Alternatives

12 Best Monday.com Alternatives

Ruud CarisEditor-in-Chief

Updated: 8 January 2026About Monday.com →

Monday.com is primarily used as a visual Work OS for project management and workflow automation. Users often look for alternatives due to the complex pricing model with seat buckets or the limits on automations in cheaper plans.

136+ toolscompared

✓No sponsored rankings

My recommendations

Best Overall

Clickup

★ 4.1/5

Most features per dollar including whiteboards and docs

View Clickup →

Most Similar

SmartSuite

★ 4.2/5

Nearly identical interface and database structure

View SmartSuite →

Best for Enterprise

Smartsheet

★ 4/5

Excel-like interface with heavy security options

View Smartsheet →

At a glance

ToolScoreBest for

Clickup

★4.1/5

Teams looking for maximum functionality at a low priceView →

Asana

★4.5/5

Teams that prefer structure and clarity over flexibilityView →

Airtable

★4/5

Teams that want to build custom databases and workflowsView →

SmartSuite

★4.2/5

Teams that want the Monday look with more database powerView →

Smartsheet

★4/5

Organizations migrating from Excel to project managementView →

Trello

★4.4/5

Small teams that want to get started right awayView →

Wrike

★4/5

Marketing teams and agencies with approval processesView →

Notion

★4.4/5

Startups that want to combine documentation and tasksView →

Jira

★4.2/5

Software development teams and IT departmentsView →

Linear

★4.5/5

High-performance engineering and product teamsView →

Basecamp

★4.1/5

Teams that value communication more than planningView →

Todoist

★4.6/5

Freelancers and small teams with simple projectsView →

All Monday.com alternatives at a glance

Clickup

Teams looking for maximum functionality at a low price

★ 4.1/5 · Free / from 7 dollar

ClickUp positions itself as an all-in-one productivity platform that combines tasks, documents, goals, and chat. It's built for teams that need high configurability and multiple views like list, board, and Gantt within a single hierarchy. A key feature is the deep integration of documents and whiteboards directly alongside tasks. A frequently mentioned drawback is the steep learning curve due to the enormous amount of settings and options. Performance can sometimes be slow when loading large lists.

Difference: Offers native docs and whiteboards within the same application

Choose this if: budget is a limiting factor

✓ What we like

✓Enormous customizability
✓Generous free plan
✓Versatile view options
✓Powerful automations

✗ What we don't like

✗Steep learning curve
✗Slow loading times
✗Overwhelming interface

View Clickup →More details →

Asana

Teams that prefer structure and clarity over flexibility

★ 4.5/5 · Free / from 11 euro

Asana is a project management tool that focuses on task management and collaboration without the complexity of a full database. It's designed for marketing, operations, and product teams that need clear responsibilities and deadlines. The tool distinguishes itself through the 'Work Graph' data model, allowing tasks to exist in multiple projects simultaneously without duplication. A limitation is that features like timelines, portfolios, and advanced rules are only available in the more expensive subscriptions.

Difference: Tasks can live in multiple projects simultaneously (multi-homing)

Choose this if: ease of use and adoption speed are priorities

✓ What we like

✓Intuitive interface
✓Generous free version
✓Extensive integrations
✓Visual project views

✗ What we don't like

✗Pricey subscriptions
✗Limited time tracking
✗One task assignee

View Asana →More details →

Airtable

Teams that want to build custom databases and workflows

★ 4/5 · Free / from 20 dollar

Airtable combines the interface of a spreadsheet with the functionality of a relational database. It's built for teams managing data-driven workflows, such as content calendars, inventory, or CRM systems. The power lies in the ability to link records together and build specific 'interfaces' for different users. A drawback is that it's less suitable for traditional task management or complex project dependencies compared to dedicated PM tools like Monday or Asana.

Difference: Full relational database structure instead of simple lists

Choose this if: data organization is more important than task checking

✓ What we like

✓Powerful relational database features
✓Flexible 'spreadsheet on steroids' interface
✓Extensive automation capabilities
✓Versatile templates for various use-cases

✗ What we don't like

✗Expensive, especially when scaling teams
✗Steep learning curve for advanced features
✗Mobile app lacks features and stability
✗Limited native reporting/dashboards

View Airtable →More details →

SmartSuite

Teams that want the Monday look with more database power

★ 4.2/5 · Free / from 12 dollar

SmartSuite is a modern Work Management platform that positions itself as a direct competitor to Monday.com and Airtable. It targets companies that want to manage processes, projects, and daily tasks in one environment. The tool offers a visually appealing interface with records that support more data types than standard spreadsheets. A limitation is that the ecosystem of integrations and templates is still smaller than that of the established order, because the tool is newer.

Difference: Links records across different 'Solutions' (workspaces)

Choose this if: Monday.com is too limited in terms of data structure

✓ What we like

✓Intuitive interface
✓Powerful automations
✓Flexible data structure
✓Good value for money

✗ What we don't like

✗Limited mobile app
✗Steep learning curve
✗Fewer native integrations

View SmartSuite →More details →

Smartsheet

Organizations migrating from Excel to project management

★ 4/5 · From 9 dollar

Smartsheet is an enterprise-grade platform that uses the familiar spreadsheet interface for project management. It is designed for large organizations, construction companies, and operational teams that are accustomed to Excel but need more structure. The tool excels in reporting, resource management, and strict security options. A frequently mentioned drawback is the outdated interface that looks less modern than Monday.com and the lack of real-time updates (page sometimes needs to be refreshed).

Difference: Retains the exact look-and-feel of a spreadsheet

Choose this if: Excel knowledge is already widely available in the team

✓ What we like

✓Powerful automation
✓Flexible workflows
✓Familiar spreadsheet interface
✓Comprehensive reporting

✗ What we don't like

✗Pricey add-ons
✗Steep learning curve
✗Slow mobile app

View Smartsheet →More details →

Trello

Small teams that want to get started right away

★ 4.4/5 · Free / from 5 dollar

Trello is a visual collaboration tool based on the Kanban methodology. It is built for teams and individuals who want a simple, visual overview of their tasks without complex configuration. The core function is moving cards across lists. Although Trello now also offers timeline and table views in paid plans, it remains limited in depth for complex projects. It lacks native functionality for advanced reporting or resource planning that Monday does have.

Difference: Extreme focus on simplicity and the Kanban board method

Choose this if: visual simplicity is more important than data analysis

✓ What we like

✓Intuitive interface
✓Visual Kanban boards
✓Generous free version
✓Simple automation

✗ What we don't like

✗Limited reporting options
✗No native time tracking
✗Expensive Premium subscriptions

View Trello →More details →

Wrike

Marketing teams and agencies with approval processes

★ 4/5 · Free / from 10 dollar

Wrike is a versatile project management platform aimed at marketing teams and agencies that need proofing tools and time tracking. The system works with a folder structure in which tasks and projects are organized. Wrike distinguishes itself through specific features for creative teams, such as directly annotating images and videos. A drawback is the complex interface and configuration, which often requires a dedicated administrator to set up effectively for an entire company.

Difference: Built-in tools for file proofing and approvals

Choose this if: creative assets are central to the workflow

✓ What we like

✓Extensive customizability
✓Powerful reporting
✓Versatile views
✓Strong security

✗ What we don't like

✗Steep learning curve
✗High costs
✗Slow loading times

View Wrike →More details →

Notion

Startups that want to combine documentation and tasks

★ 4.4/5 · Free / from 10 dollar

Notion is a modular workspace that combines notes, wikis, and databases. It is designed for teams that want to build their own workflow and knowledge base from the ground up. Instead of fixed project structures, Notion offers blocks that allow you to design pages and databases (like in Monday) yourself. The biggest limitation is that it is not a dedicated project management tool; features like recurring tasks or complex dependencies require workarounds or advanced formulas.

Difference: Completely free canvas structure instead of fixed modules

Choose this if: flexibility and documentation are leading

✓ What we like

✓All-in-one workspace (docs/tasks)
✓Huge customizability & flexibility
✓Powerful databases with relations
✓Relatively good mobile app

✗ What we don't like

✗No full offline mode
✗Slowness with large databases
✗Steep learning curve for beginners
✗No password protection on pages

View Notion →More details →

Jira

Software development teams and IT departments

★ 4.2/5 · Free / from 8 dollar

Jira is the industry standard for software development and issue tracking. It is specifically built for agile teams working with Scrum or Kanban. The tool offers in-depth functionality for backlog management, sprints, and bug tracking. Where Monday.com is broadly applicable, Jira is specialized. A known disadvantage is the complexity for non-technical users and the administrative burden it can create if not properly set up.

Difference: Specialized in Agile/Scrum methodologies and code integration

Choose this if: software development is the primary activity

✓ What we like

✓Powerful Agile and Scrum tools
✓Huge number of integrations possible
✓Fully customizable workflows
✓Scalable for large enterprises

✗ What we don't like

✗Steep learning curve for beginners
✗Slow interface with large projects
✗Complex configuration requires admin
✗Overwhelming for non-IT teams

View Jira →More details →

Linear

High-performance engineering and product teams

★ 4.5/5 · Free / from 8 dollar

Linear is a streamlined issue tracker and project management tool for modern software teams. It is designed as a faster, simpler alternative to Jira. The focus is on speed, keyboard shortcuts, and a minimalist interface. Unlike Monday.com, which tries to be everything for everyone, Linear does one thing very well: managing software issues. It is less suitable for marketing or sales teams due to the specific jargon (cycles, triage) and lack of generic features.

Difference: Keyboard-first navigation and extreme speed

Choose this if: speed and focus on code are a priority

✓ What we like

✓Blazing fast interface
✓Full offline mode
✓Excellent GitHub integration
✓Intuitive keyboard shortcuts

✗ What we don't like

✗Limited reporting options
✗High guest user costs
✗Steep learning curve for shortcuts

View Linear →More details →

Basecamp

Teams that value communication more than planning

★ 4.1/5 · Free / from 299 dollar

Basecamp takes a radically different approach than Monday.com by deliberately limiting functionality. It is built for teams that want calm and clarity instead of complex dashboards. Each project has fixed tools: a message board, to-do list, files, and a schedule. There are no Gantt charts or time tracking features. The strength lies in communication and reducing meetings. It is less suitable for teams that depend on detailed resource planning.

Difference: Fixed set of tools per project, not configurable

Choose this if: simplicity and fewer notifications are the goal

✓ What we like

✓Flat rate ($299/month) great for large teams
✓Free guest access for clients
✓Unique Hill Charts for visual progress
✓All-in-one: chat, files, and tasks

✗ What we don't like

✗No task dependencies or Gantt charts
✗Lack of real subtasks (only lists)
✗Limited native integrations (mainly Zapier)
✗Rigid structure, little customizability

View Basecamp →More details →

Todoist

Freelancers and small teams with simple projects

★ 4.6/5 · Free / from 5 dollar

Todoist is essentially a task manager, not a complete Work OS like Monday.com. It is ideal for freelancers and small teams that want to manage projects through simple lists and boards. The tool is known for its natural language recognition when entering tasks. It lacks the database functions, automations, and extensive dashboards of Monday. For users who find Monday too heavy or too expensive for simple task lists, this is a logical step back to basics.

Difference: Focus on personal task lists and quick entry

Choose this if: a complete Work OS is overkill

✓ What we like

✓Powerful natural task input
✓Reliable synchronization
✓Intuitive interface
✓Quick task adding

✗ What we don't like

✗Reminders behind paywall
✗Calendar view not free
✗Limited project management
✗Awkward subtasks

View Todoist →More details →

For whom is Monday.com the best choice?

Monday.com is built for teams that need visual overviews of complex projects with multiple workflows. The tool offers more than 30 different board views, from Gantt charts to Kanban and timelines, that you can combine in one dashboard. For marketing teams managing campaigns across 5 to 10 channels simultaneously, or for product teams planning releases with dependencies between 20+ tasks, Monday.com offers the flexibility you need.

Also for organizations with 100+ employees that want to standardize workflows across different departments, Monday.com remains the logical choice. The tool offers templates for more than 200 use cases, from CRM to HR onboarding, that you can customize without code. The investment of € 24 to € 39 per user per month is then justified by the time savings: teams don’t have to purchase a separate tool for each department.

For teams that need to give external clients or partners access to specific projects, Monday.com offers granular permissions per board and column. You can add guest users at no additional cost, which is not the case with alternatives like Asana or ClickUp. This makes Monday.com suitable for agencies serving 10+ clients simultaneously and wanting to share each project separately.

Why would you look for a Monday.com alternative?

The price is an important factor for many users. Monday.com works with ‘seat buckets’: you pay for a minimum of 3 users in the Basic plan and for a minimum of 5 users in higher plans. A team of 3 people therefore pays € 72 per month for the Standard plan, while at ClickUp you pay € 21 for exactly 3 users. For small teams or freelancers working with 2 to 4 people, this difference adds up to € 600+ per year.

Another frequently mentioned reason is the limits on automations and integrations. The Basic plan offers 250 actions per month, the Standard plan 25,000 actions. For teams that create 50+ tasks daily, send status updates, or trigger notifications, that limit is reached within a week. Alternatives like Airtable or SmartSuite offer unlimited automations starting from their basic plans, which makes a difference for data-driven teams.

The mobile app of Monday.com offers more limited functionality compared to the desktop version. You cannot view custom dashboards, edit formulas, or perform bulk actions. For teams in construction, retail, or field service that do 80% of their work via mobile, this is a problem. Tools like Smartsheet and Asana offer full functionality on mobile, including offline access to tasks and documents.

Finally

The choice depends on your priorities. For teams of 2 to 10 people with a limited budget, ClickUp offers the most features for the lowest price, starting at € 7 per user per month. For teams that value structure and templates more than customization, Asana is the better option with its fixed project structures and clear workflows. For organizations that want to build custom databases with relationships between tables, Airtable offers more flexibility than Monday.com.

Looking for the most overlap with Monday.com in terms of interface and features? Then SmartSuite comes closest, with similar board views but more database functionality and no seat buckets. For teams migrating from Excel and wanting to keep spreadsheets central, Smartsheet is better suited due to its familiar cell-based interface. For more than 50 users and complex approval processes, Monday.com remains the best option due to its enterprise features and dedicated support.

Frequently asked questions

Why do people switch from Monday.com to ClickUp?

The most cited reason is the price-quality ratio. ClickUp offers many features that are included in more expensive packages at Monday.com (such as time tracking and Gantt charts) in their cheaper or even free plan.

Can I export my Monday.com boards to Excel?

Yes, Monday.com offers a native export function to Excel. This is often the first step in a migration, as most alternatives (such as Asana, ClickUp, and Smartsheet) can import Excel or CSV files.

Which alternative most resembles the Monday.com interface?

SmartSuite and Airtable come closest. Both use a similar visual database structure with columns, different views, and colored status labels.

Is there a free alternative to Monday.com without a user limit?

ClickUp and Bitrix24 (not in list) offer free plans with unlimited users, but with other limits (such as storage space). Asana is free for up to 15 users.

Also check out

All alternatives →