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Microsoft Project

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Project Management

3.9(39 ratings)

Enterprise project management with Gantt charts and portfolio planning

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About Microsoft Project

Best for enterprise teams managing complex, resource-heavy projects.

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.

Pros

Industry-leading Gantt chart and scheduling capabilities
Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Teams
Robust resource management and capacity planning
Supports both waterfall and agile methodologies
Strong portfolio and program management features

Cons

Steep learning curve for new users
Desktop version feels dated compared to competitors
Expensive for small teams or simple projects
Cloud and desktop versions have different feature sets

Use Cases

Best for managing complex construction or engineering projects with many dependencies

Best for enterprise portfolio management across multiple departments and programs

Best for resource capacity planning across large project teams

Best for organizations needing detailed critical path analysis and scheduling

Key Features

10 features

Gantt charts

Resource management

Portfolio management

Task scheduling

Critical path analysis

Copilot AI assistance

Power BI reporting

Microsoft 365 integration

Timeline views

Budget tracking

SaasHunter Score

7.8/10

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

Ease of Use

6.0

Features

9.0

Pricing

7.0

Support

8.0

Integrations

9.0

Best For

Enterprise 9Agencies 7Small Business 6Startups 5Freelancers 4

Integrations

Microsoft TeamsMicrosoft 365Power BIPower AutomateSharePointAzure DevOpsOutlookExcel

Enterprise Gantt Portfolio Resource Management Microsoft Gantt Charts Visual Kanban Boards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Microsoft Project?

Microsoft Project is a project management tool for planning, scheduling, and tracking projects using Gantt charts, resource management, and timeline views. It's available as a desktop application and a cloud-based service called Project for the web.

How much does Microsoft Project cost?

Project for the web starts at around $10/user/month (Project Plan 1) and goes up to $55/user/month (Project Plan 5) which includes the desktop client. There are also standalone desktop licenses available for one-time purchase.

What are the main features of Microsoft Project?

Key features include Gantt charts, critical path scheduling, resource allocation and leveling, budget tracking, portfolio management, and built-in reporting. The cloud version also offers board views, timeline views, and team collaboration features.

Who should use Microsoft Project?

It's best suited for project managers and PMOs in medium-to-large organizations who manage complex projects with many dependencies, resources, and budget constraints. Smaller teams with simpler needs may find it overpowered and expensive.

Is there a free plan for Microsoft Project?

There is no free plan for Microsoft Project. However, Microsoft offers a free trial period, and some basic project tracking features are available through Microsoft Planner, which is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.