monday.com vs ClickUp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between monday.com and ClickUp comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
monday.com
Work OS for teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Work management platform
- • Customizable boards
ClickUp
One app to replace them all
Best for you if:
- • You need task management features specifically
- • All-in-one productivity platform
- • Tasks, docs, goals, and chat
| At a Glance |  monday.com |  ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Task Management |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | monday.com | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationProject Tracking | Task ManagementProject Tracking |
Understanding the Differences
Both monday.com and ClickUp solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.monday.com positions itself as "work os for teams" while ClickUpfocuses on "one app to replace them all". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose monday.com
monday.com makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose ClickUp
ClickUp is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, monday.com lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: monday.com
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. monday.com handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: monday.com
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: monday.com
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with monday.com, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated monday.com higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted ClickUp more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What monday.com Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider ClickUp If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with monday.com (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. monday.com scores higher in our analysis, but ClickUp might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is monday.com or ClickUp better?
Based on our analysis, monday.com scores higher with 86/100. monday.com isfreemium while ClickUp is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from monday.com to ClickUp easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do monday.com and ClickUp offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. monday.com is freemium with a free tier.ClickUp is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.