Many free task management software solutions exist, but not all have the features that startups and freelancers need.

That’s why we created this list of the 10 best free task management software for small business owners.

These tools can transform workflow, boost productivity, and streamline operations for your business.

We’ll explore the key features provided in the free version of each option, how they specifically help with task management, and whether they’re the right fit for your needs.

I. What is Task Management Software for Small Businesses?

It’s a software solution specifically designed to help small teams or freelancers improve their efficiency and collaboration by organizing, tracking, and prioritizing individual tasks and workflows.

Use cases:

• Keeping track of ongoing, recurring tasks assigned to different team members, and
• Managing projects with multiple tasks.

II. Free Task Management Software for Small Business | 10 Top Picks in 2024

Without further ado, here are the 10 best free task management tools we’ve chosen for you:

#1. Upbase — Best for managing both project tasks and personal tasks

Available for: Web, Android, iOS

Tired of task management solutions that treat your team like robots? Upbase is different.

It’s built to understand that happy, productive individuals make successful teams. That’s why Upbase seamlessly blends robust project management features with the personal productivity tools your team craves.

The cherry on top? No complex features to slow you down. Upbase’s clean and user-friendly interface effectively minimizes distractions and keeps you laser-focused on work.

If you’re looking for a task management tool that actually gets you and your team working, not wrestling with the software, Upbase is your go-to.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Unlimited tasks, lists, members, and storage: Manage tasks for your entire team, no matter how big or small.

List and Board views: Visualize and organize tasks in different ways.

Sections, to-do lists, and subtasks: Break down projects into manageable chunks.

Task details (notes, priorities, deadlines, tags, attachments, and subtasks): Ensure clarity and organization for your team’s tasks.

Task assignments, watchers, comments, and attachments: Promote collaboration and communication on tasks.

Calendar module (with multiple timeframe options): Assist with project planning and scheduling.

Weekly backlogs: Store tasks for the week and schedule them later.

My Tasks page: Central location for users to see all their assigned and created tasks.

Daily Planner: Help individual team members stay focused and manage their workload efficiently. This daily planner offers not only daily to-do lists and calendars but also other tools for enhanced productivity like:

• Time blocking
• Pomodoro timers with ambient sounds
• Weekly notes — a place to set goals or reflect on the week.
• Daily Notes — for daily journaling.
• Notepad — for note taking.
• etc.

Also-Cool Features in Upbase’s Free Plan

Docs, Files, and Links modules: Enable document management, file sharing, and link organization within projects.

Messages and Chat modules: Facilitate communication and collaboration within the team.

Search functionality: Enables quick retrieval of specific tasks.

Limitations:

• 6 project lists: May be a limitation for businesses with a large number of projects.
• 100MB storage: Could limit the number of files that can be stored, depending on file sizes.

Pricing

The task management software offers straightforward pricing:

• Free plan: $0
• Premium plan (14-day free trial available): $5-$8 per user/month

#2. Trello — Best for visual task management & simple collaboration

Available for: web, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows

Trello is a popular task management software known for its intuitive and visual Kanban boards.

Imagine a bulletin board with sticky notes – that’s essentially Trello’s approach. It uses boards (projects), lists (stages of a project), and cards (tasks) to provide a clear visual roadmap for your team.

Read Full Review: Trello Review.

But Trello goes beyond simple visualization. Assign tasks to members, leave comments directly on cards, and utilize basic collaboration tools to keep everyone on the same page.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Unlimited cards: Create as many task cards as you need to keep track of all your projects.

Kanban boards: Provide a clear visual overview of project progress for the entire team.

Due dates: Ensure tasks are completed on time.

Labels: To categorize tasks for better prioritization and filtering.

Basic collaboration tools (commenting, assignments, & file-sharing): Enhance team collaboration.

Project templates: Save time on setting up new projects from scratch.

Also-Cool Features in Trello’s Free Plan

Power-Ups: Enhance the functionality of your boards. You can integrate other tools you use or add new features.

Workspace commands (via Butler): Set up rules to trigger actions automatically, like moving cards or adding checklists.

Limitations:

• Trello’s free plan limits the number of boards (up to 10) and collaborators (up to 10).
• Its focus on simplicity might not be ideal for complex project management.

Pricing

This online task manager tool offers flexible pricing, including four options:

• Free Plan — $0
• Standard Plan — $5-$6 per user/month, for small teams with simple task management and collaboration needs.
• Premium Plan — $10-$12.50 per user/month, for larger teams looking to track and visualize multiple projects in different ways.
• Enterprise Plan — $17.50 per user/month or $210 flat rate (for a maximum of 50 users). Ideal for organizations.

#3. Asana — Best for team task management & workflows

Available for: Web, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows

Leading your small business team requires a conductor’s touch, ensuring everyone plays their part in harmony. Asana can be your workhorse.

This versatile tool allows you to easily create projects, assign tasks to team members, set due dates, and track task progress collaboratively.

Also, it supports workflow automation and communication, making it ideal for managing projects and boosting team efficiency.

Read Full Review: Asana Review.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Unlimited projects, tasks, and storage: Manage your workload without limitations.

List, board, and calendar views: Manage and visualize tasks in a way that suits your team.

Due dates and task prioritization.

Recurring tasks: Simplify routine tasks by setting them to repeat automatically.

Task assignments, comments, and attachments: Ensure everyone is on the same page.

Messages: For communicating directly with colleagues within tasks and projects.

Also-Cool Features in Asana’s Free Plan

Activity Feed: Stay updated with real-time updates on tasks and projects.

Project Overview: Get a high-level view of project progress and status.

Limitations:

• Asana allows assigning only one primary team member per task. This can be limiting for small businesses where tasks often require collaboration. You might need to work around this by using subtasks or increased commenting within the task.
• The free version also restricts the number of collaborators to 10.

Pricing

This task management tool offers a variety of pricing options to cater to different needs:

• Free Plan: $0
• Premium: Starting from $10.99 per user/month (billed annually) – includes advanced features like timeline view, custom rules, and advanced reporting.
• Business: Starting from $24.99 per user/month (billed annually) – includes additional features like portfolios, workload management, and advanced integrations.
• Enterprise and Enterprise+: Custom pricing based on the number of users and specific business needs.

#4. Todoist — Best for task breakdown and organization

Available for: Web, Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Wear OS

For small businesses that crave structure, Todoist reigns supreme.

This task management software excels at transforming overwhelming projects into manageable steps.

Its multi-level task nesting lets you create intricate hierarchies, while customizable labels and powerful filters keep everything meticulously organized.

Compared to other task management software options, Todoist offers unmatched granularity for task breakdown, ensuring every project unfolds with laser focus.

Read Full Review: Todoist Review.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Project, Sub-Projects, Sections, Tasks, Subtasks, Sub-Subtasks: Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Priorities: Prioritize tasks (important, urgent) to focus on what matters most.

Labels: Categorize tasks for easy filtering and organization.

Natural Language Input: Create tasks faster using everyday language.

Due Dates and Times, Recurring Due Dates: Keep everyone on track with deadlines.

List and Board Views: Choose how to visualize and organize tasks.

Task Assignments and Comments: Collaborate effectively within your team.

Also-Cool Features in Todoist’s Free Plan

Productivity graphs: View your productivity trends over time with Todoist’s visual graphs

Project Templates: Use templates to quickly set up new projects without starting from scratch.

Limitations:

Custom labels, filters, and file sizes are limited in the free version.

While you can collaborate with up to 5 people per project, more advanced collaboration features are available only in the paid plans.

Pricing

This task management tool offers three pricing options:

• Beginner Plan — $0
• Pro Plan — $4 or $5 per user/month
• Business Plan — $6 or $8 per user/month

#5. Taskade — Best for real-time collaboration & whiteboarding

Available for: Web, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

For small businesses that thrive on teamwork and visual brainstorming, Taskade is a game-changer.

This task management platform goes beyond basic to-do lists, offering a dynamic workspace where teams can create shared tasks, work together in real-time, and even hold video chats.

But that’s not all! Taskade embraces the agile methodology, allowing for flexible task organization using lists, boards, and mind maps.

Compared to other tools, Taskade offers an unmatched environment for real-time collaboration, ensuring your team stays on the same page and executes projects efficiently.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Mind Maps: Brainstorm and organize ideas with your team.

Multiple Views: Manage tasks using lists, boards, calendars, tables, and org charts.

Comments, Video Calls, Chat, and Messaging: Communicate effectively within tasks and projects.

Real-Time Editing: Make changes to tasks and projects in real-time, with updates reflected instantly for all team members.

Task and Project Assignments: Ensure clear responsibility and accountability.

Reminders & Due Dates: Keep tasks on track and ensure timely completion.

Also-Cool Features in Taskade’s Free Plan

Countdown Timers: Manage distractions and control your time.

Backlinks: Link tasks and projects together for better organization.

AI-Powered Template Generators: Quickly and efficiently create new projects.

Limitations:

The free version is limited to 1 workspace, 5 collaborators per project, and 250MB of storage, which might only be suitable for the needs of micro business teams.

Pricing

This task management software offers three-tiered pricing:

• Free Plan: $0
• Pro Plan: $8 or $10 per user/month
• Teams Plan: $16 or $20 per user/month

#6. Wrike — Best for unlimited scalability

Available for: Web, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows

Wrike shines for small businesses with its focus on unlimited scalability.

Unlike many free task management tools that limit projects or users, Wrike offers a solid set of features for free, including unlimited projects, unlimited users, multiple work views, and project management tools.

This allows for a high degree of organization and collaboration, even for small teams with complex projects.

Read Full Review: Wrike Review.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Unlimited users & unlimited projects: Ensure you’re not limited as your team expands.

Tasks and Subtasks: Break down projects into manageable components.

Real-Time Activity Stream: Stay informed about project activity with a real-time feed.

Chart view: See task status by assignees or teams in real-time.

Other customizable work views, including Tables and Kanban Boards: Make it easier to track projects and identify roadblocks.

Account-wide work schedules: Account admins or owners can define workweeks for the entire team, setting the default schedule for everyone.

Real-Time Collaboration: Includes real-time editing, task comments, file sharing, and @mentions to keep communication flowing smoothly.

Shared folders: Store project documents in a centralized location.

Also-Cool Features in Wrike’s Free Plan

Smart search: Allows you to perform location-based searches.

AI-powered features: Smart replies, AI subitem creation, and AI-recommended tasks.

Templates: Use pre-built templates to quickly set up new projects and workflows.

Limitations:

Essential features like calendars and personal work schedules, which are commonly found in the free versions of many free task management software options, are only available in Wrike’s paid plans.

The amount of free storage might be limited, so be sure to manage files effectively.

Pricing

This project management tool offers a variety of pricing options to cater to different business needs:

• Free Plan: $0
• Team Plan (14-day free trial): Starting at $9.80 per user/month (billed annually). For growing teams.
• Business Plan (14-day free trial): Starting at $24.80 per user/month (billed annually). For organizations working with multiple teams.
• Enterprise Plan (14-day free trial): Custom pricing. For larger teams.
• Pinnacle Plan (14-day free trial): Custom pricing. The most enhanced pricing option for teams with complex work needs.

#7. Nifty — Best for combining project management with team chat

Available for: Web, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows

Nifty stands out for small businesses by seamlessly integrating project management tools with robust team chat capabilities.

This free task management software offers a robust suite of features that can manage complex projects effectively and foster team collaboration.

Imagine a platform where your team can track multiple projects, manage tasks, communicate, and work seamlessly together.

This eliminates the need for scattered communication channels and keeps everyone on the same page.

Read Full Review: Nifty Review.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Unlimited users: Ideal for small businesses where team size can fluctuate.

Folders and Projects; Tasks and Subtasks; Recurring tasks

Comments and Tagging: Facilitate communication and highlight important information within tasks.

File Sharing: Share documents and other files relevant to projects.

Milestones: As you complete tasks associated with each milestone, Nifty can automatically update the overall project progress, saving you time on manual reporting.

Communication tools (discussions and team chats): Improves team communication and collaboration.

Task dependencies: Set task dependencies to ensure they’re completed in the correct order. For example, a design task can’t be completed until the content for that section is finalized.

Also-Cool Features in Upbase’s Free Plan

Docs: Create and edit documents directly within Nifty or integrate existing Google Docs or Microsoft Docs.

Files: Store and share project-related files directly within Nifty.

Portfolios: Showcase your team’s best work by creating online portfolios.

Limitations:

• 100MB free storage: Limits the amount of data you can store within Nifty. If your projects involve many files, such as images, videos, or large documents, you might quickly reach the storage limit.
• 2 free projects: Not ideal if you work on multiple client projects simultaneously.

Pricing

The project management tool offers five pricing options, including a free tier and four paid tiers, each starting with a 14-day free trial:

• Free: $0
• Starter: $39 or $49 per user/month
• Pro: $79 or $99 per user/month
• Business: $124 or $149 per user/month
• Unlimited: $399 or $499 per user/month

#8. ClickUp — Best for customizability and all-in-one task management

Available for: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

ClickUp isn’t your average task management tool. It’s a full-fledged project management software that offers great customizability and an all-in-one suite of task management tools.

This makes ClickUp a compelling option for small businesses looking to streamline workflows, boost collaboration, and keep projects on track.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Unlimited tasks and users

Various views (Lists, Kanban Boards, Calendars, Gantt charts, etc.)

Task details, including priorities, deadlines, checklists, tags, and assignees

Task dependencies and relationships

Built-in chat functionality: For real-time communication within tasks or directly with team members

Custom fields & Custom statuses: Tailor ClickUp to your unique needs and workflow stages.

Collaboration tools (proofing, video recorders, assignees, and comments).

Automations: Automate repetitive tasks to save time and streamline workflows.

Also-Cool Features in ClickUp’s Free Plan

Template everything: Create templates for frequently used tasks, lists, or even entire workflows.

Doc: Create and edit documents directly within ClickUp.

Reporting (goals, time tracking, sprints, and dashboards):

Limitations:

There are some drawbacks to ClickUp’s free plan.

Although it offers a lot of features, most of them are limited in number of uses. So if you are a fast-growing business, this package is not sustainable; Soon you’ll have to upgrade your package or switch to another project management software.

At the same time, because it offers so many features and customization options, ClickUp has a steep learning curve, making it overwhelming for new users.

If you’re seeking a basic task management software solution, a simpler tool might be a better fit.

Pricing

This powerful project management tool offers a range of pricing options to suit different needs:

• Free Plan: $0
• Unlimited Plan: $7 or $10 per user/month, for growing teams.
• Business Plan: $12 or $19 per user/month, for mid-sized teams.
• Enterprise Plan: Contact sales.

#9. Zoho Projects — Best for integrating with other Zoho products

Available for: Web, Android, iOS, macOS, Windows

If your business uses other Zoho apps, Zoho Projects is naturally the best task management software option.

It integrates seamlessly with Zoho CRM, Meeting, and Sprints, allowing you to share data and streamline workflows between them. As a result, it improves overall efficiency and productivity.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Tasklists, tasks, and subtasks: Make project tracking more effective.

Kanban boards, Calendars, and Gantt charts

Custom statuses: Provide more clarity on the progress of each task and help your team understand the current stage of any given task.

Document sharing: Share documents and files relevant to your tasks and projects directly within Zoho Projects.

Task dependency within projects

Also-Cool Features in Zoho Projects’s Free Plan

Pre-built templates

Feeds: This provides a central location to see all project activity updates, keeping everyone informed about changes and progress.

Limitations:

The biggest limitation is the number of users (3) and projects (2) you can manage. This might be sufficient for a very small team or solopreneur, but it quickly becomes restrictive for growing businesses.

Pricing

This task management system offers a free version and two paid versions, each starting with a 10-day free trial:

• Free Plan: $0 (includes 2 projects and 3 users)
• Premium Plan: $4 or $5 per user/month, for growing teams needing more advanced features.
• Enterprise Plan: $9 or $10 per user/month, for larger teams with more complex project management needs.

#10. Jira — Ideal for software development and agile project management

Available for: Web, Android, iOS

Jira is a popular project management software solution by Atlassian built for agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban.

It offers visual boards that help teams track tasks, prioritize work, and see the flow of projects at a glance.

Its free version also supports basic team collaboration, reporting, workflow automation, and bug tracking. This makes Jira cater well to different needs, especially agile teams and small businesses with technical teams.

Best Free Features for Small Business Task Management

Unlimited tasks, projects, forms, and goals

Task dependency

Scrum and Kanban boards: Allow you to organize and track tasks effectively.

Backlogs: Helps you prioritize tasks and plan future work.

Automations (100 runs/month): Set up rules to automatically trigger actions based on specific events

Also-Cool Features in Jira’s Free Plan

Agile reporting (basic): Track team progress, identify bottlenecks, and generate reports to gain insights into project health.

Issues: for bug tracking.

Limitations:

Only 10 people can use this free task management software at once, which might not be ideal for growing teams. Everyone has full access, which can be risky if someone accidentally messes something up.

Jira’s collaboration capability is a bit weaker compared to other project management software options.

Pricing

Jira offers a free version and three paid plans (Standard, Premium, and Enterprise), starting from $7.16 per user/month (billed monthly).

What to Consider When Choosing Free Task Management Software for Small Business

Here’s a step-by-step approach to selecting the perfect free task management software for your small business:

1. Assess Your Business Needs:

Team Size: How many people will be using the software? Free plans often have user limitations.

Project Complexity: Do you need robust features or a simple to-do list?

Collaboration Needs: Does your team require real-time chat, task comments, or advanced collaboration tools?

Future Growth: Consider any potential future needs for occasional projects or team expansion.

2. Evaluate Free Plan Features:

Available Features: See what functionalities the free version offers.

Usage Limits: Identify any restrictions on users, storage, or features.

Alignment with Needs: Do the free features meet your current business requirements?

3. Consider Scalability and Paid Plans (Optional, but Recommended):

• How many paid versions does the software offer?
• Do the paid plans provide features you might need as your business expands?
• Review pricing to ensure it aligns with your budget.
• Look for a trial version to test advanced features before committing.

Last but not least, prioritize free task management software with a clean, user-friendly interface.

Find the Best Free Task Management Software for Your Business

Picking the perfect free task management tool can feel like searching for a unicorn. You might need to invest some time to review, filter, and even give them a try to compare and choose the best one.

We hope this list gives you a head start to compare features and try some tools out.

Remember, find a tool that works for you now, can grow as your business does, and that your team actually enjoys using (because nobody likes a cranky taskmaster app!).

Upbase offers a generous free plan and a 14-day free trial of their premium features, making it a strong option. Want to see if it’s your task management soulmate? Sign up for a free Upbase account and see for yourself!

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between task management software for small businesses and individuals?

Here’s a table comparing task management software for small businesses and that for individuals:

Feature	Task Management (Small Businesses)	Task Management (Individuals)
Focus	Individual tasks and ongoing workflows	Personal productivity and to-do lists
Target Audience	Small teams and freelancers	Individuals looking to boost personal productivity
Collaboration	Light collaboration features (task assignment, comments, file sharing)	Minimal collaboration features
Simplicity	More complex	Simple
Features	-Task assignment and prioritization -Deadlines and reminders -Task completion tracking -Basic communication tools	-Recurring tasks -Habit tracking -Goal setting -Integrations with productivity tools (calendar, notes)

2. What’s the difference between task management software for small businesses and project management software for small businesses?

Task management software for small businesses is designed for managing tasks and to-do lists assigned to team members.

On the other hand, project management software for small businesses is designed for managing projects with multiple tasks, dependencies, and resources.

3. What is the best free task management app for small businesses that can enhance productivity?

Free task manager apps like Trello, Asana, and Upbase can boost your team’s efficiency.

Upbase shines for its built-in productivity tools (Pomodoro timers, time blocking, daily planner, etc.) alongside robust features for team task management. It lets users experiment and find what works best for them!

4. What tool should you use to keep track of tasks for a small project with two team members?

For a small project with two team members, a simple task management app would be ideal. Popular free options include Trello, Asana, or Upbase.