ClickUp vs Trello

They say project management tools are supposed to make life easier, but searching for the right one seems like a project of its own. ClickUp and Trello are both standouts for getting teams organized and collaborating, but they take a completely different approach. ClickUp is also for teams overseeing complex workflows, with built-in tools that track progress, automate tasks, and customize views. With its Kanban boards, Trello is for teams that prioritize simplicity and fast setup.

In this article, we'll break down all the differences between ClickUp and Trello, and showcase what each tool can do better than the other! We'll also consider Breeze, a feature-packed project management option made for practicality in a clear, user-friendly interface.

ClickUp and Trello Compared

ClickUp is a tool with features tailored for teams managing various projects. It includes tools like automation, reporting, and customizable permissions, making it ideal for structured workflows and precise tracking. However, its extensive options can feel overwhelming, often requiring more time to set up and onboard teams effectively. For those who prioritize advanced functionality and customization, ClickUp is a decent choice.

Trello, on the other hand, champions simplicity. Its Kanban boards are great for visually organizing tasks, allowing teams to get started quickly without complex configurations. While Trello works well for simpler projects, its reliance on Power-Ups to extend functionality may leave some users wanting more.

For teams looking for a balanced approach, Breeze is a practical alternative. It combines essential tools like built-in time tracking, workflow automation, and customizable Kanban boards into a clear, easy-to-use tool. Breeze keeps your team focused on work, not the software.

• ClickUp
• Trello
• Other Alternative

ClickUp

• Pricing: Free for basic use, with premium plans starting at $9 per user per month
• Rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra

ClickUp is a productivity tool to help teams manage projects, collaborate and stay on top of deadlines. With features like advanced time tracking, project monitoring and team management ClickUp keeps workflows smooth and organized. Integrations with Gmail, Slack and Dropbox keep everything in one place, so you don't get distracted by switching between apps.

For teams looking to jump-start their projects, ClickUp includes pre-designed templates. From product launches to everyday planning, these templates provide a ready-made framework that saves time and eliminates guesswork. Its automation tools also take care of repetitive actions like status updates and task reminders, freeing teams to focus on critical objectives.

Why You Might Prefer ClickUp Over Trello

• Includes advanced functionalities like Gantt charts, time tracking, and screen recording, which Trello doesn't provide without add-ons.
• Enables tailored project monitoring with dashboards that display key metrics and progress, offering more depth than Trello's Kanban boards.
• Enhances project control through granular permissions, giving administrators better oversight compared to Trello's simpler setup.
• Reduces manual effort with built-in automations for routine actions, bypassing Trello's reliance on external integrations for similar tasks.
• Features affordable plans starting at $7 per user per month, while Trello's advanced capabilities often require extra costs through Power-Ups.
• Delivers multiple workflow views like timelines, calendars, and lists, appealing to teams with diverse needs beyond Trello's core Kanban approach.
• Robust collaboration tools like in-app chat, task comments, and file sharing for real-time teamwork.

Looking for more tools similar to ClickUp? Check out this list of ClickUp alternatives.

What People Think About ClickUp:

"ClickUp has really helped us improve on the management of our sakes projects. It allows us to work together as a team and collaborate on all the tasks we have. The experience with ClickUp has been super beneficial and it has allowed us to have smooth flow of operations during projects."

Source: Capterra

Trello

• Pricing: Free for basic use, with paid plans starting at $5 per user per month
• Rating: 4.5/5 on Capterra

Trello's visual-first approach makes task management accessible. It is a contrast to Notion's open-ended workspace. While Notion has endless customization and multi-purpose tools, Trello zeroes in on Kanban boards for task tracking. This specificity is an advantage for teams that prefer simplicity over flexibility—Trello removes the guesswork and keeps workflows streamlined.

In contrast to Notion, which requires users to create and structure their own workspaces, Trello is ready to use from the start. Its layout eliminates the need for tutorials or setup time. For teams that prioritize quick onboarding and simple navigation, Trello has an immediate path to productivity.

Why You Might Prefer Trello Over ClickUp

• Trello's Kanban boards are ready to use immediately, while ClickUp often requires time to set up workflows and customize templates.
• Its lightweight design makes it easier for smaller teams or freelancers to manage tasks without overwhelming options.
• Power-Ups allow teams to add features only as needed, unlike ClickUp's default inclusion of complex tools that can feel excessive.
• Drag-and-drop cards and simple checklists in Trello simplify collaboration, especially for teams that don't need advanced configurations.
• Trello's free plan provides unlimited boards and basic features, making it cost-effective compared to ClickUp's premium plans for similar functionality.
• Teams working on smaller, visual projects can benefit from Trello's clean interface, which focuses on tasks without distractions.

Looking for more tools similar to Trello? Check out this list of Trello alternatives.

What People Think About Trello:

"My experience with Trello has been very good. It helped me organize my projects in an easy and straightforward way. I like how I can customize everything to suit what I need. Working as a team has also become simpler, as we can assign tasks and see what each person is doing."

Source: Capterra

Other Alternative

While ClickUp and Trello are popular options for project management, Breeze is a strong contender for teams looking for simplicity without losing essential functionality. Breeze provides its users with a simple yet powerful platform, ideal for organizing tasks, tracking time, and managing projects efficiently.

Unlike ClickUp, which offers extensive customization at the cost of a steeper setup, Breeze focuses on simplicity. Teams can quickly get started without being overwhelmed by excessive features or configurations. While ClickUp targets highly detailed workflows, Breeze is designed to meet core needs—like time tracking, workflow automation, and progress reporting—without slowing teams down. Trello, on the other hand, is great for basic Kanban task management but often lacks advanced functionality unless paired with external integrations.

Breeze's user-friendly interface eliminates the learning curve associated with more complex tools. Contrary to Trello's reliance on Power-Ups or ClickUp's dashboards, Breeze has features like Kanban boards, task prioritization, and integrated calendars in one clean package. For teams that value clarity and ease of collaboration, Breeze stands out. Its all-inclusive pricing ensures that all features are available without the hassle of tiered plans, making it a practical option for teams aiming to stay productive without unnecessary complexity.

Key Features of Breeze:

• Organize tasks and assign responsibilities with task management tools that make prioritizing workloads and deadlines straightforward.
• Monitor productivity using built-in time tracking, removing the need for external apps.
• Use Kanban boards to visualize workflows and track progress.
• Save time by automating repetitive processes with workflow automation.
• Plan schedules with shared calendars connected directly to tasks and deadlines.
• Keep team communication with real-time chat that centralizes discussions.
• Outline project steps with project timelines that show dependencies and milestones clearly.
• Distribute tasks evenly and manage workloads with workload management tools to avoid burnout.

Why You Might Prefer Breeze Over ClickUp or Trello:

• Quick to Learn: Breeze simplifies onboarding with an intuitive design. ClickUp's packed interface can be overwhelming, while Trello's simplicity often falls short for teams needing more advanced features.
• Built-In Time Tracking: Breeze includes time tracking as a core feature. ClickUp restricts this to premium tiers, and Trello requires third-party Power-Ups to enable it.
• No Feature Overload: Breeze focuses on essentials, balancing functionality. ClickUp's complexity can slow teams down, and Trello's reliance on add-ons may lead to fragmented workflows.
• Effortless Progress Tracking: Breeze's task boards provide a clear, unified view of projects. Trello's basic boards lack depth for complex needs, and ClickUp's custom dashboards can become cluttered.
• Streamlined Collaboration: Breeze keeps communication centralized with built-in chat. Trello's card-based comments can feel limiting, and ClickUp's multitude of collaboration tools often adds unnecessary steps.

What People Think About Breeze:

"Our experience with Breeze has been excellent. The software is easy to use but still includes all the essential tools we need to manage SEO campaigns effectively. Time tracking lets us evaluate profitability by keeping tabs on billable hours and understanding the balance between cost and time spent. The calendar tools have improved our ability to manage workloads efficiently, so no deadlines slip through the cracks. Breeze's task organization allows us to structure campaigns and workflows in a way that best fits our strategies. The option to involve clients directly and tag them in updates keeps them informed and makes feedback simple to gather. Overall, Breeze has brought more organization, clarity, and transparency to our projects."

Source: G2

ClickUp vs Trello: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Team

Project management tools should adapt to your workflow, not the other way around. While ClickUp excels at detailed customization and Trello keeps things basic, finding the right balance matters. Breeze brings together built-in time tracking, clear task boards, and automated workflows in one platform that works the way teams naturally do.

The choice between project management tools comes down to this: do you want to spend time managing a tool, or using it to drive results? Whether you're tracking deadlines, organizing tasks, or measuring productivity, having the right features in one clear platform makes all the difference. No steep learning curves or endless configurations—just straightforward tools that help your team deliver great work.