Zoho Projects Review

Key Features Of Zoho Projects

Task Management

At the heart of Zoho Projects is its task management system, which is both intuitive and powerful. You can create tasks, assign them to team members, and break them down into subtasks for better organization. 

One of the standout features is the ability to set task dependencies, ensuring that tasks are completed in the correct order. For example, if Task B cannot start until Task A is completed, you can set this dependency, and Zoho Projects will automatically adjust the timeline accordingly. Additionally, recurring tasks can be set up to automate repetitive work, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.

Gantt Charts

Gantt charts are a highlight of Zoho Projects, offering a visual representation of project timelines, dependencies, and milestones. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to adjust schedules, and the ability to view the entire project at a glance is invaluable for project managers. 

During my time using Zoho Projects, I found the Gantt charts to be particularly useful for managing complex projects with multiple dependencies. The ability to zoom in and out of the timeline and view critical paths added an extra layer of clarity.

Time Tracking

Time tracking is another area where Zoho Projects shines. Whether you’re tracking billable hours or simply monitoring productivity, the platform offers multiple ways to log time. 

You can manually enter time spent on tasks or use the built-in timer to track time automatically. Timesheets can be generated for individual team members or the entire team, providing a clear overview of how time is being allocated across the project. 

This feature is especially useful for agencies and freelancers who need to bill clients accurately.

Reporting and Analytics

Zoho Projects offers a range of reporting tools to help you analyze project performance. Task reports provide insights into completion rates and delays, while time reports break down how time is being spent across tasks and projects. 

Resource utilization reports are particularly useful for project managers, as they help monitor team workload and ensure that resources are being allocated efficiently. The ability to customize reports and export them in various formats adds to the platform’s flexibility.

Collaboration and Integration

Collaboration Tools

Effective collaboration is essential for any project management tool, and Zoho Projects delivers on this front. The platform includes forums and feeds where team members can discuss project-related topics, share updates, and ask questions. 

File sharing is straightforward, with the ability to upload documents directly to tasks or discussions. Comments and mentions allow for real-time communication, ensuring that everyone stays in the loop. During my testing, I appreciated how seamlessly these collaboration tools integrated with the rest of the platform, creating a cohesive experience.

One of the standout collaboration features is the Blueprints functionality, which allows you to create and automate workflows. This is particularly useful for teams that follow specific processes, as it ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors. For example, you can set up a blueprint for a content approval process, where tasks move through stages like "Draft," "Review," and "Approval" automatically based on predefined rules.

Integration with Zoho Suite and Third-Party Apps

One of Zoho Projects’ biggest strengths is its integration capabilities. If your business already uses other Zoho applications like Zoho CRM or Zoho Books, the integration is seamless, allowing you to manage multiple aspects of your business from a single platform. 

For those using third-party tools, Zoho Projects supports integrations with popular apps like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams. This interoperability makes it a versatile choice for businesses with diverse software needs.

For example, integrating Zoho Projects with Slack allows you to receive notifications and updates directly in your Slack channels, ensuring that your team stays informed without having to switch between apps. 

Similarly, integration with Google Drive and Dropbox makes it easy to attach files from these platforms directly to tasks or discussions in Zoho Projects.

Another notable integration is with Zoho Sprints, which is Zoho’s agile project management tool. If your team follows agile methodologies, you can use Zoho Sprints in conjunction with Zoho Projects to manage sprints, backlogs, and user stories more effectively.

User Interface and Ease Of Use

Zoho Projects boasts a clean and intuitive user interface that’s easy to navigate. 

The dashboard provides a quick overview of ongoing projects, tasks, and deadlines, making it easy to stay on top of things. However, the platform’s extensive feature set can be overwhelming for new users. 

During my initial setup, I found myself spending some time customizing the interface to suit my preferences. Once set up, though, the platform is straightforward to use, with most features accessible within a few clicks. 

The mobile app, while functional, lacks some of the features available on the desktop version, which could be a drawback for users who rely heavily on mobile devices.

Pricing Plans

You can try any of our three plans with a 10-day free trial, and no credit card is required. 

The Free plan costs US$0 and is ideal for up to 5 users, offering 3 projects, subtasks, a whiteboard, and 5GB of storage space. 

The Premium plan is US$4 per user per month (billed annually), includes all Free plan features, plus unlimited projects, project templates, time tracking, blueprints, and NewZia Insights. 

You can also save US$12 per user per year with the annual option. 

Finally, the Enterprise plan is US$9 per user per month (billed annually), adding advanced features like NewZia Search, NewZia Translation, read-only users, custom fields and status, custom roles and profiles, single sign-on, and two-factor authentication.

Who Should Use Zoho Projects?

Zoho Projects is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking for an affordable and scalable project management solution. 

It’s also a great choice for teams already using other Zoho applications, as the integration is seamless. Project managers handling complex projects will appreciate the advanced features like Gantt charts and resource management. 

However, if you’re a freelancer or part of a very small team, you might find the free plan too restrictive and may want to explore simpler alternatives like Trello.