Best Open-Source Project Management Software in 2025
- Philip Moses
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Managing projects is a key part of getting work done on time and keeping teams organized. With more teams looking for flexible and cost-effective options, open-source project management tools are becoming more popular than ever.
In this blog, we’ll briefly highlight some of the best open-source tools in 2025.

1. OpenProject – The Most Secure and Comprehensive PM Platform
OpenProject is a mature, enterprise-grade project management tool designed for teams that need security, flexibility, and robust planning capabilities. With support for agile boards, Gantt charts, team collaboration, and time tracking, it's suitable for both small teams and large-scale enterprise environments.
Pros:
Advanced security and compliance features
Rich feature set including task management, time tracking, and wikis
Ideal for managing multiple, complex projects
Cons:
Learning curve for beginners
Interface is more functional than modern
Why Choose OpenProject?
If security, advanced project planning, and enterprise-level features are a priority, OpenProject delivers on all fronts.
2. Redmine – A Flexible and Extensible Classic
Redmine continues to be a favorite among developers and tech teams due to its plugin-friendly architecture and flexibility. Whether you need a simple task tracker or a complex project workflow manager, Redmine can be shaped to fit your requirements.
Pros:
Highly customizable and completely free
Wide plugin ecosystem (Agile, CRM, Gantt, Budgeting, etc.)
Supports multiple methodologies
Cons:
Outdated user interface
Requires technical knowledge for installation and maintenance
Why Choose Redmine?
Redmine is perfect for teams that have the technical skill to shape the platform into a tailored project management solution.
3. Taiga – Agile Project Management Made Simple
Taiga is a beautifully designed agile project management tool that’s particularly well-suited for development teams and startups. It offers a modern UI, kanban and scrum boards, backlogs, sprints, and issue tracking — all while remaining lightweight and open-source.
Pros:
Clean and intuitive user interface
Great support for agile workflows (Scrum, Kanban)
REST API and easy integrations
Cons:
Limited features for traditional project management
May not be ideal for large, non-agile teams
Why Choose Taiga?
Taiga is ideal for agile teams looking for a modern, distraction-free project management tool without the enterprise-level complexity.
4. ProjectLibre – Open-Source Alternative to Microsoft Project
ProjectLibre is a powerful open-source project management tool tailored for traditional planning needs. It mirrors much of the functionality of Microsoft Project and is especially useful for teams focused on project scheduling, task dependencies, and resource allocation.
Pros:
Familiar interface for MS Project users
Strong scheduling and Gantt chart features
Great for offline use and single-project management
Cons:
Lacks cloud-based collaboration features
Limited integration options
Why Choose ProjectLibre?
If your team manages projects with traditional methods and relies on detailed timelines and resources, ProjectLibre is a great alternative to proprietary tools like Microsoft Project.
5. Taskcafe – Lightweight and Clean Kanban Tool
Taskcafe is a newer open-source project management tool that emphasizes simplicity and clean UI. Inspired by Trello-style kanban boards, it's great for teams who want a straightforward way to manage tasks without clutter.
Pros:
Simple and user-friendly interface
Self-hosted and light on resources
Focused on task organization
Cons:
Still evolving; limited advanced features
Smaller community and ecosystem compared to older tools
Why Choose Taskcafe?
Taskcafe is great for small teams and solo professionals who prefer a minimalist, distraction-free kanban experience.
6. Focalboard (Mattermost Boards) – Collaboration-Driven PM for Teams
Focalboard, now integrated into Mattermost as “Boards,” is an open-source project management solution for teams that prefer visual task tracking and close collaboration. It’s especially handy for remote teams using Mattermost for communication.
Pros:
Fully integrated with Mattermost for team chat and collaboration
Clean kanban-style boards
Self-hosted and privacy-friendly
Cons:
Best used with Mattermost; standalone use may feel limited
Less suitable for advanced PM requirements
Why Choose Focalboard?
For teams already using Mattermost or those looking for a privacy-focused, team-friendly kanban tool, Focalboard offers a seamless project tracking experience.
Final Thoughts
Open-source project management software in 2025 offers more choice and flexibility than ever before. Whether you're managing agile development, traditional planning, or simple task tracking, there's a tool that fits your workflow.
For security and robust features, go with OpenProject.
For extensive customization, Redmine is hard to beat.
For agile simplicity, choose Taiga.
For traditional scheduling, ProjectLibre excels.
For lightweight kanban, Taskcafe shines.
For team collaboration, Focalboard delivers.
But here’s the catch — most of these tools need some level of technical setup, often requiring a dedicated server and manual configuration. That’s where Belsterns' House of FOSS comes in. We handle all the installation, hosting, and setup for you — no tech background needed. Whether you’re a startup, a growing business, or a solo founder, we make open-source tools plug-and-play, so you can focus on your work, not the setup.
So click on Get Started and do the registration to begin your journey with us.
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