Whether you’re managing freelance gigs, creative agencies, or enterprise-level operations, the right project management software can help you stay organized, collaborate efficiently, and hit your deadlines. And if you’re a Mac user, compatibility matters.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve curated the definitive list of the best project management tools on macOS for all budgets, including native Mac apps and browser-based platforms.
If you’ve arrived here because Microsoft Project isn’t available for Mac, you’ll also find these apps are excellent alternatives to Microsoft Project on a Mac.
Table of Contents
- 🏆 Quick Summary – Top Picks
- Why Trust Our Reviews
- 🥇 1. Monday.com – Best Overall Project Management Tool for Mac
- 🥈 2. Smartsheet – Best Spreadsheet-Style Project Management
- 🥉 3. ClickUp – Best All-in-One Workspace for Projects & Docs
- 📊 4. Project Plan 365 – Best for Microsoft Project Import Support
- 🧩 5. Asana – Best for Team Collaboration & Automation
- 📌 6. Trello – Best for Simplicity & Kanban-Style Projects
- 📊 7. GanttPRO – Best for Gantt Charts on Mac
- 🖥️ 8. OmniPlan – Best Native macOS Project Planner
- 📊 9. Merlin Project – Best Native Project Manager for Professionals on Mac
- 🧠 10. Notion – Best for Docs + Project Management Hybrid
- 🏠 11. Basecamp – Best for Remote Team Communication
- 🧩 12. Wrike – Best for Scaling Agile Workflows
- 📄 13. Office Timeline – Best for PowerPoint Integration
- Other Project Management Software For Macs
- 📊 Comparison Table
- Related Software
- What’s New in 2025 for Mac Project Management Software?
- How We Selected These Mac Based Project Management Tools
- FAQs
🏆 Quick Summary – Top Picks
| Best for | Tool |
|---|---|
| All-rounder for teams | Monday.com |
| Spreadsheet-style management | Smartsheet |
| All-in-one workspace | ClickUp |
| Native Mac project planning | OmniPlan, Merlin Project |
| Minimalist task tracking | Trello |
| Best for Gantt charts | GanttPRO |
| Best for remote teams | Basecamp |
| Best for hybrid project planning & document management | Notion |
| Microsoft Project import support | Project Plan 365 |
Why Trust Our Reviews
We’ve been reviewing Mac software since 2013 and we also use project management software on a daily basis as part of our workflow.
We research and test all of the products we cover and have used thousands of different Mac apps over the years. For more check out our testing methodology and selection process.
Here then are the results of our research into the best Project Management software to use on a Mac in 2025.
🥇 1. Monday.com – Best Overall Project Management Tool for Mac
Why We Picked It
Monday.com stands out for its highly customizable workflows, visual project tracking, and ease of use across teams. With a color-coded, drag-and-drop interface, it’s suitable for managing everything from marketing calendars to complex product roadmaps. It scales well from small teams to enterprise portfolios.
Features
- Visual boards: Kanban, Gantt, calendar, timeline
- Automations for repetitive tasks
- Workload and resource tracking
- Dashboards for high-level overview
- Document collaboration and file sharing
- Generous free plan making it one of the best free project management apps for Macs too.
Integrations
Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Dropbox, Google Workspace, Outlook, Zapier, Jira, GitHub, HubSpot, Adobe Creative Cloud
Mac support: Native macOS app + browser-based access
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Teams needing visual project planning and workflow automation
Mac-specific note: Optimized for macOS with fast native app performance plus Cloud access
Learn more:
🥈 2. Smartsheet – Best Spreadsheet-Style Project Management
Why We Picked It
Smartsheet takes the familiarity of spreadsheets and adds a sprinkle of advanced project tracking to the mix. It’s ideal for users transitioning from Excel, offering Gantt charts, automation, and data-driven dashboards while scalable for large enterprises too.
Features
- Grid, card, Gantt, and calendar views
- Conditional formatting and formulas
- Workload and resource management
- Real-time dashboards and portfolio tracking
- Workflow automation with approval logic
Integrations
Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Jira, DocuSign, Slack, Tableau, ServiceNow, Zapier
Mac support: Native macOS app + browser-based access
Free plan: 14-day free trial
Best for: Teams who prefer spreadsheet-style management with powerful extensions
Mac-specific note: Seamless performance in a native Mac app plus Cloud access
Learn More:
🥉 3. ClickUp – Best All-in-One Workspace for Projects & Docs
Why We Picked It
ClickUp brings together project management, documentation, time tracking, and collaboration into a single platform. It’s highly flexible and customizable, making it popular among agile teams, product managers, and startups.
Features
- Tasks, docs, goals, and whiteboards all in one
- 15+ view types including list, board, calendar, and Gantt
- Time tracking and team reporting tools
- Automations and recurring tasks
- Built-in mind maps and chat
Integrations
Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, GitHub, Notion, Evernote, Outlook, Calendly, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox
Mac support: Native macOS app + browser access
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Cross-functional teams and power users
Mac-specific note: Optimized native app for macOS with responsive UI
Learn More:
📊 4. Project Plan 365 – Best for Microsoft Project Import Support
Why We Picked It
Project Plan 365 for Mac is a robust project management solution designed to offer full compatibility with Microsoft Project. It enables Mac users to open, edit, and save .MPP files without the need for conversion, providing a seamless experience for those familiar with MS Project. The application includes essential features such as Gantt charts, resource management, and critical path analysis, making it suitable for professionals across various industries.
Features
- Full compatibility with Microsoft Project (.MPP) files
- Comprehensive project views: Gantt Chart, Task Sheet, Network Diagram, and more
- Advanced scheduling engine with support for critical path, baselines, and resource leveling
- Real-time collaboration tools for team-based project management
- Cloud integration with Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, SharePoint Online, and Project Online
Integrations
- Google Drive
- iCloud
- OneDrive
- Dropbox
- Box
- SharePoint Online
- Project Online
Mac support: Native macOS application available via the Mac App Store
Free plan: Yes (limited features)
Best for: Professionals and teams seeking Microsoft Project compatibility on macOS
Mac-specific note: Offers a native macOS experience with full support for .MPP files and integration with cloud services
Learn More:
- Visit the Project Plan 365 website
- Read our full Project Plan 365 review
🧩 5. Asana – Best for Team Collaboration & Automation
Why We Picked It
Asana offers intuitive tools for planning, tracking, and managing team projects. It’s particularly good for cross-functional collaboration and campaign planning, with built-in workflow automation and a clean visual layout.
Features
- Multiple project views: list, board, calendar, timeline
- Task dependencies and milestones
- Team workload management
- Advanced rule-based automation
- Reporting dashboards
Integrations
Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Zapier, Figma, Dropbox
Mac support: Mac app and Browser-based
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Teams managing timelines, responsibilities, and goals
Mac-specific note: Excellent browser experience and fast UI performance
Learn More:
📌 6. Trello – Best for Simplicity & Kanban-Style Projects
Why We Picked It
Trello is perfect for users who want simplicity and visual task tracking. It uses a kanban-style interface and allows for easy card creation, drag-and-drop task management, and optional power-ups to extend functionality.
Features
- Kanban boards with drag-and-drop interface
- Checklists, attachments, and due dates
- Custom fields, labels, and card templates
- Calendar and timeline views with Power-Ups
- Automation via Butler bot
Integrations
Google Drive, Slack, Dropbox, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Evernote, Zapier, Confluence
Mac support: Native macOS app + web
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Simple, visual project tracking
Mac-specific note: Fully native app for Mac, optimized for keyboard shortcuts and notifications
Learn More:
📊 7. GanttPRO – Best for Gantt Charts on Mac
Why We Picked It
GanttPro provides a user-friendly Gantt chart interface ideal for project managers needing visual task timelines and workload tracking. It’s great for planning marketing campaigns, events, or construction timelines.
Features
- Gantt chart builder with dependencies and milestones
- Time tracking and task discussions
- Resource management and team availability view
- Templates for recurring projects
Integrations
Trello, Slack, Zapier, Dropbox, Basecamp
Mac support: Web-based
Free plan: No
Best for: Visual planners and timeline-driven projects
Mac-specific note: Runs well in Safari and Chrome with responsive layout
Learn More:
🖥️ 8. OmniPlan – Best Native macOS Project Planner
Why We Picked It
OmniPlan is purpose-built for Apple users and offers high-end project planning capabilities like resource leveling, cost tracking, and critical path analysis. It’s ideal for professionals who need detailed scheduling tools in a native Mac app.
Features
- Gantt charts with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Resource allocation, cost tracking, and baselines
- Critical path and earned value analysis
- Manual or automatic scheduling modes
- Forecasting and simulation tools
Integrations
Apple Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, OmniFocus, AppleScript support
Mac support: Native macOS and iOS apps
Free plan: No (trial available)
Best for: Professional PMs who need macOS-native power tools
Mac-specific note: Optimized for Apple Silicon Macs with flawless macOS integration
Learn More:
📊 9. Merlin Project – Best Native Project Manager for Professionals on Mac
Why We Picked It
Merlin Project is a macOS-only project management app tailored for professionals who need wide-ranging tools like Gantt charts, resource management, budgeting, and reporting. It’s particularly powerful for architecture, construction, and engineering project managers who want deep planning features in a native Mac interface.
Features
- Professional-grade Gantt charts with dependencies
- Cost and budget tracking with resource allocation
- Project templates and custom reports
- Kanban boards and mind maps for planning
- Forecasting, baseline tracking, and earned value analysis
Integrations
Calendar, Contacts, Apple Reminders, iCloud Drive, Outlook, MS Project import/export, AppleScript support
Mac support: macOS and iPadOS native apps only
Free plan: No (30-day free trial)
Best for: Professionals and teams needing advanced planning and resource management
Mac-specific note: Fully native macOS app designed for Apple Silicon with excellent macOS integration
Learn More:
🧠 10. Notion – Best for Docs + Project Management Hybrid
Why We Picked It
Notion is a powerful workspace for combining documents, wikis, task lists, and lightweight databases. It’s perfect for startups, educators, and distributed teams who want an all-in-one information hub.
Features
- Modular page blocks for tasks, databases, and embeds
- Kanban, calendar, and gallery views
- Inline commenting and collaborative editing
- Custom templates and productivity widgets
Integrations
Slack, GitHub, Google Drive, Figma, Zapier, Typeform, Loom
Mac support: Native macOS app + browser
Free plan: Yes
Best for: All-in-one workspace blending documentation and tasks
Mac-specific note: Fast app performance on macOS with support for offline mode
Learn More:
🏠 11. Basecamp – Best for Remote Team Communication
Why We Picked It
Basecamp combines message boards, tasks, file storage, and scheduling in one centralized place. It focuses on team communication over complex task dependency charts, making it ideal for small to mid-size remote teams.
Features
- To-do lists, docs, message boards, and chat (Campfire)
- Hill charts to visualize project progress
- Scheduling and team check-ins
- File and document sharing with commenting
Integrations
Zapier, Tick, Everhour, Google Drive, Slack (via 3rd-party tools)
Mac support: Native Mac app + web
Free plan: Yes (limited functionality)
Best for: Remote teams looking for simple communication-based planning
Mac-specific note: Clean native app and excellent Safari compatibility
Learn More:
🧩 12. Wrike – Best for Scaling Agile Workflows
Why We Picked It
Wrike offers enterprise-grade tools for agile work, portfolio management, and departmental collaboration. With customizable dashboards, real-time updates, and advanced forms, it suits marketing, IT, and operations teams.
Features
- Agile boards, timelines, and dependency tracking
- Real-time collaboration with proofing tools
- Dynamic request forms and custom workflows
- Reporting dashboards and time tracking
Integrations
Salesforce, Google Workspace, Slack, Microsoft 365, Jira, Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud, Tableau
Mac support: Web-based + Mac desktop app
Free plan: Yes (limited features)
Best for: Agile teams and enterprise-level coordination
Mac-specific note: Full-featured Mac client and web support
Learn More:
📄 13. Office Timeline – Best for PowerPoint Integration
Why We Picked It
Office Timeline is ideal for professionals who need to create clear, polished Gantt charts and project timelines without the overhead of traditional project management tools. Its browser-based interface makes it a great fit for Mac users who want quick, visual project updates for client meetings, executive reporting, or team planning.
Features
- Drag-and-drop Gantt charts, timelines, and swimlanes
- Import from Excel, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, and Jira
- Professional templates for project visuals
- Export timelines as editable PowerPoint slides
- Online collaboration and sharing features
Integrations
Microsoft Project, Excel, Jira, Smartsheet, PowerPoint (Windows)
Mac support: Web-based (no desktop app required)
Free plan: Yes (with limited features)
Best for: Visual project planning and reporting
Mac-specific note: Full functionality via browser; ideal for presentation-based project management
Learn More:
Other Project Management Software For Macs
There were some tools that didn’t quite make our top list but are definitely worth considering if any of the above don’t fit your needs.
14. nTask – Best for Freelancers on a Budget
nTask balances features and affordability with task management, timesheets, and risk management.
Mac support: Web-based
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Solo users and small businesses
15. ProofHub – Best All-in-One for Collaboration
Includes built-in notes, chat, time tracking, and project views in a single dashboard.
Mac support: Web-based
Free plan: No (flat pricing)
Best for: Teams needing communication + PM in one tool
16. Paymo – Best for Time Tracking and Invoicing
Combines PM with invoicing and time tracking—great for freelancers and agencies.
Mac support: Native app + web
Free plan: Limited
Best for: Service-based businesses
17. Taskade – Best Minimalist AI PM Tool
A modern tool with integrated AI, video calls, and shared task trees—ideal for remote and creative teams.
Mac support: Native app + web
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Remote-first teams
18. Quire – Best for Lightweight Agile Workflows
Supports nested to-do lists and kanban boards in a beautifully clean interface.
Mac support: Native and web
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Agile sprints and product design
19. Float – Best for Resource Scheduling
Focused on workload and time allocation, Float is great for creative teams managing multiple projects and deadlines.
Mac support: Web-based
Free plan: No
Best for: Agencies and resource planners
20. Zenhub – Best for Dev Teams Using GitHub
Integrates directly with GitHub for backlog management, roadmaps, and agile boards.
Mac support: Web-based
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Dev teams
21. Backlog – Best for Bug Tracking + PM
Combines project management with code management and issue tracking.
Mac support: Web-based
Free plan: Limited
Best for: Development and QA
22. Todoist – Best for Personal Project Tracking
A powerful to-do list app that supports collaboration and light project workflows.
Mac support: Native + web
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Personal use and small teams
23. Coda – Best Doc-Based Project Platform
Coda blends documents with project tracking and automation, ideal for teams that love building flexible systems.
Mac support: Web-based
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Custom PM setups
24. Miro – Best for Brainstorming and Whiteboarding
Miro offers collaborative whiteboards, mind maps, and flowcharts—perfect for visual project planning.
Mac support: Web-based + macOS app
Best for: Design sprints, brainstorming, remote teams
25. Zoho Projects – Best for Zoho Ecosystem Users
Part of the Zoho suite, this tool blends task management with bug tracking and time logs.
Mac support: Web-based
Best for: Zoho CRM or finance users
26. Quickbase – Best for Low-Code Workflows
Ideal for companies needing custom workflows with little coding, Quickbase supports automation and team collaboration.
Mac support: Web-based
Best for: Custom internal process tracking
27. MeisterTask – Best for Simple Kanban with Great UX
A clean, modern alternative to Trello with time tracking and integrations.
Mac support: macOS + web
Best for: Visual thinkers
28. Teamwork.com – Best for Client-Focused Teams
Includes time tracking, invoicing, client portal, and advanced project views.
Mac support: Web + native
Best for: Agencies and consultants
29. FunctionFox – Best for Creative Project Tracking
Built with ad agencies in mind, FunctionFox includes task tracking, budgeting, and timesheets.
Mac support: Web-based
Best for: Creative teams
30. Nutcache – Best for Budget-Conscious Freelancers
Project tracking with built-in invoicing and financial tracking.
Mac support: Web-based
Best for: Freelancers and small teams
31. Plaky – Best for Visual Simplicity
A visual project manager with a lightweight feel, similar to Monday.com but more affordable.
Mac support: Web-based
Best for: Startups and lean teams
32. ProjectManager – Best for Hybrid and Remote Teams
Provides dashboards, Gantt charts, kanban boards, and workload views.
Mac support: Web-based
Best for: Medium to large teams
33. OfficeTimeline – Best for PowerPoint users
Integrates with PowerPoint to create Gantt charts.
Mac support: Web-based
Best for: Medium to large teams
📊 Comparison Table
| Tool | Free Plan | Native Mac App | Best For | Gantt View | Time Tracking |
|---|
| Monday.com | ✔ | ✔ | All-purpose PM | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smartsheet | ✖ | ✖ | Spreadsheet-style teams | ✔ | ✔ |
| ClickUp | ✔ | ✔ | All-in-one PM + docs | ✔ | ✔ |
| Project Plan 365 | ✖ | ✔ | Microsoft Project file imports | ✔ | Limited |
| Asana | ✔ | ✖ | Workflow automation | ✔ | Limited |
| Trello | ✔ | ✔ | Simplicity & kanban | Add-on | Add-on |
| OmniPlan | ✖ | ✔ | Native Mac Gantt tool | ✔ | ✔ |
| Merlin Project | ✖ | ✔ (Mac-only) | Native MS Project alternative | ✔ | ✔ |
| Notion | ✔ | ✔ | All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases | ✔ | ✔ |
| Basecamp | ✔ | ✔ (limited) | Simple team commu-nication & task tracking | ✔ (no native Gantt) | ✔ |
| Wrike | ✔ | ✔ | Agile teams and enterprise-level coordination | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office Timeline | ✔ (web only) | ✔ (limited) | Visual project planning & presentations in PowerPoint | ✔ | ✔ (basic sharing) |
Related Software
If you still haven’t found what you were looking for here, you may also find the following useful:
- Best Gantt Chart Software For Mac
- Best Microsoft Project for Mac Alternatives
- Best Productivity Software For Mac
- Best Time Tracking Software For Mac
- Best Roadmap Software For Mac
What’s New in 2025 for Mac Project Management Software?
Project management tools in 2025 have become faster, smarter, and better aligned with macOS in recent years. With native apps, AI-powered task assistance, and deeper Apple device integration, modern PM software for Mac are built for flexibility and mobility.
Here’s some of the key developments we’ve spotted.
Native Mac Apps With Apple Silicon Optimization
More project management platforms now offer true native support for Apple Silicon Macs, delivering smoother performance and lower energy consumption — especially important for teams on MacBook Airs and Pros.
ClickUp, Asana, and Monday.com now offer full-featured desktop apps optimized for Apple hardware, with offline-first architecture and native notifications through macOS’s Notification Center.
Some native tools like OmniPlan and Daylite go even further, offering deeper integration with Spotlight search, Touch ID login, and native macOS menus for a better user experience in macOS.
AI-Powered Task Management & Planning
AI is now embedded into most major PM tools in 2025. It’s being used to:
- Auto-generate project timelines
- Prioritize tasks based on urgency and dependencies
- Summarize meetings and team updates
- Suggest workflow automations tailored to your usage
Notion AI, Taskade, and Motion are leading the charge with simple but powerful interfaces that work equally well across macOS and iOS.
Universal Cross-Device Workflows
Project managers are increasingly working across Macs, iPads, and iPhones — and PM software is meeting the demand with real-time syncing, native mobile apps, and Handoff support.
Tools like Trello, Basecamp, and MeisterTask allow users to start a project on their desktop and pick up exactly where they left off on their iPhone or iPad.
Safari now supports advanced Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), so even web-first tools like Smartsheet and Wrike feel like native desktop apps with offline access and dockable icons.
Visual Planning & Design Collaboration
With more creatives and remote teams using Macs, visual collaboration is now a core feature. Many PM tools are integrating:
- Whiteboarding (e.g. Miro, FigJam integration)
- Built-in video conferencing
- Creative asset review tools
This shift is especially useful for Mac-based marketing, media, and design teams who use PM platforms alongside tools like Final Cut Pro, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Cloud.
Modular & Customizable Workspaces
PM software is becoming less rigid and more adaptable. Users can now build their own layouts using drag-and-drop modules for:
- Task lists
- Gantt charts
- Goal tracking
- Document hubs
- Time tracking
ClickUp, Notion, and Coda now allow Mac users to create fully personalized dashboards that work like a mix of Airtable and Trello — ideal for creative, agency, and product teams.
Privacy, Security & Compliance Upgrades
As remote work grows, project management platforms are stepping up privacy and compliance capabilities. Features now include:
- Two-factor authentication via Apple devices
- SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 compliance
- File encryption and regional data hosting
These protections are increasingly important for businesses handling sensitive client data — especially those working in finance, healthcare, or legal sectors using Macs.
How We Selected These Mac Based Project Management Tools
To deliver accurate and relevant recommendations, we go beyond surface-level feature comparisons.
Each tool we review is installed and tested in real-world conditions using simulated projects tailored to simulate typical professional workflows on macOS.
Our hands-on evaluations help us assess how well each platform performs for Mac users managing both simple and complex projects.
Here are the key factors we take into account:
Mac User Experience
We assess how well each app runs natively on macOS, including its responsiveness, interface design, compatibility with macOS features like Spotlight, system notifications, and support for Apple Silicon. Usability is judged not just on looks, but on how intuitive and efficient the experience is for daily project management.
Functionality and Workflow Support
We test whether the software supports a wide range of project management methodologies—such as Kanban, Scrum, Gantt charts, and Waterfall—without becoming overly complex or limiting. The best tools offer flexible task structuring, automation, dependencies, milestone tracking, and resource management.
Value for Money
Pricing is analyzed in the context of the features provided, with special attention to whether lower-tier plans are functional enough for individuals or small teams. We also factor in whether a product offers a free version, free trial, or pay-as-you-go options.
Collaboration and Communication Tools
We evaluate how each tool supports teamwork, including built-in messaging, shared workspaces, file sharing, comment threads, notifications, and integration with tools like Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace. The goal is to identify platforms that help teams stay aligned and productive.
Integration with macOS Ecosystem
Beyond third-party app integration, we look for macOS-specific advantages such as support for iCloud Drive, native calendar syncing, Apple Reminders or Contacts integration, and Handoff between macOS and iOS.
Security and Privacy
For professional users, data security matters. We assess whether the software offers encryption, role-based access controls, two-factor authentication, and transparent privacy policies.
Scalability and Support
We also consider how well the software scales—from freelancers to large teams—and whether support options (live chat, email, help centers) are responsive and helpful for Mac users.
By combining these criteria, we ensure our recommendations reflect tools that are not only powerful but also practical and reliable for Mac-based users.
FAQs
Q: What is the Mac equivalent of Microsoft Project?
A: The closest native alternative is OmniPlan or Merlin Project. For web-based tools, Monday.com and Smartsheet offer powerful Gantt chart views.
Q: Can I run Microsoft Project on Mac?
A: Not natively. You can use it via Parallels, Crossover, or Microsoft 365 Project for the web, which works in browsers.
Q: Is there any 100% free project management software for Mac?
A: There are some free and open source project management tools that allow unlimited free use. However, we would not recommend them for professional use. For more, check our free project management software for Mac guide.
Q: Which project management tools have native Mac apps?
A: Monday.com, Trello, ClickUp, OmniPlan, MeisterTask, and Merlin Project all offer native Mac apps.
Q: What’s the easiest project management tool to use on Mac?
A: Trello, MeisterTask, and Taskade offer the simplest user interfaces for light task tracking.