30 May 2025

Best 10 Kanban Project Management Software Tools — Tested & Compared by Project Manager with 10 Years of Experience

With 2025 passing at an alarming rate, there’s no letup in the increasing demand for intuitive, flexible, user-friendly tools to manage tasks and projects.

Teams within businesses large and small are seeking ever-more-efficient ways to get work done. The best Kanban project management software can help you do that, potentially transforming the approach to work with greater clarity, organization, and accountability.

The best Kanban tools provide visible workflows, improve collaboration between team members, allow on-the-go-connectability, and offer customized reporting facilities, while integrating seamlessly with existing software employed in the business.

Let’s go through the best Kanban software options currently available to help you make the right choice for simplifying project management processes.

What Is Kanban Board Software?

The Kanban methodology has evolved considerably since Japanese car manufacturer Toyota developed the Kanban “lean management” system in the 1940s. This was designed to “produce only what is needed, when it is needed and in the amount needed.”

The methodology, which was primarily used to streamline workflows, identify bottlenecks, and enhance productivity, is essentially a visual workflow management system using boards and cards.

The Kanban board itself is divided into columns representing different stages of work projects. Tasks or “cards” move across these columns from initiation to completion, indicating their progress within a project. The most basic Kanban board typically consists of a To-Do column, an In-Progress column, and a Complete column.

A Kanban board consists of columns representing various stages of work, such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done”

As technology has evolved in the past 25 years especially, the original methodology has inspired many online Kanban board tools. Software developers and project managers across various sectors in businesses of all sizes around the world use Kanban-related collaboration software.

The best Kanban board software allows businesses to separate work into different projects, prioritize and allocate tasks to individuals or teams, and instantly check the progress on each project, with a simple but complete project overview. Teams can collaborate, share work, track progress, and manage tasks seamlessly.

Some (but not all) Kanban board software integrates seamlessly with existing software used in the business and allows customization to incorporate company branding and more.

The functionality of Kanban project management software is incredibly useful in today’s world where the name of the game is productivity and businesses must often grapple with multiple complex projects across remote teams.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that so many different forms of Kanban board project management software exist. The question is, which one is right for your business?

Who are Kanban Boards for — and What are the Key Benefits of Using Them?

Kanban boards are beneficial for a wide range of teams and organizations, especially (but not exclusively) those employing “agile” or “lean” methodologies. In 2025, the main user base of Kanban board project management software is:

• Small remote teams: users can allocate tasks based on their levels of importance, ensuring projects are managed more efficiently and according to the established priorities.
• Small and midsize businesses: bottlenecks are common in projects within small and midsize businesses; Kanban boards help teams identify these and visualize progress.
• Large enterprises: everywhere from HR departments to marketing departments within larger enterprises can benefit from Kanban boards.
• Software development companies: teams can increase workflow visibility, handle interruptions or divide development/bug fix work, and get products to market quicker.
• Sales departments: teams can visualize and track the sales process, from initial contact, negotiation, sales, follow-up, and collecting feedback.
• Product research and development teams: boards covering design, marketing, prototype engineering, and testing are very useful for R&D teams when managing how products get to market.
• Manufacturing businesses: the original users of Kanban methodology still benefit from it today when managing production flow and inventory.
• Individuals and freelancers: Kanban boards are used for personal task management and to boost productivity for freelancers.

All Kanban software users can plan workflows, track deadlines, and identify bottlenecks more effectively.

Overview of the 10 Best Kanban Board Software Tools for Project Management

The following table summarizes the best Kanban tools currently available, in no particular order. The list is based on the feature set of the software, as well as its ease of use and overall value.

A more detailed overview of each of the best Kanban project management tools follows after the table.

List of The Best Kanban Project Management Software in 2025 

The following Kanban board software options all offer desktop and mobile apps but their features, pricing, pros and cons, and target audiences differ. Let’s take a closer look:

1.  Kanbanchi

Kanbanchi is a visual task management tool predominantly designed for small and medium-sized teams within businesses that use Google Workspace extensively.

With Kanbanchi, you can coordinate remote work and manage agile projects efficiently, while tracking work progress visually using an intuitive user interface.

Kanbanchi’s native Google focus sets it apart and makes it ideal for teams within businesses looking for more control over their project processes within the Google Workspace environment. 

From a centralized tool, Google-based teams and individuals can create, assign, schedule, and track multiple tasks using classic Kanban boards or other work views, such as lists and Gantt Charts in a secure environment.

With advanced reporting and customer service, Kanbanchi cements its place as one of the best Kanban project management software tools available.

Visualize and manage work effortlessly with Kanbanchi’s flexible Kanban boards — purpose-built for Google Workspace. Choose from a variety of templates like Weekly Planning, Content Production, Agile Workflow, and more to get started quickly

User rating:

4.6* 

Features:

• Classic Kanban view as well as Gantt Charts, lists, etc.: multiple work views provide greater flexibility and personalization for teams.
• Attach Google Docs/Sheets directly to tasks: with its native Google Workspace integration, Google Docs/Sheets can be attached with live links.
• Sync deadlines with Google Calendar: no issues with syncing between calendars means that no important deadlines or meetings are missed.
• Built-in timer for tracking work hours: no add-ons or power-ups are required to track time spent on tasks within projects.
• Advanced reporting options: including cumulative flow diagrams, performance charts, time-in-process reports, and more.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface (similar to Trello but with more features).
• Seamless integration with Google Drive and Calendar.
• Adaptable for Scrum, Lean, or personal task management.
• Minimal learning curve.

Cons:

• Free version is limited (up to 36 cards per board).

BOOK A FREE TRIAL OF KANBANCHI

2.  Asana

Asana is popular project management software used extensively by some large enterprises, as well as midsize businesses.

It is primarily a task management tool but also provides a customizable Kanban board view for planning, managing, and collaborating on projects. The” classic” Asana view, however, is not a Kanban board but the “Task List” view.

Asana offers a feature-rich project management platform designed for larger teams and more intricate projects, so it may be considered “overkill” for small teams managing basic projects.

A look at Asana’s flexible Kanban board view, combining task cards with customizable sections and progress tracking

User rating:

4.4*

Features:

• Library of project templates.
• AI-powered tools.
• Project resource planning tools.
• Built-in communication channels.
• Customizable fields.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface.
• Capability to manage complex projects with large teams.
• Extensive integrations.
• Limited free plan available (up to 10 users).

Cons:

• Not Kanban-focused.
• No built-in time tracking.
• Unnecessarily complex for basic projects (steep learning curve).

3.  Trello

Trello is another of the best Kanban software tools enabling individuals, freelancers, and teams within small and midsize businesses to plan, organize, and manage project workflows.

Users can easily visualize workflows on one simple page overview, with work separated into different projects, tasks allocated to individuals or teams, and progress on each project easily checked.

Although an Enterprise plan is available, expanding organizations may find that they outgrow the features of Trello.

Trello’s signature card-and-list interface offers a simple Kanban layout, with built-in automations (Butler) and Power-Ups for extended functionality

User rating:

4.4*

Features:

• Simple, intuitive, visual, drag-and-drop interface.
• Power-ups available for a wide range of integrations.
• Attachments, descriptions, due dates, reminders, and checklists can be added for each task.
• Color-coded labels to categorize tasks by type, priority or team.

Pros:

• Simplicity and ease of use (very visual).
• Good free plan available.
• Minimal learning curve.
• Customizable using Power-Ups.

Cons:

• No native Google Workspace integration (requires Power-Ups).
• No AI board tools on standard version (only premium).
• Limited reporting features.

4.  ClickUp

ClickUp is Kanban-based software that offers advanced work planning, organization, collaboration, and tracking tools.

This versatile, advanced, all-in-one project management software offers a classic Kanban board setup, along with other view options, such as Gantt Charts, calendar views, mind maps, and lists.

ClickUp’s flexibility and customizable features (beyond Kanban functionality) make it suitable for many types of organizations but it is especially suited to midsize to larger businesses and enterprises, with its advanced features that create a somewhat steep learning curve.

ClickUp’s Kanban board with detailed task cards, nested subtasks, and drag-and-drop prioritization — suitable for teams managing complex projects with multiple workflows

User rating:

4.2*

Features:

• Simple drag-and-drop task movement across columns.
• Multiple work views besides customizable Kanban boards, e.g., Gantt Charts, lists, etc.
• Tasks that include descriptions, checklists, subtasks, attachments, comments, etc.
• In-app email and mobile notifications for task changes, due dates or mentions.
• Time tracking option available.

Pros:

• Flexibility, with many project views available.
• Free plan that includes Kanban board functionality.
• Highly customizable with advanced features.

Cons:

• Free plan limits storage to 100 MB.
• Steep learning curve can make it challenging for smaller businesses.

5.  Wrike

Wrike offers a Kanban-board-style project management solution as part of an offering that aims to “build, connect, automate, and scale your work”.

Promoted as being suitable for any size team, in any industry, Wrike is most often adopted by medium to large teams that require scalable project management with advanced reporting and collaboration tools. Wrike offers an enterprise solution for large teams and a “Pinnacle” package for teams with complex work needs.

Wrike’s Kanban-style view with real-time collaboration tools, built-in time tracking, and workload visibility — designed for fast-paced project environments

User rating:

4.1*

Features:

• Kanban boards offer drag-and-drop functionality and real-time updates.
• Comprehensive and customizable project management tools and interfaces,
• Adaptable to various project management methods.
• Custom dashboards, workload charts, time tracking, and real-time reports.
• Enterprise-grade security and permissions.

Pros:

• Kanban board and table view available in a free version.
• Advanced reporting features.
• Extensive integrations with Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, etc.

Cons:

• More expensive starting point for paid versions.
• Occasional speed or complexity issues reported.
• Moderate learning curve.

6.  Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is a “spinoff” from the well-established Zoho CRM software. Designed as project management software offering several workflow views, including Kanban boards, this solution facilitates project planning, task assignment, and collaboration from one central platform.

The entire Zoho ecosystem includes over 45+ integrated apps aimed at helping small to mid-sized businesses and enterprises manage tasks, teams, and timelines.

Zoho’s Kanban board organizes tasks by status, priority, or custom fields — seamlessly connected to other Zoho apps for a unified project ecosystem

User rating:

4.5*

Features:

•  Extensive feature set for project planning, time tracking, and collaboration.
• Gantt Chart views as well as Kanban boards.
• Google Workspace and Zoho App integration.
• Automation and Blueprints.
• Manual and automatic time tracking.
• Extensive reporting available.

Pros:

• Lower starting pricing than most other project management tools.
• Scalable due to an extensive feature set and many potential integrations.
• Customization of workflows and fields possible.
• Good support and extensive user community.

Cons:

• Cluttered user interface for some users.
• Free version includes only up to three projects.

7.  Smartsheet

Smartsheet is enterprise-focused software for project management, offering a Kanban board view as one of its solutions, alongside Gantt Charts, tables, grids, timelines, calendar views, etc.

Geared towards government, construction, financial services, and Nonprofit organizations, Smartsheet aims to help teams and organizations plan, capture, manage, automate, and report on work projects at scale.

Smartsheet combines spreadsheet-style power with a Kanban view, offering Gantt chart sync, resource management, and strong reporting tools

User rating:

4.5*

Features:

• Standard spreadsheet-based interface with simple drag-and-drop functionality.
• Multiple other views available, including Kanban boards.
• Powerful teamwork collaboration tools.
• Extensive automation tools for workflows and documentation generation.
• Dashboards and reporting tools.
• Extensive integrations available.

Pros:

• Easy transition for Excel/Google Sheets users.
• Highly customizable for different uses and workflows.
• Powerful collaboration and automation tools.
•  Easy to scale up.
• Enterprise-ready with advanced security.

Cons:

• Low Google Workspace rating from users.
• More expensive starting point than most other project management software.
• Steep learning curve with more advanced features.
• Limited native time-tracking.

8.  Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, project management, database creation, and collaboration tools, with a Kanban board option.

While it wasn’t originally built just for project management, Notion has become a popular tool for teams looking for a highly customizable environment in which to manage projects.

Notion’s Kanban board integrates seamlessly with notes, databases, and wikis — perfect for teams that want all project assets in one workspace

User rating:

4.5*

Features:

• Clean, modular interface combining docs, tasks, notes, and databases.
• Table, board (Kanban), calendar, list, gallery, and timeline views available.
• Library of prebuilt templates for project plans, OKRs, sprints, etc.
• Rich text editor with support for embeds.
• Real-time editing and commenting for collaboration.

Pros:

• Good flexibility: anything from a simple to-do list to a full project management system.
• Multiple view options.
• Limited free plan available.
• Vibrant ecosystem of free and paid templates.

Cons:

• Free version limited to individual usage.
• Limited native support for major integrations.
• No native Gantt Charts or time-tracking.

9.  KanbanFlow

KanbanFlow is another of the best project management solutions with built-in time tracking and analytics. This Lean project management tool allows real-time collaboration between team members via a Kanban board-based methodology.

Suitable for individuals, freelancers or collaboration between small teams, KanbanFlow software is considered among the best Kanban board project management tools for time tracking.

KanbanFlow supports lean project management with a focus on time-tracking, Pomodoro timers, and cumulative flow diagrams — ideal for productivity-focused teams

User rating:

4.5*

Features:

• Supports Pomodoro time-tracking technique.
• Tracks lead and cycle time.
• Classic, simple Kanban board-style task representation.
• Modifiable task board.

Pros:

• Simple tools with little learning curve.
• Lower pricing than other Kanban Board software for project management.
• Free plan available (limited reporting facilities).
• Easy to evaluate productivity for small teams.

Cons:

• Lack of scalability for growing organizations or larger teams.
• Few advanced features.

10. WeKan

WeKan is open-source, customizable, and privacy-focused Kanban Board software for project management.

This software supports boards, lists, and cards, with additional features to protect your data and keep it secure, including a self-hosted option.

WeKan’s open-source Kanban board is a privacy-focused alternative, offering customizable workflows and local hosting options for maximum control

User rating:

4.2*

Features:

• Clean, user-friendly interface.
• Classic Kanban Board style work representation.
• Board, list, and card views.
• Self-hosted option available.
• Access controls for boards and individual users.

Pros:

• Easy to use and set up.
• Secure and good for privacy.
• Full control over privacy with self-hosted option.
• Free to use (open source).
• Customizable—especially if self-hosted.

Cons:

• Lack of advanced features.
• Fewer integrations compared with other project management tools.
• Basic reporting.

What are the Key Features to Look for in Kanban Software?

If you’re looking for the best Kanban board software solution for project management, you need to tick off some basic features. Otherwise, team performance, productivity, and efficiency could suffer.

Following are some of the essential features to look for when assessing the best Kanban software out there:

• Customization: the software should be flexible enough to allow customized boards, columns, card fields, and views. The ability to customize statuses, fields, card templates, and more may be necessary for your teams.
• Integrations: your Kanban board software should integrate relatively seamlessly with your existing software including essential business tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, time tracking tools, help desk software or communication platforms like Slack.
• Collaboration tools: look for integrated chat/comments and the ability to @mention teammates. To ensure that everybody is on the same page with projects, remote teams should be able to share files directly on cards, as well as view activity streams and version history.
• Task assignment: your software should make it easy to assign cards to individuals or teams and track who is responsible for specific tasks as they move through the pipeline.
• Clear, uncluttered views: workflows should be clearly visible, preferably in several different formats (boards, lists, calendar views, Gantt Charts, etc.) with simple drag-and-drop functionality on an intuitive visual interface so that users can view workflows at a glance.
• Reporting and analytics: you should be able to easily generate reports that provide detailed overviews of lead time, performance, workflow efficiency, task completion rates, etc. so that bottlenecks can be identified and addressed.
• Time-tracking: timers are a popular feature of Kanban board software, allowing users to monitor time spent on tasks and projects and providing important productivity and billing data. With the best Kanban software, the time-tracking system is integrated into the platform’s visual project management tools.

Why Start Using Kanban Boards Today?

Today’s fast-paced work environments look for ever more efficient ways to manage work and bring projects to completion.

Companies large and small from Pixar, Spotify, and Zara to freelancers and entrepreneurs use Kanban Boards as an effective, user-friendly way to enhance workflows, improve task management, and deliver projects more effectively.

Many project management software tools include Kanban board methodology as part of their offering but few are purpose-built around that methodology. Kanbanchi is different and was built as a Kanban-first solution from the start.

If you’re looking for Kanban software that does it all.