Free & open source alternatives to Microsoft Project

4 free project planning and scheduling apps to use instead of Microsoft Project by Microsoft

The best free alternative to Microsoft Project is ProjectLibre. Opens .mpp files and supports Gantt charts, critical path and resource management.

Other great options: GanttProject, OpenProject and Plane.

Quick pick: To open .mpp files and build Gantt charts the way MS Project does, use ProjectLibre. For team collaboration on the web, use OpenProject.

Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.

4 best alternatives to Microsoft Project

ProjectLibre

Office & PDF

Open sourceSome learning curve

Opens .mpp files and supports Gantt charts, critical path and resource management.

Open-source project planner similar to Microsoft Project, with Gantt charts and critical path. Handles resource allocation and opens .mpp files.

Opens MS Project .mpp files
Gantt, PERT and critical path

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux

ProjectLibre details Official website ↗

GanttProject

Office & PDF HealthFair (64/100)1,119

Open sourceEasy to use

Lightweight and enough for small projects; imports and exports MS Project files.

Lightweight open-source Gantt chart tool, enough for small and mid-sized project plans.

Easy to use, imports and exports MS Project files

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux

GanttProject details Official website ↗

OpenProject

Notes & teamwork HealthGood (95/100)17,109

Open sourceTechnical setup

Web-based collaboration with Gantt charts, time tracking and cost reporting.

Open-source project management for organizations, with Gantt charts and agile boards. Also covers time tracking, budgets, wiki and meetings.

Gantt and Scrum, plus time and cost tracking
Fits construction and engineering projects

Platforms: Self-hosted · Web

OpenProject details Official website ↗

Plane

Notes & teamwork HealthGood (95/100)62,140

Open sourceSome learning curve

A modern option that suits software teams better than a classic Gantt tool.

Open-source project management tool, an alternative to Jira, Linear and Trello. Covers issues, cycles (sprints), kanban, Gantt and docs.

Modern, fast interface
Free cloud plan for small teams plus a self-hosted edition

Platforms: Web · Self-hosted

Plane details Official website ↗

Quick comparison

App	Type	Platforms	Ease of use	GitHub stars
ProjectLibre	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux	Some learning curve	—
GanttProject	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux	Easy to use	1,119
OpenProject	Open source	Self-hosted, Web	Technical setup	17,109
Plane	Open source	Web, Self-hosted	Some learning curve	62,140

Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.

FAQ

What is the best free alternative to Microsoft Project?

The most popular picks are ProjectLibre, GanttProject, OpenProject and Plane. To open .mpp files and build Gantt charts the way MS Project does, use ProjectLibre. For team collaboration on the web, use OpenProject.