--- description: "Microsoft Project vs Project Central: Which solution wins in 2026? Compare pricing, features, and analyst ratings side-by-side to find the best Project Management Software for your business." --- [Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) > [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) > [Project Management Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/project-management-software/) > [Microsoft Project](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/microsoft-project/) > Microsoft Project vs Project Central # Microsoft Project vs Project Central Last Updated: October 5th, 2026 We compared **[Microsoft Project](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/microsoft-project/)** vs. **[Project Central](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/project-central/)** to help you decide which product makes more sense for you. Our comparison of these **[Project Management Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/project-management-software/)** solutions is based on user reviews and publicly available information about each product’s features and pricing. [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Microsoft Project Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/0e98aeeb54acf612b9eb4e48a269814c-bc04f678f03b4bce09f87df579aef107/resources/normal/logo.png?1693317909)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/microsoft-project/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![Project Central Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/23ef43a8ba7034f8b17f26f28a9a3792-7ca9886c7a1a27fb27a60cd50a49a8f3/resources/normal/logo.webp?1740207225)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/project-central/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Microsoft%2BProject&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F0e98aeeb54acf612b9eb4e48a269814c-bc04f678f03b4bce09f87df579aef107%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317909) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Microsoft%2BProject&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F0e98aeeb54acf612b9eb4e48a269814c-bc04f678f03b4bce09f87df579aef107%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317909)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Microsoft%2BProject&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F0e98aeeb54acf612b9eb4e48a269814c-bc04f678f03b4bce09f87df579aef107%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317909&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Microsoft%2BProject&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F0e98aeeb54acf612b9eb4e48a269814c-bc04f678f03b4bce09f87df579aef107%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693317909&price=1) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Project%2BCentral&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F23ef43a8ba7034f8b17f26f28a9a3792-7ca9886c7a1a27fb27a60cd50a49a8f3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1740207225) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Project%2BCentral&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F23ef43a8ba7034f8b17f26f28a9a3792-7ca9886c7a1a27fb27a60cd50a49a8f3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1740207225)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Project%2BCentral&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F23ef43a8ba7034f8b17f26f28a9a3792-7ca9886c7a1a27fb27a60cd50a49a8f3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1740207225&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product_name=Project%2BCentral&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F23ef43a8ba7034f8b17f26f28a9a3792-7ca9886c7a1a27fb27a60cd50a49a8f3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1740207225&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [Analyst RatingMicrosoft Project - Analyst Score: 72 out of 100 72 Detailed Analysis](#analyst-rating-section) [User Sentiment![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (3873 Reviews)](#user-sentiment-section) [Analyst Rating we're gathering data](#analyst-rating-section) [User Sentiment![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (42 Reviews)](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $10/User, Monthly [30 Day Free Trial is available →]() $49 Monthly [14 Day Free Trial is available →]() Pros What we like about Microsoft Project and Project Central: - Gantt charts, milestone tracking, and timeline views support complex, multi-phase projects - Integrates with Microsoft Office, Teams, and Power BI for cross-portfolio visibility - Resource heat maps help managers spot overworked or underused team members - Customizable reports cover burndowns, cash flow, earned value, and more - Intuitive interface that teams can pick up with minimal training - Tightly integrated with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint from the start - Gantt charts and at-a-glance project overviews make multi-project tracking easy - Task assignments, deadline tracking, and progress visibility keep coordination simple Cons What we dislike about Microsoft Project and Project Central: - Steep learning curve — most users need significant time to get comfortable - Managing resources gets harder when multiple people are assigned across the same team - Users often find the pricing high given what the features deliver - Lacks the advanced features needed for complex, multi-phase projects - No Kanban board view available yet (reportedly in development) - Some users encounter inconsistent experiences depending on their specific needs ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Microsoft Project is for teams that need serious project management depth — complex scheduling, portfolio tools, and tight Microsoft ecosystem integration. Project Central is the lighter option for teams already on Microsoft 365 who want simple, visual project tracking without a steep setup. If you're managing large, complex projects with multiple teams and dependencies, Microsoft Project gives you the scheduling depth to handle it. Gantt charts, milestone tracking, resource heat maps, and detailed reporting across burndowns, cash flow, and earned value are all built in. It connects directly with Power BI and the broader Office suite, so you're not stitching things together. Project Central takes a different approach. It's built for Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, so if your team already lives in that environment, setup is fast and the learning curve is low. Users get clean Gantt views, task assignments, and progress tracking without much overhead. One user noted they were up and running within minutes. On price, Microsoft Project starts at $10 per user per month. Project Central starts at $49 per month as a flat fee, which can work out better for larger teams depending on headcount. The tradeoff is real: Microsoft Project's depth comes with complexity. Most users report a steep learning curve, and resource management across multiple people can get messy. Project Central is easier to adopt but runs short on advanced workflow tools — if your projects involve complex dependencies or specialized reporting, you'll likely hit its limits. If your team is fully embedded in Microsoft 365 and wants something lightweight, Project Central is worth a look. If you need to manage intricate schedules, allocate resources across large teams, or report against earned value and cash flow, Microsoft Project is the stronger fit — just plan for the learning curve. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Microsoft Project has an analyst rating of 72. Our analysts are still gathering data for Project Central. Microsoft Project - Analyst Score: 72 out of 100 72 we're gathering data Features Comparison **Customizations** Tailor your workspace by easily adjusting fields, views, and workflows, ensuring the software perfectly fits how you and your team actually get work done. 57 we're gathering data **Dashboards and Reporting** See your project's health and performance at a glance with personalized dashboards and simple reports, making it easy to share progress with stakeholders. 97 we're gathering data **Mobile Capabilities** Manage tasks, review documents, and stay connected with your team whether you are at your desk or on the go using your phone or tablet. 0 we're gathering data Show More [Show More]() ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() How Microsoft Project compares against the top 9 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. *Microsoft Project Project Central+ Add Product [+ Add Product]()* Customizations Dashboards AndReporting Mobile Capabilities Platform Features Project Planning AndScheduling Project Tracking Task Management Team Collaboration Time Tracking AndManagement 57 97 0 74 97 95 85 47 81 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Read more **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Customizations** Tailor your workspace by easily adjusting fields, views, and workflows, ensuring the software perfectly fits how you and your team actually get work done. *29%* *43%* *28%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Dashboards And Reporting** See your project's health and performance at a glance with personalized dashboards and simple reports, making it easy to share progress with stakeholders. *100%* *0%* *0%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Mobile Capabilities** Manage tasks, review documents, and stay connected with your team whether you are at your desk or on the go using your phone or tablet. *0%* *0%* *100%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Platform Features** Integrate with your favorite existing tools, like Slack or Google Drive, creating a single, connected place for all your communication and files. *63%* *13%* *24%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Project Planning And Scheduling** Build out your project timeline with drag-and-drop ease, clearly defining tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking dependencies so nothing slips through the cracks. *92%* *0%* *8%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Project Tracking** Monitor real-time progress by tracking task status and effort spent, giving you an immediate, accurate view of how work is actually advancing. *86%* *0%* *14%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Task Management** Break down large goals into small, clear tasks you can assign, track, and complete, ensuring every team member knows exactly what to do and when. *75%* *8%* *17%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Team Collaboration** Communicate directly on tasks, share feedback, and attach necessary files all in one spot, keeping everyone on the same page without endless email chains. *33%* *25%* *42%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Time Tracking And Management** Log time spent on tasks manually or with a simple timer, so you can accurately bill clients and see exactly where your team's effort is going. *71%* *14%* *15%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head CUSTOMIZE NOW [CUSTOMIZE NOW]() ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Read more **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations And Extensibility** Connect with your favorite existing tools, like Slack or Google Drive, creating a single, connected place for all your communication and files. *61%* *6%* *33%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Platform Security** Protect your sensitive project data with industry-leading encryption and access controls, giving you complete peace of mind that your information is safe. *88%* *0%* *12%* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* we're gathering data *N/A* **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 62.2% are fully supported out of the box by Microsoft Project including Project Planning And Scheduling, Platform Security and Project Tracking. We are still evaluating data for Project Central at this time. Project Central has an analyst rating of and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 42 reviews, while Microsoft Project has an analyst rating of 72 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 3873 reviews. Microsoft Project is a SelectHub award-winner. ### User Sentiment Summary Microsoft Project has a user sentiment rating of 84 based on 3873 reviews. Project Central has a user sentiment rating of 94 based on 42 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 3873 reviews ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 42 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 84% *of users recommend this product* Microsoft Project has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 3873 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites. 94% *of users recommend this product* Project Central has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 42 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores**FinancesOnline** **4.7** (21) n/a **G2.com, Inc** **4.0** (1577) **4.6** (16) **Software Advice, Inc** n/a **4.8** (13) **GetApp** **4.4** (1289) n/a **Capterra Inc** n/a **4.8** (13) **Gartner, Inc** **4.4** (408) n/a **TrustRadius** **4.1** (578) n/a ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Microsoft Project and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Project Planning and Scheduling. ![Project Planning and Scheduling Award](<> "Project Planning and Scheduling Award") Project Central stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award](<> "User Favorite Award") ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Microsoft Project Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project/alternatives/) [Project Central Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/project-central/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ### Key Features - **Gantt and timeline views** – Lets you visualize tasks, milestones, and dependencies across multi-phase projects, with options to customize what appears and share timelines with stakeholders. - **Resource management** – Uses heat maps to flag overworked or underused team members, and lets managers project usage, monitor progress, and respond to issues using built-in analytics. - **Reporting** – Includes a wide range of built-in report types — burndowns, cash flow, earned value, late tasks, and more — plus a report builder with blank, chart, table, and comparison templates. - **Power BI integration** – Connects with Power BI Pro to pull project and portfolio data into broader business intelligence dashboards, supporting data aggregation across multiple projects. - **Gantt charts** – Lets you visualize project timelines and task dependencies interactively, making it easier to spot potential bottlenecks and adjust plans before they become problems. - **Resource management** – Gives managers visibility into resource availability and workload distribution across projects, helping avoid over-allocation before it affects delivery. - **Custom dashboards** – Lets users build personalized dashboards showing the metrics and KPIs most relevant to their projects, pulling from real-time data for quick status checks. - **Project templates** – Includes pre-built templates for common project types that speed up setup and help keep structure consistent across projects and teams. ### Top Alternatives in Project Management Software [![Airtable Software Tool]()--- Airtable](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/airtable/) [![Asana Software Tool]()--- Asana](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/asana/) [![Basecamp Software Tool]()--- Basecamp](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/basecamp/) [![ClickUp Software Tool]()--- ClickUp](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) [![Jira Software Tool]()--- Jira](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) [![MeisterTask Software Tool]()--- MeisterTask](https://www.selecthub.com/p/task-management-software/meistertask/) [![monday.com Software Tool]()--- monday.com](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) [![ProofHub Software Tool]()--- ProofHub](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) [![Smartsheet Software Tool]()--- Smartsheet](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) [![TeamGantt Software Tool]()--- TeamGantt](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/teamgantt/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Asana Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Asana](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/asana-vs-microsoft-project/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Celoxis Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Celoxis](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-celoxis/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Clarity PPM Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Clarity PPM](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-clarity-ppm/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Daptiv Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Daptiv](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-planview-daptiv/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Jira Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Jira](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/jira-vs-microsoft-project/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Micro Focus Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Micro Focus](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-micro-focus/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Planview Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Planview](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-planview/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Planview ProjectAdvantage Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Planview ProjectAdvantage](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-planview-projectadvantage/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Smartsheet Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Smartsheet](https://www.selecthub.com/work-management-software/smartsheet-vs-microsoft-project/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Tempo Portfolio Manager Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Tempo Portfolio Manager](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-tempo-portfolio-manager/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Wrike Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Wrike](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-wrike/) ![Microsoft Project Software Tool]() ![Zoho Projects Software Tool]() [Microsoft Project VS Zoho Projects](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management-software/microsoft-project-vs-zoho-projects/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/project-management-requirements-onsite/) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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