11 Best Freelance Project Management Software in 2025 (Free & Paid Options)

Does this sound familiar? You start freelancing with one client, maybe two. You’re tracking deadlines on sticky notes stuck to your monitor. Your invoice system consists of a folder on your desktop labeled “Invoices” and your client communication happens strictly through email.

Fast forward a few months (or years), and suddenly you’re juggling 10+ clients, each with multiple projects, different deadlines, various payment terms, and unique communication preferences. Those sticky notes aren’t cutting it anymore.

Sound familiar?

I’ve been there. And after a decade of working with thousands of freelancers through my blog and online community, I can tell you with absolute certainty that freelancers who manage to escape the feast-famine cycle have one thing in common: they use proper freelance project management software.

But with literally hundreds of options available today, how do you know which project management tool is right for your freelance business?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down:

• My top 15 recommendations for the best project management software in 2025 (including both free and paid options)
• Why project management software is non-negotiable for successful freelancers
• The key features to look for when choosing project management tools
• How to decide which platform is right for YOU

Let’s dive in.

Top 11 Project Management Software Options for Freelancers

1. Trello

If visual organization appeals to you, Trello’s Kanban-style boards offer a straightforward way to track projects from “To Do” through “In Progress” to “Complete.” Its simplicity makes it one of the easiest platforms to adopt, which is why many freelancers start here.

Key Features:

• Kanban Boards: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for moving tasks through your workflow.
• Power-Ups: Extend functionality with integrations like calendar views, time tracking, and more.
• Checklists: Break down tasks into subtasks to track progress more precisely.
• Labels and Filters: Categorize and filter cards based on priority, client, type of work, etc.
• Automation: Create rules to automatically move cards, add due dates, or notify team members.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Unlimited cards, up to 10 boards per workspace, and unlimited storage (10MB per file).
• Standard Plan: $5/month per user when billed annually, adding additional board views, advanced checklists, and custom fields.
• Premium Plan: $10/month per user, adding dashboard views, timeline views, and advanced automation.

Trello’s simplicity is both its greatest strength and limitation. It’s perfect for freelancers with straightforward workflows, but those with complex project structures may find themselves needing more robust features as their business grows.

2. ClickUp

ClickUp positions itself as an all-in-one productivity platform, offering extensive customization options that can adapt to virtually any workflow.

Key Features:

• Multiple Project Views: Choose from list, board, calendar, Gantt, timeline, and more.
• Custom Statuses: Create unique workflow statuses for different types of projects.
• Docs: Built-in document creation and storage for project briefs and creative assets.
• Goals: Track objectives and key results to measure progress on larger initiatives.
• Time Tracking: Native time tracking for accurate client billing.

Pricing:

• Free Forever Plan: Unlimited tasks and members with 100MB storage.
• Unlimited Plan: $5/month per user, adding unlimited storage, integrations, and dashboard creation.
• Business Plan: $12/month per user, adding advanced automation, timeline views, and resource management.

ClickUp’s extensive feature set makes it incredibly powerful, but new users might find the sheer number of options overwhelming at first. However, for freelancers who invest the time to set it up properly, it can provide an incredibly customized project management experience.

3. Notion

Notion blurs the line between project management tool and comprehensive workspace. It allows you to build a personalized system that combines task management, note-taking, document creation, and knowledge management.

Key Features:

• All-in-One Workspace: Combine projects, tasks, notes, and wikis in one connected platform.
• Customizable Databases: Create relational databases to track any type of information.
• Flexible Templates: Start with pre-built templates or create your own for any workflow.
• Web Clipper: Save articles, resources, and inspiration directly to your workspace.
• Rich Formatting: Create beautiful documents with embedded tasks, images, and more.

Pricing:

• Free Personal Plan: Unlimited pages and blocks with file uploads up to 5MB.
• Personal Pro Plan: $4/month, adding unlimited file uploads, version history, and guests.
• Team Plan: $8/month per user, adding unlimited team members and collaborative workspace.

Notion’s flexibility is extraordinary, but it requires more manual setup than some alternatives. For creative freelancers who value a visually appealing workspace and need to combine project management with content creation, Notion may be the perfect fit.

4. Monday.com

Monday.com offers a visually appealing interface with color-coded project boards that make it easy to visualize the status of all your work at a glance.

Key Features:

• Colorful Visual Management: Instantly understand project status through color coding.
• Customizable Board Creation: Build boards for any workflow or project type.
• Automations: Create rules to automate status changes, notifications, and more.
• Time Tracking: Track billable hours directly within tasks.
• Client Portals: Share specific boards with clients for transparent communication.

Pricing:

• Free Individual Plan: Up to 3 boards, 200+ templates, and unlimited docs.
• Basic Plan: $8/month per seat, adding unlimited items, 5GB storage, and more.
• Standard Plan: $10/month per seat, adding timeline view, Gantt chart, and guest access.

Monday.com’s intuitive interface makes it easy to adopt, but its more powerful features are reserved for the paid plans. For visual thinkers who appreciate color-coding and clean design, it’s a compelling option.

5. Todoist

For freelancers who prefer simplicity and want a straightforward task management tool without bells and whistles, Todoist delivers exactly that – a clean, no-frills approach to keeping track of what needs to be done.

Key Features:

• Simple Task Management: Create, organize, and prioritize tasks with minimal friction.
• Natural Language Input: Type “Client meeting tomorrow at 3pm” and Todoist automatically sets the date and time.
• Priority Levels: Assign priority flags to focus on what matters most.
• Recurring Tasks: Set up tasks that repeat daily, weekly, monthly, or on custom schedules.
• Productivity Visualization: Track completed tasks and build streaks of productivity.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Up to 5 active projects, 5 collaborators per project, and basic task management.
• Pro Plan: $4/month, adding 300 active projects, 25 collaborators per project, reminders, and labels.
• Business Plan: $6/month per user, adding team billing, admin controls, and priority support.

Todoist shines in its simplicity. It won’t give you Gantt charts or complex workflows, but for freelancers who want a digital upgrade from their to-do list without a steep learning curve, it’s perfect.

6. Bonsai

Unlike general project management tools, Bonsai was built specifically for freelancers, combining project management with essential business functions like contracts, proposals, and invoicing.

Key Features:

• All-in-One Freelance Solution: Manage projects, contracts, proposals, invoices, and expenses in one place.
• Contract Templates: Legally vetted contract templates for different types of freelance work.
• Time Tracking: Track billable hours with automatic invoice generation.
• Client CRM: Manage client information, communication, and project history.
• Automated Reminders: Send automatic payment reminders for outstanding invoices.

Pricing:

• Starter Plan: $24/month, including unlimited clients, projects, invoices, and proposals.
• Professional Plan: $39/month, adding white-labeling, client portals, and advanced billing options.
• Business Plan: $79/month, adding subcontractor management, client forms, and priority support.

While Bonsai costs more than some options, its specialized focus on freelance business needs makes it incredibly valuable for independent professionals who want to streamline their entire operation, not just project management.

7. Moxie

Moxie (formerly Hectic) offers a fresh approach to freelance project management, with a focus on creating smooth workflows from lead capture to final invoice.

Key Features:

• Client and Project Management: Track clients, projects, and tasks in one system.
• Proposal Creation: Build and send professional proposals with e-signatures.
• Time Tracking: Track billable hours with a simple interface.
• Invoice Generation: Create invoices from tracked time or fixed project rates.
• Client Portal: Share project progress and files with clients.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Limited to one client, with basic project management and time tracking.
• Pro Plan: $11.99/month, for unlimited clients and projects, custom branding, and full features.

Moxie’s freelancer-first approach makes it particularly appealing for those who want a streamlined system without overwhelming features they’ll never use.

8. Indy

Indy positions itself as an all-in-one toolkit for independent workers, combining project management with essential business tools like contracts and invoicing.

Key Features:

• Project Management: Track tasks, deadlines, and progress.
• Contract Templates: Access legally reviewed contract templates.
• Invoice Generation: Create and send professional invoices.
• Time Tracking: Monitor billable hours across projects.
• File Storage: Store and share project files securely.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Limited tools with caps on usage.
• Pro Bundle: $12/month for unlimited access to all tools and templates.

Indy’s focus on independent professionals makes it particularly useful for freelancers who want to manage both projects and business operations in one streamlined platform.

9. Zoho Projects

Part of the broader Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Projects offers robust project management that integrates seamlessly with other business tools.

Key Features:

• Task Management: Create tasks, subtasks, and recurring tasks with dependencies.
• Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines and critical paths.
• Time Tracking: Track billable hours with detailed reports.
• Document Management: Store, share, and collaborate on project documents.
• Client Portal: Give clients access to relevant project information.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Up to 3 users and 2 projects with basic features.
• Premium Plan: $5/month per user, adding unlimited projects, Gantt charts, and custom fields.
• Enterprise Plan: $10/month per user, adding resource utilization, global Gantt view, and more.

For freelancers already using other Zoho applications (like Zoho CRM or Zoho Books), Zoho Projects provides valuable integration capabilities that streamline your entire business operation.

10. Teamwork

Teamwork offers comprehensive project management with a focus on client work, making it particularly suitable for freelancers who manage multiple client projects simultaneously.

Key Features:

• Task Management: Organize tasks with subtasks, dependencies, and priorities.
• Client Access: Selectively share project components with clients.
• Time Tracking: Monitor billable hours and create invoices.
• Resource Allocation: Manage your capacity across multiple projects.
• Milestone Tracking: Set and monitor key project milestones.

Pricing:

• Free Forever Plan: Basic project management for up to 5 users.
• Deliver Plan: $9.99/month per user, adding time tracking, client users, and unlimited projects.
• Grow Plan: $17.99/month per user, adding project portfolios, workload management, and custom fields.

Teamwork’s client-focused features make it valuable for freelancers who prioritize professional client relationships and need to present their work in a polished, systematic way.

11. Basecamp

Basecamp takes a unique approach to project management, organizing work into project “spaces” that include everything related to a specific project or client.

Key Features:

• Message Boards: Create threaded discussions for project topics.
• To-Do Lists: Track tasks with due dates and assignments.
• Schedules: Visualize important dates and milestones.
• Document Storage: Store and organize project files.
• Automatic Check-ins: Schedule recurring questions to gather status updates.

Pricing:

• Basecamp Personal: Free for up to 3 projects and 20 users.
• Basecamp Business: $99/month flat fee for unlimited projects and users.

Basecamp’s flat-rate pricing model can be particularly cost-effective for freelancers who collaborate with numerous stakeholders, as you’re not charged per user like most alternatives.

Why Project Management Software Is Essential for Freelancers

Before we jump into the specific tools, let’s talk about why dedicated project management software is so crucial for freelancers in 2025:

Boosting Your Productivity

Working as a freelancer means wearing multiple hats simultaneously – you’re not just a designer, writer, or developer. You’re also the account manager, the sales team, the finance department, and the customer service representative.

Good project management software streamlines these operations, automating repetitive tasks and creating systems that let you focus on your craft rather than administrative work. This translates to more billable hours and less time spent on unpaid organizational tasks.

Improving Client Communication

The freelancing industry is highly client-centric, and clear communication is vital to maintaining strong working relationships. The right project management tool provides a centralized communication hub that improves clarity and reduces misunderstandings.

Rather than hunting through dozens of email threads to find that one crucial detail a client mentioned three weeks ago, proper project management software keeps all your communication organized and searchable.

Enhancing Project Planning and Execution

Task management features allow you to see exactly what’s required at every stage of your projects. You can map out timelines, set milestones, and track progress in real-time. This not only helps with current work but makes it easier to estimate timelines and costs for future projects based on historical data.

Maintaining Consistent Quality

Many project management tools grade project completion by percentage, allowing you to track your performance across various tasks and clients. This job tracking capability helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring you can consistently deliver high-quality work to all your clients.

Building Stronger Client Relationships

Clients love freelancers who deliver exceptional work on time, every time. Effective project management software helps you exceed client expectations by keeping you organized and on schedule. Happy clients are repeat clients, and they’re also your best source of referrals to grow your freelance business.

How to Choose the Right Project Management Software

Before we get to my specific recommendations, here are some key considerations to help you evaluate which project management solution will work best for your freelance business:

Assess Your Specific Needs

Some freelancers need simple task tracking, while others require robust client management capabilities. Ask yourself what problems you’re currently facing in your workflow:

• Are you having trouble keeping track of deadlines?
• Do you need help with time tracking for accurate billing?
• Is client communication becoming difficult to manage?
• Do you need a better system for creating and sending invoices?

The answers to these questions will help narrow down which features you actually need, versus what would be nice to have.

Consider Ease of Use and Learning Curve

The internet is filled with project management tools ranging from simple to complex. If you’re new to project management software, you might want to start with a more intuitive platform that has a shallow learning curve.

Remember, the most feature-rich option isn’t always the best choice. If a tool is too complex, you may end up avoiding it altogether, defeating the purpose of implementation.

Project Duration and Type

Think about whether you typically handle ongoing client relationships or one-off projects. Some project management tools are better suited for long-term client management, while others excel at helping you track individual projects from start to finish.

If you frequently collaborate with others, look for platforms with robust sharing capabilities and client portals.

Budget Constraints

While many freelancers initially look for free options (I know I did!), consider the potential return on investment of paid features. If a $10/month subscription saves you 5 hours of administrative work each month, that’s likely a worthwhile investment.

Many platforms offer free trials of their premium versions, which is a great way to test whether the additional features justify the cost for your specific situation.

Now, let’s dive into the 15 best project management tools for freelancers in 2025.

How to Choose the Perfect Project Management Software for Your Freelance Business

With so many excellent options available, how do you narrow it down to the one that’s right for you? Here’s my step-by-step approach:

1. Start With a Free Trial

Almost every platform on this list offers either a free plan or a free trial period. Take advantage of this to test-drive your top 2-3 choices before committing.

During the trial period, actually use the software for real work rather than just clicking around. This hands-on experience will quickly reveal whether the interface and workflow match your working style.

2. Consider Your Growth Trajectory

Choose a tool that can grow with your freelance business. If you’re planning to expand or potentially bring on subcontractors, ensure the platform can accommodate team collaboration without becoming prohibitively expensive.

3. Evaluate Integration Capabilities

Think about the other tools you already use in your freelance business. Does the project management software integrate with your accounting software, email platform, or design tools? Seamless integration can save countless hours of manual data transfer.

4. Don’t Overlook Mobile Access

As a freelancer, you may not always be at your desk. A robust mobile app allows you to check project status, respond to clients, or log time while on the go. Test the mobile version during your trial period to ensure it meets your needs.

5. Consider Client Experience

If you plan to give clients access to your project management system, evaluate how the client experience works. Is it intuitive for non-technical users? Can you customize what clients see to maintain appropriate boundaries?

The SolidGigs Advantage for Freelancers

While we’ve focused on project management tools in this article, I’d be remiss not to mention another essential resource for freelancers: SolidGigs.

Managing your projects effectively is crucial, but having a consistent pipeline of new projects is equally important. That’s where SolidGigs comes in. As a premium job-finding service specifically for freelancers, SolidGigs curates the best freelance opportunities from around the web and delivers them directly to your inbox.

Instead of spending hours scouring job boards and pitching countless prospects, SolidGigs members receive carefully vetted leads that match their skills and experience. This allows you to focus your time on delivering excellent work through your newly implemented project management system rather than constantly hunting for the next gig.

Combined with the right project management software, SolidGigs creates a powerful foundation for a sustainable, profitable freelance business.

Final Thoughts: The Right Tool Makes All the Difference

Implementing the right project management software isn’t just about being more organized—it’s about transforming your freelance practice into a professional business that can scale and grow.

The best project management tool for your freelance business is the one that fits your specific workflow, budget, and client needs. Start with a clear understanding of your requirements, test a few options thoroughly, and commit to fully implementing your chosen solution.

Remember, there’s a learning curve with any new system, but the long-term benefits of proper project management far outweigh the initial investment of time. Your future self (and your clients) will thank you for making this crucial investment in your freelance business infrastructure.

Have you found a project management tool that has transformed your freelance work? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

One more thing...

You didn't start freelancing to spend hours every week searching through job boards. You started freelancing to do more work you enjoy! Here at SolidGigs, we want to help you spend less time hunting and more time doing work you love.

Our team of "Gig Hunters"—together with the power of A.I.—sends you high-quality leads every weekday on autopilot. You can learn more or sign up here. Happy Freelancing!

Preston Lee

Preston has worked for over 15 years as a freelancer. He works as a writer, a designer, and a developer and has been featured by Adobe, Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur, and many more.