Trello vs Microsoft Project
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Trello
Trello is a visual project management tool based on the Kanban board methodology. It uses cards, lists, and boards to help teams organize tasks and workflows in a simple, visual way. Owned by Atlassian, Trello is one of the most widely used project management tools in the world, known for its simplicity and ease of use.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is the long-standing enterprise project management standard offering advanced scheduling, resource management, and portfolio tracking. Deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Pros
- ✓Extremely easy to learn and use — teams are productive within minutes
- ✓Generous free plan with unlimited cards
- ✓Familiar Kanban interface that most people already understand
- ✓Large library of power-ups and integrations
Cons
- ✗Limited project management features beyond Kanban boards
- ✗Not suitable for complex projects with dependencies
- ✗Reporting and analytics are basic
- ✗Timeline and calendar views require paid plan
Pros
- ✓Industry standard for complex project scheduling
- ✓Powerful Gantt and resource management
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Strong portfolio management
- ✓Trusted by enterprises globally
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Expensive licensing
- ✗Feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for simple projects
- ✗Limited real-time collaboration
Trello vs Microsoft Project: Side by Side
| Factor | Trello | Microsoft Project |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management | Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Trello Features
- ✓Kanban boards
- ✓cards and checklists
- ✓power-ups and integrations
- ✓automation
- ✓timeline view
- ✓calendar view
- ✓mobile app
- ✓templates
Microsoft Project Features
- ✓Project scheduling
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓resource management
- ✓task tracking
- ✓portfolio management
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Trello if small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Best For
Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management
Best For
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
How Trello and Microsoft Project Are Similar
- •Both are Project Management platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Trello nor Microsoft Project is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Trello and Microsoft Project?
Trello is best for small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management. Microsoft Project is best for enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Which is better, Trello or Microsoft Project?
Choose Trello if small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
How much does Trello cost?
Trello starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Microsoft Project cost?
Visit Microsoft Project website for current pricing.
Who should use Trello?
Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management
Who should use Microsoft Project?
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration