Microsoft Project vs GanttProject
A detailed comparison of Microsoft Project and GanttProject to help you choose the best tool for your needs in 2026. GanttProject is a free, open-source project scheduling tool. It supports Gantt charts, resource allocation, and PDF/HTML...
Microsoft Project
Microsoft's project management software for scheduling, resource management, and project tracking. $10/month for cloud version, $679 for Professional (one-time).
PRICING
Microsoft Project: $10/month (Cloud), $679 one-time (Professional)
GanttProject
GanttProject is a free, open-source project scheduling tool. It supports Gantt charts, resource allocation, and PDF/HTML export. A capable free alternative to Microsoft Project.
RATING
4.1Live Data
Microsoft Project
GanttProject
💡 Data sourced from FMHY (Free Media Heck Yeah) and updated regularly. GitHub stars reflect real-time community adoption.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Detailed breakdown of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | Microsoft Project | GanttProject |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid Microsoft Project: $10/month (Cloud), $679 one-time (Professional) | Free |
| Open Source | ||
| Self-Hosted | — | |
| User Rating | — | 4.1 |
| Migration Difficulty | N/A | Easy |
| Best For | General use | Users who need Gantt charts and basic project scheduling for free |
Why Choose GanttProject Over Microsoft Project?
100% free and open-source project scheduling tool with Gantt charts
KEY FEATURES
Best For
Users who need Gantt charts and basic project scheduling for free
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Project
KNOWN FOR
Microsoft's project management software for scheduling, resource management, and project tracking. $10/month for cloud version, $679 for Professional ...
PAIN POINTS
- Expensive at $10/month or $679 one-time
- Steep learning curve
- Requires Microsoft ecosystem
GanttProject
PROS
- Completely free
- Open-source
- Good for Gantt charts
- Cross-platform
CONS
- Less polished than Microsoft Project
- Limited collaboration features
- Interface is dated
Why Consider Switching from Microsoft Project?
GanttProject is 100% free and open-source
ProjectLibre is free and open-source
Trello is free for basic project management
Asana is free for teams up to 15 users
Monday.com has a free trial with visual project management
Common Microsoft Project Pain Points
Expensive at $10/month or $679 one-time
Impact: $120/year or $679 upfront
Steep learning curve
Impact: New users struggle to master it
Requires Microsoft ecosystem
Impact: Best with other Microsoft tools
Overkill for small projects
Impact: Too complex for simple project management
Limited collaboration features in cheaper plans
Impact: Teams need expensive plans for collaboration
How to Migrate from Microsoft Project to GanttProject
- 1
In Microsoft Project, go to File → Save As → Choose XML format
- 2
Install ProjectLibre (free) and open the XML file
- 3
For Asana: create a new project and manually recreate tasks, or use CSV import
- 4
For Trello: export tasks as CSV from MS Project, then import into Trello
- 5
Set up your team and assign tasks in the new tool
Pro Tips
- ProjectLibre is the closest free alternative and can open MPP files directly
- Asana is much easier to use but less powerful for complex scheduling
- Trello is best for agile teams who don't need Gantt charts
- Monday.com is the most visual alternative but has no free plan
Other Microsoft Project Alternatives
Not sure GanttProject is right for you? Check these other options: