Unlocking Your Potential: The Best Merlin Project Alternatives for Every Project Manager

Merlin Project has long been a go-to solution for professional project management on macOS and iOS, celebrated for its robust features like Kanban for agile workflows, resource pools, and comprehensive project planning, management, and controlling capabilities. However, even with its impressive toolkit, project managers often seek out a Merlin Project alternative that might better fit specific needs, budget constraints, or operating system preferences. Whether you're looking for cross-platform compatibility, open-source flexibility, or a cloud-based solution, the market offers a diverse range of powerful alternatives.

Top Merlin Project Alternatives

Finding the perfect project management software is crucial for efficiency and success. We've compiled a list of top-notch alternatives to Merlin Project, each bringing unique strengths to the table, ensuring you can find a tool that aligns perfectly with your project demands.

GanttProject

GanttProject

GanttProject is an excellent open-source, cross-platform desktop tool for project scheduling and management, running seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It's a fantastic free Merlin Project alternative for those seeking accurate Gantt-charts, custom columns, and dependencies, all within a user-friendly interface.

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a leading commercial project management solution for Windows and Web, offering robust features like resource monitoring, Gantt-charts, project analysis, dependencies, real-time collaboration, and team collaboration. It's a powerful Merlin Project alternative for organizations deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a commercial, web-based project management, task management, and work collaboration software available on Web, iPhone, and iPad. As a versatile Merlin Project alternative, it provides collaborative project management, Gantt-charts, integrated file sharing, real-time collaboration, and task management, making it ideal for teams needing flexible, cloud-based solutions.

LibrePlan

LibrePlan

LibrePlan is a Freemium, open-source web application for project planning, monitoring, and control, offering a self-hosted option for Linux and Web. This collaborative Merlin Project alternative is well-suited for users prioritizing open-source solutions with features like Gantt-charts, real-time collaboration, and scheduling capabilities.

Gantter

Gantter

Gantter is a commercial, cloud-based project management and scheduling Software as a Service (SaaS). It's a community-powered Merlin Project alternative focused heavily on Gantt-charts, making it a strong choice for those who need a straightforward and accessible online project planning tool.

OmniPlan

OmniPlan

OmniPlan is a commercial program designed specifically for Mac users to create logical and manageable project planning documents. With its focus on breaking down tasks and optimizing resources, OmniPlan serves as a direct and powerful Merlin Project alternative for macOS users who appreciate detailed Gantt-charts and a native Mac experience.

OrgBusiness Gantt Chart

OrgBusiness Gantt Chart

OrgBusiness Gantt Chart is a commercial Windows and Windows RT application that offers a modern and easy-to-use project plan system. This Merlin Project alternative excels in specifying complex task sequences, featuring database integration, Gantt-charts, scheduling, and task management capabilities.

Price&Cost

Price&Cost

Price&Cost is a commercial web-based tool also available for Mac and Windows, designed to help you stay on top of your project costs. This Merlin Project alternative is perfect for those prioritizing financial oversight, offering strong budgeting and project tracking features.

jxProject

jxProject

jxProject is a freemium project management software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It's a flexible Merlin Project alternative that supports resource leveling/optimizer, parent/child task structures, familiar linking relationships, Gantt-charts, Java integration, real-time collaboration, and scheduling.

FoxPlan

FoxPlan

FoxPlan is a freemium, web-based Project Portfolio Management (PPM) and project collaboration tool offered as Software as a Service (SaaS). As a comprehensive Merlin Project alternative, it features integrated project management, cross-project dependencies, performance monitoring, file sharing, Gantt-charts, and real-time collaboration.

The landscape of project management software is rich and varied. While Merlin Project offers a powerful suite of tools, exploring these alternatives can lead you to a solution that better aligns with your team's specific workflow, budget, and platform requirements. Evaluate their features, consider their pricing models, and try out demos to find the perfect fit for your next project.

Christopher Hill

Christopher Hill

Writes about developer tools, performance optimization, and software engineering trends.