10 Best Gantt Charts for System Development (Free & Paid Software) | Friday.app

Find the Top 10 Gantt Chart Software for System Development This Year

Posted by The Friday Team

Are you a system analyst who needs to plan system development tasks but aren't sure where to start? A Gantt chart software can help!

A Gantt chart is an incredibly useful tool for system analysts because it helps:

  • Visualize your entire project from start to finish in one place
  • Break down your project into smaller chunks of tasks
  • Find and address dependencies across the whole timeline
  • Highlight the progress of various tasks and milestones
  • Easily reschedule tasks and manage deadlines

It's crucial to choose a great application that can achieve all of those benefits. That's why we've curated a list of the best Gantt chart software for system or software development to help get you more productive. 

Let's dive in!

1. ClickUp

Plan and create your own system development project with ClickUp. ClickUp’s Gantt chart view lets you quickly and easily visualize your project timeline. You can also see progress, prioritize tasks, assign resources, and set dependencies between them - all in one place. ClickUp also offers Gantt charts for other projects such as app development or business related work such as hotel management.

The easy-to-use interface makes it simple to get an overview of the big picture and make adjustments on the fly. The ability to drag and drop tasks and set up reminders helps you stay on top of deadlines. Finally, enjoy the ability to monitor progress at a glance and collaborate with your team like never before.

Best Features

  • Easy-to-use and dynamic timeline
  • Get a complete overview of all tasks, projects, and deadlines
  • Quickly schedule multiple projects at once
  • Stay on top of project progress with color coding
  • Easily update projects with a simple drag-and-drop
  • See the critical path to identify potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies

Limitations

  • App interface, views, and features can be too complex for first-time users
  • Some features and views are not available for mobile view

Pricing

  • Free: Free forever
  • Unlimited: $5 per user per month
  • Business: $12 per user per month
  • Business Plus: $19 per user per month
  • Enterprise: Contact sales

User Ratings

G2: 4.7/5 (4800+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.7/5 (3100+ reviews)

Sign up for ClickUp today, no credit card required.

2. Instagantt

Instagantt offers a Gantt chart for system analysts by providing a user-friendly, drag & drop Gantt chart platform. Its comprehensive list of features and options is designed to aid even the most complex projects. Handle complex software development projects which include creating custom timelines to establishing task dependencies and milestones with ease. 

Not only can you create multiple workspaces that enable team collaboration through assignment notifications, but also customize your views with various color progress bars. You can also export versions in Excel, image or PDF formats, as well as share public snapshots.

Best Features

  • Kanban and board view to keep track of your team's workload 
  • Dashboard and reporting tools
  • Identify dependencies and manage risks
  • Baselines and change tracking let you stay on top of changes to your project schedule

Limitations

  • Lack of mobile and desktop application  
  • Collaboration features can be improved

Pricing

  • Single: $7 per user/month 
  • Team: $5 per user/month

User Ratings

G2: 4.6/5(10+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.3/5 (380+ reviews)

3. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a cloud-based work management platform for enterprises and organizations. This application helps teams plan, execute, and report on tasks and projects at a scale. The platform features a familiar spreadsheet interface and view to help project managers and their teams track and manage projects. Smartsheet offers project management through different views including Gantt, Calendar, Kanban, and more. Smartsheet is also a great way to collaborate with internal and external parties making it a great option for large-scale projects such as product development.

Best Features

  • API allows users to develop their own programs and tools
  • Save time by automating repetitive tasks and processes
  • Flexible views and dashboards to suit your needs

Limitations

  • Learning curve due to customization features
  • Time tracking and resource management tools require purchase
  • No free plan

Pricing

  • Smartsheet doesn’t have a free plan
  • Pro: $7 per user per month
  • Business: $25 per user per month
  • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.4/5 (9100+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.5/5 (2500+ reviews)

4. TeamGantt

Get organized with TeamGantt, a cloud-based software designed specifically for Gantt chart aficionados. Thanks to its customizable views – you can switch instantly between task lists, calendars or even Gantt charts. 

Plus use features like resource management and capacity planning for optimal team scheduling capabilities. The only downside is its free plan which is limited to three users only.

Best Features

  • Embed attractive project timelines onto any website page for a quick snapshot of progress
  • Import existing Excel project timelines quickly and easily
  • Filter through large projects with ease 
  • Sticky Notes keep important updates visible

Limitations

  • Limited integration abilities with third-party apps
  • Lacks functions to add multiple dependencies

Pricing

  • Lite: $19/month per manager
  • Pro: $49/month per manager
  • Enterprise: Starts at $99/month per manager

User Ratings

G2: 4.8/5 (840+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.6/5 (190+ reviews)

5. Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a popular project management platform that offers online Gantt chart software and ability to add your charts to a Microsoft PowerPoint. It's a great tool for system analysts if you extensively use the Microsoft ecosystem.

Best Features

  • Powerful features and detailed options
  • Gantt charts show all timeline info in one view with a split screen
  • Access many templates

Limitations

  • Steep learning curve and an overwhelming amount of data for individuals or small teams
  • Expensive pricing plans
  • You need to purchase all the software in the Microsoft Suite and cannot use MS Projects separately

Pricing

  • Project Plan 1: $10 per user per month
  • Project Plan 3: $30 per user per month
  • Project Plan 5: $55 per user per month

User Ratings

G2: 4.0/5 (1500+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.4/5 (1200+ reviews)

6. GanttPro

GanttPro is an intuitive, cost-effective tool that simplifies project management. With its drag & drop feature and comprehensive task setting, users can easily create workspaces and projects with varying levels of access given to different team members. 

It also offers chart options beyond Gantt charts so you're able to experiment without sacrificing design or usability at a lower price than other platforms. While it doesn't include mobile capabilities or third-party integrations like some competitors may offer, it's still an ideal choice for those looking for basic but efficient project organization tools

Best Features

  • Track time spent on tasks for better project organization
  • Get an overview of all your projects and programs at once
  • Keep your business finances in check with performance control

Limitations

  • No free trial 
  • Learning curve due to number of features and tools

Pricing

  • Basic: $7.99 per user/month
  • Pro: $12.99 per user/month
  • Business: $19.99 per user/month
  • Enterprise: Contact sales for a quote

User Ratings

G2: 4.8/5 (80+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.8/5 ( 380+ reviews)

7. Backlog

Backlog is a collaboration and project management software that also features code management, bug tracking, and other task management tools. It supports various teams and businesses to help them stay productive as they scale when working on multiple projects at once. Backlog is a visual tool that features Kanban-style boards, Gantt charts, and Burndown charts. Users can also take advantage of Backlog's task hierarchy, custom fields, issue templates, and more to improve their overall workflow.

Backlog can be integrated with popular apps like Excel and Slack but has limited integrations which can make it difficult for teams using various tools and software to sync their work and databases.

Best Features

  • Keep your projects on track with automatically generated Gantt charts
  • Prioritize by urgency to get the right things done first
  • See upcoming deadlines and quickly spot tasks that may require more time or teamwork
  • Drag and drop the timeline bar to change dates or update task details in bulk

Limitations

  • Limited selection for integration options
  • Parent-child task creation limited to two levels

Pricing

  • Free basic plan for up to 10 users
  • Starter(up to 30 users): $35/month
  • Standard(unlimited users): $100/month
  • Premium(unlimited users and projects): $175/month

User Ratings

G2: 4.5/5 (160+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.5/5 (70+ reviews)

8. GanttProject

GanttProject is an open-source project management tool that can be hosted locally. It provides a visually intuitive way to view tasks and dependencies while allowing users the flexibility of importing/exporting files, customizing source code for tailored solutions, grouping projects by colors or other elements such as cost — all free from any hidden costs. 

With GanttProject you have simple setup capabilities and full control over your timeline visualization for improved clarity when managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Best Features

  • Work Breakdown Structure for logical structuring of project tasks
  • Baselines for direct comparison between planned and actual project development
  • PERT charts (currently only in view mode) 
  • Translated into +25 languages

Limitations

  • Reporting features lack functions and capabilities
  • Exporting and integration can be improved

Pricing

  • GanttProject packages are available for free

User Ratings

G2: 4.2/5 (50+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.2/5 (130+ reviews)

9. Toggl Plan

Toggl Plan's suite of project planning tools provides teams with an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface and beautiful visuals to aid in their collaborative efforts. It also offers a free online Gantt Chart for users to share projects without requiring them to have a Toggl account. 

With the ability to estimate costs or baselines at any point during the timeline as well as track tasks on each week, you can easily manage resources and team workloads efficiently all from this single platform.

Best Features

  • Invite and assign team members to collaborate, share files, and leave comments
  • Get a quick overview of all task dependencies and potential conflicts with the visual timeline view
  • Export your Gantt chart to PDF or Excel for further editing or for sharing with other stakeholders

Limitations

  • Lack of mobile and desktop application 
  • Free plan is limited to solo users

Pricing

  • Free plan
  • Team plan: $9/user per month
  • Business plan: $15/user per month
  • Enterprise plan: Contact Toggl for details

User Ratings

G2: 4.3/5 (30+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews)

10. Zoho Project

With Zoho Projects, system analysts can stay organized and on schedule with an intuitive Gantt chart creator. These charts include four types of task dependencies to efficiently manage dates and also allow for quick rescaling when needed. 

Additional features such as drag & drop capabilities between taskbars and the ability to hover over a task name in order to gain additional details further simplify project management tasks. This helps move you closer to achieving desired outcomes by setting deadlines!

Best Features

  • Easily visualize your project's progress with the Gantt chart maker
  • Set up dependencies and reschedule tasks using the simple drag-and-drop function
  • Create and edit dependencies between tasks
  • Use baselines to stay on schedule

Limitations

  • User experience and interface can be improved
  • Limited options for integrations with third-party apps

Pricing

  • Zoho is available for free for one user
  • Basic: $49 per organization per month
  • Standard: $99 per organization per month
  • Professional $249 per organization per month
  • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

User Ratings

G2: 4.3/5 (300+ reviews)

Capterra: 4.2/5 (270+ reviews)

Why Use Gantt Chart Software to Plan System Development Tasks

Many people create Gantt charts in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to plan system development tasks.

After all, keep it simple, right?

But, with these spreadsheet tools, you can't calculate your critical path or create automation easily. Additionally, working with various teams and stakeholders becomes a pain as there's no clear visibility or communication.

With project management software like ClickUp made specifically to help system development, you can see critical insights about the state of the project, as well as re-map deadlines and set goals.

Additionally, working with teams gets easier with ClickUp's Chat, threaded and assigned comments, as well as brainstorming tools.

Manage Your System Development Successfully with ClickUp Gantt Charts

There are so many tools that offer advanced features to help you plan system development tasks and achieve your goals. 

But, one tool tops them all. If you’re looking for a great Gantt chart for system development that can offer precisely what you're looking for, as well as unlimited flexibility and options, your search ends now!

ClickUp is an all-in-one project management application with hundreds of powerful tools that you can access all under one platform. 

These features can be customized to work according to any project goals and requirements. Start from scratch or choose from a variety of templates for every use case, including for system development, to break out your projects and tasks. 

Try ClickUp for free today and discover how you can tackle any type of work with increased productivity and efficiency.

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