GanttPRO vs Microsoft Project: which should you choose?
Quick answer: GanttPRO is built for gantt-first project planning, while Microsoft Project suits traditional/waterfall project managers. For most users GanttPRO is the stronger default, but Microsoft Project can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. GanttPRO has the lower entry price.
GanttPRO versus Microsoft Project comes down to which trade-offs you can live with. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| GanttPRO | Microsoft Project | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | gantt chart PM | traditional PM / scheduling |
| What it's known for | Dedicated online Gantt chart software with intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling, dependencies, baselines and resource management for planning-heavy projects. | Microsoft's classic project scheduling and portfolio tool with powerful Gantt, critical path, resource management and Power Platform/Teams integration. |
| Pricing | Basic from ~$7.99/user/mo; PRO ~$12.99/user/mo; Business ~$19.99/user/mo; Enterprise custom (billed annually, minimum ~5 seats). | Project Plan 1 from ~$10/user/mo; Plan 3 ~$30/user/mo; Plan 5 ~$55/user/mo (cloud, billed monthly/annually; on-premise editions separate). |
| Best audience | Planning-heavy teams (construction, engineering) wanting a Gantt-first scheduling tool. | Traditional/waterfall project managers in Microsoft 365 orgs needing detailed scheduling and PPM. |
| Best for | Gantt-first project planning, Construction and engineering, Dependency-heavy schedules | Traditional/waterfall project managers, Detailed scheduling and critical path, Microsoft 365 organizations |
| Entry price | $7.99/user/mo (annual) | $10/user/mo |
| Biggest strength | Purpose-built, intuitive Gantt scheduling. | Best-in-class for detailed scheduling and critical path. |
| Main caveat | Gantt-first focus; lighter on other PM workflows. | Expensive (Plan 3 ~$30, Plan 5 ~$55/user/mo). |
Features compared
Where they really diverge is in the day-to-day feature set:
GanttPRO key features
- Drag-and-drop online Gantt charts
- Task dependencies, milestones and baselines
- Resource management and workload optimization
- Grid, board, list, portfolio and Gantt views
Microsoft Project key features
- Detailed Gantt scheduling with task dependencies (lead/lag)
- Critical path management and baselines
- Resource management and workload tracking
- Project financials, budgeting and costing (Plan 3+)
Pricing tiers side by side
GanttPRO plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $7.99/user/mo (annual) | $9.99 monthly; Gantt, tasks, milestones, dependencies |
| PRO | $12.99/user/mo (annual) | $15.99 monthly; automation, more planning tools |
| Business | $19.99/user/mo (annual) | $24.99 monthly; portfolios, resource workload |
| Enterprise | Custom | 5+ users; advanced security, control, support |
Microsoft Project plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Planner Plan 1 | $10/user/mo | Basic project tracking, Gantt, dependencies (web) |
| Plan 3 | $30/user/mo | Desktop client, resource management, baselines, critical path, financials |
| Plan 5 | $55/user/mo | Enterprise portfolio and demand management |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where GanttPRO wins
Dedicated online Gantt software with intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling, dependencies and baselines.
- Purpose-built, intuitive Gantt scheduling.
- Baselines and resource workload built in.
That makes it the stronger pick for planning-heavy teams (construction, engineering) wanting a Gantt-first scheduling tool.
Where Microsoft Project wins
Microsoft's classic powerhouse for detailed Gantt scheduling, critical path and enterprise portfolios.
- Best-in-class for detailed scheduling and critical path.
- Deep Microsoft 365 / Power Platform integration.
That makes it the stronger pick for traditional/waterfall project managers in Microsoft 365 orgs needing detailed scheduling and PPM.
Verdict: choose by fit
There is no single winner; it depends on where you sit.
- Choose GanttPRO if you fit its core audience — planning-heavy teams (construction, engineering) wanting a Gantt-first scheduling tool.
- Choose Microsoft Project if you fit its core audience — traditional/waterfall project managers in Microsoft 365 orgs needing detailed scheduling and PPM.
FAQ
Is GanttPRO better than Microsoft Project?
GanttPRO is the stronger default for most users, but Microsoft Project can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between GanttPRO and Microsoft Project?
GanttPRO is dedicated online Gantt software with intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling, dependencies and baselines. Microsoft Project is microsoft's classic powerhouse for detailed Gantt scheduling, critical path and enterprise portfolios.
Which is cheaper, GanttPRO or Microsoft Project?
Entry pricing differs: GanttPRO starts at $7.99/user/mo (annual), while Microsoft Project starts at $10/user/mo. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for GanttPRO and Microsoft Project: