Orbit by Noveum vs OpenProject: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Orbit by Noveum and OpenProject 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.
Bottom line: OpenProject wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Task Management pick. Google Calendar is our free Task Management pick. Pick Orbit by Noveum if you need task management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Orbit by Noveum
Self-hostable task manager with boards, projects, and AI client support
Best for you if:
- • Small software teams managing issues, projects and documents with people and MCP-compatible AI clients
- • You want a fully free tool (OpenProject requires payment)
- • You want apache-2.0 source with a self-hosting option
- • You want hosted MCP access uses workspace-scoped OAuth rather than shared API keys
OpenProject
Powerful open-source software for classic, agile, or hybrid project management in a secure environment.
Best for you if:
- • You want open-source with transparent code and community support
- • You want offers on-premises deployment for complete data control and sovereignty
| At a Glance | Orbit by Noveum | OpenProject |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Task Management | Project Management |
Rating | - | 4.3/5Capterra 4.6 · G2 3.8 · SourceForge 4.5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Orbit by Noveum or OpenProject?
Choose Orbit by Noveum if
Self-hostable task manager with boards, projects, and AI client support
- Small software teams managing issues, projects and documents with people and MCP-compatible AI clients
- You want a fully free tool (OpenProject requires payment)
- You want apache-2.0 source with a self-hosting option
- You want hosted MCP access uses workspace-scoped OAuth rather than shared API keys
- Your work is task management-shaped, not project management-shaped
Choose OpenProject if
Powerful open-source software for classic, agile, or hybrid project management in a secure environment.
- You want open-source with transparent code and community support
- You want offers on-premises deployment for complete data control and sovereignty
- Your work is project management-shaped, not task management-shaped
| Feature | Orbit by Noveum | OpenProject |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 215 reviews |
| Categories | Task ManagementProject Management | Project ManagementTask Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Orbit by Noveum
Self-hostable task manager with boards, projects, and AI client support
Orbit by Noveum is a self-hostable task manager, so there are no monthly subscription fees, making it extremely generous compared to SaaS tools like Asana or Monday.com that charge per seat.
Strengths
- +Apache-2.0 source with a self-hosting option
- +Hosted MCP access uses workspace-scoped OAuth rather than shared API keys
Weaknesses
- -Self-hosting requires operating the database, Redis, object storage and application services.
Key features
OpenProject
Powerful open-source software for classic, agile, or hybrid project management in a secure environment.
OpenProject offers a generous free Community tier, making it accessible for individuals and small teams.
Strengths
- +Open-source with transparent code and community support
- +Offers on-premises deployment for complete data control and sovereignty
- +Supports classic, agile, and hybrid project management methodologies
- +Comprehensive features for project planning, execution, and portfolio management
- +High security standards including HTTPS, 2FA, and session runtime definitions
Weaknesses
- -Enterprise on-premises version requires Linux or Mac experience for installation
- -Some advanced features like targeted sharing of project lists are Enterprise add-ons
- -The breadth of features might have a learning curve for new users
Key features
Pricing: Orbit by Noveum vs OpenProject
| Plan | Orbit by Noveum | OpenProject |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Community |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $5.95 per user per month Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $10.95 per user per month Professional |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $15.95 per user per month Premium |
| Tier 5 | N/A | On request Corporate |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Orbit by Noveum pricing and OpenProject pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Orbit by Noveum is free. OpenProject is freemium.
Go with: Orbit by Noveum
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenProject is rated 4.3/5. Orbit by Noveum has no ratings yet.
Go with: OpenProject
Value user reviews?
Orbit by Noveum: no ratings yet. OpenProject: 215 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: OpenProject
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Orbit by Noveum is free. OpenProject is freemium. Go with Orbit by Noveum if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Orbit by Noveum is a task management tool. OpenProject is in project management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
OpenProject is rated 4.3/5; Orbit by Noveum has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
OpenProject
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Orbit by Noveum
- Completely free
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
OpenProject wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Task Management pick. Google Calendar is our free Task Management pick. That said, Orbit by Noveum is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orbit by Noveum or OpenProject better?
OpenProject is rated in our evaluation. Orbit by Noveum is free and OpenProject is freemium.
What are Orbit by Noveum and OpenProject used for?
Orbit by Noveum: Self-hostable task manager with boards, projects, and AI client support. OpenProject: Powerful open-source software for classic, agile, or hybrid project management in a secure environment..
What does Orbit by Noveum cost vs OpenProject?
Orbit by Noveum is completely free. OpenProject is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.