--- title: The 5 Best Workflow Management Tools of 2026 --- # The 5 Best Workflow Management Tools of 2026 Last Reviewed: March 16, 2026 7 min read [No comments](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/workflow-tools/?noamp=mobile#respond) [ ![Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Christina-Headshot-96x96.png) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) [Written by Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Technical Content Writer [ ![Dianna Dragonetti](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-Dianna-Headshot-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) [Edited by Dianna Dragonetti](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) Content Editor [ ![Aditi D Talpade](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-Aditi-Dinar-Talpade-96x96.png) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/aditi-d-talpade/) [Technical Research by Aditi D Talpade](https://www.selecthub.com/author/aditi-d-talpade/) Research Analyst Table of Contents Explore the Project Management Hub What's your top priority today? * [Learn](#) * [What is Project Management?](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) * [Project Management Software Features](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-software-features/) * [Plan](#) * [Project Management Software Evaluation](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-software-evaluation/) * [Project Management Software Requirements](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/it-project-management-software-requirements/) * [Compare](#) * [Best Project Management Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/project-management-software/) * [Best Free Project Management Software](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/free-project-management-software/) * [Best Open-Source Project Management Software](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/open-source-project-management-software/) * Best Workflow Management Tools * [Best Workflow Management Tools](#Best%5FWorkflow%5FManagement%5FTools "Best Workflow Management Tools") * [ClickUp](#ClickUp "ClickUp") * [monday.com](#mondaycom "monday.com") * [Smartsheet](#Smartsheet "Smartsheet") * [Jira](#Jira "Jira") * [ProofHub](#ProofHub "ProofHub") * [How We Chose and Evaluated Products](#How%5FWe%5FChose%5Fand%5FEvaluated%5FProducts "How We Chose and Evaluated Products") * [FAQs](#FAQs "FAQs") * [Next Steps](#Next%5FSteps "Next Steps") * [Asana vs. Jira](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/asana-and-jira/) * [Wrike vs. Asana](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/wrike-and-asana/) Hunting for new workflow management tools? I’ve been in your shoes before. As a public service, there should be a book called, “What To Expect When You’re Expected To Buy New Workflow Software.” Unfortunately, the aforementioned book is still a figment of my imagination (for now), but I’ve got the next (or maybe third or fourth) best thing. Using our research team’s very specific set of skills to crunch the data on each product’s features, along with my own extensive testing, I’ve put together my picks for the best workflow management tools: * **Best Overall:** [ClickUp](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) * **Best for Mobile Capabilities:** [monday.com](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) * **Best for Project Tracking:** [Smartsheet](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/smartsheet/) * **Best for Platform Security:** [Jira](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) * **Best for Dashboards & Reporting:** [ProofHub](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-planning-software/proofhub/) Our analysts did in-depth research to figure out the market and then recommend the best five products based on criteria like feature comprehensiveness and user ratings. After signing up for free trials for each product, I was all set for two weeks of testing. Having years of experience reviewing software as a technical content writer, I evaluated each product’s workflow capabilities by setting up processes and building automations and customizations. As tempting as going in blind may have been, for the sake of time, I popped over to the product’s knowledge center for help or, in a few cases, watched YouTube tutorials for inspiration. What follows is my inside scoop on pricing, differentiating features, a walkthrough of how to build workflows, what each product is best for and why a product may not “work” for your team. ## Best Workflow Management Tools Select up to 5 products from the list below to compare \> < | Product | Analyst Score i SelectHub's Analyst Rating is based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Project Management Software, user reviews, and our own crowd-sourced data from our free software selection platform. Scores are used to determine the top features and are periodically updated via ongoing selection projects and user activity within our platform. | Awards | Top Features | User Sentiment Scorei The percentage of users who would recommend this product based on user reviews collected from popular reviews sites. | Start Price | Free Trial | Company Size | Deployment | | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------- | ---------- | ------------ | ---------- | | [ClickUp](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) | 92 | Best Overall | Customizations, Dashboards and Reporting, Platform Security | 93%Excellent | $7Per User, Monthly | Yes ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=ClickUp&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/5a2afca61e35f45a7dd44ca46e0225f4-59b07ff2857c728720f3a86d2004f9b5/resources/normal/logo.png?1726173961)) | Small Medium Large | Cloud On-Premise | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -- | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------ | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | ---------------- | | [monday.com](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) | 90 | Best for Mobile Capabilities | Integrations and Extensibility, Platform Features, Platform Security | 91%Excellent | $9Per User, Monthly | 14 Days ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=monday.com&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/785ca71d2c85e3f3774baaf438c5c6eb-8f743908579233c3f85dde0a0da561e9/resources/normal/logo.png?1728418032)) | Small Medium Large | Cloud On-Premise | | [Smartsheet](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) | 81 | Best for Project Tracking | Mobile Capabilities, Platform Features, Project Tracking | 88%Great | $9Per User, Monthly | Yes ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Smartsheet&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/f63f65b503e22cb970527f23c9ad7db1-66c88128e63628cf2cfc2d36a47576a9/resources/normal/logo.png?1728416130)) | Small Medium Large | Cloud On-Premise | | [Jira](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) | 76 | None | Customizations, Dashboards and Reporting, Platform Security | 87%Great | $8.60Per User, Monthly | 7-14 Days ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Jira&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/c15da1f2b5e5ed6e6837a3802f0d1593-c047581222dfe26cb7db29fe3ba8344c/resources/normal/logo.png?1726515604)) | Small Medium Large | Cloud On-Premise | | [ProofHub](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) | 74 | Best for Dashboards and Reporting | Customizations, Dashboards and Reporting, Team Collaboration | 92%Excellent | $45Monthly | 14 Days ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=ProofHub&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/5b4e9aa703d0bfa11041debaa2d1b633-3f24368a990d412eb6cc1a089ea37003/resources/normal/logo.png?1728412541)) | Small Medium Large | Cloud On-Premise | Compare Compare ![Best overall award](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/best%20overall.svg) [ ![ClickUp](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/5a2afca61e35f45a7dd44ca46e0225f4-59b07ff2857c728720f3a86d2004f9b5/resources/normal/logo.png?1726173961 "ClickUp") ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) ### [ClickUp](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) [Request Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=ClickUp&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F5a2afca61e35f45a7dd44ca46e0225f4-59b07ff2857c728720f3a86d2004f9b5%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726173961) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=ClickUp&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F5a2afca61e35f45a7dd44ca46e0225f4-59b07ff2857c728720f3a86d2004f9b5%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726173961&price=1) Best For: CustomizationsDashboards and ReportingPlatform SecurityTask ManagementMobile Capabilities Start Price: [ $7Per User, Monthly ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=ClickUp&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F5a2afca61e35f45a7dd44ca46e0225f4-59b07ff2857c728720f3a86d2004f9b5%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726173961&price=1) Free Trial: Yes ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=ClickUp&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/5a2afca61e35f45a7dd44ca46e0225f4-59b07ff2857c728720f3a86d2004f9b5/resources/normal/logo.png?1726173961)) Good For: Any company size Deployment: Cloud User Sentiment: 93% of users recommend this product i Based on user reviews collected from popular reviews sites. Analyst Score i Our Overall analyst rating for Project Management Software products is based on scores in our selection platform for 93 functional requirements and 26 technical requirements. Each functional and technical requirement is scored on a scale of 0 (not supported) to 100 (fully supported out of the box). 92 * Our Review * Key Features * Pros & Cons * Media #### What's ClickUp best for? ClickUp has tons of customization to meet the needs of any team’s workflow, over 15 view options, no-code automation and templates. Plus points for the ability to manage notifications and alerts. #### When should you avoid ClickUp? ClickUp isn't ideal if you’re not planning on using their wide range of features and customization options, as there's a steep learning curve for new users. #### Testing ClickUp's workflow automation It’s all well and good to read “simple workflow automation” on a company’s website. But how does it really work? I got under the hood of ClickUp’s Automations tool and tested two automations. The first automation was a “ClickTip” to add a template to tasks created and the second template involved two actions for a status change. To start off I clicked on the Automations tab on the top right of the screen and selected add automation. It wasn’t hard to uncheck the other sources and selected users, since I specifically wanted tasks created by a particular user (me). ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflow-Automation.jpg) Next, I changed the action to apply a template, which I chose from my workspace, although you can use ClickUp’s templates as well. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Automation-1-of-2.jpg) After creating the automation, it was time to test it out. I created a dummy task, and the automation worked its magic. I thought it was particularly handy for filling out and creating custom fields. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflow-Automation-5.jpg) For the second automation, I wanted to see how well it would handle two different actions. I thought the dropdown options made it easy to set a status change as the trigger and then add two actions: adding a comment and changing the due date. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflow-Automation-6.jpg) Since I changed the status from in progress to on hold, I wanted assignees to explain why the task is on hold. I also wanted to remove the due date so it didn’t complicate reporting. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflow-Automation-9.jpg) Both automations worked swimmingly. I appreciated the no-code approach and the drop-down menus for each trigger and action that allowed me to fully customize each automation without too much cognitive work. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) [Visit Site](https://clickup.com/) * **Multiple Views:** ClickUp's “Board view” facilitates users to visualize a workflow and manage their tasks and projects. ClickUp's customizable Kanban system enables dragging-and-dropping tasks, sorting, filtering, and performing other actions to streamline workflow. Users can create a Board view at any level within their workspace. Whether they prefer to concentrate on a single list, an entire folder, or all spaces across their workspace using the “Everything view.” The workflows can be tailored by creating custom statuses suitable for various processes, ranging from sprints to multi-stage workflows. They can add new statuses or edit existing ones directly in the Board view * **Workflow Automation:** Create custom automations for tasks and processes without coding expertise. Use built-in recipes, ClickApps or build-your-own automations in each space using actions, triggers and conditions custom to your workflow and processes using drop-down menus. * **Custom Workspaces:** Create (work)spaces for each project with your own set of workflow rules, automations, statuses, fields and even assignees. Move tasks in-between spaces and change priority, receive pop-ups if statuses are different and control space accessibility. * **Task Management:** Keep track of tasks using cards that you can build from scratch or create using custom templates and fields. Assign tasks, post points, due dates, assignees and statuses. View and add comments, create alerts for overdue tasks, use custom checklists and add task dependencies. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) [Visit Site](https://clickup.com/) I reached out to ClickUp users for their insights on what works for them (and what doesn’t). ##### Pros **Versatility** Victor André Enselmann, Founder of digital marketing firm [Modeva](https://modeva.dk/), is a big fan of ClickUp’s versatility. He noted, “ClickUp lets you tailor tasks, projects, and views down to the smallest detail, which was perfect for our team since each project can look totally different. For example, we used its automation features to auto-assign tasks when certain stages were reached, which cut down on a ton of back-and-forth and kept everyone aligned.” **Centralization and Collaboration** Steve Morris, Founder and CEO of [NEW MEDIA](https://newmedia.com/), manages multi-city teams, so he appreciates centralized task management and communication. He said, “With offices across major U.S. cities, aligning everyone can be challenging. However, ClickUp’s customizable dashboards allow each team to organize tasks based on project demands while keeping a high-level view of overall progress. This flexibility has significantly reduced the back-and-forth between teams, saving time and ensuring that our large-scale projects stay on track.” ##### Cons **Too Many Features** For Victor, there is such a thing as too many features. “It’s easy to go overboard, which happened to us at first,” he said. “We ended up with a cluttered dashboard full of features we didn’t need, and it actually slowed us down. Once we simplified and focused on just the core tools, it was a lot smoother. So, with ClickUp, the trick is to use what you need and ignore the rest, or it can overwhelm more than it helps." **Learning Curve** Steve acknowledges that there is a learning curve for new team members. “Initially, the learning curve was steep, which led to some confusion and delays as we adapted,” he stated. “To address this, we created a custom onboarding process for new hires that guides them through the platform’s essentials before diving into more advanced functions.” [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) [Visit Site](https://clickup.com/) ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/clickup/) [Visit Site](https://clickup.com/) #### SelectHub Analyst Scores Here’s where ClickUp stands out, and where it has some weak areas, based on in-depth analysis from our research team. | **Highest Rated Modules** | **Features Not Supported** | | | | ------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------- | | Task Management | 100 | Form Branching with Conditional Logic | Not supported | | Customization | 100 | Resource Forecasting | Not supported | | Dashboards and Reporting | 100 | Planned vs. Actual Cost Tracking | Not supported | | Team Collaboration | 95 | | | | Platform Features | 94 | | | [Compare Top Project Management Software Leaders](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software) [ ![monday.com](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/785ca71d2c85e3f3774baaf438c5c6eb-8f743908579233c3f85dde0a0da561e9/resources/normal/logo.png?1728418032 "monday.com") ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) ### [monday.com](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) [Request Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=monday.com&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F785ca71d2c85e3f3774baaf438c5c6eb-8f743908579233c3f85dde0a0da561e9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728418032) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=monday.com&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F785ca71d2c85e3f3774baaf438c5c6eb-8f743908579233c3f85dde0a0da561e9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728418032&price=1) Best For: Platform SecurityMobile Capabilities Start Price: [ $9Per User, Monthly ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=monday.com&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F785ca71d2c85e3f3774baaf438c5c6eb-8f743908579233c3f85dde0a0da561e9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728418032&price=1) Free Trial: 14 Days ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=monday.com&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/785ca71d2c85e3f3774baaf438c5c6eb-8f743908579233c3f85dde0a0da561e9/resources/normal/logo.png?1728418032)) Good For: Any company size Deployment: Cloud User Sentiment: 91% of users recommend this product i Based on user reviews collected from popular reviews sites. Analyst Score i Our Overall analyst rating for Project Management Software products is based on scores in our selection platform for 93 functional requirements and 26 technical requirements. Each functional and technical requirement is scored on a scale of 0 (not supported) to 100 (fully supported out of the box). 90 * Our Review * Key Features * Pros & Cons * Media #### What's monday.com best for? monday's great if you need to organize and track project work using multiple views, customizable columns and filters, and if you want no-code automations and in-built templates. Bonus points for their 7-day free trial extensions. #### When should you avoid monday.com? The Enterprise version is the only way to access monday's workflow builder, so it's not the best choice if you have a tight budget and need to create multi-step workflows. #### Testing monday.com's workflow automation Workflows vs. workflow automation — it’s a tale as old as time. I didn’t have access to connectors without the Enterprise plan so I opted for the next best thing — no-code workflow automation. Since I’m not a project manager by trade, I used a real-world example of creating a trip itinerary for a jam-packed trip to Japan as my dummy project. I kicked off my test with a visit to the succinctly-named automation center. Instead of choosing from a basic template, I decided to go rogue and step into the great unknown of building from scratch. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/monday-Auto-1.jpg) Luckily, monday didn’t leave me to do things entirely on my own. They provided a generic condition for me to riff off of. I used status as the main condition so I could test out a common automation. It was easy to get started using the drop-down options to pick the status changes and the action I wanted to automate. The first action I chose was an alert. Although you can use code to add fields to the emails I liked that you can also auto-populate by scrolling down to the bottom and selecting the field you want. I picked a user name and typed in the rest of my email. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/monday-Auto-2.jpg) The second action I activated was a change of group. I didn’t want a stuck task messing up my in-progress reports, so I moved them to the Tentative group. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/monday-Auto-3.jpg) It was finally time for the moment of truth. I triggered the automation by changing the status and voila! Great success. monday’s automations came through. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/monday-Auto-4.jpg) I liked that you can view custom fields and details completely by clicking on the task or get a shorthand synopsis using the list view. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/monday-Auto-5.jpg) Full disclosure, I’ve tested [monday.com sales CRM](https://www.selecthub.com/p/crm-software/monday-com-crm/) before, so I found it incredibly easy to create the automation. But even then I didn’t have to use a tutorial video (or videos) to figure out how to set things up — a testament to the UX. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) [Visit Site](https://monday.com/) * **Task Management:** Create tasks under custom groups like To-Do, In-Progress, On-Hold, and Complete and add personalized fields, assignees, due dates, labels, statuses and priorities. Mention assignees, add comments, files, links and tables directly in the tasks using the Updates tab. Drag and drop tasks and groups to reorganize things. * **Automations:** Streamline workflows with no-code automations using templates or building custom automations from scratch using conditions and actions. Apply automations to specific boards and save your custom automations as a template to use on other boards. * **Customization:** Create custom boards suited to your project needs by accessing the template center, choosing from a range of templates and tailoring the item terminology. Add widgets to customize your dashboard, build custom forms and modify themes and columns to meet your needs. * **Workflow Management:** Organize your processes by creating custom workflows. Search for the trigger you’re looking for and add it as a starting block. Build on those blocks by choosing from several options: action, if or else, or delay. Select the board where you want the action to happen, add conditions and edit blocks. View active workflows and pause or edit workflows as processes change. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) [Visit Site](https://monday.com/) I reached out to monday.com users for their insights on what works for them (and what doesn’t). ##### Pros **Project Tracking** Jeffery Zhou, CEO and Founder of [Fig Loans](https://www.figloans.com/), has used monday to build workflows for his team for the last few years. He said, “The ability to customize columns and task dependencies lets us create a clear, tailored workflow.” **Interface** For [BackupVault](https://www.backupvault.co.uk/) Founder Rob Stevenson, monday’s interface was a plus for tracking tasks across teams. “The timeline and calendar views were particularly useful when we had multiple projects running alongside each other, helping everyone stay aligned without a lot of back-and-forth,” he noted. **Notifications** Alok Jain, CEO of [Reveal](http://doreveal.com/), believes that automated notifications improve accountability. He said, “The automation features were especially useful in notifying different people responsible at different steps of the journey while maintaining transparency and accountability with the rest of the team and building a frictionless and trust-based culture.” ##### Cons **Complexity** Rob didn’t have all his needs met with detailed task management. He said, “\[monday.com\] lacked some flexibility in handling complex, multi-step tasks that needed a lot of customization, which sometimes left us manually tracking those details elsewhere.” **Time-Based Automations** Setting up time-based automations was an uphill battle for Alok. “Creating an automation to notify a user three days after a certain date, for example, was more complex than it needed to be. We had to set up custom date columns to drive these instead of just being able to calculate it as a part of automation.” [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) [Visit Site](https://monday.com/) ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/monday/) [Visit Site](https://monday.com/) #### SelectHub Analyst Scores Here’s where monday.com stands out, and where it has some weak areas, based on in-depth analysis from our research team. | **Highest Rated Modules** | **Features Not Supported** | | | | ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Platform Features | 94 | Issues and Bug Tracking | Supported with additional modules | | Task Management | 91 | Mind Maps | Supported with partner integrations | | Time Tracking and Management | 91 | Burnup Chart and Burndown Chart | Not supported | | Project Planning and Scheduling | 89 | | | | Project Tracking | 88 | | | [Compare Top Project Management Software Leaders](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software) [ ![Smartsheet](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/f63f65b503e22cb970527f23c9ad7db1-66c88128e63628cf2cfc2d36a47576a9/resources/normal/logo.png?1728416130 "Smartsheet") ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) ### [Smartsheet](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) [Request Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Work+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Smartsheet&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff63f65b503e22cb970527f23c9ad7db1-66c88128e63628cf2cfc2d36a47576a9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728416130) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Work+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Smartsheet&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff63f65b503e22cb970527f23c9ad7db1-66c88128e63628cf2cfc2d36a47576a9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728416130&price=1) Start Price: [ $9Per User, Monthly ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Work+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Smartsheet&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff63f65b503e22cb970527f23c9ad7db1-66c88128e63628cf2cfc2d36a47576a9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728416130&price=1) Free Trial: Yes ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Smartsheet&category=Work+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/f63f65b503e22cb970527f23c9ad7db1-66c88128e63628cf2cfc2d36a47576a9/resources/normal/logo.png?1728416130)) Good For: Any company size Deployment: Cloud User Sentiment: 88% of users recommend this product i Based on user reviews collected from popular reviews sites. Analyst Score i Our Overall analyst rating for Work Management Software products is based on scores in our selection platform for functional requirements and technical requirements. Each functional and technical requirement is scored on a scale of 0 (not supported) to 100 (fully supported out of the box). 90 * Our Review * Key Features * Pros & Cons * Media #### What's Smartsheet best for? If you want workflow automation capabilities and templates, and you're familiar with spreadsheets, you'll feel right at home in Smartsheet. #### When should you avoid Smartsheet? If Excel isn't your jam, you won't feel nearly as at home. Smartsheet also isn't great if you don’t have the budget for advanced features. #### Testing Smartsheet's workflow automation There’s no country for workflow tools without a little help from automations. To see how devs put the “smart” in “Smartsheet,” I tested their workflow automation feature using their built-in template and “create from scratch” option. All-in-all, it was an intuitive experience I could manage without too much technical expertise. I liked the drop-down options for triggers and conditions and appreciated the test run option. Here’s my step-by-step process. I started with a visit to the template library for some inspiration. Since status changes are a part of most workflows I settled on a template in the notifications and reminders section. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Smartsheet-Auto-1.jpg) Next, I changed the automation name and got to work customizing the fields. There were multiple fields to choose from, but for my intents and purposes I selected status. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Smartsheet-Auto-2.jpg) I chose the user name, wrote the email and specified the contents of the email. To see how the links would show up, I included links to the sheet and all fields. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Smartsheet-Auto-3.jpg) After moving the status from “In Progress” to “Blocked,” I got an alert in the notifications tab quite instantly and a few minutes later I received the email below. First automation done and dusted! ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Smartsheet-Auto-5.jpg) For the second automation, I dove right into the “Create from scratch” option. I wanted a date-based automation to alert assignees that a task is due so they can adjust timelines and speak to their manager. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Smartsheet-Auto-6.jpg) I wrote the email with clear next steps and a custom field for the assignee’s name. All that was left was to take it live. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Smartsheet-Auto-7.jpg) I changed the date for one of the tasks assigned to me and waited for the appointed hour to trigger a notification. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) [Visit Site](https://www.smartsheet.com/) * **Dashboards and Reports:** Customize your dashboard by adding widgets like reports, project-specific charts, shortcuts, images and text. Consolidate data from multiple sheets into a summary view using system reports. Track sheet changes using bi-directional functionality. Send reports via collaborative tools and change statuses to recur. * **Multiple Views:** View your tasks using the grid view, akin to a spreadsheet, a Gantt view as an add-on to your grid view, a Kanban board where you can drag and drop tasks and group them by assignee or status, a timeline view, a card view with customizable lanes and a calendar view that displays your tasks across its duration or by start dates only. * **Task Management:** Add your tasks and subtasks into each cell and use the indent and outdent buttons to divide tasks into groups that can be minimized to provide a project overview. Create or modify custom fields with your own text, dropdown lists and symbols to show status, assignees, priority, dates and latest comment. Attach files and proofs, write comments and mention users and set reminders for tasks. * **Automations and Workflows:** Save time with custom processes and workflows you can build by modifying templates for reminders and alerts, document generation, row changes, sheet changes and updates, and approval requests. Build your own workflow automations from scratch by choosing your trigger, setting conditions and adding actions. Manage automations by deactivating, deleting, duplicating or unsubscribing. * **Templates:** Use pre-built templates ranging from event management to HR workflows and marketing to streamline project creation. View complexity, task management and process before you apply a template. Build and save your own templates by customizing pre-built templates or creating them from scratch. * **Integrations:** Drive productivity with integrations like Office 365, Dropbox, DocuSign and Google Workspace and use iCal or Google Calendar to track project statuses. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) [Visit Site](https://www.smartsheet.com/) I reached out to Smartsheet users for their insights on what works for them (and what doesn’t). ##### Pros **Customization** Russ Johnson, Founder of [Linx Legal](https://linxlegal.com/), appreciates the versatility of Smartsheet. He said, “We can customize it to fit various projects, whether we’re tracking client cases, managing document revisions, or planning team tasks. For instance, I created a project tracker for a major client contract negotiation. The ability to set deadlines, assign tasks, and update statuses in real time has streamlined our communication and kept everyone on the same page.” **Collaboration** Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader and Field Area Manager at [JDM Sliding Doors](https://slidingdoorrepairft.com/), is used to handling a lot of moving parts, and he put Smartsheet to the test with a particularly challenging case. “We had this one job in a high-rise condo that put Smartsheet to the test. The sliding door system was an older model with custom-sized panels that aren’t easy to source, and it needed specific adjustments due to the unique structure of the frame. Typically, coordinating the right parts, tools, and technician experience for something like this would require several phone calls and a lot of back-and-forth. “With Smartsheet, we were able to set up the job details to track not only the special parts needed but also assign a technician who was experienced with that model. When the parts came in, the technician was notified directly through Smartsheet, so he knew the moment everything was ready. It saved us from potential delays and kept the customer fully updated on when the work could be done.” ##### Cons **Integration** For Austin Rulfs, Founder of [Zanda Wealth Mortgage Brokers](https://zandawealth.com.au/), integration was an issue at the start. He said, “Despite its many benefits, integrating Smartsheet with other systems posed some challenges. Initially, we experienced issues with data syncing between Smartsheet and our CRM software, leading to discrepancies in our financial reporting. Recognizing this, I allocated specific time for thorough testing before our full implementation, allowing us to identify and resolve any integration issues early on.” **Learning Curve** Russ noted there was a learning curve for some team members. “While Smartsheet is powerful, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first,” he said. “I found that investing time in training sessions helped bridge that gap, making it easier for everyone to adapt and use the tool effectively.” [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) [Visit Site](https://www.smartsheet.com/) ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/work-management-software/smartsheet/) [Visit Site](https://www.smartsheet.com/) #### SelectHub Analyst Scores Here’s where Smartsheet stands out, and where it has some weak areas, based on in-depth analysis from our research team. | **Highest Rated Modules** | **Features Not Supported** | | | | ------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------ | --------------------------------- | | Project Tracking | 96 | Custom Fields | Supported with additional modules | | Platform Features | 94 | Project Roadmap | Not supported | | Task Management | 85 | Burnup Chart or Burndown Chart | Not supported | | Customizations | 83 | | | | Dashboards and Reporting | 80 | | | [Compare Top Project Management Software Leaders](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software) [ ![Jira](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/c15da1f2b5e5ed6e6837a3802f0d1593-c047581222dfe26cb7db29fe3ba8344c/resources/normal/logo.png?1726515604 "Jira") ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) ### [Jira](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) [Request Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Jira&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc15da1f2b5e5ed6e6837a3802f0d1593-c047581222dfe26cb7db29fe3ba8344c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726515604) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Jira&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc15da1f2b5e5ed6e6837a3802f0d1593-c047581222dfe26cb7db29fe3ba8344c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726515604&price=1) Start Price: [ $8.60Per User, Monthly ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Jira&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc15da1f2b5e5ed6e6837a3802f0d1593-c047581222dfe26cb7db29fe3ba8344c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726515604&price=1) Free Trial: 7-14 Days ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Jira&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/c15da1f2b5e5ed6e6837a3802f0d1593-c047581222dfe26cb7db29fe3ba8344c/resources/normal/logo.png?1726515604)) Good For: Any company size Deployment: Cloud, On-Premise User Sentiment: 87% of users recommend this product i Based on user reviews collected from popular reviews sites. Analyst Score i Our Overall analyst rating for Project Management Software products is based on scores in our selection platform for 93 functional requirements and 26 technical requirements. Each functional and technical requirement is scored on a scale of 0 (not supported) to 100 (fully supported out of the box). 76 * Our Review * Key Features * Pros & Cons * Media #### What's Jira best for? Jira makes loads of sense if you're a lover of Agile methodologies and tools, scrum teams and workflow automations and tools. #### When should you avoid Jira? Jira's not ideal if Agile isn't your cup of tea, or you have limited technical experience and don’t have the time to customize specs and train your team. #### Testing Jira's workflow automation Out of all the tools I tested, Jira had me the most nervous because it’s got a rep for being a little more technical. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the straightforward, detailed approach toward automation and easy setup and transitions for the flowchart. I kicked things off by visiting the template center. As a self-proclaimed tech noob, I appreciated the clear rules, templates and drop-down menus for additional modifications. I wanted to create an automation with two actions: a template applied to tasks and a new comment. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflow-Templates-Jira.jpg) I used the “when an issue is transitioned” rule, and customized it to apply a template and assign the task to a user when the status changes to in progress. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflow-Automation-Jira-1.jpg) Since it’s a test of sorts, I pushed the envelope with yet another action. I added a comment asking the assignee to fill out the start date and client name fields. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Jira-Workflow-Automation-3.jpg) Next, I manually moved a task from “To Do” to “In Progress” and waited for the magic to happen. And presto! It did — everything came together. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflow-Automation-Jira-3.jpg) As an extra special bonus, I dug into the workflow flowchart. I added an additional step, “On Hold” and even added a transition validation so the start date isn’t empty when you move the task to “Done.” ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Workflows-Jira.jpg) Hands down, this is one of the easiest and most structured ways to create and edit your workflows and add rules specific to your processes. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) [Visit Site](https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira) * **Customizable Workflows:** Use the built-in workflow tool to create your own custom workflows, either from scratch or using a template. Move “issues” through their product lifecycle with the help of statuses and transitions in between statuses. For example, we created a validation transition for the start date field when a status moves to Done. * **Collaboration Features:** Communicate with team members and assignees directly on the issue card with comments and mentions. Attach files, view card activity and add descriptions for additional instructions. Integrate with Outlook, Slack and other communication tools. * **Custom Automations:** Build custom automation rules by setting a trigger with the option to add an action, a condition or a branch. Get a helping hand by searching for triggers related to what you want to automate and selecting recommended actions and conditions. * **Sprint Management:** Use the Scrum option to run sprints. Fill in project details like name, duration and scope and add tasks and drag and drop them to your sprint using the backlog. Complete your sprints and auto-add pending tasks to the backlog or to a new sprint and run a sprint report for insights. * **Task Management:** Manage tasks by creating customizable issue cards under each status or by importing issues from CSV files. Add assignees, due dates, time tracking, comments, descriptions, teams, labels, status and priority to issues. Move tasks from status to status using transitions and workflow automation. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) [Visit Site](https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira) I reached out to Jira users for their insights on what works (and what doesn’t work for them). ##### Pros **Customization** Balázs Keszthelyi, Founder and CEO at [TechnoLynx](https://www.technolynx.com/) believes Jira’s customization helps increase efficiency. He said, “We were able to tailor the workflow to fit our specific needs, which greatly enhanced our efficiency. For instance, we created custom issue types that aligned with our unique project phases, making it easier for team members to understand their tasks at a glance.” **Project Visualization** For Dennis Sanders, Founder and CEO of [Burning Daily](https://burningdaily.com/), a tech background helps him appreciate Jira’s robust roadmapping and dependency tracking capabilities that are “invaluable for coordinating multiple product launches. Also, the premium version's Advanced Roadmaps feature lets us visualize our entire product pipeline so that's from sourcing to launch, but you've got to invest time in learning the system, and I think for smaller operations, it might be overkill.” **Task Management** Mushfiq Sarker, CEO of [LaGrande Marketing](http://lagrandemarketing.com/), says structurally, Jira has been a game-changer. “It has given us the structure to break down our complex workflows into clear, manageable steps, which was exactly what we needed as we expanded our customer base. With Jira, we can create specific "boards" for each client’s SEO campaign, where every task is detailed and assigned to the right team member. “Each board has phases, like keyword research, content writing, and on-page optimization, with clear deadlines. Having this setup has helped us catch any bottlenecks early. If the content team takes longer to deliver, for instance, we can adjust the timeline for the next steps right away instead of rushing it.” ##### Cons **Slow Loading Time** Dennis didn’t appreciate the slow loading times and lags. In his words, “Its interface moves like molasses.” **Learning Curve** Extra training sessions were a necessity for Balázs’ team. “We had some initial challenges with team members who were not familiar with the platform, which required additional training sessions to ensure everyone was on the same page. However, once they became accustomed to the interface, the benefits outweighed the initial hurdles,” he added. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) [Visit Site](https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira) ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/jira/) [Visit Site](https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira) #### SelectHub Analyst Scores Here’s where Jira stands out, and where it has some weak areas, based on in-depth analysis from our research team. | **Highest Rated Modules** | **Features Not Supported** | | | | ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Dashboards and Reporting | 90 | Creating Formulas Using Functions and Math Symbols | Not supported | | Customizations | 86 | Switching Views of Project Data | Not supported | | Task Management | 85 | Chat Rooms or Team Conversations | Supported with Partner Integrations | | Project Planning and Scheduling | 78 | | | | Team Collaboration | 95 | | | [Compare Top Project Management Software Leaders](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software) [ ![ProofHub](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/5b4e9aa703d0bfa11041debaa2d1b633-3f24368a990d412eb6cc1a089ea37003/resources/normal/logo.png?1728412541 "ProofHub") ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) ### [ProofHub](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) [Request Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=ProofHub&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F5b4e9aa703d0bfa11041debaa2d1b633-3f24368a990d412eb6cc1a089ea37003%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728412541) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=ProofHub&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F5b4e9aa703d0bfa11041debaa2d1b633-3f24368a990d412eb6cc1a089ea37003%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728412541&price=2) Best For: Dashboards and Reporting Start Price: [ $45Monthly ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Fname=ProofHub&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F5b4e9aa703d0bfa11041debaa2d1b633-3f24368a990d412eb6cc1a089ea37003%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1728412541&price=2) Free Trial: 14 Days ([Request for Free](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=ProofHub&category=Project+Management+Software&product%5Flogo=https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/5b4e9aa703d0bfa11041debaa2d1b633-3f24368a990d412eb6cc1a089ea37003/resources/normal/logo.png?1728412541)) Good For: Small companies Deployment: Cloud User Sentiment: 92% of users recommend this product i Based on user reviews collected from popular reviews sites. Analyst Score i Our Overall analyst rating for Project Management Software products is based on scores in our selection platform for 93 functional requirements and 26 technical requirements. Each functional and technical requirement is scored on a scale of 0 (not supported) to 100 (fully supported out of the box). 74 * Our Review * Key Features * Pros & Cons * Media #### What's ProofHub best for? ProofHub's a solid choice if you want team collaboration, streamlined proofing and approval processes, user-friendly interface and competitive pricing. #### When should you avoid ProofHub? Because of where ProoftHub focuses, you'll find it lacking if automations are your bread and butter, or if you need multiple integrations for your processes. #### Testing ProofHub's workflow templates ProofHub’s flow management was a slightly different cup of tea than the other products I tested. It was quite simple to set up or modify a workflow. However, it was difficult to test the workflow in-depth because ProofHub doesn’t have in-built automations. Another feature I missed was the option to customize board views by anything other than the set workflow statuses. Here's what my process looked like. For starters, I realized you need to create your own custom workflows. The built-in workflow templates come with a three-step basic workflow and a Kanban workflow. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ProofHub-1.jpg) First, I selected “Project,” and filled in the details. Instead of choosing a template (which you have to create from scratch since in-built templates aren’t provided), I opted for a default project. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ProofHub-2.jpg) Next, I selected the project tabs we wanted enabled. Most are on already, but notably, time tracking isn’t so I added that one. Remember to keep Tasks as the default, otherwise you may not be able to create tasks. With that done, it was time to get to the real fun of adding tasks and lists. It directs you right to the workflow you’ll use. I added a custom workflow for another project, but for simplicity, I just chose the basic workflow I had already modified. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ProofHub-6.jpg) You can see the task flow below. You can add new tasks using the table view by selecting “add task” and typing in the task name. ![](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ProofHub-7.jpg) [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) [Visit Site](https://www.proofhub.com/) * **Task Management:** Start creating tasks using the basic template during onboarding that you can modify to fit your workflow by adding subtasks, custom statuses, fields and color-coding. Assign tasks to users, track time, add timelines using start and end dates and elaborate on tasks using descriptions, comments and files. Create recurring tasks to automate due dates and reminders. * **Team Collaboration:** Communicate with your team using discussions and create topics, kinda like channels, that are open to all or private to certain teams or members. Share files and proofs, and get approvals without ping-pong rally emails. Chat in real time with team members using the built-in messaging tool for private and group chats and save important messages. Send announcements on the dashboard for deadlines, personal milestones and wins. * **Dashboard and Reports:** Use the Me tab as a personalized dashboard with your agenda, shortcuts, tasks, tracked time, notes and announcements. Visualize project performance with the project report dashboard. Identify inefficiencies, resource utilization and project progress with reports about time and tasks, resources, project progress snapshots, milestones and burn-up charts. Identify projects that are not on track through ‘slipping reports.’ Use data to analyze tasks, resources utilized, time logged and project completion roadmap. * **Workflows:** Streamline project creation by creating your own templates from scratch. Add time frames, enable custom fields like time tracking and set up a personalized workflow that you can add to other projects. * **Proofing:** Make feedback seamless using the proofing tool. Get real-time feedback on proofs by adding comments directly into your PNG, PDF and JPEG files and highlighting issues with mark-up tools. Allow users to reply to comments and view comments as a thread after revisions. [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) [Visit Site](https://www.proofhub.com/) I reached out to ProofHub users for their insights on what works (and what doesn’t work for them). ##### Pros **Visibility** Greg Arnold, General Manager at [Kitchen Mania](https://kitchenmania.co.nz/), liked ProofHub’s all-in-one visibility. “Since implementing it, we have observed a 30% decrease in project delays, mostly due to the fact that all teams now have immediate access to project boards that monitor the progress of each task. In the past, we often faced gaps in communication that delayed installs due to missed emails or miscommunications. With ProofHub’s custom workflows, every department has a clear view of deadlines, dependencies, and priority tasks, significantly reducing project holdups.” **Task Management** Daniel Vasilevski, Director and Owner of [Bright Force Electrical](http://brightforceelectrical.com.au/), stays organized with a little help from ProofHub’s task management. “It lets us break down each job into detailed steps, assign them to the right people, and set deadlines that everyone can see. On a big installation project, for example, I can outline each part of the process: starting from the initial site inspection, moving to wiring, handling equipment setup, completing safety inspections, and finally, testing and handover. “Each stage has its own set of tasks that can be assigned and tracked independently, so everyone knows what’s next and who’s handling it. If there’s a delay in any part, we can make quick adjustments, reschedule tasks, and instantly notify the rest of the team. It saves us from having to make constant calls or send reminder emails, which can be very time-consuming.” ##### Cons **Learning Curve** Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director at [Medical Cert UK](https://medicalcert.co.uk/), discovered she needed to implement training sessions for her team members. She said, “The initial setup and adaptation period presented some challenges. Some team members found the range of features overwhelming, especially those less familiar with digital tools. As a solution, I organized targeted training sessions focusing on the specific functionalities that would benefit our workflow most.” [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) [Visit Site](https://www.proofhub.com/) ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() [ Read Full Review](https://www.selecthub.com/p/project-management-software/proofhub/) [Visit Site](https://www.proofhub.com/) #### SelectHub Analyst Scores Here’s where ProofHub stands out, and where it has some weak areas, based on in-depth analysis from our research team. | **Highest Rated Modules** | **Features Not Supported** | | | | ------------------------- | -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | ------------- | | Dashboards and Reporting | 100 | Creating Bookmarks to Access External Websites | Not supported | | Team Collaboration | 86 | Issues and Bug Tracking | Not supported | | Customization | 86 | KPIs | Not supported | | Task Management | 82 | | | | Platform Features | 78 | | | [Compare Top Project Management Software Leaders](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software) ## How We Chose and Evaluated Products Testing products is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. Luckily, I didn’t have to go in blind. First, our analysts conducted in-depth research to understand the market. They then recommended the 5 best products based on a range of criteria: topic alignment, feature comprehensiveness, product popularity, user reviews and ratings, SelectHub in-house data, hands-on experience, market analysts’ reports, thought leaders’ opinions and information available in the public domain. Products with better user reviews were given preference, provided they adequately met the other criteria listed. While all the products on our list are project management tools, they offer impressive features for creating and managing workflows. Armed with those insights from our team of analysts and free trials for each product, I was ready to put my grading cap on. To ensure an objective evaluation, here’s the criteria I used to test the products after our analysts gave us the final list: **Ease of Use:** I didn’t expect to pick each tool up immediately, but I wanted each one to be intuitive and user-friendly to master for team members without [Python as a soft skill](https://adgeo.copernicus.org/articles/45/295/2018/adgeo-45-295-2018.html). **Customization:** Workflows aren’t exactly one-size-fits-all. I looked at how the tools could be customized to fit user-specific workflows. For example, Cache Merill, Founder and CEO of [Zibtek](https://www.zibtek.com/) uses a set process for his company that requires in-depth customization. ![Cache Merill]() We use workflows the most between design phases and development. So we have clear stories and tasks in design and devs can’t start until those designs are approved. We build a workflow around that, then once the approval is done it can automatically be placed in the dev queue. Some tools can be overly complex for non-technical teams, and setting up workflows often requires more customization and time. Cache Merill Founder and CEO, Zibtek **Integration:** No software is an island. I tested how well the products integrated with important solutions like email, third-party integration applications, CRM, ERP and project management software. **Scalability:** It’s the second decade of the millennia and growth is a priority. Ipso facto, companies may not be fans of changing tools every time they scale (or downsize). I looked for the ability to, for example, increase users without a massive price hike or easily scale to an enterprise package. **Affordability:** As much as we’d like it to be otherwise, pricing models matter. All the products included have affordable pricing models for small and mid-sized businesses and offer a monthly payment option. Learn more about our [**research methodology**](https://www.selecthub.com/research-methodology/) and [**editorial standards**](https://www.selecthub.com/editorial-guidelines/). [Compare Top Project Management Software Leaders](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software) ## FAQs [What are some free workflow management tools?](#group%5F192) Some workflow management tools offer free versions like ClickUp, Smartsheet and Jira. [What are some benefits of using workflow tools?](#group%5F925) Some benefits of workflow tools include saved time with the help of automated administrative tasks or reminders, added consistency with clear next steps and transitions and streamlined approvals using workflows, in-built proofing and collaboration tools. [Do I need separate workflow software?](#group%5F519) No, you may not need a separate workflow management tool if you are already using a project management tool that offers workflow capabilities. [Do I need a credit card to try the workflow management tools above?](#group%5F574) No, you don’t need a credit card to sign up for a free trial for any of the products above, all you need is a work email. ## Next Steps Thanks for coming to our TedTalk on the best workflow tools! We hope the insights gleaned from our countless free trials help you make a better software selection or just give you more context about what’s out there. If you would like to dive deeper into the rabbit hole of workflow tools, check out our [free comparison guide](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software). Happy reading! What is your biggest barrier to implementing new workflow management tools? Is it pricing, trial periods, employee training or a secret fourth thing? Let us know in the comment section below. **Analyst-Picked Related Content** **Pricing Guide:** [Discover the true cost of Project Management software ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/project-management-report-pdf-onsite/) **Comparison Report:** [An interactive analyst report with comparison ratings, reviews and pricing for Project Management software ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Project%20Management%20Software%20target=) [ Previous Best Open-Source Project Management Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/open-source-project-management-software/) [ Next Asana vs. Jira ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/asana-and-jira/) ### Trending Topics #### [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) [Asana vs Jira: Which Software Is The Winner?](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/asana-and-jira/) [Welcome to the project management software arena. Today, Asana vs Jira will square off in… ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/asana-and-jira/) [ ![Zachary Totah](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zac-96x96.jpg) Zachary Totah ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/) Mar 06, 2026 #### [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) [The Top 10 Project Management Software Features](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-software-features/) [Have you looked in the mirror lately and said to yourself, “I wish my life… ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-software-features/) [ ![Zachary Totah](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zac-96x96.jpg) Zachary Totah ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/) Mar 06, 2026 #### [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) [Project Management Trends: Future Of Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-trends/) [Almost any business stands to benefit from project management, the art of meeting your business… ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-trends/) [ ![Ishani Vats](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-Ishani-Vats-Profile-96x96.png) Ishani Vats ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/ishani-vats/) Mar 06, 2026 #### [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) [The Top 10 Project Management Software Requirements Checklist](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/it-project-management-software-requirements/) [Today, the human mind cannot comprehend a world without Kanban boards and Gantt charts (no… ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/it-project-management-software-requirements/) [ ![Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Christina-Headshot-96x96.png) Christina George ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Mar 06, 2026 #### [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) [Project Management Software Evaluation: How To Find the Right PM Software](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-software-evaluation/) [Does your team still run its projects from a cluttered, clunky Excel spreadsheet? Do you… ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/project-management-software-evaluation/) [ ![Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Christina-Headshot-96x96.png) Christina George ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Mar 04, 2026 #### [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) [Wrike vs Asana: Which Project Management Software is the Winner?](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/wrike-and-asana/) [Wrike vs Asana … which of these project management software products wins in a feature-by-feature… ](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/wrike-and-asana/) [ ![Zachary Totah](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zac-96x96.jpg) Zachary Totah ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/) Mar 03, 2026 Originally published in November 2024 and last updated in March 2026\. Contributions from Christina George, Aditi D Talpade, Joan Akash, Arya Sahadevan Thalakattil, Dianna Dragonetti, and Cache Merrill. ## About the Contributors The following SelectHub team members and subject matter experts helped research, create, and review this content. [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Written by [Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Technical Content Writer An Associate Editor at SelectHub, Christina George creates and edits articles spanning project management, CPQ, CRM, marketing automation and home health software. As a Bachelor of Arts graduate with a triple major in Economics, Political Science and Sociology, her aim is to bring an integrated and simplified approach to long-form technical content. Formerly a food writer, copywriter, and social media sleuth, she has a soft spot for a quality pun. When not crafting articles and editing buyer's guides, you can find her attempting to score goals on the football field, binge-watching Curb Your Enthusiasm, or re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the nth time. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/aditi-d-talpade/) Technical Research by [Aditi D Talpade](https://www.selecthub.com/author/aditi-d-talpade/) Research Analyst Aditi Talpade is a Software Research Analyst at SelectHub who focuses on diverse categories like Product Lifecycle Management and Ecommerce. Her educational journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Software Engineering from St. Francis Institute of Technology, Mumbai University. Notably, during this time, she contributed to an IEEE paper (it's received 19 citations to date) and secured the first position in a National Android Competition, certified by Robokart and E-cell IIT Bombay. She pursued a Master's in Management Studies (MMS) with a Marketing specialization at Aditiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (Mumbai University). She earned the distinction of being the Specialization Topper, securing the first position in Marketing. This journey reflects her commitment to navigating the intersections of technology and business with a measured and confident approach. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/aditi-d-talpade/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/joan-akash/) Technical Research by [Joan Akash](https://www.selecthub.com/author/joan-akash/) Senior Analyst Joan Akash, a Senior Research Analyst at SelectHub, holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management with a specialization in Marketing. Her expertise as a researcher and reviewer spans diverse software categories, including Project Management, Customer Relationship Management, Live Chat, and Help Desk. Beyond her professional pursuits, Joan is spiritually driven, with a passion for teaching children and a penchant for reading biblical blogs and crafting poetry. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/joan-akash/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/arya-sahadevan-thalakattil/) Technical Research by [Arya Sahadevan Thalakattil](https://www.selecthub.com/author/arya-sahadevan-thalakattil/) Senior Analyst Arya's Bachelor of Technology in IT and Master in Management Studies in Marketing support a blend of technical expertise and strategic insight. Her professional journey revolves around Project Management, Project Portfolio Management, Help Desk, Applicant Tracking Systems and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Each category presents its own set of challenges, fostering continuous growth and adaptability. As a research analyst, she developed her observational skills, recognizing their pivotal role in learning across various facets of life. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/arya-sahadevan-thalakattil/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) Edited by [Dianna Dragonetti](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) Content Editor As an editor, Dianna Dragonetti leads a team of five writers in writing about a variety of software, with an emphasis on how these tools empower businesses. Categories include accounting, learning management systems, content management systems, supply chain management, and electronic data interchange. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/cachemerrill/) Contributions by [Cache Merrill](https://www.selecthub.com/author/cachemerrill/) Expert User Cache Merrill is the Founder and CTO of Zibtek, a custom software development company. With a rich background in strategic innovation and technology leadership, Cache specializes in delivering robust software solutions across various industries including real estate, healthcare, AI and IoT. Under his guidance, Zibtek has become recognized for its ability to provide businesses with top-tier development teams and drive substantial business value. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/cachemerrill/) Zachary TotahWrike vs Asana: Which Project Management Software is the Winner? * ‹ * › ### Conversation ![Avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/281d3616cf761f3582c0d76c23517846?s=32&d=mm&r=g) Write a response [Cancel reply](https://www.selecthub.com/project-management/workflow-tools/#respond) Your message Your name \* Your email \* Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ **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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