--- title: "My 7 Best Project Management Software for Consultants in 2026 | Capterra" description: "I analyzed 6,158 verified Capterra reviews to find the best project management software for consultants, and which plan unlocks time tracking in each tool." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/resources/best-project-management-software-consultants/" page_type: "article" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-21" --- # My 7 Best Project Management Software for Consultants in 2026, Based on 6,158 Capterra Reviews Written by: David Jani David JaniAuthor Senior content analyst Experience As a senior analyst, I have spent the last five years covering small-business software, technology deployment, and research... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/david-jani/) Published October 21, 2026 16 min read Table of Contents - [How we picked this list](#how-we-picked-this-list) - [Quire: Best for structuring multi-stage client projects](#1-quire-best-for-structuring-multi-stage-client-projects) - [Zoho Projects: Best for logging time and budget](#2-zoho-projects-best-for-logging-time-and-budget) - [Asana: Best for client collaboration](#3-asana-best-for-client-collaboration-and-organized-workloads) - [Wrike: Best for reporting and visibility](#4-wrike-best-for-reporting-and-visibility-across-client-projects) - [Jira: Best for customizable workflows](#5-jira-best-for-customizable-workflows-on-technical-engagements) - [monday AI Work Platform: Best for onboarding clients](#6-monday-ai-work-platform-best-for-onboarding-clients-onto-a-visual-workspace) - [ClickUp: Best for one flexible workspace with time tracking](#7-clickup-best-for-one-flexible-workspace-with-time-tracking-built-in) - [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions) **TL;DR:** _I’ve identified seven of the best project management software for consultants after studying feedback across 6,158 verified Capterra reviews from_ [_project management software_](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/) _users. This list is built around products on Capterra’s shortlist for project management with the best overall review score in the last two years, and that also offer time-tracking and client-access features so consultants can effectively manage client projects._ Consultants managing multiple clients have needs that go beyond regular project management. Running several client engagements at once means tracking tasks, logging billable hours, and having effective proofing or tools for sharing so clients can see how work is progressing. In many cases, consultants might put in place professional service automation (PSA) systems or use a more generalized project management system, but with some trade-offs. Some areas of caution include missing tools or essential functionality only appearing behind expensive pricing tiers. This is why I’ve looked over Capterra reviewer feedback from project management users to identify where top-ranking products might fit the criteria needed by consultants. From studying verified reviews, I’ve been able to see where the most popular products build in these features, as well as at what price level they are introduced into the package. The tools I've picked are listed in ranking order based on their overall score from reviewers on Capterra over the last two years. ## The 7 best project management software for consultants at a glance | Product | Best for | Overall rating over the last two years | \# reviews in the last two years | Starting price | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Quire](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/) | Structuring multi-stage client projects | 4.71 | 119 | $7.65 per member per month, billed yearly | | [Zoho Projects](https://www.capterra.com/p/169455/Zoho-Projects/) | Logging time and budget | 4.64 | 193 | $4 per user per month, billed annually | | [Asana](https://www.capterra.com/p/184581/Asana-PM/) | Client collaboration and organized workloads | 4.61 | 872 | $10.99 per user per month, billed annually | | [Wrike](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/) | Reporting and visibility across client projects | 4.59 | 359 | $10 per user per month, billed annually | | [Jira](https://www.capterra.com/p/19319/JIRA/) | Customizable workflows on technical engagements | 4.58 | 964 | $8.48 per user per month, billed monthly | | [monday AI Work Platform](https://www.capterra.com/p/147657/monday-com/) | Onboarding clients onto a visual workspace | 4.55 | 1,061 | $9 per user per month | | [ClickUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/158833/ClickUp/) | One flexible workspace with time tracking built in | 4.49 | 382 | $9 per user per month, billed yearly | _Ratings and review counts reflect verified project management reviews in our dataset. Pricing noted per product is indicative and should be confirmed on each vendor's site._ ## How we picked this list I built this list from the 24 products on Capterra's Shortlist for project management software, which hold 6,158 verified Capterra reviews between them. To qualify, a product had to: - Hold a minimum overall rating of 4.0 and at least 100 verified Capterra reviews in the last two years. - Offer native time tracking and external or client access, both confirmed on the vendor's own website and documentation as of October 2026. Tools that lacked native time tracking, or reached it only through a separate paid add-on, were removed. - Fall within Capterra's project management software category definition, delivering core task, project, and workflow management. I then ranked the qualifying tools by overall rating over the last two years, breaking ties by review count. Each "best for" label reflects what that product's reviewers raise most. ## 1\. Quire: Best for structuring multi-stage client projects _Quire list view with nested tasks, tags, and due dates._ [Quire](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/) has the highest overall score on this list, but also works well for consultants thanks to its ability to structure tasks and subtasks specifically. It offers a twist on the usual experience of managing project subtasks, using nested task lists. This keeps sub-tasks readable at a glance by preserving the hierarchy between parent and child tasks even when lists are sorted or grouped. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty In addition to standing out as the highest-rated option overall, it also leads the list in ease of use (4.78 out of five). It offers both time tracking and external team access for users. However, consultants who want to access these features will need to start with Quire’s Professional plan rather than the free version. **Key features** - Nested task lists for breaking projects into stages - List, board, table, and Gantt views - Time tracking and external team access on Professional plans and above **What users like about Quire** Reviewers rate Quire highest for how little effort it takes to get a project organized. - Ease of use and setup suits a solo consultant with no admin. Most reviewers who mention it (65%) say it is simple to pick up. - Feature depth stands out for a small tool. Most reviewers who mention it (44%) point to the range of features. - Organization and visibility matter when several client projects run side by side. Many reviewers (32%) say the structure keeps the work easily visible. **What users dislike about Quire** Issues are mentioned by a minority of reviewers, with most concerns centering on the mobile app, missing features, and bugs. - 15% reference the mobile app, expressing concerns about the lack of offline access and the lack of some features found on the desktop version. - Missing features come up for teams with specialized needs. A recurring theme (15%). - 14% mention performance issues and bugs. **What a verified Capterra reviewer says** "It is best to manage multi-stage client projects with cross-functional teams. It helps to keep large tasks structured, improves team clarity, and makes planning predictable." Ayush G., Project manager, Information Technology and Services _**Bottom line:**_ _Quire’s high general score and ease of use score reflects its functionality and the visibility it gives to projects and their tasks. It can work well for small consultant teams wanting structure and a relatively simple, feature-rich experience, without especially heavy setup._ ## 2\. Zoho Projects: Best for logging time and budget _Zoho Projects portfolio dashboard with budget and timeline charts._ [Zoho Projects](https://www.capterra.com/p/169455/Zoho-Projects/) can work well for consultants wanting to prioritize timesheets and shared views without needing a high-tier subscription. Time logs and timesheets, along with project budgets, are accessible on all paid plans. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty This stands out in the review feedback, with users not only positively commenting on its feature depth in this area. It also receives the highest share of review comments on time tracking (14% of reviews) in general. While time tracking is available across all Zoho Projects plans, tools for client users require an additional add-on. **Key features** - Time logs and timesheets - Project budgets and earned value tracking - Custom views and statuses, plus task blueprints - Read-only users (on Enterprise plans and above) **What users like about Zoho Projects** Reviewers say Zoho Projects is easy to learn and covers a lot of ground. - Ease of use and setup help a small team start without extensive training. Most reviewers who mention it (45%) say it is easy to learn. - 21% of reviewers reflect on the feature depth covering tasks, time, and budgets. - 15% say that collaboration matters when clients and teammates share one project. **What users dislike about Zoho Projects** Feedback here mainly focuses on the learning curve, with some mentioning missing features and UI issues as downsides. - 26% of reviewers raise the learning curve as the most common complaint, because the detail that helps experienced users slows down new ones. - A recurring theme in 15% of reviews is that missing features come up for teams that expect a specific capability to be built in. - A smaller number of reviewers (12%) note that interface and user experience issues are raised less often. **What a verified Capterra reviewer says** "Zoho Projects has been a great addition to my tech stack for managing client projects. It helps me stay organized, simplifies planning, and I love the way it allows me to track my time and share all of the info with the client." Amy J., Owner and Lead Designer, Design _**Bottom line:**_ _Zoho Projects offers a wide toolset for managing project time and budgets, with reviewer scores and comments reflecting this. These features are available on all paid plans, which could prove cost-effective for consultants, although, for better client visibility, there may be extra costs depending on the level of access needed for external users._ ## 3\. Asana: Best for client collaboration and organized workloads [Asana](https://www.capterra.com/p/184581/Asana-PM/), on the other hand, is well-placed for consultants seeking client collaboration features and customization capabilities. It offers unlimited guest users across all its pricing plans, which makes it well-suited for client-facing work or interacting with external partners. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty Conversely, time tracking tools are available, but with a few nuances. Native time tracking is available on the Advanced plan, while Personal and Starter plans offer time tracking only through integrations. Additionally, the features set for timesheets and budgets specifically require an add-on module for access. **Key features** - List, board, and calendar views - Custom fields - Unlimited free guests from Starter **What users like about Asana** Reviewers value how easily Asana makes work visible to everyone involved. - 51% say the platform is easy to learn and use. - 35% of reviews single out the organization and visibility capacity, which makes it easier to track who owns each task. - 24% of reviewers note the benefits of using the tool for collaboration. **What users dislike about Asana** Feedback centers on cost and coverage rather than usability. - Pricing and scalability come up in 15% of reviews as teams move to higher plans. - Missing features are raised by 14% of reviewers. - 7% of Asana reviewers report feeling overwhelmed by notifications and other alerts. **What a verified Capterra reviewer says** "Asana is probably the best project-tracking software I've used when it comes to the user interface. Everything is extremely easy to pick up and learn fast. Tagging collaborators and creating new boards to work on projects with clients is extremely easy." Michael O., Project Manager, Marketing and Advertising _**Bottom line:**_ _Asana offers a suite for consultants wanting to prioritize client interaction and access to their PM tool. While its time-tracking and budgeting features require extra add-ons or integrations if you opt for an entry-level plan, overall, it offers a rich, easy-to-use experience for users._ ## 4\. Wrike: Best for reporting and visibility across client projects _Wrike Gantt chart with linked tasks and a project timeline._ [Wrike](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/) offers project management features within its wider work management suite. Where it is especially suited to consultants is the visibility it brings to reporting, as well as easily accessible dashboards. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty Its reporting and dashboards are often mentioned by reviewers, with a uniquely high volume of feedback commenting on the value the platform brings to progress visibility, and to reporting. Another benefit for users in consulting is that external clients can be added as users at any paid tier, although this consumes part of the software's seat allocations and grants only limited access rights. **Key features** - Gantt chart, board, and table views - Time tracking (available on Business Tier upwards) - External users on a paid seat, with limited rights **What users like about Wrike** Reviewers use Wrike to keep many projects readable at once. - Just over half (51%) see the platform as easy to learn. - 37% of reviewers mention how organization and visibility keep progress in view across engagements. - Reporting and dashboards are noted by 31% of reviewers and is Wrike's most distinctive strength. This can prove useful for consultants who report to several clients. **What users dislike about Wrike** Some recurring issues Wrike users mention relate to the difficulty getting started. - The learning curve is the most common complaint, because the depth that helps later slows the start. 32% of reviewers raise it as a concern. - A fifth of reviewers comment on interface and user experience issues. - 12% mention pricing and scalability. **What a verified Capterra reviewer says** "Managing our clients and projects in Wrike works really well for our team and helps ensure that projects are well planned and nothing falls through the cracks." Katherine W., Project Manager, Design _**Bottom line:**_ _Overall, Wrike is a good option for consultants working across multiple client projects who want to maximize their visibility and provide detailed progress reports. Reviewers often highlight its ability to achieve these goals as well as its adept reporting and dashboard features._ ## 5\. Jira: Best for customizable workflows on technical engagements _Jira board view with workflow columns._ [Jira](https://www.capterra.com/p/19319/JIRA/) stands out as a PM issue and project tracker for its ability to function well for consultants managing technical and IT work. It has a deep and broad set of features, with tools such as time tracking built in by default, as well as the ability to measure time spent at the individual-issue level. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty As well as this, it permits external collaboration as standard on all its paid-tier subscription plans. This allows users to add guest and anonymous users to projects without limits or extra costs. **Key features** - Backlog, list, board, timeline, calendar, and summary views on every plan - Customizable workflows and custom fields - Project templates **What users like about Jira** Reviewers use Jira for flexibility more than simplicity. - 30% of reviewers mention the organization's benefits and the visibility they gain as work moves through several stages. - 30% comment on how the customization and flexibility in Jira let them shape the tool to the engagement. - A fifth of reviewers highlight views, such as board, Gantt, and timeline, which give you more than one way to see a project. **What users dislike about Jira** User comments often center around the complexity and effort required to maximize Jira. - The learning curve is the most common complaint, since flexibility comes with setup, with close to 4 in 10 (40%) raising it. - Interface and user experience issues come up often as well, being mentioned by 22% of users. - 12% comment on the heavy customization needed to get the most from the system. **What a verified Capterra reviewer says** "I really like the ability to choose from multiple project templates (Sprint, Kanban etc.) available, that help me manage different types of projects with the same tool." Swagata B., Senior Project Manager, Information Technology and Services _**Bottom line:**_ _Jira makes its mark thanks to its configurability and flexible toolset for consultants, especially those working on more technical projects. This gives users access to the necessary tools for time tracking and maintaining client transparency via guest access. However, there is a cost due to its configurability, which can require more technical effort to set up initially._ ## 6\. monday AI Work Platform: Best for onboarding clients onto a visual workspace _monday work management table with status and priority columns._ [monday AI Work Platform](https://www.capterra.com/p/147657/monday-com/) offers useful tools for consultants who want to provide a visual and easy-to-use workspace for client access. It stands out in this way thanks to the variety of boards, views, and templates on offer, as well as accessible tools such as forms, through which clients can request work. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty Reviews often comment on the benefits of the customization possible within monday, and on its relative ease of use. However, some practical features consultants may need to call upon, such as time tracking or guest access, require mid or high-tier subscription plans before they are accessible. **Key features** - Gantt view - Time tracking on Pro plan and above - Guest access on Standard plan and above **What users like about monday AI Work Platform** Reviewers describe a workspace clients that helps reduce workload and bring clients onboard quickly. - 55% of reviewers comment on the ease of use. This can prove practical to keep onboarding short. - 32% of reviewers mention customization and flexibility, which let you adapt boards to each engagement. - 29% mention time-saving, and automation reduces repetitive work. **What users dislike about monday AI Work Platform** Most issues note the learning curve of using the platform, as well as the costs faced. - 29% raise issues with the learning curve. - One in five reviews mentions that pricing and scalability can be a downside. - 15% of reviewers comment on missing features, particularly when managing nuanced tasks. **What a verified Capterra reviewer says** "I like Monday.com for the ease of use first and foremost. It's a product that I feel very confident onboarding clients onto because I know that clients from any industry and technical experience level can use it. It's very intuitive for task management and CRM functionality." Gage D., Managing Director, Financial Services _**Bottom line:**_ _monday AI Work Platform is good for consultants looking for visual and accessible views to keep track of client projects and share progress. This can prove useful when adapting to client needs, although cost and a learning curve are factors to consider._ ## 7\. ClickUp: Best for one flexible workspace with time tracking built in _ClickUp task list with views for chat, schedule, and Gantt._ [ClickUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/158833/ClickUp/) is a workspace tool that encompasses many project management functions as well as built-in time tracking, communication, white board, and automation tools. This broad capability set is a unique positioning with PM representing just a part of the package. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty For consultants, it can prove practical as clients can be added as guest users on every plan, including its free one. Time tracking is also a standard tool found across all plans. This gives users a flexible and feature rich experience, which reviewers often reflect on positively. Although it is feature rich, this does come with an obvious trade-off of an upfront challenge in adoption and learning curve according to reviewers. **Key features** - List, Gantt, and calendar views - Spaces for grouping work by client or area - Time tracking on Core plans and above - Guest access on every plan **What users like about ClickUp** Reviewers value how much one workspace can be shaped to their work. - 36% of reviews highlight customization and flexibility, which let you set up a space per client. - 31% of users comment on the feature depth and that it keeps tasks, docs, and time in one place. - 29% mention collaboration as a benefit, which matters when clients and contractors share a space. **What users dislike about ClickUp** Much of the feedback centers on the learning curve, although smaller numbers mention interface and performance issues. - The learning curve is the dominant complaint, raised by 41% of reviewers, the largest share of any product on this list. - Interface and user experience issues are mentioned by just under one fifth of reviewers (18%). - 15% note performance issues and bugs. **What a verified Capterra reviewer says** "I find the concept of spaces the most complete for my needs. I use spaces for customers, and I put all the client projects there as folders, but I also use them for large projects." Mihai N., Administrator, Internet _**Bottom line:**_ _ClickUp is a well suited tool for consultants who want to try and minimise their tech sprawl and focus much of their productivity and client management within a single tool. Many key features for client work and tracked time are included from the free tier up and while it can be trickier to learn, reviewers indicate it has a lot to offer once mastered._ ## What should consultants look for in project management software? The best project management software for consultants does three jobs: it logs billable time, lets clients see progress without a full account, and stays simple enough to run without an admin. Ease of use is the strength reviewers cite most often with the products listed, while a steeper learning curve is the recurring complaint for six of the seven. Time tracking and client access shape project management for consultants more than any other feature, so the next two sections look at each. ### Can project management software track billable hours? Yes, project management software can track billable hours, but most of these tools put time tracking on a higher plan than the entry tier. Five of the seven picks gate these features behind a paid plan. | Product | Plan that unlocks time tracking | | --- | --- | | Quire | Professional (entry-level) | | Zoho Projects | Premium (entry-level) | | Asana | Advanced (mid-level) | | Wrike | Business (mid-level) | | monday AI Work Platform | Pro (high-level) | ### Do consultants need a client portal or guest access? Most consultants don't need a full client portal, but they do need a way to let clients see progress. In many cases, you can achieve that through guest access. Most products on this list include this in some form although for some this can use up a seat on your plan. This is an area to check carefully when comparing the best options. ## Is project management software enough, or do consultants need PSA software? Project management software covers tasks, time tracking, and client sharing, while PSA software adds billing and invoicing, time and expense tracking, and timesheet management for firms that bill at scale. In most cases, the products listed above can fulfill some or all of these tasks. If you do decide to consider PSA software as an option, it’s worth examining when invoicing and expense tracking in one system matter more than flexible task views. Capterra's [professional services automation software](https://www.capterra.com/professional-services-automation-software/) category lists Asana and monday AI Work Platform, so the two software types overlap, though none of the seven products on this list is built as PSA software first. ## Frequently asked questions What is the best project management software for consultants? On our list of the best project management software for consultants, Quire has the highest overall rating at 4.71, followed by Zoho Projects (4.64) and Asana (4.61). However, the choice depends on various factors such as the work being done, the visibility desired for clients and whether time tracking needs to be included as standard. How do consultants manage multiple client projects at once? Consultants usually keep one project, space, or board per client and use guest access to let clients follow progress. Each of the seven tools supports that setup, so choose project management software consultants can run with time tracking built in. Is free project management software good enough for a solo consultant? In many cases free plans could leave out functionality that consultants would need for their day-to-day project management admin. In some cases time tracking is only available in paid tiers, while in others secure guest access isn’t available in the freemium package. Which is better for consultants, Asana or ClickUp? There isn’t a simple answer about whether Asana or ClickUp is the best overall for consultants. Both have advantages and disadvantages over each other. On our list, Asana has the higher overall rating (4.61 against 4.49), while ClickUp puts native time tracking on its free plan, which Asana gates within its Advanced plan. ClickUp also offers a wider feature set as a workspace platform primarily although 41% of its reviewers mention a notable learning curve when first using it. How much does project management software cost for a consultant? Entry paid plans for these seven tools run from $4 to $10.99 per user per month. However, some tools gate off specific features for client access or time tracking within mid or high level tiers. This is something to check carefully when assessing PM software options as a consultant. What is project management software? Project management software helps a team plan work, assign tasks, track deadlines, and share progress in one place. For consultants, it also keeps client work organized and tracks billable hours. ## Capterra's 2026 Software Buying Trends Report ### Download our 2026 Software Buying Trends Report to see how successful software adopters avoid disappointment and how your business can, too. * * * Looking for Project Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the [best Project Management software](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/) solutions. ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### David Jani](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/david-jani/) David is an analyst with 5 years of experience covering technology for accounting, cybersecurity, and other business uses. 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All ratings and review counts reflect data as of the time of publication. Pricing was verified against official vendor pricing pages in October 2026. To be included in this list, each product had to: 1. Be included on Capterra's Shortlist for project management software 2. Have a minimum of 100 verified Capterra reviews in the last two years 3. Have an overall rating of 4.0 or above based on reviews in the last two years 4. Fit Capterra's criteria for project management software, possessing core task, project, and workflow management, plus native time tracking and external or client access, confirmed on vendor websites and documentation To build this list: - I analyzed the 24 products on Capterra's Shortlist for project management software, which hold 6,158 verified Capterra reviews between them, narrowing the list to the 7 products here - I then analyzed the 3,950 verified reviews across those 7 products for recurring patterns - Reviews were assessed on five dimensions: overall rating, ease of use, functionality, customer support, and value for money - Pricing was verified against vendor websites at time of writing **Editorial independence:** Products are selected and ranked based on an objective methodology. While some vendors may pay Capterra when they receive web traffic or leads, this does not influence our selection or analysis.