Microsoft Project Reviews
20 reviews
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As someone who has used project management tools for a long time, I have to say that my overall experience with Microsoft Project has been a good one, with a few exceptions. In this review, I will share some of my thoughts on Microsoft Project based on practical use cases that shaped my opinion.
I believe one of the first key strengths is its ability to manage complex projects involving multiple teams. For example, in a recent software development project, I was able to clearly identify tasks to be completed and follow the progress through Gantt charts. The visual representation of tasks at hand really brought teamwork to a different level enabling the team to hit tight deadlines and adjust schedules due to unforeseen delays.
Another important strength that I found useful with Microsoft Project was the full set of features it offers. When I was able to utilize the budget tracking and resource planning tools during an infrastructure upgrade project, it made for a seamless way to manage project expenditures. The option of online support was also helpful when I was having challenges or simply had questions about advanced features.
That being said, over my experience, I quite often found some things to be a barrier for full use of the software. Initially, the learning curve was steep - even as a seasoned project manager. There was a lot to learn, and I found that to fully grasp some advanced features it was going to take a lot of time and training. Another factor was being able to access the software, that sufficiently frustrated me as there were times that getting to the application or document on one or more occasions was cumbersome because of the different layers of permissions involved, depending on the IT environment of the organization.
Despite my challenges, my overall impression of Microsoft Project is positive. While the platform is slightly aging in that it could use an updated interface and more seamless integration function with other Microsoft products like Teams or SharePoint, Microsoft Project gets the job done for me. I find it reliable, and I have grown to trust, use and find it especially useful for the management of large projects where detailed planning of tasks and tracking of activity is critical - providing the level of description needed for the project (e.g., plant clean up, construction, enterprise IT deployment).
Comprehensive Features
The software includes all essential features for project management, such as tasks, roles, finance, progress, and performance tracking. Regular updates ensure the features meet users' needs effectively
User-Friendly
Microsoft Project is user-friendly with robust features and a wide range of project templates, assisting teams in managing various tasks. It's particularly user-friendly for those familiar with planning and scheduling concepts
Online Assistance
A significant advantage of Microsoft Project is the ease of finding online assistance, making it easier for users to navigate and utilize the software effectively.
Gantt Chart
The Gantt chart feature is particularly useful in planning project completion times, providing a visual representation of the project timeline
Effective Project Management
Microsoft Project is highly effective in managing collaborative projects, enhancing efficiency in planning and executing tasks within set timeframes. It allows for clear division of tasks among team members, preventing confusion during project execution
Limited file format compatibility
Although the software has its own proprietary format that can be saved as a PDF for sharing, it would be more convenient if it could be opened directly in different formats.
Poor integration with other software
It's very clunky when integrating with other products, especially other Microsoft software, which is genuinely disappointing
Complicated access
Accessing the software can be complicated, needing multiple permissions and steps
High learning curve
Microsoft Project requires a significant amount of training to become skilled and comfortable with, as some features or tools are hard to comprehend and the manual doesn't thoroughly explain these tools
Outdated and clunky interface
Visually, it's not as appealing as other project management software and it's the least intuitive in design. It's also riddled with bugs that prevent tasks or projects from updating or saving correctly
Starting Price
Free Plan
Powerful resource management
Flexible project tracking and monitoring
Effortless project planning
Real-time reporting and dashboards
Streamlined team collaboration
N/A
Free Plan
No
Powerful resource management
Flexible project tracking and monitoring
Effortless project planning
Real-time reporting and dashboards
Streamlined team collaboration
Small to Large Organizations
Microsoft Project is beneficial for all sizes of organizations due to its user-friendly nature and comprehensive planning and scheduling tools. However, they may wish for the software to be opened directly in different formats
Project Managers
Professionals who are responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects. They benefit from Microsoft Project's features like task division, role assignment, and Gantt charts, which help in tracking and completing projects within the set timeframe
Students
Microsoft Project serves as a project manager for student projects, providing essential features like tasks, roles, finance, progress, and performance. However, they may find accessing the software complicated due to multiple permissions and steps
Experienced Users
Long-term users who are familiar with the software and its functionalities. They find Microsoft Project effective and reliable, but wish for improvements in user experience and interface design
Budget-Conscious Users
Users who are looking for an affordable project management solution. They appreciate Microsoft Project's affordability and familiarity as part of the Microsoft Suite, but may find it outdated and clunky, and wish for improvements in the interface and integration with other software.
Microsoft Project rating
Ease of use
Customer service
Value for money
Likelihood to recommend
Features
Trent Tie
Microsoft Project – Solid, but shows its age
We've been using Microsoft Project for a while in our mid-sized team. It’s definitely built for structure — scheduling, dependencies, critical paths — all of that works well if you take the time to set it up right. But in practice, we’ve faced a few limitations: Too steep a learning curve for non-PM team members Limited collaboration unless paired with other Microsoft tools Reporting and dashboarding feel outdated without Power BI integration Not as adaptable for hybrid or agile workflows It does its job for traditional project plans, but if your team is evolving or distributed, you might start feeling the friction. We’re exploring alternatives that are more modern and better suited for cross-functional teams — still testing things out. Would love to hear how others are working around the collaboration limitations?
July 30, 2025
Rachel N
Effective Risk Management: Identifying and Planning for Potential Risks
The risk management feature is another plus. It helps us identify potential risks early on and develop contingency plans
August 13, 2024
Megan Jones
Excellent Project Management Solution
I consider Microsoft Project a fantastic, user-friendly tool. It's a widely recognized industry standard, facilitating its implementation. I value its features, but I wish it was slightly cheaper. A significant advantage is the ease of finding online assistance.
August 4, 2024
Patricia C
Efficiently Managing Complex Projects: Microsoft Project's Commendable Abilities
Microsoft Project's ability to handle complex projects is commendable. It can manage multiple projects simultaneously without compromising on efficiency or accuracy
July 27, 2024
Brian W
Solid Choice, Though Slightly Expensive
As an experienced user, I've never had any major problems with Microsoft Project. It works well and performs its job effectively. However, I do wish they would improve the user experience, especially the interface design. For many years, it was the go-to software for project management and was almost a necessity for anyone in the field. This is a big reason why many older users like me still use it. Aside from this, it's well-designed and a solid choice. For experienced users, it's one of the best tools out there and it's quite easy to start a new project with it. However, it feels like Microsoft Project has become stagnant over time. Newer alternatives are easier to use and have more appealing designs. Like other Office apps, Microsoft Project seems too tied to the Office style and lacks innovation, which can limit user creativity. I initially chose Microsoft Project because it was the standard project management tool at the time and I didn't have many other options.
July 20, 2024
Sara Davis
Efficient Task Management: Streamlining Project Progress and Collaboration
The task management feature is another highlight. It allows us to break down projects into manageable tasks, assign them to team members, and track their progress
July 16, 2024
Carolyn
User-Friendly Software: Intuitive and Beginner-Friendly Interface
As a frequent user of the software, I appreciate its user-friendly interface. It's intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners
July 6, 2024
Virginia B
Seamless Integration: Enhancing Communication and Collaboration
I am particularly impressed with the software's integration capabilities. It seamlessly syncs with other Microsoft applications like Outlook and Teams, enhancing our communication and collaboration efforts
July 1, 2024
William
Streamlining Project Management with Ease
I find Microsoft Project to be a fantastic planning and scheduling tool beneficial for all sizes of organizations. It's incredibly user-friendly, particularly if you're familiar with planning and scheduling concepts. Although the software has its own proprietary format that can be saved as a PDF for sharing, I wish it could be opened directly in different formats. I chose Microsoft Project for its simplicity, less complexity, and ease of configuration and use.
June 24, 2024
Madison Brown
Microsoft Project: Streamlining Work for Efficiency and Speed
I find Microsoft Project user-friendly with robust features and a wide range of project templates. It assists my team in managing tasks like examinations, approvals, newsletters, and handling a lot of work. However, despite its strong capabilities, I don't believe it fits all project management needs.
June 17, 2024
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