Asana vs Monday: Which is best for your team?

On the hunt for that perfect project management tool that not only keeps your team on track but also feels, dare we say, enjoyable to use?

Asana and Monday have become household names in the project management world, with both platforms providing a way for teams to stay organized, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively. But with both being so popular, how do you decide which one is the right fit for your team?

Whether you’re a project manager, a startup founder, or just someone keen to keep their to-do list from taking over their life, this comparison will help you decide which tool aligns best with your team’s workflow and project goals. Let’s dive in.

What is Asana?

Asana was founded in 2008 by Facebook co-founders Dustin Moskovitz and Justin Rosenstein. Built using Facebook’s internal task management system, the goal was to create software for team collaboration that anyone could use.

Using Asana, you can assign tasks, track progress, share files, communicate with team members, and track deadlines and goals. It also offers an array of templates and automation features.

The platform’s free version offers over 100 third-party integrations, unlimited projects, assignees, and due dates, and features like multi-select and bulk actions. Asana’s free plan supports up to 10 teammates and unlimited tasks, making it a valuable option for small and medium-sized businesses. For more options, you can upgrade to paid plans, starting with its entry-level subscription for $13.49 per user per month.

Through Asana’s community and marketplace, you can discover new tools and templates to make your workflow even more efficient. Additionally, its reporting and analytics features are very effective at giving you the insights you need to optimize processes and hit your project goals, and it integrates with many popular tools.

In a nutshell, Asana is perfect for small teams needing free project management tools and strong integrations with existing tools.

What is Monday?

Monday, originally launched as Dapulse in 2012 and rebranded in 2017, is a versatile platform designed to help teams manage tasks and projects efficiently. Its user-friendly interface allows you to create detailed project plans, set deadlines, assign tasks, and monitor progress in real time.

Using the platform, you can customize boards, timelines, and calendars to match your workflow, making it easy to visualize tasks and keep everyone aligned. It also integrates smoothly with a wide range of other tools, which helps in covering various project management needs. The Pro tier plan includes private boards, allowing users to keep certain projects or information restricted to specific team members.

One of Monday’s standout features is the ability to convert traditional spreadsheets into color-coded boards, giving you a clear overview of roles and project statuses. With customizable building blocks like columns, views, widgets, and automation, you can tailor the platform to fit your specific requirements.

Pricing starts at $12 per user per month, and the platform is flexible enough to accommodate teams of all sizes. It also offers over 200 custom templates, multiple integration options, and task automation, making it adaptable to different project needs.

If you’re looking for a tool that’s both customizable and user-friendly, Monday could be a great fit for your team.

Features: Asana vs Monday

Although Monday and Asana are similar, they cater to different needs and preferences by offering unique project management features.

Monday positions itself as a versatile work operating system — providing you with a set of building blocks that you can drag and drop to create applications. It focuses on customizable workflows and visual project tracking. Asana, on the other hand, emphasizes task management and team collaboration through structured project planning and communication tools.

Let’s explore the distinct features of each platform to see how they can fit into your team’s workflow.

Workflow management

When it comes to managing workflows, Asana offers a few different views to choose from — lists, boards, and timelines. Each view gives you a different perspective on how things are moving along. These views and tools help you manage projects efficiently by tracking tasks, prioritizing work, and enhancing collaboration. You can easily drag and drop tasks between views to see how your workflow is shaping up. If you prefer, you can also use a Kanban board view to get a more visual take on your project.

Monday works in a similar way but makes it a bit easier to switch between different visual views. You can manage your workflow using Kanban boards, charts, and timelines. With Monday, the default view is a list form, but you can quickly switch to a Kanban board or a chart to see your project from different angles. The platform calls tasks “pulses,” and you can move between them smoothly to get a good look at your workflow.

Portfolio management

Both Asana and Monday offer ways to manage portfolios, which is great for keeping track of multiple projects. Asana’s portfolio feature lets you get a high-level view of all your ongoing projects in one place, so you can ensure nothing gets overlooked and everything’s on track.

Monday doesn’t have a dedicated portfolio section like Asana, but it offers “Groups” that let you bundle related sub-projects together. It’s not quite as comprehensive as Asana’s portfolio view, but it helps you keep everything organized and in sight.

Security

When it comes to security, both Asana and Monday take it seriously. Asana is compliant with SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and it’s cloud-based with strong firewalls to keep your data safe.

Monday uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform for its data security and complies with ISO 27001 and ISO 27018 standards. Both platforms are focused on keeping your data secure and protected.

Integrations

Both Monday and Asana offer integrations with different platforms, but Asana is ahead with over 150 options. You can connect with tools like Slack, Instagantt, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

Monday has around 50 integrations, including Zoom, Google Drive, and Excel. It’s a smaller list, but still covers a lot of essential tools.

Advantages: Asana vs Monday

Asana

In a nutshell, Asana is great at providing a structured approach to task management, with powerful tools for tracking progress, setting deadlines, and ensuring project milestones are met. Its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and strong security features make it a top choice for teams focused on detailed task execution.

• Task dependencies and milestones: Asana’s entry-level paid plan includes robust tools for managing task dependencies and tracking milestones, making it easier to keep projects on track.
• Project overview and goal setting: The project overview tool in Asana allows teams to clearly define goals and deliverables, ensuring that everyone is aligned from the start.
• Data export and security: Asana supports CSV and PDF export across all plans, even the free version. It also provides a secure environment with multifactor authentication and 256-bit encryption both at rest and in transit.
• User-friendly interface: Asana is known for its intuitive interface, which allows even beginners to get up and running quickly.
• Customizable workflows: Nearly every function in Asana can be customized, giving teams the flexibility to tailor the platform to their specific processes.
• Extensive integrations: With over 150 integrations, Asana can easily connect with other tools your team is already using, making it a favorite for larger enterprises.
• Multiple view options: Asana offers various ways to view and manage tasks, including lists, boards, timelines, and more, allowing users to choose the format that best suits their workflow.
• Team collaboration: Teams can communicate and collaborate seamlessly within Asana, keeping all project-related discussions in one place.

Monday

Monday is perfect for teams that need flexibility, whether you’re managing customer relations, developing a product, or just trying to stay organized. Its vibrant interface and easy collaboration tools make it a joy to use every day. If you’re leaning towards Monday, here’s why it might be the perfect fit for you.

• Data visualization: One of Monday’s standout strengths is its robust data visualization capabilities. If your projects involve heavy data tracking and analysis, it’s easy to see and understand complex information at a glance. The platform offers a variety of ways to visualize data, from colorful charts and graphs to dynamic dashboards that can be customized to show the metrics that matter most to your team.

• Customer-facing teams: If your team handles customer interactions, Monday’s built-in CRM functionalities are a no-brainer. It lets you manage your sales cycles, lead generation, and customer data all in one place, streamlining your entire process.
• Ideal for product development: Monday is a top choice for product development teams. It supports large-scale projects, including those using Scrum methodology. You get custom boards for everything from bug tracking to epic roadmaps, making it easier to keep complex projects on track.

• Visual appeal: Monday’s interface is bright and colorful, which not only makes it visually appealing but also adds a bit of fun to your daily tasks. 
• Collaboration across departments: If you need to collaborate with other departments, Monday makes it super easy to track tasks and projects across teams, ensuring everyone stays in the loop.
• Assign tasks to multiple people: Unlike some other tools, Monday lets you assign a single task to multiple team members, which can be a lifesaver when you need a group effort on a project.
• Flexible customization: You can tweak almost everything, from templates to automation and columns, making it ideal for teams who like their tools to fit their unique way of working. You can pick from over 200 templates, set up automations, and arrange columns just how you like them. 

Drawbacks: Asana vs Monday

Asana

While Asana is a powerful tool, it does come with a few downsides that might not make it the perfect fit for everyone. It’s essential to weigh these factors against your specific needs to determine if Asana is the right tool for you.

• Limited automation in lower plans: If your team relies heavily on workflow automation, Asana’s entry-level plan might feel a bit restrictive. You’re capped at just 250 automation rules per month, and if you need more, you’ll have to upgrade to a higher-tier plan. 
• Support access: Asana only offers 24/7 support in its top two pricing tiers. If you’re on a lower plan and run into an issue outside of regular hours, you might find yourself stuck waiting for assistance.
• No offline mode: If you need to work offline, Asana’s desktop app won’t be much help. You’ll need to stay connected to access your projects, which can be a drawback if you often work in areas with unreliable internet.
• Cost considerations: Asana’s pricing can be a bit steep, especially for smaller businesses or those needing an affordable solution. While there is a free plan, the paid plans start at $13.49 per user per month, which can add up quickly. Additionally, to access features like resource management and HIPAA compliance, you’ll need to opt for more expensive plans.
• No single view for all tasks: Asana doesn’t offer a single screen where you can manage all your tasks. You’ll need to switch between tabs to see everything, which can be inconvenient if you’re juggling multiple projects.
• Limited task assignments: Unlike some other platforms, Asana only allows you to assign a task to one person. This can be a limitation if your projects often require collaboration among multiple team members.
• Spreadsheet management: If you prefer managing projects using a spreadsheet-style interface, Asana’s list view might not be enough. 

Monday

Monday offers a lot of powerful features, but there are some downsides that might make it less appealing depending on your needs. Its pricing, learning curve, and limitations in automation, integrations, and mobile functionality might be challenging for some teams.

• Pricing model: Monday’s pricing model is based on per-group seats, which might not align well with your team size or budget. 
• Limited free plan: The free plan on Monday allows only two team members, which can be pretty limiting if you’re trying to manage even a small team. For most teams, this plan won’t be practical.
• Learning curve: Monday’s robust features, especially for task management, often require some training to use effectively, particularly in an enterprise setting. It’s not a tool you can just dive into without some setup and learning.
• Automation setup: While Monday’s automation features are powerful, they can also be complex to set up. This might lead to more time spent configuring workflows rather than simplifying them.
• Integration depth: Although Monday supports a range of integrations, it might not match the depth and variety offered by platforms like Asana, which is known for its extensive integration selection.
• Limited mobile functionality: Monday’s mobile app doesn’t offer the same level of functionality as its desktop version. If you need to manage your projects on the go, this could be a significant drawback.
• Core features locked in higher tiers: Features like time tracking are only available in higher-tier plans, which can make Monday more expensive as your team grows or if you need advanced features.
• Artificial intelligence: When compared to other tools, Monday lacks AI features like smart replies and voice commands, which can be incredibly useful for drafting plans, predicting risks, and optimizing resources.
• Team collaboration: If you’re looking for a tool that offers multiple ways to communicate and collaborate in one workspace, there are better options. 

Pricing: Asana vs Monday

When it comes to pricing, it’s a close call. Asana’s free plan is more feature-rich and allows for up to 15 users, making it a better option if you need a free solution for a larger team. However, Monday offers more plans at varying price points, with its highest tier being less expensive than Asana’s. The right choice really depends on your specific needs and the size of your team.

Asana

With its allowance for up to 10 team members, Asana’s free plan is a great option for smaller teams looking for a no-cost solution with solid features. For larger teams, there are two other options.

• Basic plan: Free of charge, the Basic plan allows up to 10 team members. It includes three views, basic workflows, and reporting, making it a solid option if you’re just getting started.
• Premium plan: Priced at $10.99 per user per month, this plan opens up more advanced features like custom fields, unlimited dashboards, and unlimited reporting across all your projects. It’s a great middle-ground for growing teams.
• Business plan: The top-tier option at $24.99 per user per month, the Business plan offers even more advanced reporting options and an additional view, bringing the total to four compared to the three views available in the lower plans.

Monday

Monday’s pricing is generally more affordable across the board, but its free plan is notably restrictive with only two seats, which might not work for most small and medium-sized businesses. Monday offers more flexibility with its pricing, featuring four main plans:

• Individual plan: This free plan is quite limited, allowing only up to two members, but it does come with unlimited boards and access to over 200 templates.
• Basic plan: At $8 per user per month, this plan is more budget-friendly and includes features that small teams might find sufficient for basic project management.
• Standard plan: Priced at $10 per user per month, this plan adds more advanced features, making it a good option for teams that need more functionality without breaking the bank.
• Pro plan: For $16 per user per month, the Pro plan provides even more robust tools, ideal for larger teams or those with more complex project management needs.
• Enterprise solutions: Pricing is customized based on the specific needs of your business, offering the most flexibility but potentially at a higher cost depending on the package you choose.

Which is better: Monday or Asana?

Monday is a great fit for those new to project management software who want something easy to pick up. It’s one of the most user-friendly tools out there, so you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get the hang of it. Plus, with 24/7 support available on all plans, you won’t be stuck for long if you run into any issues.

If you’re on a tight budget, Monday is a solid choice because it offers more affordable plans compared to Asana. It’s also ideal for teams that need constant communication and collaboration. And if your projects are data-heavy, Monday stands out with its superior data visualization tools.

Asana might be the better choice if you need a project management tool that integrates seamlessly with your existing software stack. While Monday offers a range of useful integrations, Asana connects with over 35 data and reporting apps and more than 50 communication tools, giving it an edge in integration capabilities.

If you’re working with no budget at all, Asana’s free plan is another advantage. It supports up to 15 users, making it a great option for small teams or businesses that aren’t ready to invest in a paid plan yet. While the free plan is more limited than the paid ones, it’s still a great deal considering you won’t spend a dime.

What about Backlog?

When it comes to picking the right project management tool, Backlog isn’t just another project management tool — it’s an all-in-one platform where you can plan work, track progress, track bugs, and even handle code management, without needing to juggle multiple tools. 

Whether you’re deploying code or managing a complex marketing campaign, Backlog gives you everything you need in one place — something Monday and Asana just can’t quite match. Here’s why Backlog might be the better fit for you:

Bug tracking

In addition to its robust project management, Backlog provides an all-in-one solution for software developers with its bug tracking features. You can capture every detail with custom workflows, organize tasks with a neat hierarchy, and even set up issue templates to keep things consistent. Plus, the ability to add issues via email and track versions and milestones makes managing your work a breeze.

Say you’re working on a software development project and a critical bug pops up. With Backlog, you can quickly categorize the issue, assign it to the right person, and track its progress all in one place. 

Project visualization

One of the things that makes Backlog stand out is how easy it is to get a clear view of your project. With Gantt charts, you can see your entire project timeline in one glance and make quick edits when things change. Burndown charts are also super handy, giving you a real-time look at what’s left to do and how much time you’ve got left to do it. And with Kanban boards, you can move tasks through your workflow in a way that’s flexible and totally customizable.

If you’re managing a project with multiple teams, Backlog’s Gantt charts let you keep everything on track. You can see how all the tasks fit together, tweak timelines as needed, and make sure everyone’s in sync.

Built-in code management

One of the unique perks of Backlog is that it has Git and SVN repositories built right in. So, if your team does a lot of coding, you can manage your code and project tasks in the same place. You can review code changes, handle merges, and keep your documentation up to date without ever leaving the platform.

For a development team, this integration means no more jumping between different tools. You can track project progress, manage your code, and collaborate with your team all in Backlog — something you can’t do with Monday or Asana.

Customizable workflows

Backlog is also super flexible when it comes to customization. You can create custom fields that fit your team’s specific needs, so the tool works exactly how you want it to. Whether you’re organizing tasks by priority or tracking specific metrics, Backlog lets you set it up your way.

If you’re leading a marketing campaign, you can customize your Backlog workspace to track all the details that matter most — like deadlines, deliverables, and campaign performance. 

Easy migration

Switching tools? Backlog makes it easy to move your data from platforms like Jira or Redmine with its Jira and Redmine Importer. This means you can get up and running with Backlog without missing a beat.

If your team is moving from Jira, you can bring all your existing data into Backlog smoothly. That way, you don’t lose any momentum during the transition, which can be a huge headache with other tools.

Seamless diagramming 

One of the standout features of Backlog is how effortlessly it integrates with Cacoo, Nulab’s online diagramming tool. This integration allows your team to create and share diagrams directly within your Backlog projects, making it easier to visualize workflows, map out processes, and brainstorm ideas collaboratively.

If your team is working on a product development project, you can use Cacoo to create flowcharts, wireframes, or mind maps, and then attach those diagrams directly to tasks or issues in Backlog. This ensures that everyone stays on the same page and has a clear visual reference to guide their work — something that adds a layer of collaboration you won’t with Monday or Asana.

Strong security features

When it comes to security, Backlog takes things seriously, offering strong features to keep your data safe. With IP Address Control, you can manage who gets access to your workspace, ensuring that sensitive information stays protected. On top of that, Backlog integrates seamlessly with Nulab Pass, which adds an extra layer of security through single sign-on (SSO) and enhanced access controls. This is especially beneficial for teams that need to maintain strict security protocols while working on critical projects.

If you’re handling confidential client data, Backlog’s security features, combined with Nulab Pass, ensure that only the right people have access to your workspace. 

The right project management tool for your team

Deciding between Monday and Asana can be a tricky decision. Both platforms are popular choices with their own set of strengths and limitations. Monday is perfect for teams that need flexibility and its vibrant interface and easy collaboration tools make it a joy to use every day. Asana’s higher user limit on its free plan, extensive integration options, and strong security features make it a top choice for small teams focused on detailed task execution.

If you’re finding that neither of these quite hits the mark for your needs, it might be worth considering Backlog. Unlike Monday and Asana, Backlog offers a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that caters to more diverse and complex project requirements.

With Backlog, you get everything in one place: bug tracking, project visualization with Gantt and Kanban boards, and even built-in code management for development teams. Plus, it’s easy to migrate your data from other tools, and the integration with Cacoo allows for seamless diagramming within your projects. 

If you’re looking for a solution that truly adapts to your team’s needs, Backlog is definitely worth a closer look.