Top 3 Open‑Source Project Management Tools for Freelancers

I’ve spent time using three popular open-source project management tools – Plane.so, OpenProject, and Taiga – to see how they stack up for non‑tech‑savvy folks.

Below I share my hands-on impressions of each, focusing on how easy they are to start using, their key features for solo or small-team projects, and the real-world pros and cons I noticed (backed by what other users are saying).

My goal is to help you figure out which tool might fit your personal or freelance project needs best.

1. Plane.so

Plane stood out immediately due to its clean design and intuitive interface. Setting it up was straightforward—I was able to get started instantly using the Plane Cloud version. The tool offers multiple ways to manage tasks: Kanban boards, list views, and calendar layouts. The built-in notes feature, “Pages,” was especially useful for capturing quick ideas right beside my tasks.

One fellow freelancer described Plane as “exactly what you need without complications,” and I agree. However, another noted minor issues like occasional bugs, pointing out it’s “still developing.” If you value simplicity and ease, and don’t mind a few growing pains, Plane.so is a solid choice.

2. OpenProject

OpenProject impressed me with its robust features and reliability. It provides detailed task management, powerful Gantt charts, and even built-in time tracking, making it excellent for complex projects.

One freelancer shared how OpenProject effortlessly managed both their “day-to-day tasks and long-term client projects.”

But the depth comes with a trade-off: complexity. It took me a bit longer to feel fully comfortable using it. Another user mentioned needing a few days to “really understand the interface.” So, if you’re handling larger or multiple projects and can invest some learning time, OpenProject delivers professional-grade results.

3. Taiga

Taiga focuses heavily on Agile workflows, making it ideal if you prefer managing projects in short, iterative cycles. Its Kanban boards and user-friendly interface made organizing my tasks enjoyable and straightforward. Another freelancer praised Taiga as “perfect for beginners exploring Agile methods.”

On the downside, Taiga sticks closely to Agile terminology (like “user stories” and “epics”), which required me to adapt mentally when managing non-software projects. It also lacks built-in time tracking and advanced planning features found in other tools.

Quick Recommendation

Plane.so is best if you prefer immediate ease and visual clarity.

OpenProject suits freelancers managing detailed, complex projects requiring thorough planning.

Taiga works exceptionally well if you enjoy Agile methods or visual simplicity.

My advice: test each briefly to see which naturally fits your style. For everyday simplicity, Plane.so is ok. For structured depth, OpenProject shines. And for Agile enthusiasts, Taiga is unbeatable.

Choose one and streamline your project management, saying goodbye to overwhelming spreadsheets!

Let’s take a closer look at what each tool offers and how they stand out.

Plane.so

Plane is a newer open-source platform aiming to be a simpler “Jira alternative.” It blends task management with a built-in notes/wiki feature.

Setup & Ease of Use

• Very quick start: Sign up on Plane Cloud, no install needed. One user noted “you can be up and running in minutes” (GitHub.com).
• Clean interface: According to a Medium review, it “keeps things simple and intuitive,” and multiple Reddit users said it avoids the clutter of other tools.

Features & Feedback

• Views and organization: Switch between Kanban, list, or calendar. Reddit users praised how you can “visualize tasks in multiple ways.”
• Cycles (sprints): Helps plan work week by week if you want.
• Built-in pages: Like a mini-wiki or Notion; a Medium.com article called it “robust enough for all basic documentation.”
• Community reactions: Some Redditors love Plane’s “awesome” interface, but it’s “basically in alpha” (version 0.2) and still maturing.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Bright, modern UI (“awesome and well-organized,” says one Reddit user).
  • Multiple views (Kanban, list, calendar).
  • Pages for documentation.
  • Easy for small teams or solo.
  • Hosted and self-host options.
• Cons:
  • Newer project, so expect rapid updates and minor quirks.
  • Some advanced features (like certain custom fields, SSO) are in paid tiers.
  • Resource-heavy for self-hosting.
  • Missing built-in time tracking (commented on in Reddit threads).

Bottom Line: Plane feels modern and approachable. It’s great if you want a free, straightforward project tool but can tolerate an evolving platform.

OpenProject

OpenProject is a long-established open-source tool with Gantt charts, wikis, time tracking, and agile boards.

Setup & Ease of Use

• Hosting: A 14-day cloud trial is available; afterward, you can pay or self-host the Community Edition. Some users say installation is “not one-click” but documentation is good (Reddit.com).
• Interface: Described as “not flashy, but well maintained” by a Reddit user. It’s comprehensive but can feel more corporate and slower to navigate than Plane or Taiga.

Features & Feedback

• All-in-one PM: Offers Gantt timelines, agile backlogs, budgeting, time logging, and more.
• For various project types: One user on Reddit says it’s “generic enough to handle anything,” from software to non-tech workflows.
• Community trust: Used by big organizations like Siemens and the Linux Foundation, so it’s considered stable and reliable.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Huge feature set (Gantt, agile boards, time tracking).
  • Self-host for data control (appeals to privacy-conscious users).
  • Mature community and plugins.
  • Good for large or complex projects.
• Cons:
  • Higher learning curve; “feels enterprise-ish,” as one Redditor put it.
  • Resource-intensive (Ruby on Rails stack).
  • Paid cloud for some advanced features.
  • Possibly overkill for smaller, simpler needs.

Bottom Line: If you need robust functionality and don’t mind the complexity, OpenProject is a powerhouse. It can handle almost any scenario but takes time to master.

Taiga

Taiga has been around since 2014, built mainly for Scrum/Kanban. It’s open-source with both a cloud service and a self-host option.

Setup & Ease of Use

• Cloud: Taiga.io has a free tier for small teams/public projects. A Reddit user calls it “easy to get going, with a simple sign-up.”
• Self-host: Provides a Docker-based setup. People say it’s “doable in about 30 minutes” (community.taiga.io).

Features & Feedback

• Agile focus: Scrum backlogs, sprints, burndown charts, Kanban boards. One user said it’s “an excellent tool for managing agile projects—simple and beautiful” (Capterra.com).
• Non-software use?: Possible, but be prepared for terms like “User Stories” and “Epics.” A Reddit commenter noted it’s “heavily oriented to software teams” but still usable for other projects.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Minimalistic, user-friendly UI.
  • Solid Scrum/Kanban tools (backlogs, sprints, burn charts).
  • Lightweight feel but customizable (custom fields, boards).
  • Active community and steady improvements.
• Cons:
  • Agile-specific jargon might confuse non-developers.
  • No built-in time tracking, minimal documentation features.
  • Minor UI quirks (saving/editing steps, occasional refresh issues).
  • Less suited if you need Gantt charts or advanced PM functions.

Bottom Line: Taiga is perfect for agile fans who want an uncluttered tool. If you need heavier project planning or time tracking, look elsewhere.

Which to Pick?

• Plane.so: Best if you want a fresh, modern UI and an easy learning curve. Good for straightforward tasks, daily project tracking, and small teams.
• OpenProject: Go here if you need an enterprise-grade solution with every project management feature under the sun—just expect a steeper setup and interface.
• Taiga: Ideal for Scrum/Kanban. If you prefer agile boards and want something lightweight, Taiga is a friendly option.

To decide, try a small test project in each. Check user feedback on Reddit, Medium, and GitHub for real-world impressions, and pick the one that feels right.

Conclusion

As someone who’s used all three, my personal rule of thumb is: use Plane for speed and simplicity, OpenProject for depth and control, and Taiga for agile focus and ease. Think about your current projects and future plans, and pick the tool that resonates with those needs.

I’d love to hear your experiences with these open-source tools. Have you hit a snag that one tool solved perfectly, or discovered a hidden gem in the setup process? Feel free to share your stories or questions. By comparing notes, we can all refine our project management approaches and help each other find the perfect fit.

FAQs

Which tool is simplest for new project managers?

Plane.so is a quick pick. It has a straightforward interface and easy signup, so you won’t get stuck. Perfect if you just need a basic board, tasks, and a place for notes.

When do I need a tool with more advanced features?

If you want Gantt charts, budgets, or time tracking, OpenProject has you covered. It’s best for deep planning and managing multiple stakeholders or lengthy timelines.

I prefer agile boards—what’s a good choice?

Taiga focuses on Kanban or Scrum. It has simple sprints, burndown charts, and user-friendly boards. Ideal if you want a no-frills agile setup without extra clutter.

Do I have to self-host, or can I use a cloud service?

All three offer self-host or hosted plans. If you’re not tech-savvy, Plane.so and Taiga provide free cloud tiers. OpenProject has a paid cloud, but you can install the Community Edition yourself.

What if I outgrow my current tool over time?

If you see bigger needs—like advanced reporting—OpenProject is built to scale. But if you only expect minor growth, Plane.so or Taiga can easily handle small-to-midsize projects and teams.