Pivotal Tracker is one of the best project management software that uses the Agile framework as its design backbone. With its built-in tools for software development, it can help teams easily organize and prioritize sprints, epics, stories, and more.
However, its lack of resource management tools and outdated UI can block efficiency for non-agile teams or visual-heavy workflows.
In this article, we list the best Pivotal Tracker alternatives to help you decide the best Agile project management software for your business.
What is Pivotal Tracker?
Pivotal Tracker is a unique and powerful Agile project management tool due to its approach to advancing projects. With each iteration, Software Development Teams are encouraged to prioritize their workflow based on user requirements.
Instead of tasks (create a search bar), project managers create stories (create a feature that helps users navigate platform content). This Aigle promotion is supported by dedicated workspaces, tracker story management, mentions, file sharing, and automatic planning.
Another feature that makes this platform extremely useful is its integration with Github, Slack, and other platforms that allow users to collaborate and share information.
If you’ve been living and breathing in an Agile environment, Pivotal Tracker would feel like home. But if outdated UI and manual task administration are not for you, it’s time to find the Top Pivotal Tracker competitors and alternatives instead.
Pros:
- Agile implementation is applied for better iterations and delivery.
- A weighted task system enhances project management accuracy.
- Integration support with GitHub and Slack optimizes small project workflows.
- Blocker listing and project stage clarity improve progress tracking.
- Dedicated workspaces and notifications streamline team collaboration.
Cons:
- Scrum/Agile methodology requirements may limit team productivity.
- The absence of resource management and charts may hinder detailed planning.
- Manual management processes miss automation opportunities.
- Decade-old UX design detracts from the modern user experience.
- Focus on technical projects reduces applicability for broader audiences.
Plans & Pricing:
- Free
- Startup ($10)
- Standard ($6.50)
- Enterprise (Contact Sales)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.1 out of 5 (107 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3 out of 5 (145 reviews)
10 Best Pivotal Tracker Alternatives in 2024
Explore the best Pivotal Tracker alternatives in 2024 for Agile teams.
1. Ahsuite
Although not inherently a project management software, Ahsuite keeps the workplace organized for lean teams using its task management and team collaboration tools. Its repertoire of tools allows teams to assign tasks, plan and manage work, and collaborate on tasks and projects.
One feature that makes it unique compared to traditional project management software is its i-frame-based client portal, which centralizes every interaction with teams and clients. Want to present a report to your customer? Have clients assign tasks to your team? Complete the approval processes?
With a client portal, this feat is possible. Make your brand visible and your business processes professional with a clean and easy-to-use client portal.
Pros:
- Setup is easy with pre-configured files and task managers.
- Flexible template maker enhances files, tasks, and client portals.
- Task assignment includes a calendar view for comprehensive planning.
- Effectively secures and presents files and task progress.
- Centralizes all client details and documents efficiently.
Cons:
- The documentation system needs improvement.
- The client approval process could be smoother.
- Lacks client invoicing management, though it’s in development.
- Limited options for platform customization via coding, but improvements are underway.
Plans & Pricing:
- Starter (Free)
- Professional ($17)
- Agency ($29)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.7 out of 5 (76 reviews)
- Capterra: 5 out of 5 (19 reviews)
2. Asana
Asana is a cloud-based project management software known for its versatile support for various team structures and project types. Users can create custom rules, forms, and time-tracking conditions to keep progress transparent and each iteration organized.
On higher tiers, Asana offers personalized reporting dashboards, admin consoles, and burndown charts to manage remaining work. If the lack of a native ticketing system doesn’t bother you, Asana would be one of the best options regarding price-to-feature ratio.
Pros:
- Integrations and auto-save features streamline project work seamlessly.
- Comprehensive help library and excellent customer support.
- Customizable to-do lists and projects to fit various work needs.
- Easy-to-view to-do lists and task delegation keep workflow consistent.
- Offers multiple view options for projects like lists, boards, and calendars.
Cons:
- Free features are substantial, but upgrading unlocks more.
- Takes time to acclimate to the platform’s features.
- It is not optimal for projects heavy on graphics.
- Lacks built-in Jira-like ticketing features and relies on customization.
- Missing two-way calendar syncing, which is a critical need for some.
Plans & Pricing:
- Free
- Starter ($10.99)
- Advanced ($24.99)
- Enterprise (Contact Sales)
- Enterprise+ (Contact Sales)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.3 out of 5 (9,626 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 (12,388 reviews)
Related: 11 Best Asana Alternatives
3. Jira
Jira is the “goated” platform for software development, DevOps, and Agile processes. For starters, it has both Scrum and Kanban boards to visualize workflows and a WIP limit to make dependency and resource management easier.
But its built-in issue tracking, sprint planning, and backlog management tools make it a great alternative to Pivotal Tracker. Jira would be the ideal fit for complex projects that need in-depth bug tracking and service request management.
Pros:
- Agile PM customization enhances issue and bug tracking.
- Comprehensive ticket management with extensive integrations.
- Enterprise-grade offerings with real-time Kanban boards.
- Workflow monitoring and task tracking are highly efficient.
- Role-based access rights streamline team coordination.
Cons:
- No Gantt chart or timeline view for visual project planning.
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for new users.
- Collaboration features only meet some team needs.
- Built-in time tracking and idea management should be included.
- It is not cost-effective for smaller teams due to higher pricing.
Plans & Pricing:
- Free
- Standard ($8.15)
- Premium ($16)
- Enterprise (Contact Sales)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.3 out of 5 (5,743 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 (13,934 reviews)
Related: 11 Best Jira Alternatives
4. ClickUp
ClickUp is a fantastic option for those seeking fully customizable remote environments. With a heavy emphasis on customizations, users, and managers have different options to visualize and manage their projects – from Gantt charts to Kanban boards.
Establishing a single source of truth is also easy with its docs, chat, goals, whiteboards, and other knowledge-sharing features. But with excellent customization potential comes a challenging setup. Companies should plan effectively to avoid overly complicated workflows.
Pros:
- Offers over 15 views, including Gantt and calendar, for diverse project perspectives.
- ClickApps customization enhances the project management interface.
- Capable of consolidating multiple tools into a single platform.
- Enables detailed workflow customization with views and fields.
- Assignment and dependency features are customizable for user preferences.
Cons:
- Initial setup complexity presents a learning curve for teams.
- Extensive customization options can lead to complexity and complications.
- The user interface may intimidate non-project managers.
- Development has prioritized features over stability.
- Mobile app functionality is limited compared to the desktop version.
Plans & Pricing:
- Free
- Unlimited ($10)
- Business ($19)
- Enterprise (Contact Sales)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.7 out of 5 (9,339 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 (4,009 reviews)
Related: 10 Best ClickUp Alternatives
5. Trello
Trello is one of the best software for managing projects visually and intuitively. By default, the Kanban board is set to To-do, Doing, and Done. But you can customize columns and cards to fit your project requirements.
With visual simplicity and modern looks, Trello is a favorite for those who rely on or favor the Kanban-style organization. This tool is recommended for small projects that don’t require intricate flows for planning, task assignment, and budgeting.
Pros:
- Highly flexible and customizable Kanban app.
- Desktop and mobile apps enhance accessibility.
- The free plan covers many essential capabilities.
- The Kanban dashboard makes it easy to organize tasks visually.
- Color labels and member assignments facilitate quick team updates.
Cons:
- Requires add-ons for time-tracking and billing features.
- Adding new team members to all boards is cumbersome.
- It is too simplistic for projects that require detailed tracking.
- Trello does not support budget, invoice, or billing tracking.
- Predefined boards may feel restrictive for some users.
Plans & Pricing:
- Free
- Standard ($5)
- Premium ($10)
- Enterprise ($17.50)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.4 out of 5 (13,471 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 (23,089 reviews)
Related: 10 Best Trello Alternatives
6. Wrike
Wrike is a project management platform that supports teams across various departments, regardless of industry, size, and project structure. Its most prevalent version is the Business package, which is great for mid and small businesses that need to scale their processes.
With features like interactive Gantt charts, custom workflows, time tracking, reporting, and analytics, Wrike would fit into the processes of small teams and early Agile adoption.
Pros:
- Offers robust security, administration tools, and integrations for large organizations.
- Provides risk warnings for potential project delays.
- User-friendly software with practical project management functionalities.
- Responsive to user feedback, frequently updating features seamlessly.
- Facilitates efficient resource allocation and schedule management.
Cons:
- The Gantt chart feature is restricted to paid plans.
- Reporting and analytics could be improved for customization.
- Users experience occasional slowness, affecting workflow management.
- Dependency management features may be limited for complex tasks.
- While useful, features might not entirely match specialized dependency tools.
Plans & Pricing:
- Free
- Team ($9.80)
- Business ($24.80)
- Enterprise (Contact Sales)
- Pinnacle (Contact Sales)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.2 out of 5 (3,518 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3 out of 5 (2,584 reviews)
7. Targetprocess
Targetprocess is a project management solution designed to carry out project processes for medium to large-size companies. It supports various Agile frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, LeSS, and more, strongly emphasizing Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
As a work management software, Targetprocess offers a highly customizable visual board that allows teams to track work, limit WIP, and get real-time status updates. Users can also set up forecasting and early alerts to boost their risk management efforts.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing and straightforward setup with excellent training services.
- Scales effectively with organizational growth and complex needs.
- Robust automation process that doesn’t require huge effort.
- Intuitive boards for tasks like user story estimation through drag-and-drop.
- Live chat support is responsive and knowledgeable.
Cons:
- Requires accurate setup of Agile hierarchical structures.
- Setup and configuration demand significant offline planning and team coordination.
- Lacks certain features, including commenting tools and change notifications.
- The licensing model limits information sharing with non-users.
- Users reported that performance can be slow.
Plans & Pricing:
- Contact Sales
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.3 out of 5 (208 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 (545 reviews)
8. Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is as traditional as it can be when managing projects. This software favors the Waterfall project management style, which is excellent for highly regulated projects. Project Managers would have access to tools like resource planning, timesheet submission, and more.
It heavily emphasizes product roadmaps, detailed resource planning, and complex scheduling to ensure each project is done and dusted when deadlines arrive. This is for users who love to do heavyweight planning and scenario modeling.
Pros:
- Handles complex scheduling with dependencies and critical paths effectively.
- Detailed resource management for work, costs, and allocation.
- Familiar interface for users experienced with the waterfall methodology.
- Seamless integration with the Microsoft Office ecosystem and 365 suite.
- Offers advanced BI reporting capabilities through Power BI.
Cons:
- New users face a steep learning curve due to feature complexity.
- More suitable for waterfall than Agile, possibly too rigid for iterative projects.
- Primarily desktop-centric, with online versions less emphasized.
- Higher costs may deter smaller businesses.
- Can experience occasional integration issues.
Plans & Pricing:
- Project Plan 1: $10
- Project Plan 3: $30
- Project Plan 5: $55
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4 out of 5 (1,615 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 (1,823 reviews)
9. Aha!
Aha! can pass as a product management software with features facilitating product roadmap creation and strategic planning. Like Pivotal Tracker, Aha! has a unique design philosophy – each task must answer the “why” behind the product development process.
Road mapping and backlog management features are integrated and tied directly to the product strategy and development execution. With these factors in mind, Aha! might not have a great process fit for companies that don’t have strategic maturity and a well-defined product vision.
Pros:
- Specializes in visualizing product vision and critical milestones with road mapping.
- Provides tools for scoring and ranking features based on strategic importance.
- Centralizes idea capturing and customer feedback effectively.
- Integrations with Jira and Asana facilitate execution-level management.
- Manages ideation and feedback with features for organizing and prioritization.
Cons:
- It is not designed for detailed task management and sprint planning.
- Most effective for teams with a clear, strategic product vision.
- The output would depend on the quality of product plans.
- Needs to include some basic features or functions expected by users.
- Software complexity and a steep learning curve can be challenging.
Plans & Pricing:
- Aha! Develop ($9)
- Aha! Notebooks ($9)
- Aha! Ideas ($39)
- Aha! Roadmaps ($59)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.3 out of 5 (280 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8 out of 5 (522 reviews)
10. Taiga
Taiga cloud-based project management software offers on-premise solutions for free (if you know Linux and Docker). Since it is an open-source platform, you can count on the community to help you if you need help. Businesses can opt for priority support with its enterprise option.
As an Agile project management tool, it has everything you need to run your Agile processes (spring planning, burndown chart, Kanban, epics, issue tracking, wiki, and more). Its most significant limitation, however, is that it is only suitable for Kanban and Scrum frameworks.
Pros:
- Open-source, free to use and modify with community support.
- Agile-focused with dedicated features for sprints and backlogs.
- Highly customizable workflows and issue types.
- Integrates with tools like GitLab and Slack.
- Intuitive, uncluttered interface for ease of use.
Cons:
- Self-hosting is required, which may be technically challenging.
- Basic built-in reporting may need customization for depth.
- Less suitable for large enterprises or complex projects.
- User-friendly, but customization adds to the learning curve.
- No dedicated mobile apps rely on the web interface.
Plans & Pricing:
- Taiga Free
- Taiga Cloud with Premium Support ($70)
- Self-Hosted (Starting from $10)
- 25+ People (Contact Sales)
Customer Ratings:
- G2: 4.4 out of 5 (72 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 (87 reviews)
Summary
Project management and collaboration tools can help distributed teams organize work, resources, time, and deadlines. These aspects are essential for software development projects.
But in place of these factors, Agile-centered project management tools often need to pay more attention to client reporting and status updates. If you want to present your reports professionally while getting the benefits of a dedicated project management tool, try Ahsuite.
With iframe embeds, you can present status reports from multiple platforms into a single, unified information hub. Sign up for the Ahsuite Starter Plan for a free forever client portal.