Trello vs Asana

If you're evaluating project management tools, Trello and Asana will probably be on your list. They're both flexible and feature-rich. Trusted by teams, organizations and individuals all over the world to manage tasks, and improve collaboration and workflows. From startups and freelancers to big companies, both tools have made a place in the productivity space.

But choosing between them isn't always easy. Each tool brings different features to the table and suits different work styles. Trello's Kanban boards make task tracking easy for smaller teams or individual users. Asana has more project management features and is better suited for managing complex workflows and bigger teams.

In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of Trello and Asana to help you decide. We'll also look at Breeze, a simple alternative that balances simplicity with project management features.

Trello and Asana Compared

At first glance Trello and Asana seem similar as both support task management, team collaboration and workflow tracking. But they approach it differently. Trello is all about visual organization and can adapt to almost any project type. Asana has a structured framework with features like task dependencies, advanced reporting and automation to support bigger and more complex projects.

Trello and Asana are designed to help teams manage tasks, collaborate, and organize workflows. However, their differences in features and approaches could make them a better fit for your team. Additionally, Breeze stands out as an alternative for teams looking for functionality without complexity.

Trello

Trello interface

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

Trello is a simple yet flexible Kanban tool. It was one of the first apps to popularize the Kanban approach to project management. Trello allows teams to track their progress visually, making it easy to identify bottlenecks. Every task is presented as a card on your Trello board and can be dragged and dropped as it moves through the different stages of your workflow. Every card can contain checklists, descriptions, comments, attachments, custom color-coded tags, and more.

A wide selection of Trello's Power-Ups allows you to configure your board and make it as complex and powerful as you need. Trello owes much of its popularity to how easy it is to use. While it doesn't offer the advanced customization options that Asana does, it compensates with a lower learning curve. Simplicity is key when it comes to online collaboration tools—the easier the product, the less time it takes to train new team members.

Why You Might Prefer Trello Over Asana

  • Faster to get started with, as the initial setup can be completed in minutes.
  • Offers fewer features and options, making it easier for the entire team to use.
  • Its selection of Power-Ups and integrations is more extensive than Asana's.
  • Allows multiple assignees to a task, unlike Asana.
  • Trello's visual simplicity makes it ideal for teams that need an intuitive way to track projects. Its Kanban boards ensure quick understanding and efficient task management.
  • The drag-and-drop feature enables seamless task movement across boards, reducing time spent on reorganizing workflows.

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

What People Think About Trello:

"Overall, a great Project management tool to manage projects efficiently for Individual Contributors as well as Team Collaborations. Best thing, it provides the visibility and authoritative freedom to work on projects and move them to in-progress or completion status in real time providing super quick and efficient timeline to other parties involved."

Source: Capterra

Asana

Asana interface

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

Asana started as a to-do list app but quickly evolved into a full-fledged project management tool. Today, it's fairly similar to Trello and offers many of the features Trello users love Kanban boards, filters, checklists, and more. But while Kanban boards are the core of Trello, they're only a small part of what Asana offers.

Asana provides numerous visualization options, including lists, timelines, calendars, and Gantt charts. Routine tasks can be automated, saving time and reducing errors. Tasks can also have dependencies, making it easy to track blockers and milestones. This extensive feature set comes with a modern interface. While the initial setup may take longer than Trello's, Asana is a good option for teams that need additional functionality.

Why You Might Prefer Asana Over Trello

  • Advanced visualization options, such as List, Board, Timeline, and Calendar views.
  • Makes it easier to manage multiple projects with its Portfolio feature.
  • Supports automating tasks, submitting work requests, and tracking workloads.
  • Features a cleaner, less cluttered interface.
  • Asana's timeline feature is good for teams managing complex workflows, as it provides a clear overview of project schedules and dependencies.
  • Asana integrates with tools like Google Drive, allowing teams to centralize documents and collaborative efforts.
  • Asana's task dependency management ensures teams can effectively prioritize and address blockers, keeping projects on track.

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

What People Think About Asana:

"Overall, ASANA has been a game-changer for our project management needs, enhancing productivity and collaboration within our team. While it does have some areas that could be improved, particularly in advanced reporting and mobile functionality, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I would recommend ASANA to other teams looking for a reliable and user-friendly project management tool. This review is based on my personal experience with ASANA at Pegasus over the last eight months. It reflects my honest opinion of the product's strengths and weaknesses."

Source: Capterra

Other Alternative

If you're searching for a project management tool that combines simplicity with essential features, Breeze is worth considering. Unlike Trello and Asana, Breeze focuses on making project management intuitive without overwhelming users. It is designed for teams that want all the core project management tools they need in one place.

Breeze interface

Breeze is made to deliver essential project management features without the complexity often associated with tools like Trello and Asana. While it avoids catering to overly complicated workflows, Breeze still provides a robust set of tools. For example, built-in time tracking, workflow automation, and detailed reporting.

These features enable teams to stay organized, monitor progress, and complete projects with ease. With its simple pricing model and user-friendly interface, Breeze stands out as an ideal choice for small to medium-sized teams looking for simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

Key Features of Breeze:

  • Easily create, assign, and organize tasks with task management tools that help prioritize deadlines and workloads.
  • Monitor how time is spent on tasks effortlessly using built-in time tracking without needing additional integrations.
  • Visualize projects with customizable Kanban boards that adapt to your workflow needs.
  • Save time and reduce errors by automating repetitive processes with workflow automation.
  • Coordinate schedules and deadlines efficiently through shared calendars linked directly to tasks.
  • Keep teams aligned and connected with real-time chat features integrated into the platform.
  • Plan and manage dependencies effectively with detailed project timelines to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Avoid burnout and balance team productivity with workload management tools designed to distribute tasks evenly.

Project calendar view

Why You Might Prefer Breeze Over Trello or Asana:

  • Integrated Time Tracking: Unlike Trello and Asana, Breeze includes time tracking as a core feature, making it easier to monitor task progress.
  • All Features in One Plan: Breeze simplifies pricing by offering all features without requiring multiple tiers.
  • Clear Design: Breeze's interface makes onboarding quick and ensures teams can focus on their work.
  • Task Automation: Automating routine tasks saves time and helps teams stay focused on high-priority work.
  • Balanced for Smaller Teams: Breeze offers tools like roadmaps and collaborative tools, making it a practical choice for small to medium-sized teams.

What People Think About Breeze:

"We selected Breeze because it integrates with harvest and because we liked their cards based approach. We found it to be better than Asana for the way we use it. We have different types of projects and retainer work and we are able to manage any type of project due to the flexibility of the system. Our experience has been great."

Source: Capterra

Trello vs Asana: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Team

When comparing Trello and Asana, the right choice depends on your team's needs and workflows. Trello's simplicity and visual Kanban boards make it a decent option for smaller teams or freelancers who prioritize ease of use. In contrast, Asana's advanced features, such as task dependencies and portfolio management, are better for larger organizations managing complex projects.

For teams looking for a middle ground, Breeze is an attractive alternative. It combines essential features like time tracking and workflow automation in an easy-to-use platform, eliminating the learning curve often associated with other tools. Breeze's focus on functionality and simplicity makes it ideal for small to medium-sized teams looking to stay productive.

Ultimately, the best tool for your team will depend on your specific requirements. Evaluate these options with your team, consider your project needs, and choose the platform that aligns with your goals. If simplicity with essential features is a priority, Breeze is a solution worth exploring.


Try the Best Trello and Asana alternative Breeze