seamless Multi-State Payroll Processing Capability
  • Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees
Price of OnPay

OnPay provides a clear pricing plan at $40 per month plus an additional $6 per employee. Unlimited pay runs and essential tax filings, including W-2s and 1099s, accompany integrated HR tools. Users benefit from connections with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, alongside complimentary onboarding and previous-provider migration assistance. A free trial further enables evaluation of the fully inclusive payroll package. The plan’s straightforward fee structure and comprehensive offerings suit small to medium-sized businesses seeking effective, cost-transparent payroll solutions. This simple model ensures predictable budgeting while delivering essential payroll support.

Read more about Multiplier

Multiplier is a dynamic solution designed to streamline payroll operations in a global context, offering businesses the ability to manage multi-country payroll complexities with a blend of simplicity and sophistication. Its adaptable framework supports diverse regulatory environments, ensuring that companies can achieve compliance effortlessly while maintaining operational efficiency. By balancing robust automation with an intuitive interface, Multiplier serves as a compelling option for those seeking to optimize payroll processes on an international scale. The system’s innovative approach promises not only enhanced control over payroll tasks but also the agility needed to navigate the evolving landscape of global financial management.

Key Features of Multiplier
  • Efficient Multi-Currency Payroll Entry System
  • Automated Multi-Country Tax Calculation
  • Direct Deposit Banking Options
  • Real Time Compliance Tracking & Reporting
  • HCM and HRMS Compatibility Integration
  • Multi-Language and Multi-Currency Global Support
  • Integration with Third-Party Payroll Applications
  • Robust Global Reporting and Analytics Suite
Price of Multiplier

Multiplier’s pricing models cater to companies seeking effective multi-country payroll solutions. The freelancer plan starts at $40 per month, facilitating global payments through multi-lingual contracts, international payroll, and 24/7 customer support. For full-time employees, the pricing begins at $400 per month and includes benefits administration along with expense and leave management in addition to the core features. Interested users can also try a 30-day free trial without needing a credit card. These straightforward, value-driven pricing plans help businesses manage payments across borders with ease and efficiency. They drive global success.

6

Insightful

4.7 / 5

Read more about Insightful

Insightful emerges as an employee monitoring solution designed to provide businesses with a comprehensive yet accessible tool for overseeing workforce productivity. Its approach combines intuitive design with robust functionality, ensuring that managers can glean actionable insights without wading through overwhelming data. As a solution tailored for modern work environments, Insightful promises to balance effective monitoring with ease of use, appealing to organizations seeking clarity and efficiency in their oversight processes. Overall, it positions itself as a promising option for companies looking to enhance workplace transparency while maintaining high standards of operational effectiveness.

Key Features of Insightful
  • Advanced Comprehensive Time Tracking Solution
  • Intelligent Automated Idle Time Detection
  • Detailed Real-Time Activity Monitoring Software
  • Robust Data-Driven Productivity Analytics Engine
  • Instant Real-Time Productivity Alert System
  • Fully Customizable Interactive Dashboard Views
  • Seamless Automated Exportable Reporting Features
  • Powerful Comparative Analytics and Benchmarking
Price of Insightful

Insightful offers pricing plans for employee monitoring. The Productivity Management plan starts at $6.40 per seat monthly, enabling teams to boost productivity with features like stealth monitoring and real-time tracking. The Time Tracking plan, at $8.00 per seat monthly, emphasizes detailed time insights and efficient scheduling. For deeper workflow analysis, Process Improvement is available at $12.00 per seat monthly, streamlining resource management. Enterprises needing features and dedicated support can request a custom quote for cloud or on-premise solutions. Free trials are readily offered for the first three plans, ensuring evaluation.

7

4.6 / 5

Read more about Workable

Workable emerges as a recruitment solution designed to support companies in managing their hiring processes with a clear focus on optimizing core HR functions. Its platform is tailored for organizations seeking to streamline recruitment, promising an approach that simplifies complex workflows while keeping the hiring strategy at its core. With an emphasis on user accessibility and efficiency, Workable presents itself as a tool that prospective core HR software customers can consider when looking to enhance their overall human capital management. This overview invites businesses to explore a solution that bridges the gap between technological innovation and everyday HR needs.

Key Features of Workable
  • Comprehensive HR Information System Solution
  • Employee Dedicated Self-Service Portal Platform
  • Fully Integrated Time-Off Management System
  • Seamless Payroll Processing and Integration
  • Comprehensive Advanced Reporting and Analytics
  • Efficient Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
  • Robust Performance Review Tools Suite
  • Secure Audit Trails and Logs
Price of Workable

Workable offers a neatly arranged pricing structure suited for core HR needs. Their Free Trial provides the entire platform for 15 days at no cost and without a credit card. The Starter Plan, at $149 monthly, supports occasional hiring with essential features like up to two active jobs. More intensive hiring requires the Standard Plan (starting at $313 monthly), adding tools such as employee onboarding and e-signatures. For strategic hiring scenarios, the Premier Plan (from $628 per month) extends support with advanced features like texting, video interviews, and payroll integration.

8

4.55 / 5

Read more about Pinpoint

Pinpoint emerges as a solution positioned within the applicant tracking systems space, aiming to address the complexities of modern recruitment. Its design suggests an emphasis on precision and a streamlined approach to candidate management, qualities that resonate with organizations seeking clarity in their hiring process. Prospective users can expect a tool that is engineered to simplify recruitment workflows while targeting the intricate needs of talent acquisition teams. Although detailed features are not outlined here, Pinpoint’s conception hints at a commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of applicant tracking.

Key Features of Pinpoint
  • Fully Branded, Customizable Careers Website
  • Multi-Channel Job Board Advertising Software
  • Customizable, User-Friendly, Modern Online Application Forms
  • Efficient Global Job Requisition Management System
  • Streamlined Candidate Communication Management
  • Fully Integrated Interview Scheduling Software
  • Advanced Automated Resume Parsing
  • Dynamic, Customizable Real-Time Analytics Dashboards
Price of Pinpoint

Amazon Pinpoint pricing is highly flexible with a pay-as-you-go model that suits evolving recruitment needs. For example, the first 5,000 targeted endpoints and 100 million events are free, allowing ATS users to test candidate communications without upfront costs. Beyond these limits, charges are nominal, costing $0.0012 per additional endpoint and $0.000001 for each further event. In-app messaging enhances candidate engagement with free initial API requests, while optional deliverability monitoring and dedicated IPs provide advanced capabilities. This transparent, usage-based pricing ensures scalability for growing talent acquisition efforts, meeting diverse recruitment demands.

9

4.55 / 5

Read more about Teamtailor

Teamtailor presents itself as a modern recruitment solution designed with the needs of applicant tracking in mind, streamlining key elements of candidate management and process efficiency. With a focus on intuitive design and adaptable workflows, it promises to support organizations at every stage of their hiring journey. The platform emphasizes the importance of a tailored approach to recruitment, ensuring that both user experience and process optimization are prioritized. In essence, Teamtailor stands as a compelling option for businesses looking to modernize their talent acquisition strategies.

Key Features of Teamtailor
  • Customizable Job Posting with Consistent Templates
  • Automated Parsing of Candidate Resumes
  • Tailored and Customizable Hiring Flows
  • Candidate Evaluations Using Scorecards
  • Comprehensive Visual Candidate Management Dashboards
  • Robust Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting Tools
  • Integrated Career Site Builder
  • Seamless Mobile Accessibility for Recruitment
Price of Teamtailor

Teamtailor does not disclose any publicly available pricing information. Prospective ATS customers must contact the vendor directly to learn about available pricing plans, potential usage-based or per-seat billing setups, and any custom options to suit specific recruitment needs. With no clear details on costs or features provided upfront, reaching out to Teamtailor’s sales team is the best way to obtain accurate, up-to-date information tailored to your organization’s applicant tracking system requirements.

Read more about Remote

Remote offers a dynamic solution tailored for businesses seeking to excel in the realm of global employment platforms, bridging the challenges of remote work with innovative, streamlined functionalities. With a design intent focused on managing widely dispersed teams, its flexible framework enables organizations to navigate cross-border employment considerations with relative ease while optimizing their operations. The platform’s approach, characterized by a blend of robust compliance measures and intuitive management tools, ensures that companies can confidently transition to a remote work model without being overwhelmed by complexity. As prospective customers explore options in global employment technology, Remote stands out as a candidate that marries comprehensive remote workforce management with the strategic demands of an ever-evolving digital economy.

Key Features of Remote
  • User, Role, and Access Management
  • User-Friendly Employee Self-Service Web Portal
  • Comprehensive Employee Benefits Manager System
  • Streamlined Payroll Data Entry Process
  • Reliable Secure Direct Deposit Service
  • Automated Tax Filing and Payment
  • Seamless Full Software Integration Capabilities
  • Robust Real-Time Reporting and Analytics
Price of Remote

Remote provides two pricing models tailored to different global employment needs. The Contractor Management plan is priced at $29 per month, focusing on compliant onboarding and payments for international contractors with features such as multi-currency payroll, legal compliance, and dedicated customer support. In contrast, the Global Employment plan, starting at $599 per month, covers end-to-end local employment processes including benefits administration, statutory reports, and third-party payments, with full delegation of legal responsibilities. A 7-day free trial is offered for both, requiring no credit card. Pricing remains transparent.

Overview

Choosing the right project management tool can be challenging, especially if you’re currently using Microsoft Planner and finding it doesn’t fully meet your needs. Many users experience limitations such as lack of advanced features, insufficient customization, or difficulties with team collaboration. These issues can slow down your workflow and hinder productivity.

This article will guide you through a range of alternatives designed to address these common problems. By exploring different options, you’ll discover solutions that offer enhanced flexibility, better integration capabilities, and improved user experiences tailored to your specific requirements.

Reading this article will empower you to make an informed decision, helping you select software that not only fits your current workflow but also scales with your team’s growth. You’ll gain insights into key features to look for, ensuring your project management approach becomes more efficient and effective.

What is Microsoft Planner?

Microsoft Planner offers a visually intuitive, Kanban-style board that allows users to organize and track tasks as cards, which can be grouped and moved across various workflow stages. This design is especially useful for teams seeking a clear overview of project progress and task status.

Its deep integration with Microsoft 365 tools such as Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive ensures seamless collaboration, with easy file sharing, task commenting, and real-time updates all within familiar platforms. Task details like due dates, checklists, attachments, and color-coded labels help teams prioritize and manage work efficiently.

Real-time collaboration is a core feature, enabling multiple users to simultaneously update tasks and participate in discussions. Additionally, email notifications keep team members informed about approaching deadlines and changes. Planner supports guest access, allowing external collaborators to join specific projects without compromising security.

Project monitoring is enhanced through charts and reporting tools, including pie and bar charts that visualize task distribution and status. For more complex project management, Planner offers timeline (Gantt) views, task dependencies, and customizable templates to fit diverse workflows. Integration with Power Automate further extends functionality by enabling workflow automation across Microsoft and third-party services.

For those comparing Microsoft Planner with other tools, exploring popular landing page builders might provide insights into software that balances user-friendly design with robust functionality, helping inform a comprehensive software choice.

What to look for in Microsoft Planner alternatives?

Microsoft Planner serves as a collaborative task and project management platform deeply embedded within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, offering seamless interaction with Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint. It excels in visual progress monitoring through charts and labels, facilitates assigning tasks to multiple team members, and supports file attachments and comments for real-time teamwork.

Users benefit from schedule views that span weekly and monthly timelines, alongside robust options for grouping and filtering tasks. Email alerts help maintain awareness of deadlines, while recent innovations include AI-driven features powered by Microsoft 365 Copilot, which assist in plan creation, goal setting, and status tracking. Enhanced project management capabilities such as sprint organization, backlog handling, and workload balancing further extend its utility.

When exploring alternatives, it is critical to evaluate how well a solution integrates with existing productivity tools, particularly those handling document collaboration, calendars, and communication channels. Effective collaboration tools should enable real-time editing, file sharing, commenting, and support for both internal and external contributors.

Visualization of tasks and projects is another vital criterion, with an emphasis on intuitive interfaces presenting boards, lists, calendars, or dashboards for clear progress and deadline oversight. The ability to assign tasks to multiple users and dynamically manage workloads ensures balanced team productivity.

Notification systems must offer customizable reminders to keep all participants aligned with project timelines. Organizations requiring more advanced project management should seek features like goal tracking, sprint planning, comprehensive reporting, and AI assistance to enhance efficiency.

Access control is equally important, demanding granular permission management to secure collaboration among both internal staff and external partners. Lastly, the ease of use and rapid adoption by users are paramount to minimize training time and accelerate onboarding processes.

For those interested in expanding their toolkit beyond task management, exploring resources such as the list of the best live chat software can provide insights into complementary communication solutions that enhance team interaction and customer engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Planner

What are the leading alternatives to Microsoft Planner?

The most popular substitutes include monday.com, Asana, Trello, ClickUp, Wrike, ProjectManager, Smartsheet, and Basecamp.

Are there open source options besides Microsoft Planner?

Yes, OpenProject stands out as a top open source alternative, favored for its community-driven development and independence from proprietary platforms.

How do pricing structures of Microsoft Planner alternatives compare?

Alternatives employ diverse pricing models, including per-user monthly fees, tiered subscriptions, or flat monthly rates regardless of user count. Notably, Basecamp offers a fixed fee, which may be economical for larger teams.

Do these alternatives integrate well with other productivity tools?

Most leading alternatives support integration with major productivity and collaboration platforms such as Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 applications, facilitating seamless workflow connectivity.

Are Microsoft Planner alternatives suitable for different team sizes?

Indeed, these tools are designed to scale efficiently, serving both small groups and large enterprises by providing features and administrative controls tailored to varying organizational complexities.

Is migrating from Microsoft Planner to another platform straightforward?

The difficulty of migration depends on the chosen alternative; many provide import utilities or dedicated customer support to ease data transfer and onboarding for users transitioning from Microsoft Planner.

Do alternatives offer enhanced collaboration features compared to Microsoft Planner?

Several alternatives boast superior collaboration tools such as integrated chat, document sharing, and client-specific workspaces, offering more advanced functionalities than Microsoft Planner’s basic options.

Are mobile apps and cross-device support common among alternatives?

Yes, most top alternatives feature mobile applications and responsive web designs, enabling project management across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Why do organizations switch from Microsoft Planner to other platforms?

The main drivers for switching include the demand for more sophisticated project management capabilities, enhanced reporting, deeper customization options, and greater integration flexibility.

Do Microsoft Planner alternatives offer free trials or free usage tiers?

Many alternatives provide free tiers or trial periods, allowing teams to evaluate features and suitability before making a financial commitment.

Related

Best Workflowy Alternatives & Competitors for 2025 thumbnail
JUL 28, 2025

Best Workflowy Alternatives & Competitors for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Best SeaTable Alternatives & Competitors for 2025 thumbnail
JUL 30, 2025

Best SeaTable Alternatives & Competitors for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Best OmniFocus Alternatives & Competitors for 2025 thumbnail
JUL 28, 2025

Best OmniFocus Alternatives & Competitors for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Best Office Otter Alternatives & Competitors for 2025 thumbnail
JUL 30, 2025

Best Office Otter Alternatives & Competitors for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Best Todo Cloud Alternatives & Competitors for 2025 thumbnail
AUG 1, 2025

Best Todo Cloud Alternatives & Competitors for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Best PomoDone App Alternatives & Competitors for 2025 thumbnail
JUL 28, 2025

Best PomoDone App Alternatives & Competitors for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd