Is Monday.com Legit? An Honest Look at the Platform

Short answer: Yes, Monday.com is a legitimate company. It's a publicly traded business (NASDAQ: MNDY) with a market cap over $16 billion, over 245,000 customers worldwide, and offices across multiple continents. The software itself is real, widely used, and generally well-reviewed.

But "legit" and "right for your business" are two different things. Let's dig into what you actually need to know before signing up.

Who is Monday.com? The Company Background

Monday.com was founded in 2012 by Roy Mann, Eran Kampf, and Eran Zinman. The company is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with a major North American headquarters in New York City. They went public on NASDAQ in June 2021.

This isn't some fly-by-night operation. Monday.com has over 2,500 employees across offices in London, Sydney, Tokyo, Chicago, Miami, and several other cities. In their fiscal year 2024, they reported $268 million in quarterly revenue with 32% year-over-year growth.

So if you're worried this is a scam or that the company might disappear tomorrow-don't be. Monday.com is a well-established, venture-backed, publicly traded SaaS company.

The platform has evolved from a simple project management tool into a comprehensive "Work OS" that now includes multiple specialized products: Monday Work Management for general project coordination, Monday CRM for sales pipeline management, Monday Dev for software development teams, and Monday Service for customer support operations.

What Users Actually Say: Review Breakdown

Here's where it gets interesting. Monday.com has a mixed reputation depending on where you look:

That Trustpilot score should raise an eyebrow. Why the massive discrepancy?

The G2 and Capterra reviews focus heavily on the product itself-usability, features, integrations. Users praise the visual interface, flexibility, and ability to customize workflows. The platform scores high for ease of use, with reviewers noting that even "tech-wary" team members can adopt it quickly.

Trustpilot reviews, however, tend to focus on billing and customer service issues. And this is where things get ugly.

The Customer Support Problem

Multiple users across review platforms report frustrations with Monday.com's customer support, particularly when dealing with billing disputes. Common complaints include:

One BBB complaint detailed how a user was charged for months after attempting to cancel, and support representatives repeatedly said they'd "raised it to the team" without providing concrete timelines or solutions. Another user reported waiting over a month just to upgrade to an Enterprise plan.

The Billing Controversy: Real Red Flags

If there's one consistent complaint about Monday.com across review platforms, it's the billing practices. Multiple users have reported issues including:

One user described Monday's billing as "predatory," noting that the system automatically increases billing if you exceed your seat count, but doesn't automatically reduce it when you lower seats. Another user reported being overcharged $8,500 over an 8-month period.

The company's minimum seat requirements compound this problem. Monday.com uses "bucket pricing" where plans start at a minimum of 3 seats, then increase in increments of 5. So if you have 6 users, you're paying for 10 seats. This pricing model can make costs add up quickly for growing teams.

According to Monday.com's own support documentation, if you exceed your action limits for automations or integrations, those overages are deducted from the following month's allocation. While not technically an additional charge, this can catch teams off guard and disrupt workflows when automations suddenly stop working mid-month.

How to Protect Yourself from Billing Issues

If you decide to use Monday.com despite these concerns, here are protective measures:

Is this a scam? No. But it does require you to pay close attention to your subscription settings and billing statements.

Monday.com Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay

Here's the breakdown of Monday.com's pricing structure. All prices are per seat, per month (billed annually):

Remember the seat minimums: Paid plans require at least 3 seats, and you can only add users in increments of 5 after that. Monthly billing runs about 16-33% higher than annual depending on the plan.

Hidden Costs to Consider

The advertised pricing doesn't tell the whole story. Here are additional costs you might encounter:

For detailed pricing information, check out our Monday.com pricing guide.

Security and Compliance: Is Your Data Safe?

Given the "is it legit" question, security is a major concern for potential users. Here's what Monday.com offers:

Certifications and Standards

Monday.com maintains several important security certifications:

Data Protection Measures

Monday.com implements multiple layers of data protection:

Security Concerns to Be Aware Of

Despite these certifications, some users have reported security concerns:

For maximum security, consider the Enterprise plan with the Guardian add-on, which includes tenant-level encryption, bring-your-own-key (BYOK) capabilities, and data leak prevention.

What Monday.com Does Well

Despite the billing concerns, there are legitimate reasons Monday.com has over 245,000 paying customers:

Visual, Intuitive Interface

The drag-and-drop boards are genuinely easy to use. Most teams can get up and running without formal training. The color-coded status columns, customizable views, and visual timeline make it simple to see project status at a glance.

Flexibility and Customization

You can build project trackers, CRMs, marketing calendars, and more. The platform adapts to different workflows across industries-from construction companies tracking job sites to marketing agencies managing campaigns to software teams running sprints.

Extensive Integrations

Connect with Slack, Google Drive, Zoom, and hundreds of other tools. Over 200 native integrations available, plus connections through Zapier, Make, and custom API development. Popular integrations include:

The integration setup is straightforward, requiring just a few clicks for most connections. However, remember that integration actions count toward your monthly automation limits.

Powerful Automation

Set up workflows to automate repetitive tasks. Even the Standard plan includes 250 automation actions per month. You can create rules like:

Advanced users can build custom automation workflows combining multiple triggers and actions. The Pro plan's 25,000 monthly actions accommodate much more complex automation needs.

Template Library

200+ templates for different industries and use cases help teams get started quickly. Templates cover project types like:

Multiple Product Views

Visualize your work in the way that makes most sense for your team:

Different views are available at different pricing tiers, with the complete set only available on Pro and Enterprise plans.

Collaboration Features

Real-time collaboration keeps everyone aligned:

What Monday.com Doesn't Do Well

Let's be direct about the downsides:

Expensive for Small Teams

The seat minimums and bucket pricing mean solo users or tiny teams pay more per person than they should. If you have 4 team members, you're paying for 5 seats. If you have 11 team members, you're paying for 15 seats. This forced overbuying frustrates many small business owners.

Customer Support Issues

Many users report slow response times and difficulty resolving problems. Email-only support means waiting days for responses, and complex issues can take weeks to resolve as they're passed between different team members. Phone support exists only for billing issues and only for account administrators.

Performance on Large Boards

Some users report slowdowns when dealing with 50,000+ items. Loading times increase, automations may lag, and the interface can become sluggish. This particularly affects teams managing large-scale projects or using Monday.com as a database replacement.

Learning Curve for Advanced Features

While basic usage is easy, the more complex automations and integrations take time to master. Building custom workflows, understanding formula columns, and setting up advanced dashboard widgets requires significant investment in learning the platform.

Limited Free Plan

Only 2 seats and 3 boards-basically just enough to test, not to actually run a business. The free plan's 1,000 item limit sounds generous until you realize how quickly tasks accumulate. Compared to competitors like Asana or ClickUp, Monday.com's free tier is restrictive.

Automation Limits Can Be Restrictive

Even the Standard plan's 250 monthly automation actions can be consumed quickly. If you set up an automation that emails 5 team members when a status changes, that's 5 actions per trigger. Heavy automation users often find themselves hitting limits and either paying for upgrades or reducing automation usage.

Mobile App Limitations

While Monday.com offers iOS and Android apps, the mobile experience is less robust than the desktop version. Complex board configurations can be difficult to navigate on smaller screens, and some advanced features simply aren't available on mobile.

Reporting Could Be More Robust

While dashboards provide good high-level visibility, teams needing detailed analytics often find Monday.com's reporting capabilities lacking compared to dedicated project management tools. Custom reports require significant setup, and exporting data for external analysis can be cumbersome.

Monday.com Use Cases: Who Should (and Shouldn't) Use It

Best For:

Not Ideal For:

Monday.com vs. Alternatives

If you're considering Monday.com, you should also look at:

Monday.com vs. Asana

Similarities: Both offer visual project management, task dependencies, timeline views, and team collaboration features.

Asana advantages:

Monday.com advantages:

Pricing comparison: Asana starts at $10.99/user/month vs. Monday.com's $9/user/month, but Asana has no minimum seats.

For a detailed comparison, see our Monday.com vs. Asana breakdown.

Monday.com vs. ClickUp

Similarities: Both highly customizable with multiple views, automation, and extensive integrations.

ClickUp advantages:

Monday.com advantages:

Pricing comparison: ClickUp starts at $5/user/month vs. Monday.com's $9/user/month.

Monday.com vs. Notion

Similarities: Both offer flexibility and customization, with the ability to create various types of workspaces.

Notion advantages:

Monday.com advantages:

Monday.com vs. Smartsheet

Similarities: Both offer spreadsheet-style project management with visual enhancements.

Smartsheet advantages:

Monday.com advantages:

Monday.com vs. Trello

Similarities: Both use kanban-style boards for visual task management.

Trello advantages:

Monday.com advantages:

For a detailed comparison, see our Monday.com alternatives guide.

Real User Experiences: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Success Stories

Many teams have found genuine value in Monday.com:

A marketing agency reported saving 10 hours per week after consolidating their project management, client communication, and resource allocation into Monday.com. They particularly praised the client-facing dashboards that let customers check project status without constant email updates.

A construction company managing 50+ concurrent job sites uses Monday.com to track subcontractors, material deliveries, and permit approvals. The mobile app lets foremen update status from the field, and automated notifications ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

An HR team at a 200-person company built a complete recruiting pipeline in Monday.com, tracking candidates from initial application through offer acceptance. The customizable stages and automated email responses streamlined their hiring process significantly.

Horror Stories

But not all experiences are positive:

One Reddit user detailed being charged $8,500 over 8 months for seats they weren't using. The automatic seat upgrade feature added users without explicit confirmation, and downgrading required contacting support repeatedly.

A small business owner reported that Monday.com continued charging their credit card for three months after cancellation. Support initially claimed they couldn't issue refunds, only agreeing after the owner filed a Better Business Bureau complaint.

An IT manager described how their team's extensive automation workflows suddenly stopped working mid-project when they unknowingly exceeded their monthly action limit. The disruption caused deadline delays and forced them to upgrade to a more expensive plan.

Common Praise Points

Across positive reviews, users consistently mention:

Common Complaints

The recurring negative themes include:

How Monday.com Compares on Key Features

Task Management

Rating: 8/10

Monday.com excels at visual task organization with its flexible board structure. The ability to customize columns, create dependencies, and view tasks in multiple formats provides strong task management capabilities. However, it lacks some advanced features found in dedicated task management tools like subtask hierarchy depth and detailed task relationships.

Time Tracking

Rating: 6/10

Time tracking is only available on the Pro plan ($19/user/month) and above, which is a significant limitation. The feature itself is basic-a time column that users manually update or a timer widget. It doesn't offer the sophisticated time tracking capabilities of dedicated tools like Harvest or Toggl. For teams needing robust time tracking, this is a weak point.

Resource Management

Rating: 7/10

The workload view provides decent visibility into team capacity and allocation. You can see who's overloaded and who has availability. However, advanced resource management features like skills-based assignment, forecasting, and utilization reporting require the Pro or Enterprise tiers and still don't match specialized resource management tools.

Reporting and Analytics

Rating: 6/10

Dashboards provide good high-level visibility with customizable widgets showing project status, progress, and key metrics. However, creating detailed custom reports is cumbersome, and the analytics capabilities are limited compared to enterprise project management platforms. Export options exist but require manual work for deeper analysis.

Collaboration

Rating: 8/10

Strong collaboration features including comments, @mentions, file sharing, and real-time updates keep teams aligned. The guest access feature (Standard plan and up) is valuable for client collaboration. The update threads provide good context for conversations. However, the lack of built-in video chat or screen sharing means relying on integrations for richer communication.

Automation

Rating: 7/10

The automation capabilities are powerful and intuitive to set up. The visual automation builder makes creating rules accessible to non-technical users. However, the action limits can be restrictive, and complex multi-step automations require the Pro tier. Some users wish for more advanced conditional logic and error handling.

Integrations

Rating: 9/10

With over 200 native integrations plus Zapier/Make connectivity, Monday.com offers excellent integration capabilities. Most integrations are easy to set up with just a few clicks. The API is well-documented for custom integrations. The main limitation is that integration actions count toward automation limits, which can be restrictive.

Mobile Experience

Rating: 6/10

The mobile apps are functional but limited compared to the desktop experience. Simple tasks like checking status and adding updates work fine, but complex board configurations are difficult to navigate on small screens. Some advanced features aren't available on mobile, forcing users to wait until they're at a computer.

Ease of Use

Rating: 8/10

For basic usage, Monday.com is intuitive and easy to learn. The visual interface is welcoming, and most team members can start using it with minimal training. However, advanced features have a steeper learning curve, and the extensive customization options can be overwhelming initially. The balance between simplicity and power is generally well-struck.

Customer Support

Rating: 4/10

This is Monday.com's weakest area. Non-Enterprise customers get email-only support with response times often stretching to days. Billing issues can take weeks to resolve. The knowledge base is comprehensive, but when you need human help, the wait times and multiple handoffs frustrate users. Enterprise customers get better support, but it shouldn't require top-tier pricing to get responsive service.

Getting Started with Monday.com: Step-by-Step Guide

If you decide Monday.com is right for you, here's how to get started smartly:

Step 1: Start with the Free Trial

Monday.com offers a 14-day free trial of the Pro plan. This gives you access to advanced features including time tracking, private boards, and 25,000 automation actions. Use this time to really test the platform with your actual workflows.

Step 2: Choose the Right Template

Rather than starting from scratch, browse the 200+ templates to find one matching your use case. Templates provide pre-configured boards with relevant columns, views, and automations. You can always customize from there.

Step 3: Set Up Your First Board

Create a board for one specific project or workflow. Don't try to migrate everything at once. Configure columns for the information you need to track-status, assigned person, due date, priority, etc.

Step 4: Invite Team Members Strategically

Remember the bucket pricing-you're paying for seats in increments of 5. Invite essential team members first. External collaborators can be added as guests (Standard plan and up) without consuming seats.

Step 5: Test Key Integrations

Connect the tools your team uses daily-Slack for communication, Google Drive for files, your calendar app. Test the integrations to ensure data flows as expected.

Step 6: Create Basic Automations

Start with simple, high-impact automations like notification when status changes or automatic task assignment. Monitor your automation action usage to ensure you stay within limits.

Step 7: Build Your Dashboard

Create a dashboard showing key project metrics-tasks by status, upcoming deadlines, team workload. This provides at-a-glance visibility for stakeholders.

Step 8: Train Your Team

Hold a kickoff meeting to walk through how your team will use Monday.com. Create simple documentation for common tasks. Monday.com offers training resources and webinars that can help.

Step 9: Monitor Usage and Costs

Keep track of your seat usage, automation actions, and overall costs. Set calendar reminders to review before renewal dates. Deactivate unused seats promptly.

Step 10: Iterate and Expand

Once your first board is working smoothly, gradually migrate additional workflows. Gather team feedback and adjust your setup based on actual usage patterns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Monday.com

Over-Customizing Too Early

Many teams spend weeks building the "perfect" Monday.com setup before actually using it. Start simple and add complexity as you identify real needs.

Ignoring Seat Management

With bucket pricing, unused seats drain your budget. Regularly audit who has access and deactivate accounts for departed employees or contractors who've finished projects.

Not Monitoring Automation Actions

It's easy to exceed automation limits without realizing it. An automation that emails 10 people uses 10 actions each time it runs. Check your usage monthly and optimize inefficient automations.

Choosing the Wrong Tier

Many teams start with the Basic plan only to discover essential features like Timeline view or guest access require Standard or Pro. Review the feature matrix carefully before committing.

Neglecting Mobile Setup

If your team works in the field or travels frequently, test the mobile experience during your trial. Some workflows that work great on desktop are painful on mobile.

Skipping Integration Testing

Just because an integration exists doesn't mean it works exactly as you need. Test integrations with real data during your trial to identify limitations before you're locked in.

Not Setting Billing Alerts

Set up calendar reminders, credit card alerts, or ask your bank to notify you of charges from Monday.com. Don't let surprise billing catches you off guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monday.com actually a scam?

No, Monday.com is not a scam. It's a legitimate, publicly-traded company (NASDAQ: MNDY) with over 245,000 customers worldwide. However, their billing practices and customer support have drawn legitimate complaints. The company is real and the software works, but you need to be careful about managing your subscription.

Why is Monday.com's Trustpilot score so low compared to G2?

G2 and Capterra reviews focus on product features and usability, where Monday.com performs well. Trustpilot reviews tend to concentrate on customer service and billing experiences, where Monday.com has significant issues. The difference reflects what users are evaluating, not necessarily contradictory opinions.

Can I cancel Monday.com anytime?

If you pay monthly, yes. However, many users report difficulty with the cancellation process and continued billing after cancellation. If you pay annually, you're locked in for the year with no prorated refunds. Always screenshot your cancellation confirmation and monitor your credit card for a few months after.

Does Monday.com automatically add seats without permission?

Monday.com has an "auto-upgrade" feature that increases your seat count when you add users beyond your current plan. While this can be convenient, it also means unexpected cost increases if you're not paying attention. You can't add just one seat-you must upgrade to the next bucket level.

Is Monday.com suitable for software development?

Monday.com can work for software development, particularly with the Monday Dev product. However, most development teams find dedicated tools like Jira, Linear, or Azure DevOps better suited to technical workflows with features like git integration, pull request tracking, and deeper agile support.

What happens if I exceed my automation limit?

If you exceed your monthly automation action limit, the overage is deducted from next month's allocation. For example, if you use 300 actions on a Standard plan (250/month limit), you'll only have 200 actions available the following month. Automations may stop working mid-month if you run out.

Can I use Monday.com for free forever?

Yes, the free plan is available indefinitely for up to 2 users with 3 boards and 1,000 items. However, these limitations make it impractical for running an actual business-it's really just for testing or very minimal personal use.

Does Monday.com work offline?

No, Monday.com is a cloud-based platform that requires internet connectivity. The mobile app does cache some data for faster loading, but you can't work fully offline and sync changes later.

Is my data secure on Monday.com?

Monday.com maintains strong security certifications including ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, and GDPR compliance. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. However, the multi-tenant architecture means logical (not physical) separation from other customers. For maximum security, consider the Enterprise plan with the Guardian add-on.

Can I export my data from Monday.com?

Yes, you can export boards to Excel/CSV format. However, some users report that exports don't include all data fields and embedded information. If you're planning to migrate to another platform eventually, test the export functionality early to understand what you'll be able to take with you.

Is Monday.com Worth It?

Monday.com is a legitimate, well-funded company with a genuinely useful product. It's not a scam. The software does what it says it does, and millions of users rely on it daily.

That said, go in with your eyes open:

If you need a flexible, visual project management tool and you have a team of 5+ people, Monday.com is worth considering. The interface is intuitive, the customization options are extensive, and the integrations ecosystem is strong. For teams that value visual organization and don't need intensive time tracking or advanced reporting, it can work well.

However, for smaller teams, solo users, or businesses on tight budgets, the forced seat minimums and bucket pricing may not make sense. The customer support issues are a real concern, particularly if you anticipate needing help with billing or technical problems.

For software development teams, specialized tools like Jira typically offer better value. For teams needing robust time tracking, consider alternatives like ClickUp or dedicated time tracking tools. For budget-conscious startups, Asana or Notion may provide better value.

Try Monday.com free for 14 days and see if it works for your team before committing to a paid plan. Use that trial period to test your actual workflows, not just explore features. And before the trial ends, set a reminder to either cancel or consciously commit-don't let it auto-convert to a paid plan without making an active decision.

The Verdict: Legitimate But Proceed with Caution

Monday.com is undeniably legitimate as a company and as project management software. It's not a fly-by-night scam-it's a publicly traded company serving hundreds of thousands of customers with real, functional software.

However, "legitimate" doesn't automatically mean "right for you" or "without issues." The billing controversies, customer support problems, and bucket pricing model are real concerns that have frustrated many users. These aren't isolated complaints-they appear consistently across multiple review platforms and include documented BBB complaints.

The software itself is well-designed, visually appealing, and highly customizable. For the right team with the right use case and the right budget, it can be an excellent project management solution. But it requires active management of your subscription, careful attention to billing, and patience with customer support if issues arise.

Before committing:

If after all this due diligence Monday.com still seems like the right fit, it can be a powerful tool for your team. Just go in informed, stay vigilant about billing, and don't hesitate to switch if it's not working out. Your project management tool should make work easier, not create new headaches around subscription management and support.

Related Resources

Want to learn more about using Monday.com effectively? Check out these guides:

Looking for other project management tools? Check out these alternatives: