Targetprocess
Visual platform for SAFe and scaled-agile portfolios.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Trello
Card-based kanban boards for lightweight project tracking.
13 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Trello listing →
Trello is a visual project management tool built around cards organized into columns (lists), typically representing workflow stages like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." It's designed for lightweight tracking of tasks and projects, popular with teams that need something simple without much process overhead. The card-based interface makes it easy to drag items between statuses, add checklists and attachments, and see at a glance what's happening. Trello works well for small teams, creative projects, and organizations that prefer visual simplicity over detailed reporting.
The product suits teams that plan work in sprints or cycles but don't need deep resource allocation, budget tracking, or complex dependencies. Common use cases include marketing campaign planning, content calendars, product roadmaps, and general-purpose task organization. Buyers typically choose Trello when they want their whole team on the same page without requiring a sales call to get started, though they may outgrow it once projects demand timeline views, workload leveling, or multi-project resource management across departments.
What we offer that competes
Pivotal Tracker
Story-based agile planning tool with velocity tracking.
TeamGantt
Drag-and-drop Gantt chart tool for project schedules.
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-style project and work management at scale.
Wrike
Enterprise project management with custom workflows and dashboards.
Shortcut
Project management built specifically for software teams.
Height
Autonomous project tool with AI built into the workflow.
ClickUp
All-in-one work hub for tasks, docs, and dashboards.
Basecamp
Simple project and team communication tool from 37signals.
Monday.com
Visual work OS with customizable boards and workflows.
Asana
Work-management platform for cross-functional teams.
Jira
Atlassian's enterprise issue and project tracker.
Linear
Fast, opinionated issue tracker for software teams.
What to look for
- Whether the tool offers a Gantt chart or timeline view alongside kanban boards for managing task dependencies and sequencing
- Whether you can export your entire project history as a single file or need API access to backup data before leaving
- Whether the product allows custom fields and custom statuses to match your specific workflow without needing a developer
- Whether the pricing model scales per-user or per-project, and how many projects or team members the free tier includes
- Whether you can set up role-based access control so that client stakeholders or contractors see only their assigned work
- Whether the product integrates natively with your calendar, email, or Slack, or if you need Zapier or webhooks to connect tools
FAQ
What are the best alternatives to Trello?
Asana, Monday.com, ClickUp, and Smartsheet all offer card-based views alongside additional features like timelines, resource management, and automation; Targetprocess and Jira focus more on Agile workflows; TeamGantt and Pivotal Tracker are built for production-heavy teams needing detailed scheduling.
Are there free alternatives to Trello?
Yes — Asana, Monday.com, and ClickUp each have free tiers with basic kanban boards, though they cap collaboration features or project counts; Jira has a free plan for up to 10 users on a single project.
How do I know if I need something more advanced than Trello?
Consider upgrading when you need Gantt charts or timelines to track dependencies, resource allocation tools to balance workload across people, or reporting dashboards to track velocity and burndown over multiple projects.
What platforms do Trello alternatives support?
All 13 alternatives run in the browser; most offer iOS and Android apps, though desktop app availability varies (Linear and Shortcut are web-first; Wrike and Smartsheet have downloadable clients).
Can I import my Trello board into another tool?
Most tools accept CSV imports or JSON export from Trello; Asana, ClickUp, and Monday.com provide direct Trello import within their UI, though card history and custom fields don't always carry over.
Which alternative is best for large teams with complex workflows?
Smartsheet, Wrike, and Asana are built to scale across hundreds of people with role-based access, portfolio management, and audit trails; Jira is purpose-built for software teams needing detailed issue tracking and Sprint boards.
Do any Trello alternatives offer self-hosting or on-premises deployment?
Jira has a self-hosted option; most others are cloud-only, though Basecamp and Linear prioritize data privacy and security by default without requiring self-hosting.
How much do these tools typically cost compared to Trello?
Trello's free tier is generous; paid plans start at $5/month; alternatives like ClickUp and Monday.com match or undercut that, while enterprise tools like Smartsheet, Wrike, and Jira typically cost $15–25/month per user.