Looking for a reliable open source PM tool? In our view, in 2025, project teams will have more live conversations not on Zoom, but specifically in the office, co-working space or on a business trip. Automation and AI tools will take over the routine part of the work. Writing a document, code or sending an email can now be done by project management systems.
.
No matter what methodology you use Agile, Waterfall or mix, it is more important than ever for remote teams to adapt to workflows, build trust in each other and thus improve communication. For teams with limited budgets, open source project management tools offer a cost-effective way to streamline workflows, increase collaboration and achieve business goals.
In this article, you’ll learn:
1. How to choose open source project management tool? Learn what to consider when choosing an open source project management system, including functionality, deployment options, and maintenance and support costs.
2. What are the best open source project management tools?
3. What are the best deployment methods for PM tools? Learn the key aspects of on-premises, cloud and standalone deployment options with a service contract and decide which option is best for your organisation.
In our previous article, we explored several open-source Jira alternatives, particularly in light of Atlassian discontinuing on-premises deployment support. This shift has led large organisations to seek open source solutions to comply with their security policies. In this article, we will break down the most popular open source software and compare them.
According to McKinsey's 2025 report, CTOs (Chief Tecknology Officers) are increasingly adopting a hybrid approach, using both open source and proprietary technologies within their organisations. As the era of open-source AI unfolds, businesses are poised to unlock new opportunities and redefine the future of AI-driven transformation.
How to Choose the Right Open Source Project Management Tool?
There are many open source project management tools in the market, but how to choose the right one? Based on what parameters? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate:
- Evaluate the functionality, make sure the tool offers task management, email integration, time tracking, reporting and analytics, customisation options and integration with other tools your team uses.
- Consider deployment options: on-premises (for complete control and security), cloud-based (for ease of use and scalability), or stand-alone with support (a hybrid approach with professional help). Ask if there is an option to get service for installation, data migration, upgrades.
- Request terms and conditions for technical support. Look at the contract with SLA: what is the response time on request? What communication channels will be used for support? Do you have a developer with the necessary technical stack in your staff.
- Create a free trial account and have a working group test the real pilot project. As a result of testing, there will be questions that are better to discuss before the contract is signed.
- Compare costs, keeping in mind that while open source tools are free, there may be additional costs for hosting, support or premium plugins and add-ons.
- Capterra review, shows you common use cases and feedback from current customers.
To help you make an informed decision, let's compare the pricing plans for a typical team of 25 users in some of the best project management software.
Best open source project management software
1. RedmineUP
RedmineUP is the ultimate evolution of Redmine, combining the core functionality of the popular open-source project management tool with 18 premium plugins and a modern, user-friendly interface. This enhanced version of Redmine offers advanced features like issue tracking, Kanban and Scrum boards, time tracking, custom fields and workflows, and seamless integrations with other tools. What sets RedmineUP apart is its SLA-based technical support, ensuring reliable assistance whenever needed.
One of the standout advantages of RedmineUP is its flexibility in deployment. You can choose between cloud or self-hosted options, and even start in the cloud before migrating to a self-hosted solution without any data loss. The RedmineUP cloud is managed by a highly technical support team, offering enterprise-grade reliability and security, with all data encrypted for peace of mind.
RedmineUP extends the capabilities of Redmine with premium plugins such as Agile, Helpdesk, CRM and Resources, making it a solid solution for project management, customer support and resource planning. It’s the ideal choice for teams looking to elevate their project management experience while retaining the open-source spirit of Redmine.
At Crevier, RedmineUP is mission-critical for our project management. Kanban boards provide a visual representation of tasks, promoting transparency and reducing the need for clarification meetings or emails. However, maintaining our own server was a drain on IT resources. We needed a solution with expertise in Redmine upgrades and plugin integration to ensure a smooth transition and continued functionality. Etienne Brault, IT Supervisor.
RedmineUP is a great fit for small and mid-sized teams seeking a flexible and customisable project management solution, especially if budget is a concern. It supports both Agile and traditional project management methodologies. See the Redmine user's use case.
Captera raiting: 4.4
Cost for Cloud subscription for 25 users: $69
Customers: NASA, BOSCH, SONY, IKEA, IBM, INTEL
Create a free RedmineUP account
2. OpenProject
OpenProject is a comprehensive open-source project management platform that offers a variety of features, including issue tracking, Kanban and Scrum boards, Gantt charts, time tracking, custom fields and workflows, and integrations with other tools. It's known for its powerful reporting capabilities and active community development.
OpenProject can be installed on-premises in your own organisations's infrastructure, giving you complete control over your data and allowing you to manage it 100% yourself. OpenProject is investing heavily in the freedom of users. This encompasses the software freedoms granted by GPLv3 and extends to the rights and freedoms granted by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Install and run OpenProject on-premises in your organisation’s infrastructure and behind your firewall. This setup in your own infrastructure or hosting provider of your choice provides you most privacy and sovereignty over your data.
Captera raiting: 4.6
Cost for Cloud subscription for 25 users: $191
Customers: SIEMENS, DELOITTE, AUDI, SANOFI, GREENPIACE.
Create a free OpenProject account
3. GitLab
GitLab is a comprehensive DevSecOps platform focused on AI to empower Dev, Sec, and Ops teams. GitLab brings all DevSecOps capabilities into one application with a unified data store, so everything is all in one place.
The best choice for your team depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution that covers your entire software development lifecycle, GitLab might be the better option.
Captera raiting: 4.6
Cost for Cloud subscription for 25 users: $725
Customers: Lockheed Martin, UBS, NVIDIA, Gpldman Sachs.
4. Odoo
Odoo is a popular open-source business management suite that offers a wide range of integrated applications to help businesses streamline their operations. From project management and CRM to accounting and inventory management, Odoo provides a comprehensive solution for organizations of all sizes.
Ideal for teams seeking an integrated solution for a wide range of business processes, from sales and marketing to manufacturing and accounting.
Captera raiting: 4.2
Cost for Cloud subscription for 25 users: $329
Customers: ISOTECH, MIRGOR, KOIKEYA.
5. Taiga
Taiga is an open-source project management tool designed to help teams manage their projects efficiently using Agile methodologies. It is particularly popular among startups, software development teams, and organizations that follow Scrum or Kanban frameworks. Taiga’s user-friendly interface, flexibility, and robust feature set make it an excellent choice for teams looking to streamline their workflows and improve collaboration.
As an open-source tool, Taiga is highly customizable and can be self-hosted, giving teams full control over their data and infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly with popular tools like GitHub, GitLab, and Slack, making it ideal for software development teams, startups, and remote teams.
Captera raiting: 4.3
Cost for Cloud subscription for 25 users: $70
Customers: AIRBUS, ORANGE, HP, DECATHLON.
Open source project management software. Deployment methods.
Open source project management software offers flexibility, cost savings and customisation that appeal to organisations of all sizes. A key decision is the choice of deployment method: On-premises, cloud or self-hosting with a maintenance contract. Each option has unique benefits and trade-offs, depending on your organisation's needs, resources and technical expertise.
- On-premises deployment involves installing and running the open-source project management software on your own servers and infrastructure. This means you have full control over the hardware, software, and data. After the initial setup, there are no recurring subscription fees, but you need to invest in servers, storage, and other infrastructure. Your IT team is responsible for regular updates, backups, plugins management and tech support.
- Cloud deployment involves running the open-source project management software on a cloud provider’s infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure). The software is hosted and managed by the cloud provider. The hosting provider handles software updates and maintenance and no need to invest in expensive hardware.
- Self-hosted with a maintenance contract is a hybrid approach. You host the software on your own servers, but you purchase a maintenance contract from the software provider or a third-party vendor. This contract typically includes updates, technical support, and sometimes custom development service. You retain control over your infrastructure while receiving professional support.
| Aspect | On-Premises | Cloud | Self-Hosted with Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | High initial costs, no recurring fees | Low initial costs, recurring fees | Moderate initial costs, recurring fees |
| Maintenance | Handled by your IT team | Handled by the cloud provider | Handled by the vendor |
| Data Security | High (data stays on-premises) | Moderate (data stored off-site) | High (data stays on-premises) |
| Technical Expertise | Requires skilled IT team | Minimal expertise required | Some IT expertise required |
| Best For | Large organizations, strict compliance needs | Small to medium businesses, quick deployment | Medium to large businesses, need support |
