While project management apps run well via web browsers (see our list of the best web project management software), sometimes it’s nice to have native apps for operating systems. Native apps can bring stability and performance boosts. However, not all apps are created equally. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best project management software for macOS and iOS.
Key Takeaways: iOS & Mac Project Management
- monday.com is the best overall project management software for Mac users. However, all the options listed here offer apps for macOS and iOS that get the job done.
- The iOS mobile apps for each platform are barebones but are fine to use for basic task management.
- Before signing up for the paid plans, be sure to take advantage of the free trials on offer. Key features vary from platform to platform, and it’s worth taking the time to find the best solution for you.
For us, monday.com is the best overall software for Apple users, thanks to its powerful feature set and solid desktop and mobile applications. However, there are many others here that made our list of best project management software. Below, we will break down our picks for the best project management software for Mac and iOS.
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04/20/2022
Rewrote the article: changed the order of the list and swapped out a few entries to better reflect the current market.
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02/09/2023 Facts checked
Rewrote this article; updated to feature a new layout and to add more software options.
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No, Apple does not have any project management software of its own.
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No, Microsoft Project was not designed with macOS in mind, so there’s no Mac option available.
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The best free project management software for Mac will depend on what you need, but for us, it’s a toss-up between Asana and Trello. Both offer robust features in their free plans.
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The best project management platform overall is monday.com. The slick user interface makes monday.com enjoyable to use, while its robust feature set and project tools can help any project manager tackle tasks of all sizes.
Top Project Management Apps for macOS & iOS
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3$9.80 / month (All Plans)
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What Makes The Best Project Management Software for Mac & iOS?
What makes a piece of software a viable option varies from person to person. However, we look for project management tools that work well in web browsers and native apps.
With this in mind, we’ve tested those below to make sure they’re stable, smooth and to see if they play nicely with touchscreens. Below are six task and resource management apps that stand out.
- monday.com — Powerful, beautiful and feature-packed, monday.com takes the top spot
- Asana — A beautiful task management platform with a solid free tier and friendly UI
- Wrike — One of the best apps thanks to solid features and a clean interface
- Trello — The master of kanban boards performs well on iOS and Mac devices
- ClickUp — A fully featured project management solution that’s great for complex tasks
- nTask — Easy-to-use task management software that’s also wallet-friendly
The project management solutions above represent the best solutions for iPhone, iPad and Mac users. The programs excel at managing multiple projects, and they offer compelling free and paid tiers. In addition, the apps are well-designed, fluid and easy to use. It should be no surprise that monday.com takes the project management crown, but all of the programs here are solid.
The 6 Best Project Management Software for Mac & iOS
Below, we’ll break down the six Mac project management suites listed above. Have a look at the list to see which platform is the right task management software for you.
1. monday.com
More details about monday.com:
- Pricing: Free, $8 per month (one-year plan) per user
- Provider website: monday.com
Pros:
- A robust feature set
- Easy on the eyes
- Great desktop & mobile apps
Cons:
- The free plan could be better
- The Basic plan is too basic
- iOS app is light on features
monday.com is the best iOS and Mac project management software thanks to its comprehensive feature set that offers all the charts, reports, integrations and communication tools you could need. The software looks beautiful, is easy to manipulate and provides enough security to put end users at ease.
Whether you’re managing simple tasks or complex projects, monday.com will have your back. You’ll find Gantt charts, kanban boards, timelines, calendars and robust tools that will help your team. While integrations with many popular apps and automations are present in the desktop app, they’ve been removed from the iOS app, which is unfortunate but understandable.
A plus is monday.com’s touchscreen UI. Dragging cards to assign tasks and moving lists with the swipe of a finger is effortless. It’s also easy to connect an account to the iOS app. To connect your account, you scan a web-based QR code with your device’s camera. In seconds, you’re logged in. monday’s strength lies in its seamless operation across its different versions.
Multiple Views Make monday.com Shine
monday.com shines thanks to its views. One of the best tools is the dashboard, which is available in the browser and desktop app. The dashboard puts tools, like Gantt charts, kanban boards, workloads and calendars, in one place for easy management. Unfortunately, dashboards cannot be created on mobile devices, but can be viewed.
Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll get access to multiple views within the software, and they all operate just as smoothly on the desktop and mobile versions as they do in the browser. The views and how information is presented make monday.com a leader in task management software. You can read more about the tools and features in our monday.com review.
monday.com is a powerful project management application. The feature set is robust and the design is easy on the eyes; the only downside is the pricing. The free and Basic tier (costing $8 per month per user annually) are not competitive. However, the Standard tier — $10 per user per month annually — offers great value. There’s also an advanced $16 Pro tier and an Enterprise plan if needed.
Overall, monday.com is an attractive, feature-packed project management solution. You’ll find that the multiple views; slick web, desktop and mobile apps; and automation and integrations make monday.com easy to use. If you’re still not convinced, monday offers a generous free trial of the software that allows you to see what it can do.
- : Maximum users: 2, Kanban Board, & list
- : Minimum users: 3, Price per user, Basic features
- : Minimum users: 3, Price per user, Expanded features
- : Minimum users: 3, Price per user, Advanced features
- : Enterprise-level features.
2. Asana
More details about Asana:
- Pricing: Free, $10.99 per month (one-year plan) per user
- Provider website: asana.com
Pros:
- Excellent free plan
- Easy to use
- Full-featured desktop app
Cons:
- Comparatively expensive
- iOS app lacks features
When it comes to project management software for Mac and iOS users, Asana is a close second to monday. Asana is a powerful project management app that helps managers oversee multiple projects and teams. The free tier offers space for up to 15 team members, unlimited tasks, and provides enough views and integrations to get you started.
As with other platforms, Asana offers paid tiers that add more robust project management features and admin tools. Our biggest gripe with Asana is just how expensive the paid tiers are compared to its competitors, while not offering anything radically different. You can learn more about the feature sets on offer in our full Asana review.
The native desktop app for Mac computers is identical to the web tool. You’ll find the same features and views, like a kanban board, timelines and calendars, as well as integrations and automations. The mobile app, while pleasant to use with touch, is OK, but its views are limited, and you cannot set up integrations from within it. It’s still handy to use while on the go, though.
Apps Take Asana to Another Level
All good project management software offers integrations, and Asana grants you access to over one hundred apps from the get-go, which is a sizable collection. You’ll find integrations — or apps as Asana calls them — for Slack, Gmail, Zoom, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams and more. If you choose the Business tier, you’ll get access to Adobe Creative Cloud and a few more apps.
You can easily set up integrations and automations from the desktop and web-based versions of Asana, and if you use the iOS app on an iPad or an iPhone, you’ll still trigger the automations you have in place. This level of continuity across multiple platforms makes Asana one of the best tools for Apple iOS and Mac users.
The biggest downside of Asana is its price structure. For small businesses, it’s hard to go wrong with the Asana free plan. The Premium plan — $10.99 per user per month annually — offers more tools and views, but the pricing is steep. The Business tier — $24.99 per user per month annually — is ideal for large companies thanks to its resource planning tools, but it has an even bigger leap in price.
If you’re a business owner looking for a comprehensive suite of tools to track projects, Asana is a solid choice. The colorful user interface is a joy to use, and the integrations, views and team collaboration features are plentiful. We just wish it was a little more affordable. Still, when it comes to Mac project management software, Asana is a gem.
- : Up to 15 users
- : Price is per user. unlimited users, expanded features
- : Price is per user. unlimited users, even more features
- : Custom pricing, advanced security features
3. Wrike
More details about Wrike:
- Pricing: Free, $9.80 per month (one-year plan) per user
- Provider website: wrike.com
Pros:
- A good free version
- Plenty of tools & views
- Feature rich macOS app
Cons:
- Uninspiring user interface
- The iOS app is barebones
- Dramatic price jumps
Wrike might not be the most visually appealing project management software ever designed, but it’s still one of the best pieces of project management software for Mac. Wrike is easy to use, feature-packed and relatively affordable. iOS and Mac users who favor function over form will love this project management tool’s desktop and mobile applications.
The free version of Wrike offers a kanban board, task lists, 2GB of storage, several integrations and effective task management tools. However, Wrike shines when you step into the paid tiers, thanks to more integrations, subtasks, Gantt charts, reports and better security options, like two-factor authentication. You can find out more in our complete Wrike review.
What makes Wrike great for Mac users is the desktop application. The app looks and functions the same as the browser version, which makes working in both effortless. The bad news is that the iOS version of Wrike leaves a lot to be desired, due to its limited feature set. You can still manage projects, but don’t expect to dive deep into them while on an iPad or iPhone.
Versatility Is the Name of the Game
Wrike makes task management easy with superb versatility. Thanks to its views, Wrike is equally comfortable dealing with simple tasks as it is dealing with complex projects with many moving components and multiple team members. Wrike has a good kanban tool, and the Gantt chart, subtasks and project blueprint tool options in paid tiers are also top quality.
The views are easy to read and use across multiple devices, especially on an iPad, thanks to the responsive drag-and-drop and pinch-to-zoom actions on the touchscreen. No matter where you use Wrike — a web browser, desktop client or the mobile app — you’ll find that Wrike’s outstanding functionality translates well into each version of the software.
Wrike is a robust piece of project management software for Mac and iOS devices. You’ll enjoy using it if you can get past the bland but functional user interface. The Wrike free tier is fine for individuals or very small businesses. However, if you want to manage bigger teams and projects, you’ll need to step up to one of the paid tiers, which dramatically increase in price.
The Team tier — $9.80 per user per month annually — offers Gantt charts, unlimited projects, tasks and subtasks, 50 automations, multiple views and support for up to 25 team members.
The Business plan — $24.80 per user per month — adds cloud-based software, more automations and advanced features. There are also Enterprise and Pinnacle plans. Overall, Wrike is a project management tool worth trying.
- : Unlimited users. Basic features.
- : Price is per user. Plans for 5, 10 and 15 users.
- : Price is per user. No monthly option. Plans for 5 to 200 users.
- : Plans for 5 to an unlimited number of users.
4. Trello
More details about Trello:
- Pricing: Free, $5 per month (one-year plan) per user
- Provider website: trello.com
Pros:
- Clean user interface
- Feature stocked desktop app
- Great free plan
Cons:
- iOS app is basic
- Questionable privacy policy
Trello is, by far, the best kanban board application available. The only reason why Trello is in the fourth spot is because it only offers a kanban board, whereas the other options listed provide a full suite of project management tools; but wow, what a kanban board it is! Trello is clean, slick, easy to use, offers tons of integrations for free. You can find out more in our Trello review.
The free plan of Trello lets you add as many team members, integrations, automations, projects and lists as you need. Trello also comes packed with well-designed project templates. Trello does offer a few paid plans that add unlimited boards, a mediocre calendar, and advanced security and admin features, but they do not offer good value for money.
The macOS app makes Trello a great project management tool for Apple users. The app offers everything that the browser version does, including integrations and automation support. It’s also as smooth as butter when in use. However, the iOS application is very basic. While it’s nice to interact with your kanban board via touch, the application offers hardly any features or tools.
Unlimited Power-Ups and Automations
Out of the box, Trello is already a powerful task management tool; however, when you factor in unlimited integrations — known as power-ups in Trello — the usability dial gets cranked to the max. You’ll find integrations with apps that help with time tracking, portfolio management, document management, collaboration features, file sharing, reports and more.
We have to mention task automation here because automations can easily make Trello work for you. For example, Trello can notify a team member on Slack that their project needs attention, and you can automatically share files, perform bulk actions and send emails without lifting a finger. The free plan offers unlimited automations, so you can make the most of them.
Trello is one of the best pieces of Mac project management software and should be considered by teams and businesses of all sizes. The project management app is easy to use, automations are powerful and it has the best representation of the much-beloved kanban board we’ve ever seen. Above all, almost every feature you could possibly need is available on the free plan.
If you need more from Trello, there are premium plans. The Standard plan — $5 per user per month annually — adds unlimited boards and larger file size uploads.
The Premium plan — $10 per user per month annually — adds views, priority support, and admin and security features. Meanwhile, the Enterprise plan — $17.50 per user per month annually — adds security options. The free plan is still best for most, though.
- : Unlimited users, 10 boards, Unlimited power-ups, Unlimited storage
- : Price is per user, Unlimited boards, Custom fields, Invite guests
- : Price is per user, Several new views
- : Price is per user, Advanced admin & security settings
5. ClickUp
More details about ClickUp:
- Pricing: Free, $5 per month (one-year plan) per user
- Provider website: clickup.com
Pros:
- A competitive free plan
- Lots of features
- Polished macOS application
Cons:
- Not very intuitive software
- Poor touch support on iOS
Fifth on our list of best project management software for Mac is ClickUp. It offers a huge repertoire of features and is a favorite of software developers thanks to its sprints. The software has a clean interface, time tracking and ClickApps (integrations). You can find out more about the features in our ClickUp review.
However, the price model is what makes ClickUp stand out.
You’ll find that ClickUp offers lots of tools and key features in its free tier; however, many tools have use limitations. For example, you’ll be able to use the Gantt chart tool so many times per month. As you progress through the paid plans, limitations are removed and new features are added. The pricing is very competitive, which makes ClickUp quite appealing.
The macOS application is stellar. You’ll find all the tools and features you need (depending on your plan), including Gantt Charts, kanban boards, mind maps, tables, workloads and more. You can even implement ClickApps. However, the iOS app is poor. While you can touch items to select them, you cannot move them by dragging, and you only get list and calendar views.
Views Galore Make ClickUp Incredibly Versatile
ClickUp is a project management platform that does many things well. If you like kanban boards, you’ll like the one ClickUp offers. If you prefer lists and tables, ClickUp has you covered. If Gantt charts, timelines, whiteboards, activity and workload views are your thing, you’re in business. However, the stand-out view is the mind map.
If you like to brainstorm or prefer exploded views and subtasks, the mind map view in ClickUp will be right up your alley. The mind map gives you a complete overview of your project and allows you to track every component of it on one screen. The mind map can be as big as you need it, and navigating it is easy thanks to the large work area you’re given. It’s a fantastic tool.
When it comes to pricing, ClickUp is competitive. The Unlimited plan — $5 per user per month annually — adds unlimited storage, integrations, dashboards, Gantt charts and more.
For $12 per member per month annually, the Business tier adds the mind map, advanced time tracking and advanced automations. Meanwhile, the Business Plus plan — $19 per user per month annually — adds custom permissions and priority support.
Compared to other software solutions, you’ll need to spend more time with ClickUp to learn how its many tools work. However, your persistence and time will be rewarded with a versatile app that will serve you well. Pick the plan that suits you and your team, and you’re sure to be satisfied.
- : Basic functionality with some limitations
- : All prices per user; most limitations removed
- : All prices per user; extra features added, especially security
- : Even more features added
6. nTask
More details about nTask:
- Pricing: Free, $3 per month (one-year plan) per user
- Provider website: ntaskmanager.com
Pros:
- Low cost of entry
- A good set of features
- Fairly easy to operate
Cons:
- The very limited free tier
- macOS & iOS apps need improvement
nTask is not the prettiest platform, but its versatility makes it a prime choice for project scheduling. The free Basic plan is limited to five team members but offers unlimited workspaces and tasks. You can use integrations, powerful timesheets and time-tracking tools, but you’re limited to list, grid and calendar views. Your money goes far in the paid plans, though.
The project management tool boasts list views, calendars and kanban boards, as well as time, risk and issue tracking. There are collaboration tools, document storage and sharing, milestones, subtasks and advanced reports.
However, like other project management apps, nTask unlocks features and tools at various price points. For a more comprehensive look at nTask’s plan features, check out our nTask review.
The app that nTask has created for Macs and iOS devices is adequate, but it does lack some key features, like timesheets, time management and being able to implement integrations. Still, if you’re traveling and need to manage the basics from the road, you can do so quickly, especially on an iPad, where you can swipe, push and pull items in lists and boards efficiently.
Timesheets Are nTask’s Ace in the hole
Many resource management apps offer time management and time tracking via integrations, which is fine. Still, it’s always better when a key feature is found baked into the software. That’s exactly what nTask has done, and they have done it very well. The timesheet tool, which is accessible via the web version of nTask, is powerful yet easy to use.
Each task can be added to a timesheet, and the manager or team member responsible for the job can input how much time has been spent on the activity. This tool makes it easy to see if a task is being neglected or is taking too long. We wish this resource management tool, which is available in every plan, was available on the desktop and mobile apps.
Regarding pricing, nTask is competitive. The Premium plan — $3 per month per user annually — gets you everything in the Basic tier plus unlimited projects, Gantt charts, a kanban board, advanced filters, 5GB of file storage, sub-tasks, milestones and more. Step up to the Business plan — $8 per user per month annually — and they add in risk tracking, advanced reports and admin tools, priority support and many other tools.
Overall, nTask is a fine task management platform that provides easy-to-use task lists and other project tools that will help teams plan. nTask is not what we would call good-looking, but the interface is easy to navigate on web, desktop and mobile platforms, and the paid plans offer exceptional value for money.
- : Maximum 5 team members.
- : No minimum or maximum team members.
- : No minimum or maximum team members.
- : Self-hosted option. 50 team members minimum.
Final Thoughts: Project Management Software for Mac & iOS
Mac and iOS users are spoiled for choice when it comes to project management software. The six pieces of software we’ve covered will help individuals and businesses alike, thanks to their features and strong web, desktop and mobile applications. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the options, but if you want to be a productivity monster, we recommend monday.com, hands down.
What do you think about this roundup of Mac product management software? Which one do you think is the best project management software? Do you use any of the software listed? Do you plan to try any of the platforms? Which option piques your interest the most? Let us know in the comment section, and thank you for reading.
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