16 Best Project Management Software for Consultants
Choosing the best project management software for consultants requires careful consideration of different needs and use cases. Read this detailed guide to discover and compare the best options.
Written by Mehak Siddiqui (Writer)
Reviewed by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated:
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Key Takeaways: These Are the 10 Best Project Management Software for Consultants
- monday.com — Best overall project management software for consultants. Try the Standard plan risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ClickUp — Customizable tool for business consultants. Try the Business plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Asana — Great project organization tool for environmental consultants. Sign up to get a free trial of the Advanced plan.
- Jira — Best for tech and IT consultants managing Agile client projects. Get a 30-day free trial of the Premium plan.
- Wrike — Best project management software for management consultants. Start a 14-day free trial of the Business plan.
- Airtable — Spreadsheet-style management software suitable for agricultural consultants. Sign up to get a 14-day free trial of the Team plan.
- Zoho Projects — Best for affordable task and time management. Get a 15-day free trial of the Premium or Enterprise plans.
- Trello — Best for small consulting projects that need simple, shareable boards. Get a 14-day free trial of Trello’s Premium plan.
- Basecamp — Best for client communication and collaboration. Get a 60-day free trial of Basecamp’s Pro Unlimited plan.
- Notion — Best for consultants combining knowledge management with project delivery. Get a 14-day free trial of Notion’s Business plan.
Facts & Expert Analysis About Consultant Project Management Software:
- Client retention is the main challenge for 70% of consulting firms.1 Project management tools help by centralizing communication, giving clients real-time visibility into deliverables and reducing frustrating back-and-forth.
- Over 40% of consulting projects today involve cross-functional teams.1 Software with task dependencies, shared dashboards and messaging features can make it easier to coordinate across departments and avoid bottlenecks.
- An estimated 65% of consulting firms have increased investment in digital tools.2 Over the past two years (2023-2025), digital tools have become increasingly important for consulting firms, so it’s essential to make an informed choice.
Consultants often manage multiple clients and juggle deadlines for dynamic projects. Staying on track can become overwhelming, which is why project management software for consultants plays a vital role. It can streamline workflows, track billable hours, facilitate collaboration and provide clear visibility of project progress.
The right software can be the difference between thriving and getting lost in spreadsheets and endless email threads. I’ve already covered the best project management software, so in this article, I’ll discuss the tools best suited for the consulting world so you can pick one that fits your needs.
Cloudwards’ Choice: monday.com
Cloudwards’ Choice: monday.com
I’ve tested dozens of project management services, and monday.com stands out as the best tool for consultants. Its visual dashboards help you effortlessly track multiple clients and projects without feeling overwhelmed. Sign up for monday.com to get a 14-day free trial of the Pro plan.
What to Look For in Project Management Tools as a Consultant
The right tool helps consultants manage clients, deadlines and deliverables while keeping communication clear and workflows smooth. Below are six key factors to prioritize:
- Core features: Basic functions like task management, workflow tracking, project organization and deadline oversight form the foundation of managing multiple clients.
- Essential extras: Time tracking, billing, reporting dashboards and automated workflows streamline operations and enhance productivity.
- User experience: An intuitive interface makes it easier to adopt the tool, reduces error and ensures team members and clients can navigate without confusion.
- Onboarding and support: Look for software with thorough tutorials and customer support to minimize setup time and resolve issues.
- Integration capabilities: The ability to connect with tools you already use (e.g., email, calendars or cloud storage) keeps workflows seamless and prevents duplication.
- Scalability and accessibility: Make sure the platform can grow with your consulting practice, offers mobile access and can adapt to solo work or larger teams.
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How to Find the Right Project Management Software for Your Consulting Needs
Not all consultants have the same requirements when it comes to project management software. The ideal tool depends on factors like industry, team size and project scale. Short-term engagements might succeed with simpler tools, while complex, multi-phase projects demand more advanced features.
Similarly, solo consultants may prefer user-friendly and low-cost platforms that minimize overhead. Larger teams require advanced features for resource allocation, workload balancing and in-depth reporting. Ultimately, the best software is one that aligns with a consultant’s specific workflow, client needs and operational scale.
The 10 Best Consultancy Project Management Tools Compared
| Tool: | Free Plan | Pricing | Core Features | Essential Extras | User Experience | Onboarding & Support | Integration Capabilities | Scalability & Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Up to 2 users, limited boards | From $9 per user per month | Strong task tracking & organization | Automations, dashboards, limited time tracking | Very intuitive visuals | Excellent guides & 24/7 support | 200+ integrations | Highly scalable, mobile app |
 | Limited storage & features | From $7 per user per month | Full task & project management | Time tracking, docs, automations, dashboards | Flexible but can feel overwhelming | Good tutorials & support | 1,000+ integrations | Highly customizable & scalable |
 | Basic task & project management | From $10.99 per user per month | Reliable task & workflow tracking | Reporting, automations, time tracking via add-ons | Clean & easy to use | Good onboarding resources | Integrates with 100+ apps | Scales well, mobile access |
 | Up to 10 users | From $8.60 per user per month | Advanced task & Agile workflows | Roadmaps, automations, reporting | Geared to technical teams | Strong Atlassian support | Deep integrations (especially dev tools) | Great for scaling, mobile app |
 | Basic task & project management | From $10 per user per month | Strong project organization | Time tracking, dashboards, automations | Easy to navigate | Good customer support | 400+ integrations | Highly scalable, mobile app |
 | Limited records & storage | From $20 per user per month | Flexible database & task management | Automations, dashboards, reporting | Intuitive, spreadsheet-like | Good support & templates | 1,000+ integrations | Scales well, strong mobile app |
 | Up to 5 users, 3 projects | From $4 per user per month | Solid task & workflow management | Time tracking, billing, automations | Simple & easy to use | Good tutorials & support | Integrates well with Zoho & 3rd-party apps | Affordable, scalable |
 | Basic boards, automation limits | From $5 per user per month | Kanban boards for task tracking | Basic automations, limited reporting | Extremely simple, visual | Easy onboarding, good docs | 200+ integrations | Good for small teams, mobile app |
 | Individual use | $15 per user per month | Core task & communication management | Messaging, scheduling, file sharing | Simple but less customizable | Responsive support | Limited integrations | Works best for small or medium teams |
 | Limited storage & blocks | From $10 per user per month | Notes, task & project management | Automations, reporting via add-ons | Very clean & customizable | Strong guides, community support | Integrates via API & 3rd-party apps | Flexible, great for individuals & teams |
1. monday.com — Best Project Management Software for Consultants
monday.com offers core tools like task and workflow management, project tracking and deadline oversight while also offering standout tools such as automations and customizable dashboards. Time tracking is available on the Pro plan and higher. Its intuitive interface and scalability make it effective for solo consultants and growing teams alike.
monday.com Hands-On Testing
The interface is intuitive, with color-coded boards and drag-and-drop functionality. Multiple views give consultants flexibility to organize projects, and collaboration is simple. The downside is that features like time tracking are available only on higher-tier plans, as explained in our monday.com review.
monday.com Pricing & Value
monday.com has Free, Basic, Standard, Pro and Enterprise tiers. While the Free or Basic plan may be sufficient for smaller teams, the Standard plan offers the best value. Larger consulting firms should opt for the Pro or Enterprise plan for features like time tracking and private boards. All monday.com plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Maximum users: 2
- Minimum users: 3; All prices per user
- Minimum users: 3; All prices per user
More plans
- Minimum users: 3; All prices per user
- Enterprise-level features.
2. ClickUp — Project Management Tool for Business Consultants
ClickUp offers powerful core features like task and workflow management, project tracking and collaboration. It also includes time tracking, goal setting and document sharing.
ClickUp offers powerful core features like task and workflow management, project tracking and collaboration. It also includes time tracking, goal setting and document sharing. ClickUp’s strongest aspect is its granular customization for personalized workflow organization.
ClickUp Hands-On Testing
ClickUp is incredibly flexible, with options to manage projects and client documentation all in one place. However, the customization options can be overwhelming for new users, who may experience a learning curve. Learn more in our ClickUp review.
ClickUp Pricing & Value
ClickUp offers a generous free plan for basic task management and collaboration for individuals or small teams. The Unlimited plan unlocks time tracking and unlimited integrations, advanced views, goals and portfolios. The Business and Enterprise plans add advanced options like private whiteboards and workload management.
- Basic functionality with some limitations
- All prices per user
- All prices per user
3. Asana — Project Management Software for Environmental Consultants
Asana’s visual boards and timelines make it easy to track multi-stage projects such as environmental assessments, compliance reporting or field studies. The platform integrates with specialized environmental, social and governance (ESG) tools like Equilibrium, and its ESG Helper simplifies complex data and reporting.
Asana Hands-On Testing
Asana’s streamlined interface is easy to use. Environmental consultants juggling multiple stakeholders will find that Asana makes it easier to keep up with project progress and file version control. However, the platform has some quirks, such as the inability to add multiple assignees to a single task.
Asana Pricing & Value
Asana has a free Personal plan for up to 10 collaborators, with unlimited tasks, projects and messages. The Starter plan adds timeline and Gantt views, custom fields and unlimited automations. The Advanced plan unlocks portfolios, goals, workload tracking and deeper reporting. Learn more in our Asana review.
- Up to 10 users
- Price is per user. unlimited users, expanded features
- Price is per user. unlimited users, even more features
- Custom pricing, advanced security features
4. Jira — Project Management Software for IT Consultants
Jira aligns closely with software development and technical projects. It covers core needs like task and workflow management, but standout features include Agile boards, sprint planning and advanced issue tracking. It offers customization options that can be tailored to different IT consulting projects.
Jira Hands-On Testing
Jira is designed for Agile workflows, so creating boards, tracking issues and organizing sprints feels logical and precise. Reporting and dashboards provide insights into progress, velocity and bottlenecks, which is great for client updates. However, the many configuration options can feel overwhelming. Our Jira review has more details.
Jira Pricing & Value
Jira has a free plan for up to 10 users, with unlimited goals, projects and tasks. The Standard plan adds collaboration, including user roles and permissions. The Business plan is best suited for larger organizations with cross-team planning and dependency management, while the Enterprise plan has advanced security.
- Max. 10 users. unlimited boards, reports and insights; backlog; basic roadmaps; 2GB of storage; community support
- Monthly pricing starts from 11 users, pricing changes based on the number of users. Monthly pricing changes with teams over 110. Annual pricing shown is for 1-10 users
- Monthly pricing starts from 11 users, pricing changes based on the number of users. Monthly pricing changes with teams over 114. Annual pricing shown is for 1-10 users
- Enterprise plan pricing is available when you enter 801 or more users above; User tier: 801 – 1,000
5. Wrike — Project Management Software for Management Consultants
Features like AI-powered automation and project portfolio management make Wrike effective for consultants handling complex, multi-stakeholder projects. Advanced reporting and dashboards track performance and outcomes. However, time-tracking and resource management features are available only on higher-tier plans.
Wrike Hands-On Testing
Wrike may seem complex to first-time users, but that’s because it’s highly customizable. Consultants can tailor dashboards to specific clients, set up approval workflows and create custom templates. The interface is clean but layered with options. Once you get used to it, Wrike feels efficient and versatile. Learn more in our full Wrike review.
Wrike Pricing & Value
Wrike offers a free entry-level plan with basic task and project management tools, board and table views, and limited storage. The Team plan adds features like unlimited tasks and projects, Gantt charts and custom fields, The Business plan stands out with advanced functionalities like capacity and resource planning.
- Unlimited users. Basic features.
- Price is per user. Plans for 5, 10 and 15 users.
- Price is per user. No monthly option. Plans for 5 to 200 users.
More plans
- For large teams; Enterprise-grade security and scalability; Plans for 5 to an unlimited number of users.
- For teams with complex work needs; Advanced tools and analytics for complex work; 5 to unlimited users
6. Airtable — Project Management Software for Agricultural Consultants
Airtable blends the structure of a database with the flexibility of project-tracking tools. Its customizable tables make it easy for agricultural consultants to log field data like soil quality, crop cycles or resource use. Multiple views — such as calendars and kanban boards — help visualize seasonal tasks and workflows.
Airtable Hands-On Testing
Working with Airtable is like using extra-powerful spreadsheets. The automated interface designer helps you set up the software for your specific needs. However, collaboration features are limited to commenting on records and mentioning team members. Read our Airtable review for more.
Airtable Pricing & Value
Airtable has a free plan with basic database functionality, which is ideal for individuals or very small teams. The Team plan adds features like Gantt and timeline views, while the Business plan expands limits and controls. Both paid plans provide a great balance of features and value for agricultural consultants.
- Up to five users. Unlimited bases. 1,000 records, 1GB of storage per base. Revision and snapshot history for two weeks. Views: grid, calendar, form, Kanban board, gallery and list. 100 automations per month.
- Everything in free, plus unlimited users, 50,000 records and 20GB of storage space per base. Adds Gantt charts and timeline views. 25,000 automations per month.
- Everything in Team, plus 125,000 records, 100GB of storage per base, 100,000 automation per month. Admin controls, single sign-on (SSO) and premium integrations with third-party services.
- Everything in Business, plus 500,000 records, 1TB of storage per base, and 500,000 automation monthly.
7. Zoho Projects — Best for Affordable Task & Time Management
Zoho Projects offers a great balance of affordability, usability and essential project management functionality. It includes time tracking and reporting in its cheapest plan, making it convenient to track billable hours and generate client-ready insights without third-party tools.
Zoho Projects Hands-On Testing
Zoho Projects feels straightforward and approachable, which is ideal for consultants who want core project management features without unnecessary complexity. The interface is clean and intuitive, though the mobile app can feel limited compared with the desktop version. Read our Zoho Projects review for more.
Zoho Projects Pricing & Value
Zoho Projects has a free plan with basic project management tools for up to five users, making it ideal for solo consultants or small teams. The Premium plan adds features like Gantt charts and time tracking. The Enterprise plan includes enhanced reporting, custom fields and custom roles.
8. Trello — Best for Small Consulting Projects
Trello’s kanban board interface makes it easy to organize tasks, track progress and collaborate with clients. It’s a great choice for consultants who prioritize ease of use and need to manage just a few projects at a time.
Trello Hands-On Testing
Trello is very user-friendly, thanks to its drag-and-drop kanban boards. Creating and managing tasks, checklists and due dates is simple. Useful elements include the flexibility to customize boards with power-ups. However, larger projects may feel cluttered, and there’s a lack of advanced reporting and resource management tools.
Trello Pricing & Value
Trello’s free plan supports up to 10 users and 10 boards per workspace. The affordable Standard and Premium plans unlock more features, as detailed in our Trello review. You can also get a 14-day free trial of Trello Premium. The Enterprise plan offers scalable features for larger firms, with unlimited workspaces and advanced permissions.
- Unlimited users, 10 boards, Unlimited power-ups, Unlimited storage
- Price is per user, Unlimited boards, Custom fields, Invite guests
- Price is per user, Several new views
- Price is per user, Advanced admin & security settings. Discounts for larger teams.
9. Basecamp — Best for Easy Client Communication and Collaboration
Basecamp covers the core features most consultants need, offering task management, file sharing and team collaboration in one platform. Basecamp’s strength lies in its simplicity and communication features such as direct messages and group chats. You can also invite guest users for free. However, it falls short on advanced features like automations.
Basecamp Hands-On Testing
Basecamp feels clear and intuitive, making it easy for consultants and clients to get on board quickly. However, its simplicity can sometimes feel limiting. Consultants managing complex projects may find the lack of advanced reporting, time tracking or customization restrictive. Read our Basecamp review for more details.
Basecamp Pricing & Value
Basecamp has a free plan, but it supports only one project at a time. Paid plans start at $15 per user per month and provide access to all features. Alternatively, you can choose the all-in-one Pro Unlimited plan, which is priced for an entire organization rather than per seat. There’s also a generous 60-day free trial.
- One project 1 GB storage space
- Per user. Unlimited projects, Unlimited users, All features. 500GB storage.
- Unlimited users. 5TB storage. Priority support.
10. Notion — Best for Combining Knowledge Management with Project Delivery
Notion excels at knowledge management, letting consultants store research, reports and meeting notes alongside project tasks. While it lacks time-tracking and some advanced reporting features, its integration capabilities and modular structure make it easy to build a tailored system. This flexibility covers most core project management needs.
Notion Hands-On Testing
Notion feels sleek and modern, giving users control over how they structure projects and information. Its drag-and-drop interface makes building pages and databases intuitive, and the flexibility to design workflows from scratch is a major plus. However, this freedom can feel overwhelming for new users.
Notion Pricing & Value
Notion has a limited free plan for individuals. The Plus plan adds unlimited file uploads and advanced sharing controls, while the Business plan includes advanced collaboration features, analytics and security tools. Learn more in our Notion review, or try the Business plan free for 14 days.
- 1 user only, Up to five guests, 5MB file upload limit
- 1 user only, Unlimited guests, Unlimited file uploads, Version history
- Unlimited users, Unlocks workspace, User permission settings
- Advanced security features
Honorable Mentions
Several other project management services are worth mentioning due to their features and functionality:
- Hive: Flexible project and task management software with collaboration features for mid-sized teams. Read our Hive review for more information.
- nTask: Lightweight, user-friendly tool with task-tracking and risk management capabilities at an affordable price. Our nTask review has all the details.
- ProofHub: User-friendly platform for project planning, team communication and document management. Learn more in our ProofHub review.
- Scoro: Combines project management with time tracking, billing and reporting for business oversight.
- Accelo: Designed for service-based businesses, integrating project management with client and task tracking.
- Bonsai consulting software: Focuses on freelance and consulting workflows, with contracts, proposals and invoicing.
Consultants’ Guide to Project Management Software Pricing
Choosing a project management service isn’t just about ticking a list of features. You need to strike a balance between cost and value. Every consultancy has different priorities, so overspending on a feature-heavy tool you barely use can be just as costly as underinvesting in a bare-bones solution that doesn’t help much.
The table below is a guide to the most common kinds of pricing structures and what you can expect from each.
| Plan Type: | Average Price | Consultant Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic task management, limited users/projects, minimal integrations | Solo consultants or very small teams with light project loads |
| Basic | $5-$10 per user per month | Task & workflow management, some integrations, limited automation/reporting | Small teams needing structure but working with straightforward projects |
| Standard | $10-$15 per user per month | Advanced task features, time tracking, dashboards, better automation & integrations | Ideal for growing consultancies balancing features & affordability |
| Premium/Business | $15-$25 per user per month | Custom workflows, advanced reporting, strong integrations, priority support | Mid-size consulting teams handling complex client projects with higher demands |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing, often higher | Advanced security, unlimited scalability, compliance features, dedicated support | Large consulting firms managing multiple clients across regions with complex needs |
Our Methodology: How I Tested the Consulting Project Management Tools
When evaluating software solutions, I focused on features that directly impact efficiency, collaboration and client delivery. I tested each platform hands-on, simulating multi-project workflows, team collaboration and client reporting to see how well they support real-world consulting needs. I prioritized the following:
- Task and workflow management: Ease of creating, assigning and tracking tasks across projects.
- Collaboration tools: Effectiveness of communication, file sharing and team coordination.
- Reporting and dashboards: Quality of insights, progress tracking and client-ready reporting.
- Integrations: Compatibility with other apps to maintain seamless workflows.
- User experience and onboarding: Intuitiveness, learning curve and support resources.
Final Thoughts
Project management software helps consultants streamline workflows, track tasks, collaborate with teams and deliver projects effectively. After testing multiple options, I found monday.com to be the best choice thanks to its intuitive interface, customizable workflows, powerful dashboards and seamless integrations.
Which features matter most to you when managing consulting projects? Do you prefer a highly visual tool or one with advanced functionality? Have you tried any of the software mentioned in this article? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: What Is the Best Project Management Tool for Consultants?
Management consultants typically use software like monday.com, ClickUp, Asana and Wrike to manage tasks, projects and client workflows efficiently.
McKinsey uses a proprietary program management platform called Wave that’s been specifically designed for orchestrating large-scale transformation initiatives.
The best project management software for consulting freelancers is monday.com. It’s a flexible, user-friendly and affordable tool for task management, collaboration and project organization.