Microsoft Project Review 2026 - Features, Pricing & Deals

Microsoft Project is a project management tool that helps organizations plan, track, and manage their projects. As part of the Microsoft 365 suite, it provides tools for scheduling, resource management, and team collaboration.

The software comes in both cloud-based and desktop versions. Teams can create project timelines, assign tasks, track progress, and generate reports all in one place. Its integration with other Microsoft applications like Teams and SharePoint makes it easier for project teams to work together and share information.

Pricing starts at $10 per user monthly for basic features, while more advanced plans include resource management and portfolio tracking. For organizations that prefer traditional licensing, standalone desktop versions are also available.

The tool works well in complex project environments, though it requires training to use effectively. Its feature set includes Gantt charts, resource calendars, and customizable dashboards that help teams stay on top of their project goals.

• Dynamic Task Management: Reschedule tasks and automatically adjust project plans in real-time with dependencies, milestones, and scheduling that adapts to workflow changes.
• Resource Allocation Tools: Manage team resources with timeline views and smart task assignments that optimize workforce productivity across projects.
• Financial Planning Features: Track project budgets, generate financial insights, and make decisions with project financials, budgeting tools, and cost management capabilities.
• Portfolio Management: Monitor multiple projects simultaneously with portfolio selection, optimization, and analysis tools that provide enterprise-level coordination and visual roadmaps.
• Microsoft Teams Integration: Collaborate with built-in communication tools, file sharing, and task update features that connect team members through Microsoft 365 apps.
• Advanced Reporting Analytics: Create customizable dashboards with graphical reports, pivot tables, and visual representations of project data, plus AI capabilities and Copilot in Planner (preview).
• Multiple Project Views: Work with grid, board (Kanban), timeline (Gantt), calendar, network diagram, and resource views to visualize projects in the way that works best for your team.
• Baselines and Variance Tracking: Set project baselines to track variances, monitor task history, and identify critical paths to keep projects on schedule.

• Planner Plan 1 offers basic project management features at $10 per user per month, including premium templates, rich reporting, project goals, dependencies, backlogs, and sprints.
• Project Plan 3 provides advanced features at $30 per user per month, with resource management, timesheet submission, analytics, prebuilt templates, portfolio selection, demand management, project scheduling, financial management, baselines, critical path, task history, roadmaps, program management, project financials and budgeting, dependencies with lead and lag, and Project Online desktop client.
• Project Plan 5 is the most comprehensive cloud plan at $55 per user per month, offering enterprise resource management and allocation, portfolio analysis, optimization, Copilot in Planner (preview), visual roadmaps, reporting, AI capabilities, and integration with Microsoft 365 apps.
• On-premise options include Project Standard 2024 at $679.99 per license for project management without collaboration tools, and Project Professional 2024 at $1,129.99 per license as an on-premises project management solution.
• Microsoft Planner is included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions for basic task and project planning needs.

Planner Plan 1 ($10 per user monthly) offers basic features like premium templates, reporting, project goals, and dependencies. Project Plan 3 ($30 per user monthly) adds resource management, timesheet submission, portfolio selection, financial management, baselines, critical path tracking, and the Project Online desktop client. Project Plan 5 ($55 per user monthly) is for larger organizations, adding enterprise resource management, portfolio analysis and optimization, AI capabilities, Copilot in Planner (preview), and visual roadmaps. Choose based on your project complexity and team size.

Yes. Microsoft offers on-premise versions you can buy with a one-time payment. Project Standard 2024 costs $679.99 per license and includes project management without collaboration tools. Project Professional 2024 costs $1,129.99 per license. These don't require monthly payments, but you won't get automatic updates like with subscription plans.

Microsoft Project works with other Microsoft 365 apps. You can share project data with Teams for team communication, store files in SharePoint, create custom reports with Power BI, and import or export data through Excel. The integration lets you chat, share files, and hold meetings without leaving your project environment. This keeps everyone on the same page throughout your project.

Microsoft Project has a steep learning curve, especially if you're new to project management software. The basic functions like creating tasks and setting deadlines are straightforward, but features like resource leveling and critical path analysis take time to master. Microsoft offers training resources, and many users find that watching tutorials helps. If you already use other Microsoft products, the familiar interface will make learning easier, though the interface feels outdated compared to modern alternatives.

Yes, Microsoft offers a 30-day free trial for all subscription plans. This lets you test the features before committing. The trial gives you full access to the software's capabilities, so you can see if it meets your needs. Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you decide not to continue, or you'll be charged for the subscription.