Wrike Product Management Tools Review For 2024
Wrike excels beyond competitors with strong task management and team collaboration features that help product teams coordinate cross-functional work in a structured way.
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In this review, I'll share my analysis and evaluation of Wrike from hands-on experience. If you're just starting your search for the best product management tools, check out my top picks.
You probably already know Wrike is among the most popular product management tools out there, but you need to better understand what’s good and not so good about it. This in-depth Wrike review will walk you through pros and cons, features, and functionality to help guide you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your scenario.
Summary: Wrike
Wrike is a cloud-based project management and collaboration software. Project managers and teams commonly use Wrike to organize projects, track progress, collaborate, and manage resources across an organization. The software provides tools for task management, file sharing, Gantt charts, reporting, and team communication.
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Wrike addresses common pain points like lack of visibility into projects, difficulty prioritizing tasks, and inefficient team collaboration. Its best features are a user-friendly interface, real-time updates, customizable dashboards, integration with other business tools, and the ability to scale to support large organizations.
Wrike Pros
- Gantt charts: Wrike's interactive Gantt charts provide a visual timeline of tasks and dependencies to track progress.
- Custom workflows: Users can build custom workflows and approval processes to standardize work and ensure consistency.
- Time tracking: The software’s built-in time tracking capabilities allow teams to log hours worked on tasks and monitor productivity.
Wrike Cons
- Learning curve: Wrike's extensive features and customization options can take time to fully learn and configure.
- Notifications: The high volume of notifications and updates can be overwhelming and difficult to manage.
- Mobile app: The mobile app has limited functionality compared to the web version and can be slow or buggy.
Wrike Expert Opinion
In my opinion, Wrike is a capable and flexible product management platform with some trade-offs. Its extensive customization options, built-in proofing flows, and wide range of integrations make it ideal for larger product teams managing projects. Additionally, the software offers advanced Gantt charts, time tracking, and workload views, which are particularly useful for resource planning and keeping work on schedule.
However, this power comes with a steep learning curve. Configuring Wrike and training a team takes significant time compared to simpler tools. The pricing can also be high for larger teams, making it less accessible for some organizations.
Overall, Wrike is best suited for mid-sized to enterprise product teams that need a customizable platform for end-to-end product development and have the resources to invest in it. Smaller, more Agile teams might prefer more affordable, quicker-to-roll-out options like Productboard or Asana.
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monday.com
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Wrike
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monday dev
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Are You A Good Fit For Wrike?
Who Would be a Good Fit for Wrike?
Wrike is ideal for cross-functional teams in mid-sized to large organizations, who focus on project collaboration. It supports up to 50 users per account and offers enterprise features like custom fields, task approvals, and advanced reporting. Similarly, companies in search of advanced project management, resource planning, and team collaboration will also benefit from Wrike's functionality.
Who Would be a Bad Fit for Wrike?
Small teams or individual contributors may find Wrike to be too excessive for more simple projects. With a 5-user minimum and plans starting at $49/month, smaller businesses with basic project management needs won’t benefit from using Wrike, as it may be overly expensive or complicated for their distinct need requirements.
Best Use Cases for Wrike
- Large enterprises: Wrike's enterprise-grade security, unlimited users, and advanced reporting make it ideal for large companies with many teams and complex projects.
- Marketing teams: Wrike offers proofing and approval workflows, asset management, and Adobe integrations that streamline creative production.
- Software development: Features like Gantt charts, time tracking, resource management, and integrations with development tools help engineering teams ship products on time.
- Fast-growth companies: Wrike scales easily to accommodate rapid growth without sacrificing speed or collaboration. The ability to quickly spin up projects and onboard new users is key.
- Remote teams: Cloud-based access, real-time commenting, and the automation of approvals enable remote teams to stay aligned and productive.
- Professional services: Built-in resource management, time tracking, and budgeting help client services teams manage billable utilization and profitability.
Worst Use Cases for Wrike
- Small businesses: Wrike can be too expensive for small companies with limited budgets. As such, free alternatives or more basic project management tools may be a better fit.
- Regulated industries: While secure, Wrike may lack some compliance features required for sensitive data handling in financial services, government, or healthcare.
- Design roles: The software’s interface can feel unintuitive and clunky for visually-oriented roles like graphic design who prefer seamless, aesthetically pleasing tools.
- Solopreneurs: Independent professionals likely don't need the strong feature set associated with Wrike. For these reasons, lightweight task management apps may be a better fit.
- Physical products: Compared to standard PLM software, Wrike doesn’t offer the manufacturing and shipping options necessary for print on demand or service-based businesses.
- Construction: Managing blueprints, job sites, subcontractors and materials may be better handled by industry-specific software vs. a general tool like Wrike.
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Wrike Evaluation Summary
- Core Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Standout Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐
- Onboarding: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Support: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Integrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐
Review Methodology
We are software experts who focus on the features and functionality of various platforms. We understand how critical and confusing software selection can be. We test and score software to find the best solutions for any use case.
Using our data-driven testing methodology, we've tested over 300 software products. We strive to be objective and thorough in our testing to look beyond marketing claims and truly understand each platform.
We develop robust testing scenarios to use the software as you would, relying on our practical experience and interviews with users, experts, and vendors.
How We Test & Score Product Management Tools
We've spent years refining our software testing and scoring system for product management tools. Our rubric captures the nuances of software selection and identifies what makes these tools effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Our testing and scoring work across eight criteria: core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money. This approach allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of each software.
Core Functionality (20% of final scoring)
For product management tools, the core functionality we test and evaluate are:
- Roadmapping: Allows users to create and share product roadmaps with key stakeholders.
- User stories: Provides a way to capture and prioritize user requirements.
- Backlog management: Enables organizing, tracking and updating the product backlog.
- Collaboration: Facilitates easy collaboration and communication among the product team.
- Analytics: Offers built-in analytics to track product metrics and KPIs.
- Prioritization: Includes features to help prioritize features and user stories.
Standout Features (20% of final scoring)
We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality defined and typically found in product management tools. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the product management tools. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use the product management tools with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the software with no experience. High-scoring software indicates little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Product management tools that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Integrations (10% of final scoring)
We evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Product management tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the product management tools again for the core functionality. A high-scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Through this comprehensive approach, I aim to identify product management tools that not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring teams have the tools they need to succeed.
Wrike Review
Core Product Management Tools Functionality
Task management: Wrike offers flexible task management through Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and customizable table views, allowing teams to visualize project progress in various ways. You can break down large projects into subtasks and assign responsibilities and work management strategies to match your team’s unique processes and preferences.
Resource management: With Wrike’s workload view, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your team’s bandwidth, allowing you to efficiently balance assignments. Wrike’s resource management tools provide the ability to monitor employee workloads, predict potential bottlenecks, and optimize resource utilization across your projects.
Project and portfolio management: Wrike allows you to manage projects from initial request through final delivery. Its dynamic request forms ensure that all necessary information is captured efficiently, while customizable dashboards provide visibility into key performance indicators across all projects and portfolios, enabling more informed decision-making.
Time tracking: Built-in time tracking capabilities make it simple to monitor progress and record billable hours. Start the timer with one click, log hours manually, or integrate with a third-party time-tracking app.
Document collaboration: Teams can collaborate on documents and creative assets directly inside Wrike. There are built-in editing and proofing tools, plus integrations with software like Google Drive and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Reporting and analytics: Real-time reports and shareable dashboards provide insights into project status, team performance, budget consumption and more. Drill down into the details with just a few clicks to uncover issues and measure results.
Wrike Standout Features
Wrike Analyze: This advanced business intelligence tool enhances reporting capabilities by allowing users to create powerful, customizable analytics dashboards. It integrates data from Wrike and other business apps, offering a range of pre-built and custom widgets to visualize data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
Wrike Proof: Streamline the review and approval process for documents, images, videos, and other creative assets. Wrike Proof consolidates feedback in a single place and maintains a clear audit trail of approvals.
Ease of Use
While Wrike has a modern, intuitive interface, it does require some configuration to match your organization's workflows. The initial setup process takes time to define folders, templates, and custom fields. However, once that foundational work is complete, the day-to-day user experience is straightforward. Mobile apps for iOS and Android also make it convenient to access information and update tasks on the go.
Onboarding
Wrike provides a strong onboarding program, starting with a dedicated onboarding team to help new customers configure the system. Live online training webinars are offered, and the Wrike Discover portal has a library of on-demand video courses. Interactive walkthroughs inside the app help users learn by doing. Unlike some other product management tools that take a self-service approach, Wrike is hands-on to make sure users are set up for success.
Customer Support
Wrike offers several avenues for customer support. The online knowledge base provides articles and guides for troubleshooting and understanding the platform. Additionally, users can access 24/7 email support for help with any issues or questions. Phone support is also available for higher paying members.
Along with these features, the community forum allows users to ask questions, share experiences, and get help from other Wrike users. Furthermore, live chat provides real-time support from customer service representatives, while Wrike's status page offers real-time updates on system performance and outages.
The platform frequently releases updates and bug fixes. Users can give feedback and request new features through dedicated channels.
Integrations
Wrike integrates natively with Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Dropbox, Box, GitHub, Jira, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Outlook.
Wrike also offers additional options through a REST API, Zapier, and the Wrike Integrate marketplace, providing users with extensive customization and integration possibilities.
Value for Money
Wrike's pricing is around average compared to other product management software on the market. It’s not the cheapest tool available but also not the most expensive.
Wrike offers the following pricing plans:
- Free: For up to 5 users with basic task management features.
- Team: From $9.80/user/month. This plan includes access for 2-25 users, unlimited projects, tasks, and subtasks, dashboard, and interactive Gantt charts.
- Business: From $24.80/user/month. Includes everything in the Team plan, plus AI risk prediction, cross-tagging, project blueprints, and resource management.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing. Includes everything in the Business plan, plus unlimited user access, 2FA, custom access roles, admin permissions, and SAML-based SSO.
- Pinnacle: Custom pricing. Includes everything in the Enterprise plan, plus locked spaces, advanced reporting and BI, team utilization and performance dashboards, job roles, and budgeting.
Wrike offers a good balance of features for the price, especially with its Team and Business plans. Similarly, the free plan is generous for small teams starting out. Larger enterprises, however, will need a custom quote for the Enterprise and Pinnacle tiers to determine its overall cost effectiveness.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Wrike Has It? |
| Task Management | ✅ |
| Project Planning & Scheduling | ✅ |
| Team Collaboration Tools | ✅ |
| File Sharing & Attachment | ✅ |
| Time Tracking | ✅ |
| Resource Management | ✅ |
| Reporting & Analytics | ✅ |
| Customizable Dashboards | ✅ |
| Gantt Charts | ✅ |
| Mobile App | ✅ |
| Integrations with 3rd Party Apps | ✅ |
| Custom Workflows | ✅ |
| Role-Based Access Control | ✅ |
| Dedicated Product Roadmapping | ❌ |
| Built-in Chat | ❌ |
| Agile/Scrum Specific Capabilities | ❌ |
| Ideas Portal | ❌ |
| Digital Asset Management | ✅ |
| Proofing & Feedback on Assets | ✅ |
| Automated Approvals | ✅ |
| Budget Tracking | ✅ |
| Interactive Reports | ✅ |
| Goal Tracking | ✅ |
Wrike Alternatives
If you're looking for alternative product management tools to Wrike, here are a few worth checking out:
- Airtable: Combines spreadsheets, databases, and Kanban boards in a flexible and open platform that's easier to customize than Wrike.
- ClickUp: Offers unlimited tasks and users on its free version, making it more cost-effective for small teams than Wrike.
- Quire: Provides an innovative tree-style to-do list for better visualization of complex projects compared to Wrike.
- Teamwork.com: Includes native time tracking and invoicing features, which require add-ons or integrations with Wrike.
Wrike Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wrike HIPAA compliant?
Yes, Wrike supports HIPAA compliance for customers with Enterprise accounts. Wrike will sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) that outline how protected health information will be handled. Customers are responsible for using Wrike in a manner compliant with HIPAA regulations.
Is Wrike SOC 2 compliant?
Yes, Wrike has achieved SOC 2 Type 2 certification. An independent auditor has validated that Wrike’s systems and practices meet the SOC 2 trust service principles for security, availability, and confidentiality. The certification demonstrates Wrike’s commitment to protecting customer data.
Is Wrike secure?
Wrike employs several security measures to protect customer data, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure AWS data centers
- Role-based access controls
- Two-factor authentication
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
Is Wrike FedRAMP certified?
Currently, Wrike is not FedRAMP certified. However, Wrike is actively working towards achieving FedRAMP authorization. Wrike does have other security certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 that demonstrate robust information security practices.
Is Wrike GDPR compliant?
Yes, Wrike has taken steps to comply with the GDPR regulation. When customers use Wrike to process the personal data of EU residents, Wrike acts as a data processor. Wrike offers a Data Processing Addendum that defines each party’s responsibilities for GDPR compliance. Customers can also request deletion of personal data stored in Wrike.
How do users get started with Wrike?
To get started with Wrike, users can create an account by contacting the sales team or signing up on the website. They can then customize their workspace with folders and projects, invite team members to collaborate and create and assign tasks. Users can also set up tailored workflows, reports, and dashboards. Wrike offers guides, videos, and live training webinars for onboarding, and a dedicated help center with in-depth articles on each feature.
How often does Wrike release updates and new features?
Wrike frequently releases updates and new features, ensuring the platform continually evolves to meet user needs and industry standards.
Can Wrike handle multiple projects simultaneously?
Yes, Wrike allows you to manage multiple projects at once, with tools to track progress, allocate resources, and maintain oversight across all your projects.
Wrike Company Overview & History
Wrike is a project management and collaboration software company that offers cloud-based solutions for teams and organizations to manage projects, tasks, and workflows. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Wrike has offices in Dublin, Melbourne, and Tokyo, with over 1,000 employees worldwide.
Launched in 2006, Wrike's flagship product includes features like Gantt charts, time tracking, custom dashboards, proofing and approval, and integrations with over 400 other apps. Notable clients include Google, Dell, Airbnb, Snowflake, Siemens, Okta, and Nickelodeon.
In 2018, Wrike received significant investment from Vista Equity Partners, although the exact amount wasn’t disclosed. Earlier, Wrike had raised $26 million in Series B funding in 2015 from Scale Venture Partners and Bain Capital. As of 2022, Wrike was valued at over $1 billion and reported strong revenue growth.
Wrike has consistently been recognized as a leader in project and portfolio management, including being named to Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list for six consecutive years. Additionally, Wrike has won various awards, such as the SIIA CODiE Award for Best Project Management Solution.
Wrike Major Milestones
- 2006 - Andrew Filev founded Wrike
- 2007 - Wrike project management software officially launched
- 2013 - Released new version with redesigned interface and proofing/approval features
- 2015 - Raised $26 million in Series B funding
- 2016 - Opened EMEA headquarters in Dublin
- 2022 - Reached $1 billion valuation and 20,000 customers worldwide
Want to learn more about Wrike? Check out their site for additional information.
From $9.80/user/month (min of 2 seats)
Freemium version available
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