Plane vs Asana: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Plane and Asana 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:
Plane
Open-source project management
Best for you if:
- • Plane is an open-source project management tool for product teams
- • It provides issue tracking, cycles, and roadmaps with simplicity
Asana
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
Best for you if:
- • Work management platform
- • Multiple project views
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Plane or Asana?
Choose Plane if
Open-source project management
- Open source
- Self-hostable
- Modern UI
Choose Asana if
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
- Multiple project views
- Good workflow automation
- Strong integrations
| Feature | Plane | Asana |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 15 reviews | ★4.4/5 27,569 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | Project ManagementTask Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Plane
Open-source project management
Plane offers a very generous Free tier for up to 12 users, making it highly accessible for small teams.
Watch out
Self-hosting requires IT resources
Strengths
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Modern UI
Weaknesses
- -Newer project
- -Fewer integrations
Key features
Asana
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
Asana is the structured project management tool for teams that need goals, portfolios, and workflow automation, not just task boards.
Watch out
Starter caps automation at 250 runs/month across the entire workspace, a single daily rule on 10 boards burns through this in 25 days, forcing an upgrade to Advanced at 2.3x the price
Strengths
- +Multiple project views
- +Good workflow automation
- +Strong integrations
- +Goals and portfolio tracking
Weaknesses
- -Can be complex for simple needs
- -Some features require higher tiers
- -Mobile app less powerful
Key features
Pricing: Plane vs Asana
| Plan | Plane | Asana |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 Personal |
| Tier 2 | $8 Pro | $10.99 Starter |
| Tier 3 | $13 Business | $24.99 Advanced |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Custom Enterprise+ |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Plane pricing and Asana pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Plane
Want the highest-rated option?
Plane: 4.4/5 (15 reviews). Asana: 4.4/5 (27,569 reviews).
Go with: Plane
Value user reviews?
Plane: 15 reviews (4.4/5). Asana: 27,569 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Asana
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Asana
- Larger review base (27,569 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Plane
- Choose if you want open-source project management
The Bottom Line
Asana is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plane or Asana better?
Asana is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Plane and Asana used for?
Plane: Open-source project management. Asana: Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation.
What does Plane cost vs Asana?
Plane is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Asana is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.
