Best IT Project Management software of 2026: which is right for you?

Project management (PM) software is one of the most popular genres of software among small and midsize businesses (SMBs) and enterprises alike. And among all the PM software buyers we speak with at Software Advice, the largest group (roughly 20 percent) are looking for software to manage their information technology (IT) projects. This shouldn't come as a surprise. After all, IT projects can rival all other business projects in terms of scope, complexity and the number of participants they involve.

IT project management software is a specialized form of PM software. It's designed to mesh well with the tasks, workflows and collaboration methods used by teams that work in IT fields and particularly software development.

This IT project management Buyer's Guide will help software buyers make better purchase decisions. It discusses the following topics and questions:

What Is IT Project Management Software?

Common Features of IT Project Management Tools

Questions to Answer Before You Purchase IT Project Management Software

What Is IT Project Management Software?

General PM software can be used to manage a very wide variety of business projects. Of course, small projects that can be completed in a day by a single person don't typically need much in the way of management. So it's understandable that most companies use PM software for longer-term projects, like those that are expected to take weeks, months or years to complete.

The main purpose of PM software is to increase a company's working efficiency, allowing it to launch, revise and complete projects faster. It accomplishes this by improving the visibility team members have of project as a whole and of its various related components. At the same time, team members can customize how their individual tasks are presented, letting them prioritize their work while still meeting the project's overall timeline and goals.

Project dashboard in Workfront IT Project Management

IT department project management software is simply a specialized form of PM software, so all of the above holds true. Its primary goal is also to increase efficiency, and it does so partly by helping keep all team members on the same page and IT projects on the right track. How does it do this? By using the applications and features highlighted in the following section.

Common Features of IT Project Management Tools

The field of project management software is very wide and includes solutions with varying degrees of customization for the management of IT-specific projects. As with all software purchase decisions, your long-term success will be determined mostly by how well the software aligns with your existing and planned workflows and management goals.

Remember that vendors name and describe their product features differently. The above list provides a basic outline of features and applications and can be used to begin your search. Alternatively, call our advisors for a free FastStart consultation (844) 680-2046 and we'll help you tick off all the right boxes in 15 minutes or less.

Project Gantt chart, schedule and workload overviews in Sciforma Project Management

Questions to Answer Before You Purchase IT Project Management Software

• Are you looking for a cloud or on-premise IT project management solution?

  While many vendors still offer on-premise PM solutions, a majority of buyers in the SMB space are opting instead for cloud-deployed solutions, also termed Software-as-a-Service or SaaS. Cloud PM solutions have many advantages, including faster deployment and lower startup costs, easier access (especially for remote workers) and the fact that the vendor handles security and updates for you and behind the scenes.

• What is your current method of IT project management?

  Companies upgrading existing PM solutions have different requirements and expectations than companies buying for the first time. The most full-featured IT PM solution will not always be the best fit, especially if your team is used to using manual methods (spreadsheets and emails), as are a majority of the buyers we speak with.

Current management methods used by buyers we speak with

• Does your company prefer a particular project management methodology?

  Agile, waterfall, scrum and PRINCE2 are a few examples of PM methodologies. Some PM solutions work better with particular methodologies; some can be used more broadly. Ensure that whatever solution you choose will work well with your company's chosen or preferred management tactic.

  Aside from matching your PM methodology, you'll also want to ensure that you choose an IT PM solution that can seamlessly support your team's preferred communication channel, whether that's email, chat, Slack or something else.

Have questions of your own? Give us a call at (844) 680-2046 for a free no-obligation FastStart consultation. A specialist project management advisor will answer your questions and provide you with a shortlist of products to help you narrow down your search.