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Leantime vs Microsoft Project

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Leantime logo

Leantime

Project Management

Try Leantime
VS
Microsoft Project logo

Microsoft Project

Project Management

Try Microsoft Project

A
About Leantime

Leantime is an open-source project management system built specifically for non-technical teams and people who aren't traditional project managers. It connects high-level strategy — like OKRs and goal setting — with day-to-day execution through roadmaps, kanban boards, task management, and timesheets. The interface is intentionally simplified compared to tools like Jira or Monday.com, making it accessible to small teams, nonprofits, and organizations where dedicated PM expertise is limited. It can be self-hosted for free or used as a managed cloud service, giving teams flexibility in how they deploy it.

B
About Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a long-standing project management tool designed for planning, scheduling, and managing complex projects with detailed Gantt charts, resource allocation, and budget tracking. It's primarily used by project managers in mid-to-large enterprises who need rigorous control over timelines, dependencies, and resource workloads. The tool comes in both a desktop application (for traditional waterfall-style planning) and a cloud-based version (Project for the web) that supports lighter, more agile workflows. Its deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem makes it a natural choice for organizations already invested in Microsoft tools, though it carries a steeper learning curve than many modern alternatives.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
Leantime
Microsoft Project
Price
Free (open-source) / Cloud from $8/user/mo
From $10/user/mo
Category
Project Management
Project Management
Rating
4.1 (47)
3.9 (39)
Free Plan
No
No
Integrations
7+ apps
8+ apps
Founded
2015
1984

Feature Comparison

Feature
Leantime
Microsoft Project
Goal & OKR tracking
Project roadmaps
Kanban & to-do boards
Gantt charts
Time tracking
Idea boards
AI project assistant
Retrospectives
Self-hosted option
LDAP & SSO
Resource management
Portfolio management
Task scheduling
Critical path analysis
Copilot AI assistance
Power BI reporting
Microsoft 365 integration
Timeline views
Budget tracking

Choose Leantime

Open-source strategic project management for non-PMs

Try Leantime Free

Read full review

Choose Microsoft Project

Enterprise project management with Gantt charts and portfolio planning

Try Microsoft Project Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

Ease of Use
7.0
6.0
Features
8.0
9.0
Pricing
9.0
7.0
Support
6.0
8.0
Integrations
7.0
9.0
Overall
7.4
7.8
LeantimeMicrosoft Project

Our Verdict

Leantime

You're a non-PM team seeking an open-source project management solution with strategic features.

Easier to get started
More affordable
Microsoft ProjectWinner

Pick Microsoft Project when managing large enterprise projects with complex Gantt charts is your top priority.

More features
Better support
More integrations

Leantime vs Microsoft Project: The Bottom Line

Both Leantime and Microsoft Project are strong project management tools, but they serve different needs. Leantime has a higher user rating (4.1 vs 3.9).

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for Leantime and Microsoft Project, explore Leantime alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leantime or Microsoft Project better?

It depends on your needs. Leantime (4.1★) is from $null/mo, while Microsoft Project (3.9★) is from $null/mo. Leantime has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Leantime to Microsoft Project?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Microsoft Project has a migration guide or import tool specifically for Leantime users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, Leantime or Microsoft Project?

Check the pricing pages of both Leantime and Microsoft Project for the most up-to-date pricing information.

What are the main differences between Leantime and Microsoft Project?

Leantime focuses on goal & okr tracking and project roadmaps, while Microsoft Project emphasizes gantt charts and resource management. Both are in the Project Management category but serve slightly different use cases.