12 alternatives to Jira for managing your projects without spending all day on them
When it comes to project management, it's hard not to mention Jira. This Atlassian behemoth has become a fixture in tech companies for structuring workflows, tracking bugs and orchestrating complex agile projects.
But let's be honest: Jira isn't for everyone.
Between a dense interface, a steep learning curve and rapidly escalating pricing for growing teams, many managers today are turning to a more intuitive, flexible and sometimes even free or open source alternative to Jira.
Whether you're managing an agile team, a corporate strategic plan, or a portfolio of projects, there are simpler (and often more effective) solutions to centralize tasks, customize your workflows and keep a true overview.
👉 In this guide, we reveal the 12 best alternatives to Jira, tested and compared to help you choose the right project management software, tailored to your challenges, your team, and your budget.
What is Jira?
Jira is project management software developed by Atlassian, mainly used for task tracking, agile planning and technical project management.
🎯 Originally designed for bug tracking, it has become one of the preferred tools of IT teams, developers and product managers.
Its main asset? Virtually unlimited configuration power. With Jira, you can :
- create customized workflows,
- visualize progress via Kanban or Scrum boards,
- manage dependencies, prioritize tasks,
- and integrate with a multitude of tools via API.
But this power comes at a price: complexity, set-up time and a sometimes unintuitive interface, especially for non-techies. Jira is best suited to large project teams, advanced agile methods or companies with the resources to customize it.
Jira is therefore a robust platform for complex projects... but often over-dimensioned (and time-consuming) for teams who just want to move forward efficiently.
Jira
Why consider an alternative to Jira?
While Jira remains a benchmark for agile project management, it is no longer universally accepted. Many teams, tech or not, end up looking for a simpler, more fluid management software, or one better adapted to their reality on the ground. Here are the main reasons behind this change. 👇
A complex, unintuitive interface
Jira is not a "plug & play" application. The dense, modular interface can be off-putting from the first few clicks. Each project requires you to set up ticket schemas, workflows, permissions, Kanban boards... And even for a simple task, you quickly find yourself clicking back and forth.
Teams accustomed to tools like Trello, ClickUp or monday.com often find Jira too rigid and too technical, especially for tracking daily tasks. Clearly, if your team needs a fluid, intuitive and visual tool, Jira can quickly become more of a hindrance than a help.
A time-consuming solution to configure and maintain
Jira is a configurable gas factory, but each adjustment takes time. A lot of time. And often, technical expertise.
Create a new project? You need to define ticket types, statuses, transitions, notifications, screen layouts and so on.
Want to add a custom field or automate a step? Get ready to dive into the documentation... or call an admin.
In practice, Jira works well when you have a team dedicated to managing it. Otherwise, productivity suffers. Conversely, some alternative tools focus on ready-to-use templates, rapid onboarding and a simplified user experience.
A cost that can become prohibitive
In terms of pricing, Jira offers a free version, but this is quickly limited (10 users, few advanced functions). As your team grows, or as you require integrations, automations or advanced reporting, the bill climbs.
Add to this the cost of plugins from the Atlassian marketplace, sometimes essential for certain functions, and you end up with a solution that can easily exceed €1,000 per year for a small team.
Faced with this, several alternatives to Jira offer more generous free versions, or more flexible paid plans depending on the size of the team. Some open source solutions even offer total control at low cost (if you have the resources to host them).
A tool ill-suited to non-technical profiles
Historically, Jira was designed for developers. Its ecosystem (JQL, CI/CD integrations, version management, technical backlog) proves it. As a result, for marketing, HR or finance profiles, the tool often seems incomprehensible, even hostile.
And even for project managers accustomed to managing via schedules, Gantt charts or calendar views, Jira is not always intuitive. There are plugins and extensions to make up for this, but you still need to know how to configure them.
Many companies today prefer to turn to cross-functional platforms, capable of addressing tech, product, business and support teams simultaneously.
Lack of flexibility for certain use cases
Yes, Jira can do it all. But is it really necessary to do everything by hand? For complex agile projects, Jira is an excellent choice. But for hybrid, multi-site teams, or customer projects, it sometimes lacks flexibility.
Kanban boards are powerful, but limited. You often have to use plugins to get a real Gantt chart, load views or budget tracking. Conversely, tools like Wrike, Teamwork or Triskell offer these functions natively, without adding layers of complexity.
Comparative table of the 12 best alternatives to Jira
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 monday.com |  Triskell Software | Jira |  Asana |  Microsoft Azure DevOps |  Basecamp |  ClickUp |  GitHub |  Linear |  AgilePlace |  Teamwork |  Trello |  Wrike |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For all companies | For companies with more than 250 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For companies with more than 50 employees |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about monday.com | Learn more about Triskell Software | Learn more about Jira | Learn more about Asana | Learn more about Microsoft Azure DevOps | Learn more about Basecamp | Learn more about ClickUp | Learn more about GitHub | Learn more about Linear | Learn more about AgilePlace | Learn more about Teamwork | Learn more about Trello | Learn more about Wrike |
Our top 12 alternative management tools to Jira
Asana: a simple, visual alternative to Jira for better collaboration
Asana is an online (100% cloud) project management software designed for non-technical teams: marketing, product, HR, communications... The tool adopts a clear, visual approach, far removed from the sometimes overwhelming complexity of Jira. Asana is easy to learn and use, with multiple views that adapt to each user's preferences.
As a freemium product, Asana offers a generous free version, sufficient for many small teams. Upgrades are then made via paid plans that add advanced functions such as portfolios, load or reporting.
⚒️ Here are the main features found in Asana:
- customizable views: list, Kanban board, calendar, or timeline (Gantt type) ;
- simple automation via rules (assignment, reminders, transitions) ;
- tracking of tasks, milestones and dependencies within each project;
- flexible permissions system (private, shared or public projects);
- integrations with Slack, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. ;
- tracking reports and multi-project portfolios;
- complete mobile application for working on the move.
Asana is the ideal tool for those who want to keep a clear overview of work in progress, without spending time managing the tool itself.
Asana
Azure DevOps: the Microsoft alternative for technical teams
Developed by Microsoft, Azure DevOps is a project management platform designed specifically for software development teams. It's a complete solution, integrated into the Azure ecosystem, combining agile planning, source code management, CI/CD and work tracking.
Ideal for large tech teams, Azure DevOps is available as SaaS (Microsoft cloud) or as a self-hosted open source version with Azure DevOps Server. It's a solid choice for companies already in the Microsoft universe, or who need powerful DevOps functionality.
⚒️ Here's what Azure DevOps has to offer:
- agile project management with Boards, backlogs, sprints and roadmaps ;
- native Git integration for code versioning ;
- fully customizable CI/CD pipelines;
- detailed tracking of tasks, bugs, issues and change requests;
- granular permissions and fine-grained access management;
- integration with Visual Studio, Microsoft Teams, Azure Cloud, etc. ;
- rich API for automating workflows or connecting other tools.
Azure DevOps is aimed at mature technical teams looking for a robust, scalable tool capable of centralizing everything on a single platform.
Microsoft Azure DevOps
Basecamp: project management without the headaches
Basecamp goes against Jira's grain with its ultra-minimalist approach. No complex workflows or lengthy configurations. The tool focuses on simplicity, fluid communication and clear project organization, in an environment designed to avoid chaos.
It's a 100% cloud solution, ideal for SMEs, creative teams or companies that want to structure their work without tipping over into agile bureaucracy.
⚒️ Basecamp's key features include
- projects organized by " base camp " (with tasks, files, deadlines, etc.) ;
- simple task lists with assignments and deadlines;
- discussion area dedicated to each project;
- docs and files centralized in each space;
- calendar view and automatic notification of key dates;
- check-in function for daily team updates;
- ergonomic mobile application and desktop.
Basecamp is the anti-Jira par excellence: a frictionless tool that does few things, but does them well.
Basecamp
ClickUp: the all-in-one toolbox for managing projects and teams
ClickUp is positioned as an ultra-flexible alternative to Jira, capable of adapting to all methods: agile, kanban, waterfall, or hybrid. It's a management platform designed for teams who want to centralize everything: tasks, docs, objectives, time, chat... in a single application.
Cloud-native, with a generous free version, ClickUp appeals to startups and corporate project teams alike. Its trump card: extensive customization, with no need for technical skills.
⚒️ Here's an overview of ClickUp's key functionalities:
- multiple views: list, kanban, Gantt, inbox, mindmap ;
- creation of templates and customized automations;
- tracking of working time, workload and priorities;
- integrated objectives and OKRs for strategy management;
- collaborative docs and wikis integrated into the workspace ;
- centralized internal messaging, comments and notifications;
- integrations with over 100 tools (Slack, Figma, Zoom, GitHub...).
ClickUp is the ideal tool if you're looking for a complete, ultra-customizable management platform capable of keeping pace with your company's growth.
ClickUp
GitHub Projects: manage your projects where your code already lives
If your team lives in GitHub, why bother with another tool? With GitHub Projects, the platform now offers integrated project management, directly linked to your repositories, pull requests and issues.
It's a 100% cloud option, ideal for agile development teams who want to manage their tasks without leaving their environment. No need for synchronization or third-party APIs: everything is native.
⚒️ GitHub Projects' key features include
- dynamic Kanban boards linked to issues and PRs ;
- customizable views by status, priority or date;
- custom fields for each card (estimated time, owner, sprint, etc.);
- automations via GitHub Actions ;
- powerful filters for managing several projects at once;
- real-time collaboration on code and tickets;
- fine-tuned rights management and modification tracking.
GitHub thus becomes an integrated alternative to Jira for teams working in DevOps mode who want to get straight to the point, without leaving their repo.
GitHub
Linear: the ultra-fast agile tool for modern tech teams
Linear is the agile startup 's answer to Jira's cumbersomeness. Designed for product and development teams, this tool focuses on speed, clarity and performance. Every action is optimized to save you time.
The interface is uncluttered and ultra-fluid, and keyboard navigation is a delight. Linear is 100% cloud, with a free version that covers the essentials, and paid plans for businesses.
⚒️ Here's what Linear has to offer:
- backlog, sprints, roadmap and agile cycle management ;
- ultra-fast search engine and native keyboard commands ;
- views by project, team, status or priority;
- synchronization with GitHub, GitLab and other dev tools;
- integrated automations, reminders and notifications;
- comprehensive API and webhooks to extend workflows;
- modern design, dark mode interface and fluid collaboration.
Linear is the alternative to Jira for those who want to go fast, well and without friction, without sacrificing the needs of tech teams.
Linear
monday.com: modular project management accessible to all
monday.com is a highly visual collaborative work platform that can be used to structure any workflow: project, CRM, HR follow-up, product roadmap or marketing management. It's one of the most versatile alternatives to Jira on the market.
Its system of customizable "boards" makes it possible to create tailor-made workflows, with immediate learning curve even for non-technical profiles.
⚒️ Here's what monday.com has to offer in terms of functionality:
- customized boards (lists, kanban, Gantt, calendar, load, etc.) ;
- code-free automation (notifications, reassignments, status) ;
- management of tasks, dependencies, sub-tasks and milestones;
- forms, dashboards and consolidated multi-project views;
- integrations with over 50 pro tools: Teams, Slack, Outlook, Drive... ;
- time, budget and resource tracking;
- access control and advanced roles for large teams.
monday.com is the ideal solution for cross-functional companies, where project management needs to be simple, adaptable and collaborative, without sacrificing functional power.
monday.com
Planview AgilePlace: enterprise-wide agile planning
Formerly known as LeanKit, Planview AgilePlace is a Kanban-based visual management tool designed for agile teams, PMOs and large corporations looking to align projects with strategy.
Here, we're not just talking about managing tasks, but steering large-scale value streams. The tool is cloud-based, designed to integrate into complex environments, often complementing other solutions such as Jira or Azure DevOps.
⚒️ Here are the main features offered by AgilePlace:
- powerful, multi-level Kanban boards (project, program, portfolio) ;
- work-in-progress (WIP) limits and capacity management;
- hierarchical views for visualizing dependencies and prioritizing ;
- Lean/Agile reports: lead time, throughput, blocked cards, etc. ;
- integration with Jira, Azure DevOps, GitHub, ServiceNow, etc. ;
- modeling of complex workflows without coding;
- tool designed for agile management at SAFe / LeSS scale.
AgilePlace is aimed at companies undergoing agile transformation, looking for a visual management tool that can work in tandem with other systems.
AgilePlace
Teamwork: the project tool for agencies and customer services
Teamwork is a project management solution designed for agencies, professional services teams and consulting firms. Where Jira is technical, Teamwork focuses on task clarity, budget management and profitability tracking.
The tool is cloud-based and comprehensive, yet easy to learn. It offers a free version for small teams, and a scalable version for growing structures.
⚒️ Here's what Teamwork has to offer:
- project view: lists, kanban, calendar, Gantt, portfolio ;
- time tracking by task or resource;
- management of budgets, margins and project costs;
- integrated billing and time export;
- customer area for external collaboration;
- reusable project templates and workflow automation;
- integrations with Google Workspace, HubSpot, Slack, etc.
Teamwork is the solution for teams who need to deliver on time, invoice accurately, and maintain a high level of customer visibility.
Teamwork
Trello: the minimalist, visual alternative for organizing projects
It's impossible not to mention Trello, one of the best-known management tools... and one of the easiest to use. Based on the Kanban board, Trello lets you view tasks in columns and move them around as they progress.
It's a freemium cloud application, very accessible, perfect for small teams, freelancers or cross-functional projects that don't require a gas factory.
⚒️ Here are Trello's key features:
- visual task boards with drag & drop ;
- customizable cards (checklists, dates, attachments, labels) ;
- Butler automations (conditional actions, reminders, etc.);
- multiple views : calendar, timeline, dashboard;
- integrations via Power-Ups (Google Drive, Slack, Jira, etc.);
- ultra-simple, synchronized mobile application;
- clear, intuitive interface, with no overload.
Trello is the tool that does the job without complexity, ideal for getting started quickly, without training, and keeping your projects legible.
Trello
Triskell: the modular PPM solution for steering strategy and execution
Triskell is much more than a simple project management tool. It's a PPM (Project & Portfolio Management) platform designed for complex organizations, key accounts or companies seeking strategic steering. Unlike Jira, which focuses on tasks, Triskell connects strategic objectives, budgets, resources and initiatives in a single interface.
The tool is cloud-based, 100% customizable, with a modular approach adapted to business needs: IT, finance, HR, PMO, etc.
⚒️ Key features of Triskell include
- multi-level portfolio management: projects, programs, requests, ideas ;
- strategic alignment between objectives and projects;
- consolidated budget, capacity, workload and schedule monitoring;
- customized workflows for each project type;
- interactive dashboards and advanced reporting;
- granular permissions by profile, BU, hierarchical level;
- possible integrations with Jira, SAP, Power BI, etc.
Triskell stands out as an alternative to Jira for project managers seeking to manage the entire project lifecycle with a clear vision of the impact on business results.
Triskell Software
Wrike: a powerful collaborative platform for demanding teams
Wrike is positioned between Jira and Monday.com: a tool that is robust enough for technical teams, but also clear and collaborative enough for marketing, product or cross-functional teams.
Cloud-native, Wrike offers a free version for small teams, but it's mainly on its more advanced plans that it reveals its power: multi-project management, advanced automations, real-time reporting, and reinforced security.
⚒️ Here are Wrike's main functionalities:
- multiple views : list, Gantt, Kanban board, dashboard, workload ;
- tracking of tasks, dependencies, milestones and priorities ;
- complex automations : conditional rules, approvals, reminders ;
- real-time load and resource management;
- dynamic, shareable reporting;
- integrations with +400 apps: Teams, Slack, Figma, Salesforce, etc. ;
- workspace customizable by team or department.
Wrike is aimed at teams seeking a balance between structure, collaboration and performance, without using an overly technical or rigid tool.
Wrike
How to choose the right alternative software to Jira?
Comparative table of the best alternatives to Jira
| Tool | Key features | Pricing (from) | Ideal for |
| Asana |
|
Free plan | Cross-functional teams, marketing, product |
| Azure DevOps |
|
On quotation | Development & IT teams |
| Basecamp |
|
Free plan | SMEs, creative teams |
| ClickUp |
|
Free plan | Startups, scale-ups, hybrid teams |
| GitHub Projects |
|
Free plan | Developers, tech teams |
| Linear |
|
Free plan | Startups tech, product, dev |
| monday.com |
|
Free plan | Large teams, marketing & HR projects |
| Planview AgilePlace |
|
On quotation | PMO, agile transformation, SAFe |
| Teamwork |
|
Free plan | Agencies, professional services, consulting firms |
| Trello |
|
Free plan | Small teams, freelancers |
| Triskell |
|
On request | Large companies, PMOs, CIOs |
| Wrike |
|
Free plan | Multidisciplinary teams, large organizations |
Criteria for selecting an alternative to Jira
Choosing a project management tool isn't just a question of interface or price. It's a strategic lever for improving collaboration, visibility and delivery. Here are the 6 essential criteria to consider before making your decision:
- the level of complexity of your projects : if your projects are complex, opt for platforms such as Wrike, Triskell or Azure DevOps; for lighter, more visual management, Asana, ClickUp or Trello will do the trick;
- the profile of your users: for developers: Linear, GitHub Projects or Azure DevOps will be more natural; for marketing, product or HR teams: interfaces like monday.com, Teamwork or Basecamp are preferable;
- there's no point in paying for 100 options if you're only using 5. Each tool has its own strengths: Teamwork shines in time/billing, Triskell in strategic management, ClickUp in personalization;
- the tool's scalability and adaptability : will your team grow? will your projects become more structured?
- Pricing and business model;
- integration into your current ecosystem.
What if the real problem wasn't Jira... but the tool that no longer suits you?
Jira remains a benchmark for the management of complex agile projects. But it doesn't have to be that way. If you feel you're spending more time managing the tool than managing your projects, it may be that your organization has evolved faster than your software stack.
The good news is that there are now alternatives to Jira for every use, every team size and every methodology, from agile SMEs to strategic enterprise programs.
🧠 So rather than adapting your methods to your tool, finally choose a project management platform that adapts to you. Test it, compare it, challenge it: the best solution isn't always the best known... but the one that saves you time, keeps you in control, and helps you work better as a team.
Article translated from French