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Managing projects can be a headache, especially when you're juggling multiple tasks and deadlines. Your team needs a clear path, and that's where free milestone software comes in. It helps you organize projects, track progress, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks—all without spending a dime.

In my experience, choosing the right tool can make a world of difference. You want something that fits your team's needs, is easy to use, and, most importantly, is free. I've tested and reviewed a range of these tools to help you find the best fit.

In this article, I'll share my top picks for free milestone software, giving you the insights you need to make an informed decision.

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Best Free Milestone Software Summary

While all of the milestone software in my list have free offerings, they also have paid plans should you wish to upgrade. Here are the base costs for each of the tools that made it onto my shortlist

Best Free Milestone Software Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best free milestone software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you. While some of these tools offer a completely free version, others offer a free trial period. I’ve added a note about what’s free in each of my reviews

Best for combining CRM, finance, and project tools

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $29/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Flowlu is an all-in-one business management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers project management, CRM, invoicing, and collaboration tools to enhance business productivity.

Why I picked Flowlu: The free plan supports up to two users, making it accessible for small teams. It includes project management features, allowing you to create and track tasks easily. CRM functionalities let you manage customer relationships directly within the platform. Additionally, the invoicing feature helps you manage and send invoices without needing separate software.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a knowledge base that lets your team store and share important information easily. The mind mapping tool helps you visualize ideas and projects, enhancing planning and collaboration. Budget management features assist you in tracking project finances effectively.

Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Zapier, QuickBooks, Xero, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Teams, and HubSpot.

What's free?

Flowlu offers a free-forever plan for up to two users, with limitations on the number of projects and storage capacity.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • CRM functionalities included
  • Includes invoicing features
  • All-in-one business management

Cons:

  • Few advanced CRM features
  • Basic budgeting features

Best for custom databases

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $20/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the functionality of a database. It's popular among teams of all sizes for managing projects, tracking inventory, planning events, and more.

Why I picked Airtable: The free plan allows unlimited bases, making it ideal for teams needing custom databases. You can create and customize fields to fit your specific project needs. The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, allowing you to organize and visualize information effortlessly. Airtable's free version also includes rich field types, offering flexibility for various data inputs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a grid view that lets you manage and organize data like a spreadsheet. The calendar view helps you track deadlines and schedules, ensuring you never miss important dates. Airtable also offers a gallery view, which is perfect for displaying visual content in an organized manner.

Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Zapier, MailChimp, Outlook, Salesforce, Trello, Asana, and Evernote.

What's free?

Airtable offers a free-forever plan with unlimited bases, but limits the number of records per base and attachment storage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports visual content organization
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
  • Unlimited custom databases

Cons:

  • Attachment storage restrictions
  • Limited records per base

Best for flexible views

  • 14-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $8/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Zenkit is a project management and collaboration tool that serves teams looking for customizable workflows and data organization. It's ideal for businesses that need to manage tasks, projects, and information across various departments.

Why I picked Zenkit: The free version offers multiple view options, including Kanban, list, and calendar views, providing flexibility for different project needs. You can switch between views easily, allowing your team to work in the format that suits them best. The tool supports unlimited collections, which means you can organize projects and tasks without restrictions. Zenkit's free plan also includes basic task management features for small teams.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a mind mapping tool that helps visualize ideas and projects, enhancing creativity and planning. The activity tracking feature allows you to monitor project progress and team activities in real-time. Zenkit also offers a hierarchical view, which helps in structuring tasks and projects in a clear, organized manner.

Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Trello, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, Zapier, Asana, Evernote, and Wunderlist.

What's free?

Zenkit offers a free-forever plan with unlimited collections, but limits the number of users and some advanced features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Includes mind mapping tool
  • Unlimited collections
  • Multiple view options

Cons:

  • Few customization options
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for bug tracking

  • Free plan available
  • From $35/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Backlog is a project management and collaboration tool designed for developers and project teams. It helps manage tasks, track bugs, and ensure smooth project execution.

Why I picked Backlog: The free plan supports up to 10 users, making it accessible for small teams. Bug tracking is a core feature, allowing you to manage and resolve issues efficiently. You can create and organize tasks within projects, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. The software also includes Gantt charts for visual project planning.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include task management that lets you create, assign, and prioritize tasks easily. The Gantt chart feature provides a visual timeline of your projects, helping you track progress. Milestone management keeps your team aligned on project goals and deadlines.

Integrations include Typetalk, Cacoo, GitHub, Jenkins, Redmine, Slack, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

What's free?

Backlog offers a free-forever plan for up to 10 users, but it limits you to one project and lacks some advanced features available in paid plans.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Visual Gantt charts
  • Supports up to 10 users
  • Easy bug tracking for developers

Cons:

  • No advanced reporting features
  • Limited to one project

Best for invoicing features

  • Free plan available
  • From $11.95/month (up to 2 users)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Avaza is a business management software that caters to freelancers and small to medium-sized businesses. It offers project management, time tracking, and invoicing to streamline business operations.

Why I picked Avaza: The free plan supports one user and five projects, which is perfect for freelancers or small teams. It includes invoicing features, allowing you to create and send invoices easily. Time tracking is part of the free offering, helping you manage your billable hours efficiently. The tool also provides basic project management features to keep your tasks organized.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include expense tracking, which helps you manage and record project expenses. The task collaboration feature enables your team to communicate and share updates within tasks. Avaza also offers a resource scheduling feature, which helps in planning and allocating resources effectively.

Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, Slack, Google Calendar, Dropbox, Zapier, MailChimp, PayPal, Stripe, and Square.

What's free?

Avaza offers a free-forever plan for one user with access to five projects and basic invoicing features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Expense tracking available
  • Includes time tracking
  • Ideal for freelancers and small teams

Cons:

  • Limited storage capacity
  • Only five projects allowed

Best for organizing with a flexible structure and tagging features

  • 14-day money-back guarantee
  • From $6/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Infinity is a flexible project management tool designed for teams that need to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks. It caters to businesses of all sizes, providing a platform for task management and collaboration.

Why I picked Infinity: The free plan allows unlimited tasks, making it ideal for teams looking to manage extensive projects without limitations. You can customize your workspace with various views like list, table, and calendar, giving your team the flexibility to choose how they work. The tool also supports custom attributes, so you can tailor tasks to fit your project needs. Infinity's free version includes essential collaboration features to keep your team connected.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a nested folder structure that helps you organize projects and tasks hierarchically. The priority setting feature lets you mark tasks based on urgency and importance. Infinity also offers customizable templates, which make setting up new projects quick and easy.

Integrations include Trello, Asana, Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Jira, GitHub, and Outlook.

What's free?

Infinity offers a free-forever plan with unlimited tasks, but limits the number of users and some advanced features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports custom attributes
  • Customizable workspace views
  • Allows unlimited tasks

Cons:

  • Advanced features restricted
  • Limited number of users

Best for managing tasks with built-in time tracking

  • 7-day free trial + free demo available
  • From $3/user/month (min 5 seats)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

nTask is a project management platform designed for teams and individuals to organize tasks, projects, and workflows. It is ideal for businesses looking to manage tasks efficiently and enhance team collaboration.

Why I picked nTask: The free version allows up to five users, making it suitable for small teams. It offers task management features that let you create, assign, and track tasks effortlessly. The tool includes meeting management, helping your team stay aligned with scheduled discussions and agendas. nTask's free plan also provides time tracking, so you can monitor how time is spent on various tasks.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a risk management module that helps identify and mitigate project risks effectively. The issue tracking feature allows you to log and resolve project-related issues promptly. nTask also provides a project planning tool that helps in outlining project timelines and milestones.

Integrations include Slack, Google Calendar, Outlook, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Zapier, Trello, Asana, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

What's free?

nTask offers a free-forever plan for up to five users, with limitations on storage and some advanced features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides time tracking
  • Includes meeting management
  • Suitable for small teams

Cons:

  • Basic project planning tools
  • Limited storage capacity

Best for open source collaboration

  • Free plan available
  • From $8.50/user/month (min of 5 seats)
Visit Website
Rating: 3.6/5

OpenProject is a project management software designed for teams who value open-source solutions. It serves a broad user base, from small teams to large enterprises, providing tools for planning, tracking, and collaboration.

Why I picked OpenProject: The free version is suitable for teams looking for open-source project management tools. It offers features like task management, project timelines, and basic reporting, which are essential for team collaboration. You can customize workflows to fit your project's needs, enhancing how your team manages tasks. OpenProject's community edition is available for free, making it an accessible option for those wanting a cost-effective solution.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include Gantt charts that help visualize project timelines and dependencies. The time tracking feature allows you to monitor how time is spent on different tasks and projects. OpenProject also offers a wiki feature, which lets your team document and share important project information.

Integrations include GitHub, Jenkins, Slack, Redmine, Excel, CSV, REST API, LDAP, SAML, and OpenID Connect.

What's free?

OpenProject offers a free-forever community edition, with some limitations on advanced features and integrations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Gantt chart visualization
  • Customizable workflows
  • Ideal for open-source enthusiasts

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Requires technical setup knowledge

Best for Agile teams

  • 7-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $7.16/user/month (billed annually, min 5 seats)

Jira is a project management tool tailored for Agile software development teams. It offers a range of features for tracking issues, managing projects, and planning sprints.

Why I picked Jira: The free plan accommodates up to 10 users, making it suitable for small Agile teams. Kanban and Scrum boards are included, allowing you to manage workflows effectively. The tool also provides customizable workflows to fit your team's processes. With backlog management, your team can prioritize tasks and keep projects on track.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced reporting tools that give your team insights into project progress and performance. The roadmap feature helps you plan and communicate project timelines. Customizable dashboards let you tailor the interface to your team's specific needs.

Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, Bitbucket, Confluence, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, Outlook, and Zoom.

What's free?

Jira offers a free-forever plan for up to 10 users, with limited storage and some restrictions on advanced features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Roadmap feature available
  • Advanced reporting tools
  • Backlog management included

Cons:

  • Requires setup knowledge
  • Limited to 10 users

Best for beginner-friendly Agile features

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $7/user/month (billed annually)

Taiga is a project management tool tailored for Agile teams, especially those working on open-source projects. It provides a platform for managing tasks, sprints, and backlogs, making it suitable for developers and project managers.

Why I picked Taiga: The free version supports up to three members, making it ideal for small open-source teams. It includes Kanban and Scrum boards, allowing you to manage workflows effectively. The tool also provides backlog management, helping your team prioritize tasks and stay organized. Taiga's free plan includes essential Agile tools without any cost.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include an intuitive backlog management system that helps prioritize and manage tasks efficiently. The sprint planning feature aids in organizing and scheduling sprints for Agile teams. Taiga also offers a customizable Kanban board, which lets you adapt workflows to your team's specific needs.

Integrations include GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Slack, Zapier, Jira, Trello, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Asana.

What's free?

Taiga offers a free-forever plan for up to three members, with limited access to premium features and integrations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Includes backlog management
  • Supports Agile methodologies
  • Ideal for open-source projects

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Learning curve for new users

Other Free Milestone Software

Here are some additional milestone software options that also offer free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out:

  1. Zoho Projects

    For small teams

  2. Quire

    For nested task lists

  3. Productboard

    For product roadmaps

  4. MeisterTask

    For Kanban boards

  5. Asana

    For cross-functional team workflows with task dependencies

  6. monday.com

    For project templates

  7. Kintone

    For custom workflows

  8. Todoist

    For task prioritization

  9. Basecamp

    For communication and built-in scheduling

  10. Notion

    For note-taking

  11. ClickUp

    For customizable task views and high-volume project tracking

  12. Trello

    For visual boards

Free Milestone Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best free milestone software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like budget constraints and ease of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Track project milestones
  • Manage task assignments
  • Monitor project timelines
  • Facilitate team collaboration
  • Provide progress reporting

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Customizable dashboards
  • Integration with other tools
  • Automated notifications
  • Resource management capabilities
  • Mobile app availability

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Easy navigation
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Responsive design
  • Clear labeling of features

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates
  • Webinars for new users
  • Chat support for onboarding assistance

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of live chat
  • Response time to queries
  • Access to a knowledge base
  • Email support options
  • Community forums for user interaction

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Features included in the free plan
  • Cost of upgrading to paid plans
  • Comparison with competitor pricing
  • Flexibility of pricing tiers
  • Transparency of pricing information

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • User feedback on reliability
  • Comments on feature usefulness
  • Ratings on ease of use
  • Opinions on customer support
  • Satisfaction with free offering

How to Choose Free Milestone Software

Complex feature lists and pricing structures can make it hard to figure out what you’re really getting from a free milestone software. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Free Offer ScopeCheck what features are included in the free version. Some tools may limit projects, users, or storage.
ScalabilityLook for software that can grow with your team. Ensure it offers easy upgrades to paid plans if needed.
IntegrationsMake sure the software integrates with tools you already use, like Slack, Google Drive, or Trello.
Ease of UseEvaluate the user interface. A simple, intuitive design can save you time and reduce frustration.
Customer SupportConsider the support options available. Access to chat or email support can be crucial for troubleshooting.
CustomizationCheck if you can tailor workflows to fit your team’s needs. Custom fields and dashboards can be helpful.
Mobile AccessIf your team works on the go, ensure the software has a mobile app with full functionality.
Data SecurityVerify the software’s data protection measures, especially if handling sensitive project information.

What Is Free Milestone Software?

Milestone software is a tool used to plan, track, and manage project milestones and deadlines. These products often offer free versions or trials, giving users access to basic features with limitations on projects or users. Professionals like project managers, team leads, and freelancers commonly use these tools to keep projects on track and improve team collaboration. Task management, timeline tracking, and collaboration features help teams stay organized, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively.

Features of Free Milestone Software

Let’s go over the features commonly found in milestone software, and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.

Typically Free Milestone Software Features

  • Task management: Allows you to create, assign, and track tasks, keeping your team organized and on schedule.
  • Timeline tracking: Helps you monitor project progress and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Collaboration tools: Facilitates communication and information sharing within your team.
  • Basic reporting: Provides insights into project status and team performance.
  • Kanban boards: Offers a visual way to manage workflows and tasks, making it easier to see project progress.
  • Time tracking: Enables you to monitor how much time is spent on different tasks, aiding in resource management.
  • Customizable views: Lets you switch between different views like list or calendar, allowing flexibility in how you view project data.
  • Mobile access: Allows your team to access project information on the go, ensuring continuity and flexibility.

Typically Paid Milestone Software Features

  • Advanced reporting: Offers detailed insights and analytics on project performance and team productivity.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects with other tools and platforms to streamline workflows and data sharing.
  • Resource management: Helps in planning and allocating resources efficiently across projects.
  • Automation features: Automates repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing manual work.
  • Custom workflows: Lets you tailor workflows to fit your team's specific processes and needs.
  • Priority setting: Allows you to mark tasks based on urgency and importance, helping teams focus on critical tasks.
  • Enhanced security: Provides additional data protection measures, ensuring sensitive project information is secure.
  • Unlimited projects: Removes restrictions on the number of projects you can manage, allowing for greater scalability.

Benefits of Free Milestone Software

Implementing free milestone software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Cost savings: Free plans allow you to manage projects without incurring additional costs, making it budget-friendly for small teams.
  • Improved organization: Features like task management and timeline tracking help keep your projects organized and on track.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Collaboration tools foster better communication and teamwork, ensuring everyone stays informed.
  • Flexibility: Customizable views and mobile access let you tailor the software to fit your workflow and access it on the go.
  • Time management: Time tracking features help you monitor time spent on tasks, improving resource allocation.
  • Visual management: Kanban boards provide a visual way to manage tasks and workflows, making it easier to see progress at a glance.
  • Accessibility: Free software options make project management tools accessible to teams of all sizes, regardless of budget constraints.

Costs and Pricing of Free Milestone Software

I realize you came to this article looking for the best milestone software options that are available for free. However, since free plans only offer limited features, there's a good chance you'll need to scale your plan up in the future.

The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in milestone software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Milestone Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Task management, timeline tracking, collaboration tools, and basic reporting.
Personal Plan$5-$15/user/
month
Advanced reporting, custom views, priority setting, and time tracking.
Business Plan$20-$40/
user/month
Integration capabilities, custom workflows, resource management, and automation.
Enterprise Plan$50-$100/
user/month
Enhanced security, unlimited projects, dedicated support, and advanced analytics.

Free Milestone Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about free milestone software:

What limitations should I expect with free milestone software?

Free milestone software often comes with limitations like restricted project numbers, a cap on users, and limited storage space. You might also find some features, like advanced reporting or integrations, are only available in paid versions. It’s important to assess if these limitations impact your project’s needs.

Can free milestone software integrate with other tools?

Yes, many free milestone software solutions offer basic integrations with popular tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Trello. However, the range of integrations might be limited compared to paid plans. Check if the free version integrates with the tools your team already uses.

How secure is free milestone software?

Security features in free milestone software can vary. While some basic security measures are typically in place, more advanced security options, like enhanced data encryption or compliance certifications, may only be available in paid plans. Always verify the security features of the software you choose.

How can I ensure my team adapts to new free milestone software?

To help your team adapt, look for free milestone software that offers training resources like tutorials, webinars, or a knowledge base. Some platforms also provide interactive tours or onboarding guides. These resources can ease the transition and help your team make the most of the software.

Are there any hidden costs with free milestone software?

While the software itself is free, there might be hidden costs related to additional features or necessary upgrades for more functionality. Also, consider potential costs for training or adapting existing processes to fit the software. Always review the pricing details and terms of service.

How do I choose the right free milestone software for my team?

Consider your team’s specific needs, such as the number of users, required features, and integration needs. Evaluate the usability and the support options available for the free version. Trial different options, if possible, to see which software aligns best with your workflow and requirements.

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Hannah Clark
By Hannah Clark

Hannah Clark is the Editor of The Product Manager. Following six years of experience in the tech industry, she pivoted into the content marketing space. She’s spent the better part of the past decade working in marketing agencies and offering freelance branding and content development services. Today, she’s a digital publisher who is privileged to work with some of the most brilliant voices in the product world. Driven by insatiable curiosity and a love of bringing people together, her mission is to foster a fun, vibrant, and inspiring community of product people.