Top 7 Project Management Software Tools for SMEs

Running a small or medium-sized business comes with enough challenges – juggling deadlines, managing teams and keeping projects on track shouldn’t add to the pressure. That’s where the right project management software can make a world of difference.

For many SMEs, time and resources are stretched thin. Projects can slip through the cracks, communication gets lost in a sea of emails and tracking progress across multiple platforms becomes a full-time job in itself. Fortunately, today’s project management tools are designed to take the stress out of coordinating people and tasks, making it easier to stay organised and deliver results.

At EvolvIT, we’ve worked with a wide range of businesses across Bristol, the South West and Wales to implement smart, scalable software solutions. Drawing on that experience and the latest tech trends, we’ve put together this guide to the top seven project management tools SMEs should be considering in 2025.

Why Project Management Software Is a Game-Changer for SMEs

As businesses grow, so too does the complexity of their operations. Whether you’re coordinating remote teams, managing clients, or launching new services, the right project management software can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening—and what needs attention.

These platforms aren’t just for big corporations. For SMEs, they offer a cost-effective way to improve productivity, reduce miscommunication and stay on top of deadlines. And perhaps most importantly, they free up your time so you can focus on running your business.

What to Look For in a Project Management Tool

Every business is different, so it’s important to find software that fits your team, not the other way around. Ease of use is essential. If a platform feels clunky or overly complicated, your team won’t use it. Integration is another key factor; your chosen tool should work smoothly with other apps you rely on, like email, file sharing, or CRM systems.

Budget is, of course, a consideration. Many tools offer free or low-cost plans with plenty of features to get you started. As your needs evolve, you’ll want something that can scale with you, offering advanced functionality without unnecessary complexity.

Most importantly, a good project management tool should help you feel in control. It should make work easier, not harder.

The Top 7 Project Management Tools for SMEs

Monday.com

Monday.com is known for its sleek interface and flexibility. Whether you’re managing marketing campaigns or internal workflows, it allows you to tailor boards to suit your projects. Automations help reduce manual work, while integrations with tools like Slack and Google Workspace make collaboration seamless. It’s particularly helpful for growing teams looking for a platform that can scale and adapt as they do.

Asana

Asana shines when it comes to managing complex tasks and dependencies. Its visual timelines, intuitive layout and deep integration with apps like Microsoft Teams and Salesforce make it ideal for businesses that need to keep multiple plates spinning. It’s also great for remote teams, offering clarity and accountability across the board.

Trello

For those who prefer simplicity, Trello is a reliable go-to. Its board-and-card layout is perfect for visual thinkers and small teams. While it’s not the most feature-rich tool on the list, Trello’s strength lies in how quickly it gets you up and running. With automation and integration options available, it’s a fantastic entry point for SMEs new to project management software.

ClickUp

ClickUp is something of a Swiss army knife. It combines project tracking, document management, goal setting and even time tracking into a single, unified platform. The learning curve can be a little steeper than other tools, but it rewards those who want a one-stop solution for managing every aspect of their business. If you’ve outgrown simpler tools, ClickUp might be your next step.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet bridges the gap between spreadsheet users and modern project managers. It’s ideal for businesses that love the structure of Excel but need something more collaborative and dynamic. Its powerful reporting and automation features make it a favourite among teams that deal with data-heavy projects or cross-department coordination.

Wrike

Wrike is built for businesses handling high volumes of detailed projects. It offers advanced dashboards, workload management tools and deep customisation. With integrations ranging from Adobe Creative Cloud to Microsoft Teams, Wrike is well-suited to agencies or teams that need robust control and visibility across multiple workflows.

Zoho Projects

If affordability is your priority, Zoho Projects delivers exceptional value. It comes packed with essential features for task management, time tracking and even invoicing — at a fraction of the cost of some competitors. It integrates naturally with other Zoho products, making it a smart choice for businesses already using that ecosystem or those looking for a tightly integrated, budget-friendly option.

How EvolvIT Can Help

Project management software can be a real asset for SMEs — helping to bring order to the chaos, keep teams aligned and projects on track. Whether you’re drawn to simple tools like Trello or all-in-one platforms like ClickUp, there’s no shortage of great options to support your business operations in 2025.

At EvolvIT, we understand that technology is only valuable when it genuinely supports your business goals. That’s why we focus on providing tailored IT services, reliable infrastructure and proactive support to help SMEs thrive. From secure cloud solutions to responsive IT support and strategic consultancy, we partner with you to build a technology environment that’s stable, scalable and ready for the future.

If you’re looking to modernise your systems, strengthen your cybersecurity, or reduce IT headaches, our expert team is here to help. Let’s talk about how we can support your business with solutions that work, so you can focus on what matters most.