Top 10 LiquidPlanner alternatives for 2024

What Is LiquidPlanner?

As a project management tool, LiquidPlanner has a wide set of features that could help teams predict changes, properly allocate resources and efficiently prioritize tasks. The platform brings together scheduling, time-tracking, resource management, and project analysis features under one roof. It also provides a great communication tool for a smooth flow of communication within teams. 

One of the best parts of LiquidPlanner is its easy-to-use dashboard. Here, users can get real-time snapshots of their project’s status, budgets, and deadlines. With this accurate data, they can then make better-informed decisions.

LiquidPlanner also emphasizes value-based prioritization allowing users to easily adjustongoing plans based on the changing needs of the team or business.

These features come together to create a robust tool, however, some businesses might find LiquidPlanner too complex or costly for their needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of LiquidPlanner alternatives on the market.

What Are The Top Limitations Of Liquidplanner?

LiquidPlanner has a lot to offer as a project management tool, however, it also has a few flaws. Learn about these limits below:

• Data Integration: LiquidPlanner lacks in terms of its ability to efficiently integrate data from multiple external sources. This can reduce workflow and productivity.
• Learning Curve: New users can find LiquidPlanner complex. This requires significant training and time for team members to fully master its features.
• Customization: Options for task and project customization are quite limited, which may not be ideal for businesses looking for more flexibility in their project management tool.
• Mobile Experience: The mobile experience is not as smooth or comprehensive as the desktop version reducing its on-the-go usability.
• Price: LiquidPlanner's pricing is on the higher side compared to other project management tools in the market. This may make it a less appealing choice for small businesses and startups. 

What Are The Must-Have Features Of A Liquidplanner Alternative?

LiquidPlanner already offers powerful project management tools. So its alternative should be able to easily handle complex tasks. Here are some solid features to look for in a LiquidPlanner alternative.

• Robust Resource Management: A strong resource management feature helps teams to balance their workload effectively based on their availability and skills. Some of the tasks they should be able to do include resource scheduling and project planning
• Integrated Time Tracking: LiquidPlanner alternatives should have a great time tracking tool. Through this, managers can see how much time is being spent on different tasks and ensure that deadlines are met while staying within budget. 
• Comprehensive Reporting: Teams need detailed reports to get meaningful insights that they can use for improving productivity. These insights are also useful for identifying bottlenecks or areas for improvement on the go and making better decisions.

Bonsai

Service-based businesses have unique project management needs so they'll need robust and flexible solutions. One amazing solution is Bonsai. With its effective time tracking, project management, client management, and billing functions, businesses can optimize their workflows to their best version. They can also focus on what matters: delivering excellent services. Read on to see why and how Bonsai could be the perfect fit for your business.

Extensive Project Management

Bonsai provides an end-to-end project management experience. From task creation to time tracking, and goal setting, it has complete services needed to manage projects effectively. Unlike Liquidplanner, Bonsai also offers automatic task categorization. This keeps projects organized and saves teams valuable time.

Accurate Time Tracking

Bonsai’s time-tracking feature helps teams keep track of the amount of time and resources dedicated to each project. This lets them know how long they take on projects and allows them to streamline processes from there. It also works well with popular apps like Trello and Google Calendar.

Hassle-free Invoicing

Invoicing can get complicated, especially when the business has many clients and projects. Bonsai simplifies this process by automatically creating and sending invoices based on tracked time and expenses. It’s a huge time-saver compared to Liquidplanner, which doesn’t have automatic invoicing capabilities.

In-depth Reporting and Analytics

One of Bonsai's key strengths is its powerful reporting and analytics feature. It provides businesses with an in-depth analysis of projects allowing an accurate assessment of team performance and project profitability. This can help cut costs, optimize project outcomes, and streamline operations. 

Excellent Client Management

Excellent client management is the key to the success of service businesses and Bonsai gives just that. With Bonsai, managing clients becomes a breeze with features like contract and proposal management, client portals, and detailed client profiles.

To experience how Bonsai can streamline your operations, why not try it for free today.

Trello

Trello is simple and easy to use but it's a powerful progress tracking and team coordinating tool. Users often give it strong positive reviews. As for pricing, it’s one of the most affordable options out there as it offers a freemium model. Additional features are available with Business Class and Enterprise plans.

Best Features:

• Its board and card system allow easy task visualization.
• Allows easy operation with drag and drop interface.
• Trello Butler helps automate repetitive tasks.
• Smooth integrations with other tools like Google Drive and Slack.

Limitations:

• Reporting and analytics functions are compared to competitors.
• Scalability issues for large organizations or complex projects.

Trello might not be the best choice for large businesses with intricate project structures given it lacks advanced features such as resource management.

Asana

Asana features tons of helpful tools like kanban boards, comprehensive reporting, and shared task lists. Feedback for it is mainly positive. It’s also appreciated for its affordable pricing. It has a free version for small teams. After that, there are Premium, Business, and Enterprise versions that vary according to features. 

Best Features:

• Proven project tracking capabilities.
• Flexible views including timeline, list, and kanban boards.
• Integrations that expand its functionality.
• Highly interactive user interface.

Limitations:

• A steep learning curve for new users.
• No in-built chat function.
• Limits on the free version.

For small teams on a tight budget or those who need resource management features, Asana might not be a good fit.

Jira

Developed by Atlassian, JIRA is a powerful project management app made to help teams plan, track and release world-class software. With its robust features, users often give it high ratings. When it comes to pricing, it provides wiggle room for many businesses. It starts at $7 per month/ user and goes up to $ 14,000 a year for large organizations.

Best Features:

• Flexible, customizable workflow configurations.
• Built-in agile boards for project tracking.
• Advanced reporting and metrics options.
• Integration with other Atlassian products and over 3,000 apps

Limitations:

• Steep learning curve for new users.
• Limited templates for issue tracking.
• Expensive for small teams.
• Complex administration and setup.

Jira does well with development teams, however, it might not fit small businesses with tight budgets and non-technical teams.

Monday

Monday.com is a versatile tool that encourages collaboration and improves workflow efficiency. It maintains positive reviews on many review platforms. And as for pricing, it starts at $8 per seat per month.

Best Features:

• Visual project timelines.
• Document sharing capabilities.
• Automated notifications.
• Integration with popular tools like Google Drive and Slack.

Limitations:

• Limited free version
• Overwhelming for small teams
• No built-in chat function
• Can become expensive as a team grows

Organizations with smaller budgets or professionals needing sophisticated resource management capabilities may find other options to be more suitable.

Microsoft-project

Microsoft Project is a popular project management tool offering comprehensive features for project planning, execution, and analysis. Overall, these features receive positive reviews. When it comes to pricing, Microsoft Project offers tiered pricing plans catering to different needs. Prices start at $10 per month/ user. 

Best Features:

• An extensive suite of project planning and scheduling tools to streamline processes.
• Integrated budgeting module for financial forecasting and management.
• Real-time collaboration and communication tools.
• Offers a high level of customization and scalability.

Limitations:

• The complex interface can be daunting for new users.
• Lacks direct integration with other Microsoft products.
• Limited access and mobility, especially for Mac users.
• The budgeting module is not as powerful as other specialized project management tools.

For businesses expecting immediate setup and deployment or those requiring easy cross-product synchronization, this tool might not be a great fit.

Basecamp

This popular tool is dedicated to helping keep organization and collaboration among teams. It often gets solid high ratings on various review platforms. As for pricing though, it can be expensive with a flat rate of $99 per month regardless of the number of users. 

Best Features:

• Interface is easy-to-navigate and has an intuitive design.
• Advanced to-do list tracks assignments and due dates.
• Direct messaging and chat feature allows immediate collaboration.
• File sharing and storage allow easy access to all information about projects..

Limitations:

• No built-in time tracking feature.
• Customizable features are limited.

It may not be the best choice for teams needing advanced project management features like specialized reporting tools or Gantt charts.

Wrike

Wrike promotes collaboration, helps maintain project transparency, and improves efficiency. Users also love its functionality. As for pricing, there’s a free version then there are paid plans with prices starting at $9.80 per user/ month.

Best Features:

• Flexible project views including list, board, and Gantt chart.
• Efficient time tracking and workload management tools.
• Advanced integration capabilities with apps like Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Automated, customizable workflows.

Limitations:

• Somewhat steep learning curve.
• Limited customization in free version.
• A lack of advanced reporting in lower-priced plans.

Wrike might not be a good fit for small teams or individual consultants because of how complex it can be.

Zoho-projects

Zoho Projects allows teams to plan, track, and collaborate on projects. It’s known for its simplicity, transparency, and flexibility and is perfect for teams of all sizes in any industry. It also receives high ratings and offers affordable prices. It has a free version with basic features and paid plans starting at $5 a month.

Best Features:

• Intuitive task and project management.
• Time tracking capabilities.
• Team collaboration including chat rooms.
• Visual Gantt charts for project tracking.

Limitations:

• Lacks some advanced capabilities compared to other alternatives. 
• Interface could be challenging for first-time users.
• Customer support often gets mixed reviews.
• Customization options are limited.

This app is not suitable for companies with specific or complex project requirements or those needing a high level of customization.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a work execution platform designed to manage all types of team projects, tasks, and workflows in a single place. Users love its flexibility. However, its pricing is a little higher than other alternatives. It does offer a free trial but plans start at $14 per month billed annually.

Best Features:

• Customizable dashboards for real-time visibility into workflows.
• Automated actions to streamline tasks and boost efficiency.
• Visual timelines (Gantt charts) for project planning and tracking.
• Integrates with popular apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, and more.

Limitations:

• Steep learning curve compared to other project management tools,
• Lacks built-in chat functionality.
• Difficulty in navigating through complex hierarchies of sheets.
• Relatively expensive for small teams.

This platform may not be a good fit for teams needing a tool with a simple interface or those working on a limited budget.