Quick comparison
Shortlist first, details second. Always double-check current pricing and plan limits on the vendor site.
| Tool | Best for | Setup time | Pricing | Why it’s here | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| See pricing →Top pick | Client + portfolio visibility | See current pricing | Paid | Dashboards + flexibility | Can get complex if you overbuild |
| See pricing → | All‑in‑one work hub | See current pricing | Free + paid | Great value | Feels heavy if you enable everything |
| See pricing → | Clean task management | See current pricing | Free + paid | Simple, polished | Less flexible for custom dashboards |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized fast setup and simple ownership/permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked integrations and reporting (so you don’t build a spreadsheet on the side).
- Included a clear watch‑out for each option to avoid bad fits.
We refresh guides when pricing/features shift. Always verify current terms on the vendor site.
monday.com — best overall for agency dashboards and visibility
Where it shines
- Boards that map nicely to client work
- Dashboards across projects/clients (great for ops)
- Easy to create ‘templates’ for repeatable delivery
Common gotchas
- Don’t start with 20 columns—keep it lean
- Naming conventions matter (client/project) or reporting gets messy
Pick it if…
- You want a clear ops view across many clients
- You like building light custom workflows without code
Skip it if…
- You want the most minimal tool possible and hate configuration
ClickUp — value-packed if you want tasks + docs in one place
Where it shines
- Powerful views and customization
- Docs/knowledge alongside tasks
- Good value for the feature set
Common gotchas
- It can feel ‘busy’—choose a small set of features first
- Permissioning can take time to get right for clients
Pick it if…
- You want one hub for tasks + docs + simple planning
- You’re okay spending a bit of time tailoring the workspace
Skip it if…
- You want a super simple, locked-down workflow
Asana — clean, fast task management that most people like
Where it shines
- Great UI for day‑to‑day task work
- Easy onboarding for new team members
- Solid for internal work and simple client projects
Common gotchas
- If you need highly custom dashboards, you may hit limits
- Heavier agency ops reporting can require workarounds
Pick it if…
- You value simplicity and adoption over endless customization
- Your workflow is fairly standard
Skip it if…
- You need highly customized portfolio reporting without effort
Bottom line
If you want one safe recommendation, pick monday.com and keep your setup simple. Choose ClickUp if you want more in one tool (and can handle a bit of configuration). Pick Asana if you prioritize clean day‑to‑day task execution.
FAQ
What’s the best project management tools for a small agency?
Start with the Top pick in the quick comparison, then sanity‑check the watch‑out against your workflow and budget.
How long does it take to set up project management tools?
Most teams can get a workable setup in a half day to two days. The real work is deciding your workflow (stages, ownership, and client touchpoints).
Do these tools support client access and permissions?
Usually, yes — but it varies by plan. Before committing, confirm guest seats, client permissions, and whether clients need paid accounts.