# Best Small Business Project Management Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Small Business Project Management Software for your organization. Compare top Small Business Project Management Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3618-small-business-project-management --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Small Business Project Management Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Small Business Project Management Software of 2026 Updated June 10, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide Filter products 290 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 290 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. [Wrike](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/) Wrike is the trusted work delivery platform where AI extends what people can accomplish. By centralizing all work in one governe...[Read more about Wrike](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/) **4.4** ([3007 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/reviews/)) **59** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +125 more +124 more +123 more Wrike's Best Rated Features 5.0Percent-Complete Tracking See All Wrike's Worst Rated Features 3.38Client Portal See All [Smartsheet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/) Smartsheet is a work execution platform and collaboration tool with a familiar spreadsheet-like interface that helps teams plan,...[Read more about Smartsheet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/) **4.5** ([3514 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/reviews/)) **56** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Google Drive +61 more +60 more +59 more Smartsheet's Best Rated Features 4.90Single Sign On See All Smartsheet's Worst Rated Features 3.17Equipment Tracking See All [kintone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kintone-profile/) Kintone is a cloud-based, customizable workflow management platform suitable for businesses of all sizes. The key features of th...[Read more about kintone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kintone-profile/) **4.7** ([153 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kintone-profile/reviews/)) **29** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +28 more +27 more +26 more kintone's Best Rated Features 4.88Backup and Recovery See All kintone's Worst Rated Features 3.89Business Process Automation See All [Planisware Orchestra](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-orchestra-profile/) A TURNKEY SOLUTION TO PROPEL YOUR PROJECT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL With over 20 years of experience deploying ...[Read more about Planisware Orchestra](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-orchestra-profile/) **4.2** ([19 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-orchestra-profile/reviews/)) **16** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Jira Microsoft Teams +6 more +5 more +4 more Planisware Orchestra's Best Rated Features 4.14Project Planning/Scheduling See All Planisware Orchestra's Worst Rated Features 3.50Task Management See All [NetSuite SuiteProjects Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/openair-profile/) NetSuite OpenAir offers buyers a collection of applications designed to support every stage of the professional services deliver...[Read more about NetSuite SuiteProjects Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/openair-profile/) **3.9** ([43 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/openair-profile/reviews/)) **15** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud +0 more +0 more +0 more [Teamwork.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/teamwork-pm-profile/) Combining powerful project management and easily streamlined operations - we’re the only platform built for managing client proj...[Read more about Teamwork.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/teamwork-pm-profile/) **4.5** ([940 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/teamwork-pm-profile/reviews/)) **14** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive PayPal +71 more +70 more +69 more Teamwork.com's Best Rated Features 5.0Project Management See All Teamwork.com's Worst Rated Features 3.55Risk Management See All [SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a cloud-based and on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small, midsize...[Read more about SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) **4.3** ([358 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/reviews/)) **14** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SAP Concur SAP SuccessFactors HCM +15 more +14 more +13 more SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Best Rated Features 4.75Supply Chain Management See All SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Worst Rated Features 4.14Audit Trail See All [Deltek Ajera](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/) Deltek Ajera is an integrated accounting and project management solution built for architecture and engineering (A/E) firms. It ...[Read more about Deltek Ajera](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/) **3.6** ([62 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/reviews/)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Deltek Ajera's Best Rated Features 4.67Online Time Tracking See All Deltek Ajera's Worst Rated Features 3.14Billing & Invoicing See All [Procore](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/) Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to connect field and office teams throughout the project life...[Read more about Procore](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/) **4.5** ([2660 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/reviews/)) **9** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Microsoft 365 +68 more +67 more +66 more Procore's Best Rated Features 4.75Task Progress Tracking See All Procore's Worst Rated Features 3.38Financial Management See All [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) **4.2** ([2044 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud Docusign +18 more +17 more +16 more NetSuite's Best Rated Features 4.75Check Writing See All NetSuite's Worst Rated Features 2.71Dashboard See All [Bridgit Bench](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bridgit-bench-profile/) Bridgit Bench is a construction resource management software designed to support workforce planning and project delivery. It is ...[Read more about Bridgit Bench](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bridgit-bench-profile/) **4.7** ([74 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bridgit-bench-profile/reviews/)) **3** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Dynamics 365 HubSpot CRM +11 more +10 more +9 more Bridgit Bench's Best Rated Features 5.0Employee Scheduling See All Bridgit Bench's Worst Rated Features 4.22Reporting/Project Tracking See All [Clockify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/clockify-profile/) Clockify is a cloud-based time tracking solution designed to help businesses monitor employee productivity, attendance and billa...[Read more about Clockify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/clockify-profile/) **4.8** ([9246 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/clockify-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Slack +28 more +27 more +26 more Clockify's Best Rated Features 4.90Time Tracking See All Clockify's Worst Rated Features 4.0Resource Allocation & Planning See All [Jibble](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/jibble-profile/) The 100% free time tracking and attendance software built for deskless teams and field workforces, used by thousands worldwide i...[Read more about Jibble](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/jibble-profile/) **4.8** ([1778 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/jibble-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Trello +28 more +27 more +26 more Jibble's Best Rated Features 5.0Task Scheduling See All Jibble's Worst Rated Features 4.29Automatic Time Capture See All [GitHub](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/github-profile/) GitHub is a project management and code sharing platform that allows users to share their codes with others and create/iterate u...[Read more about GitHub](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/github-profile/) **4.8** ([6179 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/github-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Trello +12 more +11 more +10 more GitHub's Best Rated Features 5.0Code Development See All GitHub's Worst Rated Features 4.08Backlog Management See All [SuiteDash](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/suitedash-profile/) SuiteDash is the ultimate All-in-One Business Software multi-tool tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, designed to str...[Read more about SuiteDash](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/suitedash-profile/) **4.8** ([631 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/suitedash-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal QuickBooks Enterprise +11 more +10 more +9 more SuiteDash's Best Rated Features 5.0Recurring Tasks See All SuiteDash's Worst Rated Features 3.83Content Management See All [My Hours](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/myhours-profile/) My Hours is a cloud-based time tracking app built for growing teams that need fast adoption and reliable data. It’s often descri...[Read more about My Hours](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/myhours-profile/) **4.8** ([986 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/myhours-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Jira Basecamp +9 more +8 more +7 more My Hours's Best Rated Features 4.89Online Time Tracking See All My Hours's Worst Rated Features 3.67Alerts/Notifications See All [Any.do](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/any-do-profile/) Your all‑in‑one control center for managing your team's tasks, project, calendar, and chat. All-in one intuitive app that costs ...[Read more about Any.do](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/any-do-profile/) **4.7** ([971 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/any-do-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +33 more +32 more +31 more Any.do's Best Rated Features 4.88Traditional Methodologies See All Any.do's Worst Rated Features 3.33Reporting & Statistics See All [GanttPRO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/) GanttPRO is a cloud-based project management solution for small to midsize companies, as well as individual users. The software ...[Read more about GanttPRO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/) **4.8** ([546 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +4 more +3 more +2 more GanttPRO's Best Rated Features 5.0Template Management See All GanttPRO's Worst Rated Features 4.30Traditional Methodologies See All [Notion](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/notion-profile/) Notion is a digital workspace that lets small to large businesses streamline and manage notes, tasks, projects, records, calenda...[Read more about Notion](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/notion-profile/) **4.7** ([2753 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/notion-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Google Drive +76 more +75 more +74 more Notion's Best Rated Features 4.92@mentions See All Notion's Worst Rated Features 3.0Handwriting Recognition See All [Flowlu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/flowlu-profile/) Flowlu is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management solution designed for teams of all sizes and industries. Whether you're ...[Read more about Flowlu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/flowlu-profile/) **4.8** ([387 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/flowlu-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive PayPal +23 more +22 more +21 more Flowlu's Best Rated Features 4.83Calendar/Reminder System See All Flowlu's Worst Rated Features 3.75Time & Expense Tracking See All [Miro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/) Miro is a visual workspace for innovation that enables distributed teams of any size to dream, design, and build the future toge...[Read more about Miro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/) **4.7** ([1688 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +40 more +39 more +38 more Miro's Best Rated Features 4.88Surveys & Feedback See All Miro's Worst Rated Features 2.88Risk Management See All [Project.co](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-co-profile/) Project.co is a cloud-based solution that helps small to large enterprises manage multiple elements of projects including paymen...[Read more about Project.co](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-co-profile/) **4.9** ([209 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-co-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Dropbox Business +5 more +4 more +3 more Project.co's Best Rated Features 5.0Project Management See All Project.co's Worst Rated Features 4.54File Sharing See All [Financial Cents](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/financial-cents-profile/) Financial Cents is an easy to use practice management solution built for accountant and bookkeepers. Track client work, communic...[Read more about Financial Cents](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/financial-cents-profile/) **4.8** ([263 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/financial-cents-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Gmail +8 more +7 more +6 more Financial Cents's Best Rated Features 4.89For Accountants See All Financial Cents's Worst Rated Features 4.20Data Import/Export See All [Glasscubes](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/glasscubes-profile/) Glasscubes offers cloud-based collaboration solution for businesses. It provides for file sharing, collaboration and document ma...[Read more about Glasscubes](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/glasscubes-profile/) **4.7** ([426 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/glasscubes-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Zoom Workplace Microsoft 365 +4 more +3 more +2 more Glasscubes's Best Rated Features 5.0Audit Trail See All Glasscubes's Worst Rated Features 4.0Chat/Messaging See All [Airtable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/) Airtable is the AI-powered app platform that unifies data, maximizes collaboration, and powers smarter workflows — no code requi...[Read more about Airtable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/) **4.6** ([2232 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Google Drive +32 more +31 more +30 more Airtable's Best Rated Features 4.95Project Management See All Airtable's Worst Rated Features 3.53Client Portal See All 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3618-small-business-project-management/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3618-small-business-project-management/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3618-small-business-project-management/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3618-small-business-project-management/?page=5) ... [12](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3618-small-business-project-management/?page=12) ## Popular Comparisons [ Jira vs Trello ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/atlassian-jira-profile/vs/trello/)[ Clockify vs Basecamp ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/basecamp-profile/vs/clockify/)[ Notion vs Evernote Teams ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/evernote-profile/vs/notion/)[ ClickUp vs GitHub ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/vs/github/)[ Wrike vs Smartsheet ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/vs/wrike/)[ Buildertrend vs Procore ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/vs/procore/)[ Miro vs Lucidchart ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/lucidchart-profile/vs/miro/) ## Your Guide to Top Small Business Project Management Software, October 2022 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Small Business Project Management products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [GanttPRO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/) - [Flowlu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/flowlu-profile/) - [Agiled](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/agiled-profile/) - [BigTime](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/bigtime-profile/) - [Workzone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workzone-profile/) - [Kanban Tool](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kanban-tool-profile/) - [Aha!](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/aha-profile/) - [FunctionFox](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/timefox-profile/) - [Businessmap](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kanbanize-profile/) - [BQE CORE Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/) - [Avaza](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/avaza-profile/) - [Notion](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/notion-profile/) - [Glasscubes](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/glasscubes-profile/) - [Streamtime](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/streamtime-profile/) - [Kanbanchi](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kanbanchi-profile/) - [ProofHub](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/proofhub-profile/) - [Projectworks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/projectworks-profile/) - [Todoist](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/todoist-profile/) - [Stackby](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/stackby-profile/) - [Zoho Sprints](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/zoho-sprints-profile/) - [Magnetic](https://www.softwareadvice.com/workflow/magnetic-profile/) - [Aquent RoboHead](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/aquent-robohead-profile/) - [Airtable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/) - Easy Projects - [ProWorkflow](https://www.softwareadvice.com/advertising-agency/proworkflow-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Small businesses that replace inefficient manual systems with project management software [reduce operating costs](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/reducing-project-management-costs/#2). Besides lowering costs, these tools help businesses improve employee productivity, resulting in better products and higher revenue. That said, project management (PM) tools for small businesses differ in functionality, pricing and deployment. For instance, certain PM offerings are better for managing [IT projects](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/it-comparison/), while some solutions are more suitable for small [marketing teams](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4630-marketing/). In this Buyer's Guide, we look at the core features, uses and benefits of small business PM software. Read on to learn what you should look for when deciding on the best PM tools for your business. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is Small Business Project Management Software?](#WhatIsSmallBusinessProjectManagementSoftware) [Common Features of Small Business Project Management Software](#CommonFeaturesofSmallBusinessProjectManagementSoftware) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Key Considerations](#KeyConsiderations) [Market Trends](#MarketTrends) ## What Is Small Business Project Management Software? Project management tools offer functionality that help small businesses plan and track projects on visual dashboards. These tools also serve as a repository of project related information and offer insights on employee performance and [ROI of projects](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/project-management-kpis/#kpis). Small businesses that consult Software Advice for project management software have a low number of software users (less than 50), and are looking for an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution. As a result, small businesses often choose cloud-based solutions that are available online, require no upkeep and offer intuitive interfaces with features such as drag-and-drop kanban dashboards.  _Drag-and-drop in a_ [Trello](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/trello-profile/) _board_ At small businesses, choosing a PM tool is a decision made by a handful of people at most. While this can simplify the decision-making process, it can be challenging to understand what functionality a particular small business needs. Once you identify the features most important to your company, you can identify the best candidates. ## Common Features of Small Business Project Management Software **Task management** Build to-do-lists, add due dates to tasks and set-up automated reminders **Collaboration** Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders using task comments, activity streams and built-in chat boards **Document management** Store and share files, documents, videos etc, with project members on a centralized platform **Workflow visualization** View and track project progress as a series of task-lists or cards on Kanban/Scrum boards **User management** Control the access of users to a project, functionality or file by setting-up permissions **Reporting** View project progress reports as charts and graphs or as an email digest **Time tracking** Monitor the time employees spend on a single task or the whole project ## What Type of Buyer Are You? Business and technology insights firm Gartner defines small businesses having under 100 employees and with less than $50 million in annual revenue. However, even within this broad category, the right PM tool for each small business differs based on factors such as actual number of software users, primary business challenges and so on. Here are the three common types of small business PM software buyers: - **Individual buyers:** Individuals can manage projects by using low-cost or even free solutions. Common capabilities include basic task management with the ability to set due dates and reminders. Some software options offer additional functionality such as file sharing for attaching documents to tasks. - **Best-of-breed buyers:** These buyers are looking for software that solves specific challenges. For instance, one small business may be looking for a tool that helps improve team communication between project members working out of different locations. In this case, [collaboration tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/) can be a good choice. On the other hand, small IT teams might be interested in [bug tracking software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bug-tracking/), which is a specialized tool for tracking the time taken to resolve bugs in software. - **Full-suite buyers:** Some small businesses need all of the common PM features, with support for multiple users and additional functionality such as attaching documents to tasks. Full-suite small business PM tools are different from enterprise-grade tools called [project portfolio management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ppm-comparison/) software, which offer sophisticated functionality such as analytics and resource planning. ## Key Considerations As a small business, you want to invest in software that is low-cost, yet offers the relevant features you need. Likewise, you don't want a tool that employees need extensive training to use. Here's are some of the top considerations small business buyers have when selecting project management software: **Deployment and availability:** The first question when selecting software is whether to opt for an on-premise or cloud-based solution. For small businesses the latter option, also known as online project management software, is preferable as there are no upfront costs. If users are going to be accessing PM tools from Windows, Mac and mobile devices, you'll want an [OS-agnostic solution](#OSagnosticsolution). **Free vs. open source vs. low-cost:** Many small business PM tools offer a free version with limited features. These are suitable for individuals, but not for businesses that need to track multiple simultaneous projects and users, and want full control over their project data. These businesses may be deciding between open source and low-cost tools. While open source PM tools are free to use, they can result in long-term costs since these systems have to be maintained on-site by a team member who has a lot of technical knowledge. **Integration:** Last but not the least, small businesses should ensure that the PM tool offers basic integration with third-party tools that they use regularly. An increasingly important one is email integration, which allows project members to directly turn email into tasks. Similarly, integration with [file sharing tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/file-sharing/) such as [Box](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cms/box-profile/) or [Dropbox](https://www.softwareadvice.com/file-sharing/dropbox-profile/) helps project members to easily attach notes and files to tasks. ## Market Trends From our research and conversations with small business project management buyers, we've identified these three emerging trends: **Agile project management:** There has been a rise in [specialized PM tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/agile-comparison/) that help small businesses execute agile frameworks such as [Scrum](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/scrum-comparison/) and Kanban. The reason behind this is the increasing popularity of agile PM, an approach that began with software companies but is becoming increasingly popular in businesses of all types. **Workplace collaboration:** Social networking tools have changed how people communicate online. As a result, email has taken a back seat to [collaborative tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/workplace-collaboration-tools-for-smbs/) that offer functionality such as comment threads for tasks, social chat groups, hashtags and ratings. Nearly all small business PM tools offer some level of collaboration, but some focus more closely on social media-like functionality. **Chatbots:** An emerging trend in PM technology is the [use of chatbots](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/ai-chatbots-project-management-smb/), which automate many different kinds of tasks. These can include project scheduling, booking online meetings, project status reporting and many more. The technology is relevant to small businesses as it's relatively cheap and easy to deploy.