Microsoft Planner vs Asana

Are you considering Microsoft Planner or Asana for your project management needs? The choice is certainly not easy. Microsoft Planner keeps it simple, and most convenient for teams already using Microsoft 365. Asana has a structured approach with automation, multiple project views and task dependencies.

This article will break down both tools and their features. If neither seems like the right fit we'll introduce Breeze. A great option that keeps project management simple but still covers all the core features.

Microsoft Planner and Asana Compared

Microsoft Planner is for basic task tracking. It integrates with Teams and Outlook so you can assign tasks, set due dates and collaborate within the Microsoft ecosystem. It's simple to use but lacks the depth for complex workflows or multiple teams.

Asana has more customization and control. With features like workload tracking, timeline views and automation it's great for teams working on detailed projects. But with more features comes a steeper learning curve which may not be ideal for teams who want a quick setup.

For teams that want a tool that gets out of the way but keeps projects organized Breeze is an option worth exploring. With Kanban boards, built-in time tracking and workflow automation it helps teams stay focused without the complexity of more advanced tools.

• Microsoft Planner
• Asana
• Other Alternative

Microsoft Planner

• Pricing: Included in Microsoft 365 plans, starting at $5 per user per month.
• Rating: 4.3/5 on Capterra

Microsoft Planner is designed for teams that are part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It connects directly to Teams, Outlook and OneDrive so it's a natural fit for businesses already using Microsoft's tools. Unlike Asana which has many customization options and project views, Microsoft Planner keeps it simple with task tracking and built-in collaboration.

For organizations that need task management within their existing Microsoft environment, Planner simplifies coordination across departments. But while the integration is a big plus, the interface isn't as intuitive as Asana's more flexible setup. Asana's automation and workflow tools let teams manage projects with more customization, whereas Planner is designed for simplicity and direct integration with Microsoft services.

Why You Might Prefer Microsoft Planner Over Asana

• Works seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps, so communication, file sharing and task management is all in one place.
• Shared calendars tied to tasks help teams schedule and manage deadlines better.
• No need for external integrations as tasks, files and team collaboration is all in one place.
• Pre-built templates for common project types to save setup time.
• Clear dashboards to show progress, responsibilities and due dates.
• Bundled with Microsoft 365 it's more cost-effective for businesses already using Microsoft's suite.

What People Think About Microsoft Planner:

"The obvious argument for Planner is its integration with the Office/365 suite. Planner comes with our 365 subscription and is available to all our team members. The integration with Microsoft Teams is very good, and, importantly, Planner tasks show up in Microsoft To-Do. So it plays nicely with this environment. Aside from integrations, Planner provides a really nice board experience and a competent list view."

Source: Capterra

Asana

• Pricing: Free for basic use, with premium features starting at $10.99 per user per month
• Rating: 4.5/5 on Capterra

Asana is a good option for teams that want structured project management and Basecamp is a decent tool for teams that want simplicity and collaboration. Asana has robust task management and multiple visualization options and Basecamp has easy communication and straightforward workflows. The choice comes down to which style you and your team prefer.

Asana has become a full-fledged project management tool with list, board, calendar and timeline views so teams can adapt their workflow to their needs. For teams managing multiple projects, the portfolio feature provides a high-level dashboard to see progress and deadlines. While Asana has a lot of features that may take some time to fully explore, the guided setup and intuitive design make onboarding relatively easy for new users.

Why You Might Prefer Asana Over Microsoft Planner

• Everything is in one system with Microsoft 365 apps, Asana requires 3rd party integrations for the same.
• Shared calendars sync with Outlook, scheduling is easier than Asana's manual timeline adjustments.
• Built-in file sharing with OneDrive and SharePoint, no external storage needed, Asana requires integrations.
• Task management is structured and simple, and Asana's flexibility can be overwhelming for teams looking for a simple tool.
• Pre-built project templates, setup is faster, Asana requires more customization to match your workflow.
• Included with Microsoft 365, a cost-effective option for existing users, Asana has separate pricing tiers.

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

What People Think About Asana:

"Asana is a web-based collaboration application that we use company-wide. It makes it easy to delegate tasks, track and allocate resources, and track budgets. Viewing activity logs and tracking changes is an example of the tool's excellent visibility. When one team member makes a change, the rest of the team sees it immediately in Asana's real-time workflow tracking. Impressively, it is compatible with many different operating systems and has proven to be a unified platform where all key team members can see and act on project data in real time. There is a learning curve, especially when it comes to dashboards and reporting, but the power of Asana is limitless."

Source: Capterra

Other Alternative

Microsoft Planner and Asana are popular for project management but Breeze is a practical option for teams that want the essentials without the complexity. Breeze keeps workflows clear and task management simple with built-in time tracking and automation so teams can stay organized without the extra setup.

Microsoft Planner is good for businesses already in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and Asana is a flexible workspace with multiple views and integrations. Breeze is all about usability, giving teams Kanban boards, task prioritization and time tracking without the extra config. With Breeze teams can track progress and meet deadlines without having to navigate through layers of features they don't need.

Breeze keeps project management simple with a distraction-free interface. For teams looking for a tool that prioritizes functionality and clarity, it's a hassle-free solution without the learning curve of more complex platforms.

Key Features of Breeze:

• Organize tasks effortlessly using task management tools that prioritize deadlines and workloads.
• Visualize progress with adaptable Kanban boards tailored to fit your team's processes.
• Track productivity seamlessly using built-in time tracking, eliminating the need for additional tools.
• Save time and improve efficiency by automating repetitive tasks through workflow automation.
• Plan projects effectively with shared calendars that synchronize schedules and tasks.
• Centralize communication with real-time chat, keeping team discussions organized.
• Map milestones and dependencies clearly using project timelines to ensure progress stays on track.
• Maintain team balance with workload management tools designed to prevent burnout.

Why You Might Prefer Breeze Over Microsoft Planner or Asana:

• Fast Onboarding: Breeze is simple to navigate, letting teams start managing projects without the steep learning curve of Microsoft Planner's Microsoft 365 ecosystem or Asana's advanced feature set.
• Core Features in One Platform: Breeze combines essential tools like Kanban boards, time tracking, and workflow automation into a cohesive platform. Asana offers more advanced tools, but they can feel overwhelming, while Planner is tightly integrated into Microsoft's suite, which might limit flexibility for non-Microsoft users.
• Easy Communication: With real-time chat, Breeze centralizes discussions, unlike Microsoft Planner, which relies on external integrations, or Asana, which can spread communication across multiple tools.
• Balanced Task Management: Breeze has task tracking without the extensive configurations often required in Asana or the limited visual planning tools in Planner.
• Workload Balance: Breeze has workload management tools that help prevent burnout by distributing tasks effectively. Planner lacks these tools, and Asana's advanced workload features are tied to higher-tier plans.

What People Think About Breeze:

"Breeze has made project management very easy. The support team is pretty active and responsive, and the tool itself is quite easy to use. This means that the team coordination has improved by quite a bit."

Source: Capterra

Microsoft Planner vs Asana: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Team

A project management tool should match your team's habits. Microsoft Planner is for teams already using Microsoft 365, Asana is for those who need custom workflows. The choice depends on how your team works, tracks progress and collaborates. Switching to Breeze could be an effective choice to help your team be productive.

Look at how your team does tasks. Do they need a structured approach with integrated tools or a more flexible system with multiple views and automation? Some teams need deep integrations, and others a simple platform. Breeze keeps project management focused on the essential project management features, and by keeping it simple.

Before you commit, try each with a real project. See if your team will adopt the tool if it simplifies their workflow and keeps tasks on track. With Breeze, teams can be organized without spending time managing the software itself.