monday.com vs. Asana is a comparison many businesses make when deciding on the best project management and collaboration tool to organize tasks and improve team productivity. Both are market-leading products with plenty of features, making the choice between them so much harder.
While both excel in task management and collaboration, they diverge in user interface and integration capabilities. Asana stands out with its built-in artificial intelligence, whereas monday.com relies on third-party integrations for its AI functionalities.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the differences between these two providers and their many similarities. I’ll also assess how the two measure up in terms of accessibility, ease of use, and pricing options.
By the end, my detailed comparison will ensure you find a tool that is the best suited to you and your business needs.
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monday.com vs. Asana Compared
To try and nail down exactly why you’d want to try each project management tool, I put them head-to-head and compared their free plans, storage, integrations, and overall feature set for the best possible view on which provider you should try.
If you’ve seen something here you want to know more about, you can also read our full monday.com and Asana reviews to dig deeper into each provider.
Providers | monday.com | Asana |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | $10.99/month/user | $12/month/user |
Free Plan | ✅ | 14-day free trial |
Free Version User Limit | Up to 2 seats | Up to 10 collaborators |
Central Dashboard | ✅ | ✅ |
Task Management | Gantt charts, Kanban boards, calendar, list, timeline | Gantt charts, Kanban boards, calendar, list, timeline |
Storage | 1,000 GB | Unlimited |
Total Integrations | 200+ | 200+ |
Pre-set Project Templates | 200+ | 80+ |
Custom Automation Rules | ✅ | ✅ |
Customizable Reports and Dashboards | ✅ | ✅ |
Custom Workflows and Statuses | ✅ (limited) | ✅ |
Real-Time Commenting and Task Assignment | ✅ | ✅ |
Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ |
AI Tools | ❌ | ✅ |
Security | GDPR compliance, two-factor authentication (2FA), SOC 3, ISO Certified, CSA | GDPR compliance, two-factor authentication (2FA), SOC 3, US State Privacy Laws, ISO/IEC 27701:2019 |
Support | 24/7 support (Enterprise), Knowledge base, Webinars | Email and chat support (depending on plan), Knowledge base, Webinars |
Read Review | monday.com review | Asana review |
monday vs. Asana Cost
Before we dig into technical details, let’s first compare how monday.com and Asana stack up in terms of pricing.
Pricing Plans | monday.com | Asana |
---|---|---|
Free | Free forever | Free forever |
Starter | $12/month/user | $10.99/month/user |
Standard | $17/month/user | N/A |
Pro | $28/month/user | $24.99/month/user |
Enterprise | Quote-based | Quote-based |
Like most project management software tools, Monday and Asana offer multiple pricing plans that are cheaper by roughly 18% the longer you subscribe upfront.
While monday.com has a free forever plan (no credit card needed) and a 14-day free trial for its premium tiers, Asana offers a traditional free account for up to 10 users. This plan allows you to create projects and tasks using unlimited storage capacity. However, for advanced reporting and AI functionalities, you’ll have to subscribe to premium tiers.
When it comes to starter plans, I found that Asana offers more advanced features like timeline views, dependencies, and priority support. These are ideal for complex projects and growing teams. Plus, it’s cheaper than monday.com’s Basic, which requires a minimum of three users.
During testing I found that monday.com’s Basic plan doesn’t include automations and has limited storage, which is enough for small teams or simple projects. However, if you need more storage – for example, to store large files like design assets or marketing materials – you’ll have to go with more expensive subscription tiers.
Asana Advanced offers many of the features available with Monday Pro but at a lower base value ($24.99 vs $28). It matches monday.com in terms of automation and integrations, but i does offer a less competitive storage allowance (100GB vs unlimited).
From what I found, monday.com’s pricing plans excel with unlimited automation and integrations, especially Pro and Enterprise. This makes it an efficient choice for teams that need to automate complex workflows.
On the other hand, Asana stands out with its workload management, advanced reporting capabilities, and higher storage flexibility in the premium tiers.
monday.com vs. Asana Ease of Use
After extensively testing Asana versus monday, I found that monday.com clearly stands out in terms of ease of use. Although both offer visually appealing layouts, it is monday.com’s drag-and-drop simplicity that makes it a breeze to set up and navigate, even for users new to project management software.
As a visual learner, I need to see everything at once to stay on track. This is why I liked how monday.com’s color-coded boards and customizable views (like Kanban, Gantt, and Calendar) helped simplify my project tracking.
From my experience, this is perfect for creative teams and agencies that need quick, visual insights into their tasks without fussing over complex setups.
On the other hand, Asana is great for projects requiring task dependencies and robust reporting, but it has a steeper learning curve despite offering a full suite of AI features. However, once you do get the hang of it, you’ll find it incredibly beneficial, especially for remote teams and larger businesses handling complex workflows.
Still, the interface can feel a bit overwhelming initially. In my experience, monday.com’s clean, intuitive design just made it faster and easier to hit the ground running, making it my go-to recommendation for teams looking for a user-friendly, adaptable tool.
monday.com vs. Asana Key Features
Now that you know more about ease of use and pricing, it’s time to get technical. In the following section, I’ve prepared a detailed analysis comparing Asana vs monday feature by feature, using real-world examples to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses.
Please note: although monday.com is the overall winner for this category, that doesn’t mean it will be the best fit for everyone. The best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs.
If you prioritize customization, powerful reporting, and real-time collaboration, monday.com may be a great fit.
On the other hand, if advanced resource management, extensive integrations, and access to a broader app library are higher on your list, Asana might be the ideal choice.
monday.com vs. Asana Integrations
When it comes to Asana vs monday integration capabilities, Asana takes the win here. This is primarily because it offers a free native integration with ClickUp—one of the best Asana alternatives and competitors—which I found incredibly versatile and powerful.
This brings Asana’s integrations to over 1,000 options, a big plus for teams looking for comprehensive tool compatibility. For context, both Asana and monday.com start with 200+ integrations. However, Asana’s inclusion of ClickUp opens up even more possibilities, which is a standout benefit in my books.
Furthermore, I found Asana’s native integrations with Slack, Google Drive, and ClickUp particularly beneficial because they’re built directly into the platform. From my experience, this makes them faster, more reliable, and often more feature-rich than standard integrations.
Native options typically offer a smoother setup and use experience, though premium integrations may come at an added cost (which is why I thoroughly recommend reading the fine print before subscribing).
While monday.com also supports many third-party apps, like Google Calendar, Microsoft 365, General Caster, and DocuGen, Asana’s larger selection of native integrations offers a stronger advantage for teams looking to expand their tools and optimize workflows.
monday.com vs. Asana Scalability
Admittedly, this one was a tough cookie to crack, as I had to dig into the details of each feature across both provider’s tiered subscription plans.
While monday.com also presents a solid framework for scalability with its tiered pricing plans covering everything from startups to enterprises, I ultimately found Asana edges it out by a close margin.
monday.com offers a variety of plans, starting from its Basic tier, which provides essential project management features. However, I found it lacks the depth needed for larger organizations.
Its higher tiers, such as the Standard and Pro plans, do bring in more customization options and integrations, though they tend to be priced higher than Asana’s corresponding plans. From my experience, this difference can make it more challenging for smaller teams or startups to justify the investment, especially when starting.
On the other hand, Asana offers a clear pathway from its free version to more advanced functionalities in its paid plans. This makes it easier for businesses to upgrade as their needs grow. Overall, Asana’s approach to its pricing and features makes it the better choice for scalability, given the rapid pace of modern business.
monday.com vs. Asana Key Customer Reviews
Trustpilot reviews paint a close picture, with both Asana and monday.com being popular choices. However, if we consider Asana vs Monday.com user reviews and trust-score ratings, monday.com takes the cake with its intuitive interface, powerful features, and focus on visual project management.
According to users, Asana’s free version is useful, especially for freelancers and small teams. Others praise Asana for its ease of use, clean interface, and helpful features like auto-save and reminders. A few also point out its integration capabilities and variety of views to suit different project needs.
However, some customers on paid plans found the pricing a barrier for small teams. Also, a few complained about the chatbot and the inability to communicate with human customer support, which is why monday.com takes the crown in this showdown.
monday.com vs. Asana: Which One Wins?
Asana or monday.com, which one should you choose? To help you make an educated decision, let’s break down the key differences with this easy-to-read comparison table.
Providers | monday.com | Asana |
---|---|---|
Price | ❌ | ✅ |
Ease of Use | ✅ | ❌ |
Features | ✅ | ❌ |
Integrations | ❌ | ✅ |
Scalability | ❌ | ✅ |
Customer Reviews | ✅ | ❌ |
Overall | Tied | Tied |
After thoroughly testing both platforms, I came to the conclusion they’re like two sides of the same coin, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
As my test indicates, monday.com is more user-friendly than Asana. Its intuitive interface makes it easier for teams, particularly those new to project management tools, to grasp the fundamentals. Asana, while functional, can have a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.
But when it comes to core functionality, Asana offers a little extra. It focuses on detailed task management, work breakdown structures, and AI capabilities ideal for larger teams working on complex projects.
However, monday.com has come close to closing this gap with Work Canvas and Dependencies, recently added features, which I’ll cover in more detail later on.
Also, its pricing structure can be more competitive for small-to-midsize teams, especially when considering the lower entry-level tier. Free plan aside, Asana’s pricing, while competitive, might be more suitable for larger organizations that rely on multiple departments.
When it comes to integrations, Asana offers more options (primarily due to native integration with ClickUp), which can be a significant advantage for teams needing to use multiple tools a once. However, keep in mind that Monday.com has been rapidly expanding its integration capabilities and may offer a competitive selection sooner rather than later.
Ultimately, the best tool for your team depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size. Both monday.com and Asana offer powerful features and can be valuable assets for your organization.
The key is to evaluate what your business needs to drive forward and choose the platform that best fits your goals.
How We Review And Test Project Management Software
We base our recommendations on first-hand testing. All the project management software products we feature, have been tested based on the following criteria.
For more detailed information, feel free to visit our dedicated page on how we review project management software.
- Features: We ensure the provider offers the basic functionality we’d expect, like task management and scheduling, resource management, built-in communication and collaboration capabilities, and reporting.
- Integrations: We check what platforms the software supports for integration, looking for common business tools like CRM software, email marketing platforms, and document management tools.
- Collaboration Capabilities: We assess and test the extent of collaboration on offer, including built-in chat, comment threads, mind mapping, and whiteboard capabilities.
- Pricing and Scalability: We evaluate the value for money on offer based on the functionality, and we factor in the ease and price of scaling.
- Customization: We check whether the platform offers things like custom fields, customizable dashboards, reports, and templates to check how easily the platform can be tailored to different businesses.
- Security: During testing, we note what security measures are in place, including authentication protocols, access controls, data encryption, data backups, and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
- Ease of Use: We assess how easy the platform is to navigate (across mobile and desktop), and we look for things like easy drag-and-drop functionality.
- Reputation: To add to our own analysis of the tools we review, we also factor in feedback from other users to ensure we offer our readers a complete overview.
- Support and Training: Some of the best project management tools do have learning curves. As such, we assess the level and quality of support on offer, including any online documentation.
What’s Not Different Between monday.com and Asana Project Management Software?
Below, I’ll cover the areas where monday.com and Asana have a lot in common. Here’s a rundown of three key features they share that keep teams on track and collaborating effectively:
Both platforms provide robust task management capabilities, allowing users to create, assign, and track tasks effortlessly. You can set due dates, prioritize tasks, and monitor progress through visual boards, making it easy to keep your team organized and on track. Additionally, both tools support recurring tasks, which are really useful for teams with ongoing projects.
While testing Asana and monday.com, I found both providers offer enough collaboration tools to help you improve your teams’ communication.
For instance, both support commenting on tasks, sharing files, and tagging teammates—all crucial features if you want to ensure everyone stays informed in the project workflow. Moreover, real-time notifications keep team members updated on changes, ensuring no one misses important information.
While comparing monday.com vs Asana, I found many advanced reporting tools that help teams track project performance. Both offer custom reports and dashboards to help businesses visualize progress, identify bottlenecks, and assess team productivity.
So, if you’re wondering which tool is better in a scenario where you quickly need to pivot your strategy, the shortest answer is that both will handle it equally well.
What is New With Monday.com?
monday.com has rolled out several updates to enhance its project management capabilities. Let’s take a look at those that really impressed me:
One notable feature is the Emails & Activities app, a tool previously exclusive to Hubspot and Zoho. However, with this latest update, you can also use monday.com to send mass emails directly from the platform, making it easy to handle marketing campaigns, client updates, and follow-ups.
Another addition is WorkCanvas, a digital whiteboard that lets you create visually engaging content like flow charts and workshop designs. Like Asana’s Whiteboard, this tool is designed to make brainstorming sessions more interactive, but with one key difference — monday.com’s design tools felt more intuitive and user-friendly in my experience.
Additionally, monday.com has introduced the Dependencies feature that links tasks together. Unlike Trello, where I had to rely on external Power-Ups like Hello Epics or Planyway, monday.com’s native integration makes it easier to organize projects and ensure critical tasks are completed in the correct order.
What is New With Asana?
It’s fair to say Asana didn’t rest on its laurels. While monday.com has been making strides, Asana has also been busy innovating, keeping the monday.com vs Asana competition fierce.
I recently tested Smartsheet and was impressed by its detailed resource and capacity planning through the Resource Management module. It was great to see Asana introduce similar features like Weighted Goals and Capacity Planning.
Essentially, these are your go-to tools if you need better tracking of project progress and resource allocation. I found them quite useful for businesses of all sizes looking to keep projects on track and their teams aligned.
Additionally, there’s Asana AI, which I found particularly useful for automating repetitive tasks. Now, you can keep all your projects on track without doing those daunting updates yourself. This tool smartly suggests project structures and manages dependencies for you, which I find essential to keep tasks in sync.
Another feature worth noting is Asana’s Sandbox Environment. It works similarly to the Sandbox feature found in Jira. Like its counterpart, Asana now lets you test how new features work with your current system before full deployment, like AI or other Asana integrations.
However, unlike Jira’s Sandbox, which sometimes requires more technical expertise, Asana’s newest addition is more intuitive and user-friendly, in my opinion. This can come in handy for teams and/or individuals less familiar with complex software.
How To Choose The Best Project Management System?
If you’re caught in the dilemma of whether to choose Asana or Monday, these practical guidelines can help you make an informed decision and select the best project management tool for you or your team.
Make sure the tool of your choice matches the type of project you run or specific workflow style. For example, if your team relies on custom workflows, tools like monday.com will allow you to customize your platform to fit different project demands.
It’s always a good idea to take some extra time to research each provider’s pricing plans to make sure the features included align with your needs.
If you need basic task automation and reporting tools without the bells and whistles of AI, monday.com could be a better choice than Asana. Simply put, don’t pay for extras you won’t use.
Some providers, like monday.com, have minimum user requirements in their pricing plans. If you’re a one-person team, you might have to pay for extra, unused seats on some premium tiers. From my experience, it’s important to consider your team’s current size but also take into equation potential future growth when choosing a plan.
It’s vital to choose a tool that can grow with your business. For example, Asana’s multi-tiered plans offer options that can satisfy the needs of both small teams and larger enterprises, including a free account for individuals. Should your company start to grow, choosing your project management software wisely with the potential business growth in mind can save you from needing a new tool as you expand.
Choose a platform that works well with the tools you already use, be it the best CRM software or a PPM tool, to avoid time-consuming manual tasks. This works for other tools as well.
For example, if you’re heavily invested in Microsoft tools, Asana’s seamless integration with Microsoft 365 might be a significant advantage. On the other hand, if you prefer Google Workspace, monday.com’s integration with Google Calendar might be a better fit.
It’s essential to choose a platform with reliable and responsive customer support to help you navigate any issues. However, remember that the level of customer support can vary depending on the plan. Free users typically have access to basic support. However, premium plans often offer more comprehensive support options, such as priority email or phone support.
Picking a tool that’s straightforward but also has the depth your team needs helps reduce onboarding time and minimizes disruption. I’d recommend testing different project management software tools to help you navigate this challenge.
Look for a platform that prioritizes data privacy and security with features like user access controls, strong encryption, and compliance with industry standards. For example, if you’re handling sensitive customer data, look for a platform that complies with GDPR.
FAQs
Is Asana better, or Monday?
Why is Monday beating Asana?
What makes Asana different?
Can monday and Asana work together?
Is monday.com good for small businesses?
References
- Change Is Constant in a Business Environment (Texas A&M University)
- How to Measure Your Business Strategy’s Success (Harvard Business School)
- No-Nonsense Guide to Measuring Productivity (Harvard Business Review)
- Why It’s Necessary to Improve Team Communication (American Public University)