MS Project vs Wrike: Which One Is the Better Project Management Tool?
Project management is a critical component of any successful business. It involves planning, executing, and monitoring tasks in a way that ensures project goals are met on time and within budget. To achieve this, businesses utilize project management tools like MS Project and Wrike.
MS Project and Wrike are two of the most popular project management software solutions available. Both tools have their unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. In this article, we will compare MS Project and Wrike to help you determine which tool is better for your organization.
MS Project vs Wrike: An Overview
Before diving deep into the comparison, let’s first understand what MS Project and Wrike are.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project, sometimes referred to as MSP or MS Project, is a project management software program developed by Microsoft. It is widely used by project managers in various industries to plan, track, and manage projects using Gantt charts. The software can be used on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Wrike
Wrike, on the other hand, is a cloud-based project management and collaboration software solution developed by Wrike Inc. It offers features for task management, team collaboration, reporting, and more. Wrike is accessible on multiple devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Features Comparison
When comparing MS Project and Wrike, it’s crucial to look at the features each tool offers. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key features of each tool:
| Features | MS Project | Wrike |
|---|---|---|
| Task Management | Yes | Yes |
| Resource Management | Yes | No |
| Time Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Gantt Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Cost Management | Yes | No |
| Agile Management | No | Yes |
| Integration with Other Tools | Yes | Yes |
MS Project Features
MS Project is a powerful tool that offers features like task scheduling, resource management, time tracking, cost management, and Gantt charts. The tool has a simple interface that makes it easy to use, especially for users who are familiar with other Microsoft tools like Excel.
The Gantt chart feature in MS Project is particularly useful as it allows project managers to visualize project timelines, dependencies, and progress. Additionally, MS Project can integrate with other Microsoft tools like Excel and SharePoint, making it easier to import and export data.
Wrike Features
Wrike is a cloud-based tool designed to improve teamwork and increase productivity. It offers features like task management, collaboration, time tracking, reporting, and more. One of the key benefits of Wrike is its ability to support Agile workflows.
Wrike’s collaboration features make it easy for team members to share files, hold discussions, and provide feedback. Additionally, the tool has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate, even for new users.
Pricing Comparison
When selecting a project management tool, pricing is an essential factor to consider. Here’s a comparison of the pricing plans for MS Project and Wrike:
MS Project Pricing
MS Project is available through Microsoft 365 subscription plans. There are two subscription options: Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Microsoft 365 Apps for Business.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic costs $5 per user per month and includes access to online versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also includes business email, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Planner.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Business costs $8.25 per user per month and includes access to desktop versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also includes business email, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Planner.
Wrike Pricing
Wrike has four pricing plans: Free, Professional, Business, and Enterprise.
The Free plan is suitable for small teams with basic project management needs. The Professional plan costs $9.80 per user per month and includes advanced features like Gantt charts, time tracking, and task dependencies.
The Business plan costs $24.80 per user per month and includes additional features like custom fields, workflows, and reports. Finally, the Enterprise plan is customized based on specific business needs.
Pros and Cons
Every project management tool has its pros and cons, and it’s essential to evaluate them when selecting a tool. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of MS Project and Wrike:
MS Project Pros
- Powerful features suitable for complex projects
- Integration with other Microsoft tools
- Gantt chart visualization
- Robust reporting capabilities
MS Project Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Expensive compared to other project management tools
Wrike Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Agile management capabilities
- Collaboration features
- Affordable pricing### Wrike Cons
- Limited customization options
- No cost management features
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Both MS Project and Wrike offer a range of features that can benefit different types of organizations. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
If you’re looking for a tool with robust project management features suitable for complex projects, MS Project is an excellent option. However, if you require a tool with user-friendly interfaces and support for Agile workflows, Wrike may be a better fit.
It’s also essential to consider the pricing plans of both tools, as this can significantly impact your budget. If cost is a significant factor, Wrike’s affordable pricing plans may be more attractive compared to MS Project’s higher pricing.
Conclusion
In summary, MS Project and Wrike are two popular project management tools that offer unique benefits and drawbacks. MS Project is an excellent tool for managing complex projects and offers advanced features like resource management and cost management. Wrike, on the other hand, is an ideal solution for teams that prioritize collaboration and agility. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and budget.
Whichever tool you choose, it’s crucial to ensure it aligns with your organization’s project management goals and processes. With the right tool in place, you can improve team collaboration, increase productivity, and achieve project success.
Michal Marek
Michal Marek is a project manager from the United States who has worked for several organizations throughout his career. He was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and attended the University of Washington, where he earned his bachelor's degree in computer science. After graduation, Michal started his career in project management at a software development company in Seattle. He quickly proved himself to be an effective leader and was promoted to project manager within a few years. Michal's technical expertise and ability to lead cross-functional teams made him a valuable asset to the company. From there, Michal went on to work for several other software development companies, including Microsoft and Google. He also worked as a project manager for a cybersecurity firm, where he managed the development and launch of a new software product aimed at protecting corporate networks from cyber attacks. Michal is known for his expertise in project management methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban, which he has successfully implemented on several software development projects. He is also a skilled communicator and is able to effectively manage stakeholders across multiple teams and departments.