Open-source project management software is becoming an alternative for organizations, since using these programs balances cost and functionality. You can use these management tools to organize teams and projects.

With the right project management tool, you can automate tasks like resource allocation, budget tracking, scheduling, and time management. This article highlights eight different program options that range from simple task managers to full-enterprise solutions with features like quality assurance, bug tracking, change request control, document conversion tools, and more. Here's the list.

1. OpenProject

OpenProject is one of the most popular platforms for project management and team collaboration. The cloud-based software is designed to support small, medium, and large businesses.

You can use OpenProject through all stages of your project, from inception to completion. The software supports both Agile and Scrum functionalities.

Related: Agile vs. Scrum vs. Waterfall: Choose the Right Software Development Approach

Its Agile features include creating stories, prioritizing sprints, and tracking. The Scrum feature is integrated into other OpenProject modules, like task management, roadmap planning, and bug tracking.

OpenProject also offers a free community edition and paid plans. Both versions include Gantt charts, dashboards that display project status, and customizable workflow patterns.

However, the paid plan adds features, like custom branding and easy single sign-on (SSO). OpenProject starts at $7.25 per user per month; with a minimum of 5 users, it comes to $36.25 monthly.

2. MyCollab

MyCollab Kanban option
Image Credit: MyCollab

MyCollab is an easy-to-install software with a clean UI. It's a fully-featured collaboration tool designed to serve small to medium-sized businesses.

The cloud-based project management software provides a rich set of project management, document management, and customer relationship management (CRM) features. It also includes two licensing options: an open-source “community edition” and a commercial edition.

The community edition provides basic project management features like issues management, roadmap view, and Kanban for efficient task management. On the other hand, the premium plan supports Gantt charts, time tracking, risk management, and more. Prices start from $19 per month, with a 30-day free trial.

3. Orangescrum

Orangescrum lets you manage projects, tasks, and resources in one place. From governments to nonprofits to freelancers, the program works with all. This project management software provides cloud, self-hosted cloud, and open-source versions, which include Scrum and Kanban for real-time task management. You'll also find Gantt charts.

The open-source edition includes features like task reminders, custom task status, bug and issue tracking, and document management. The software comes with a free-for-life option and premium plans starting from $8 per month for up to 10 users.

4. ZenTao

Zentao is a professional Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) that supports Scrum. The program provides the tools you need to cover the core processes of software development projects, from conceptualization to planning to delivery.

The platform's main features include project management, product management, document management, and test management. Its most distinguishing characteristic is that it separates the concepts of product, sprint, and test.

Zentao offers both free and paid plans. Both versions support task management, document management, testing, and release management, to name a few.

The paid plan includes customizable workflows, customized reporting, calendar, Kanban boards, and Gantt charts. Pricing starts at $24.9 as a flat rate, as a one-time payment.

5. GanttProject

GanttProject is a free project scheduling and time management tool. It's one of the top free Gantt chart apps that work best for small and medium businesses needing Gantt and PERT charts.

Related: Gantt Chart vs. PERT Chart: What Are the Differences?

The software has a simple setup with an uncluttered workspace and is ready to work immediately after launching. It allows you to calculate project costs and assign human resources to work on each task. You can give everyone a task and define custom roles.

With GanttProject, you can export and import projects from Microsoft Project and Excel. You can export in HTML if you want to put an overview of your project online. You can as well export to PDF or PNG for printable charts.

Pricing starts at $5 per user, as a one-time payment. Paid and free plans are identical and covered by the same GPL license.

6. Taiga

Taiga is best for designers, developers, project managers, and teams that want to use agile features. The project management tool is used by companies like Orange, HP, and Airbus.

Related: Types of Agile Methodologies You Can Use in Your Projects

The software has features like backlog and sprint planning, issue tracking, and fully customizable Kanban boards. Other features include multi-project support, real-time reporting, ticket management, and third-party integrations.

Taiga easily integrates with Slack and allows you to import from Asana, Trello, Jira, and GitHub. What makes it stand out is its simple, beautiful, and intuitive design. As such, it's a great choice for multi-functional teams.

The platform is free for public projects. For private projects, there are several paid plans, starting at $7 per user per month. This makes one of the most affordable Kanban board software on the market.

7. Leantime

If you're looking for a program that provides both lean product development and agile project management, then Leantime might be your best bet. The open-source software has several tools to help you manage projects from the idea phase to delivery. But projects are not without task management challenges.

The tool also supports multiple projects, making it ideal for startup teams, product managers, and any other organization that uses agile and lean methodologies. With Leantime, you can map out entire projects, from start to finish, via built-in features for plotting out goal dates and tracking milestones.

You can use Gantt charts and timetables to monitor the components of each project. The tool also includes a backlog feature that allows you to break tasks into smaller, more manageable to-dos.

Other features include Kanban, timesheet and calendar, and integration with Slack. In addition, it offers a free version and paid plans that start at $5 per user per month.

8. ProjectLibre

ProjectLibre markets itself as the “number one Microsoft Project alternative”. The software supports all-important project planning features, including cost management, resource calendars, and baselines. You can use it for multi-project management for teams.

The free, open-source project management tool is scalable from small businesses up to Fortune 500 companies. Top brands that use the program include IBM, AMD, Cisco, Boeing, and Time Warner.

The tool features Gantt charts, PERT charts, and RBS (Resource Breakdown Structure) charts. Plus, it's compatible with MS Project, includes a straightforward installation process, and has a thriving online community.

Is Open-Source Project Management Software Good for You?

Open-source project management is an effective way to structure your work, connect with teams, identify bugs, and achieve success in the project. And it will be right for you if you need a highly customizable, budget-friendly project management platform.

However, going the open-source way might not work if you don't have a strong technical team to manage the software, fix bugs and issues, and customize it to your needs.