Introduction
If you're tired of juggling tasks across spreadsheets, sticky notes, and endless email threads, you're not alone. Project management can feel like herding cats, especially when your team is growing and deadlines are tight. That's where Plane comes in – it's an open-source project management tool that promises to bring order to the chaos without breaking the bank.
Unlike pricey alternatives that lock you into their ecosystem, Plane gives you complete control over your data and workflows. You can host it on your own servers, tweak it to match how your team actually works, and skip the monthly subscription fees that add up fast. For small business owners watching every dollar, that's music to your ears.
The real question is whether Plane delivers on its promises. Can an open-source tool really compete with the big names in project management? And more importantly, will it actually make your life easier or just add another tool to learn? Let's dig into what Plane offers and whether it's the right fit for your team.
Key Features
Open-Source Platform: Host Plane on your own servers and keep full control of your data. You’re not locked into someone else’s system, which means you can customize it exactly how your team needs it.
Customizable Workflows: Set up your project stages to match how you actually work. Whether you need simple to-do lists or complex approval processes, you can build workflows that fit your team’s style.
Cycle System: Break big projects into smaller chunks with clear deadlines. This helps you finish tasks on time and keeps your team focused on what needs to get done each week or sprint.
Modular Project Management: Create separate workspaces for different teams or projects. You can keep marketing campaigns separate from product development, so nothing gets mixed up or lost.
Developer APIs: Connect Plane to your other tools with powerful APIs. Your tech team can build custom integrations and automate repetitive tasks to save everyone time.
Pages Feature: Write project documentation right next to your tasks. Your team can find important notes, instructions, and context without switching between different apps.
Our Take
Looking for a project management tool that won’t break the bank? Plane might be worth checking out, especially if you’re running a small to medium-sized business. What makes it interesting is that it’s open-source, which means you can host it yourself and keep control of your data. That’s pretty nice if privacy is a concern for your team.
The interface is clean and simple, so your team won’t need weeks of training to figure it out. You can set up workflows that match how your team actually works, and the cycle system helps you stay on top of deadlines. Plus, if you have developers on your team, they’ll appreciate the APIs that let them build custom features.
But here’s the catch – if your team uses GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket, you might hit some roadblocks. Plane doesn’t connect with these tools yet, so linking code to project tasks isn’t possible. That could be a real pain for software teams who need everything connected.
Compared to bigger project management tools, Plane keeps things simple. You won’t find tons of bells and whistles, but that might actually be a good thing if you just need the basics done right. The open-source approach means you’re not locked into monthly fees that keep going up, which is great for budget-conscious teams.
Is Plane right for you? If you want something straightforward, affordable, and you’re okay with hosting it yourself, it’s definitely worth a test run. Just know that if you need deep integrations with other tools or advanced project management features, you might need to look elsewhere.
Pricing
Free – $0 per seat per month
No-frills project management for startups, passion projects, and more. Get started with Projects and Work Items to deliver projects quickly using feature-rich, easy-to-use tools. Utilize Cycles and Modules to timebox work and create repeatable workflows effortlessly. With Layouts and Views, enjoy five layouts and unlimited views for full flexibility. The Work Item Intake feature lets you capture feedback and convert it into actionable items, while Estimates help remove the guesswork from effort and deadlines. Use Project Pages to document everything in one interface. The Free plan supports up to 12 seats.
Pro – $6 per seat per month (Save 25%)
Designed and built for mature teams that need more. Get Pro at this price or start a two-week free trial. Includes everything in Free, plus Work Item Types and Properties for custom team workflows, a Workspace Wiki for centralized knowledge, Time Tracking and Work Logs for tracking and reporting, and Work Item and Page Templates for replicating standard workflows. Access Dashboards for visual insights, Epics and Initiatives to define strategic goals, Teamspaces for focused collaboration, and Integrations + Marketplace to connect your existing tools. Includes unlimited seats for approximately 200 users.
Business – $13 per seat per month (Save 13%)
Best for group project managers, larger teams, and advanced workflow controls. Get Business at this price or start a two-week free trial. Includes everything in Pro, plus Project Templates for scalable workflows, Recurring Work Items to automate repetitive tasks, and Intake Email and Forms to convert submissions into work items. Enjoy Nested Pages and Embeds for progressive documentation, Workflows and Approvals for structured processes, and Customers for managing client profiles and linked requests. Gain access to Dashboards with Advanced Widgets for deeper insights. Includes unlimited seats for approximately 200 users.
Enterprise Grid – Quote on request (Coming Soon)
Custom plans that include premium features for your organization. Pre-order now or talk to the team for details. Includes everything in Business, plus Private and Managed Deployments, offering Plane as a tailored, fully managed service. Features Granular Access Control for detailed permissions, LDAP Support for seamless authentication and group sync, and API-enabled Audit Logs for traceable actions. Also includes Migration and Implementation Services to ensure a smooth transition from any existing project management software. Supports unlimited seats and users.
Final Thoughts
So what’s the bottom line? Plane could be exactly what you need if you want a simple, affordable way to keep your projects on track. It won’t blow you away with fancy features, but sometimes that’s a good thing. You get clean project management without the complexity or the monthly bills that keep climbing.
Before you decide, think about what matters most to your team. Do you need deep integrations with coding tools? Then Plane might frustrate you. But if you want something your whole team can figure out quickly, with the freedom to host it yourself and customize it your way, Plane hits that sweet spot.
The best part? You can test it out without risking much. Since it’s open-source, you can spin it up, give it a real workout with your team, and see if it fits. No sales calls, no credit card required upfront, just you and your team figuring out if this tool makes your work life better.
Ready to see if Plane can bring some order to your project chaos? Click the button below to get started and take control of your project management without the hefty price tag.
FAQs
