Microsoft Project is a software that helps project managers plan, manage, and track projects, but it’s not compatible with Linux operating systems. 

It’s also costly and complex, making it impractical for smaller businesses. This has led to the proliferation of several Microsoft Project alternatives for Linux users, especially since the demand remains just as high as for other platforms.

But out of those countless project management softwares, how can you tell which one to use? Don’t worry! That’s why we’re here. In this blog, we’re offering you the top alternatives to MS Project for Linux, comparing their features, pros, and cons. If you’re interested in options for any platform, you can find a Microsoft Project substitute in GanttPRO’s blog.

Nevertheless, without further ado, let’s jump into the top Microsoft Project-like softwares for Linux!

#1: GanttPRO

GanttPRO is an online project management software that helps users create Gantt charts and plan, manage, and monitor their projects. Other features you can use include: 

• Gantt chart creation and customization
• Task management and scheduling
• Resource management and workload balancing
• Budget tracking and project cost management
• Collaboration and communication tools
• Time tracking and reporting
• Integration with other tools, such as Slack or Google Drive

Pros:

• User-friendly interface and intuitive Gantt chart creation tools
• Real-time collaboration and communication features
• Integration 
• Affordable pricing plans

Cons:

• Limited advanced features compared to Microsoft Project
• Limited customization options for Gantt charts and reports
• Not open-source, but it does have a free trial and affordable pricing

#2: ProjectLibre

ProjectLibre is a free, open-source project management tool compatible with Microsoft Project files. It also includes features such as Gantt charts, resource allocation, task scheduling, and task dependencies. 

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Can import and export Microsoft Project files
• User-friendly interface
• Supports multiple languages

Cons:

• It may not have as many advanced features as Microsoft Project
• Limited support and updates

#3: GanttProject

GanttProject is another alternative to MS Project that allows users to create Gantt charts, schedule tasks, and track progress. Moreover, it includes features like task scheduling, task dependencies, resource allocation, and Gantt charts.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Can import and export Microsoft Project files
• User-friendly interface
• Supports multiple languages

Cons:

• It may not have as many advanced features as Microsoft Project
• Limited support and updates

#4: TaskJuggler

TaskJuggler is an open-source tool that gives access to resource allocation, task scheduling, and Gantt charts.

Pros:

• It provides a command-line interface
• Allows for multiple project management and resource allocation
• Provides various reports and charts to analyze project data
• Can handle complex and large-scale projects

Cons:

• The learning curve for TaskJuggler can be steep
• The lack of a GUI makes it challenging for novice users
• Although it offers detailed reports, customizing them can be a bit tricky

#5: OpenProject

OpenProj provides a desktop application for Linux and aims to provide one of the more cost-effective alternatives to Microsoft Project.

Pros:

• OpenProj is free and open-source software
• It provides a desktop application
• Import and export Microsoft Project files
• Gantt chart view
• Customizable templates for different project types

Cons:

• Lacks a few advanced features that are alternatively available in Microsoft Project
• Customizing reports and charts may be challenging.
• Limited integrations with other software.
• Not suitable for larger projects.

#6: LibrePlan

LibrePlan is one of the Microsoft Project alternatives that is open-source and offers features like resource allocation, customizable Gantt charts, financial management, and project scheduling. Not only does it have a small learning curve, but it also has a web interface that is easily accessible.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Web-based interface
• Resource allocation and management tools
• Gantt chart visualization for project scheduling
• Collaboration tools for team communication and file sharing
• Integration with other tools

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Less advanced features for financial management
• Slower and less responsive

#7: Taiga

Taiga is an open-source project management tool that provides a user-friendly and easy-to-use interface for the construction and management of projects. It is designed to help agile teams organize their work, track progress, and collaborate more efficiently.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Comprehensive agile project management features
• Customizable workflows and statuses
• Integrations with third-party tools
• Open-source and affordable

Cons:

• Limited reporting and analytics features
• Less suited to complex, large-scale projects
• Limited time tracking capabilities

#8: Asana

Asana is a cloud-based project management tool designed to help teams organize and manage tasks and projects and provides a centralized platform for teams to collaborate, assign tasks, and track progress in real-time.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Collaboration features
• Customizable workflows
• Integration

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• It can be expensive, especially for small teams or individuals.
• Limited reporting features

#9: Redmine

Redmine is an open-source project management and issue-tracking software designed to help users manage software projects, tasks, and bugs.

Pros:

• Open-source software
• Intuitive web interface
• Allows integration
• Customization and Tracking features
• Available in multiple languages

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features such as resource allocation and risk management
• Installation and setup of Redmine can be complex for less technical users
• Requires some technical knowledge to customize and maintain

#10: Wrike

As a Project alternative, this tool provides a centralized platform for managing tasks, projects, and workflows. It is designed to help teams collaborate more effectively and increase productivity by streamlining work processes.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Robust task management capabilities
• Good collaboration tools
• Customizable workflows

Cons:

• Limited reporting features
• The steep learning curve for advanced features
• It may not be suitable for complex projects
• Expensive pricing plans for large teams

#11: Zoho Projects 

Zoho Projects is web-based and a tool for project managers and teams that helps them plan, track, and collaborate on projects.

Pros:

• Comprehensive project management features
• User-friendly interface
• Integration with other Zoho apps
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Some features require additional payment
• Lacks advanced reporting capabilities
• Customer support can be slow to respond

#12: Kanboard

Kanboard is a free and open-source project management software designed to visualize tasks on a Kanban board.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Simple and user-friendly interface
• Customizable with plugins
• Integrates with popular third-party tools like GitLab and Slack
• Supports multiple languages

Cons:

• Limited features 
• No built-in time tracking or reporting features
• Minimal customer support
• Requires technical knowledge for installation and configuration

#13: Trello

Managers who require a visual board to track tasks and collaborate with team members can use this web-based program as one of the better tools for project management and an alternative to MS Project.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface
• Flexible
• Good for small projects
• Integration 

Cons:

• Limited reporting and analytics
• Not suitable for complex projects
• Lacks task dependencies and time tracking

#14: MeisterTask

MeisterTask is a user-friendly project management tool with a simple interface. It offers features like automation, collaboration, and task prioritization.

Pros:

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Good integration options with other apps
• Automation and task prioritization features
• Reasonable pricing

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Various features and aspects may only be available to paid users
• Lacks advanced reporting and budgeting capabilities

#15: Basecamp

Basecamp is a web-based project management tool for teams. It offers to-do lists, calendars, communication, and file-sharing features.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Excellent communication tools
• Time tracking and reporting features
• Integrations with other apps
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• No native Gantt chart or project timeline view
• Lacks advanced project management features for complex projects.

#16: Smartsheet

This Linux alternative to Microsoft Project provides robust collaboration features and customizable templates for different types of projects.

Pros:

• Robust collaboration features
• Customizable templates for various project types
• Integrates with other tools such as Slack and Salesforce
• Advanced reporting and automation capabilities

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for new users
• Limited customization options for reports
• It can become expensive for larger teams or enterprise-level use
• Advanced features may require a higher subscription tier
• Limited Gantt chart functionality

The Final Say

The bottom line is that there are several alternatives to Microsoft Project available for Linux users. These tools all have individual strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to carefully evaluate each one based on your specific project management needs.

Some of these tools, such as ProjectLibre and GanttProject, are free and open-source, while others, such as Ganttpro and Asana, require a subscription fee. Still, most are customizable and can be tailored to fit your methodologies. 

Ultimately, however, the best tool for you is the one you choose, though we recommend picking GanttPRO. It may not be open source, but the software itself is far worth the cost!