Monday.com vs Wrike: Which Project Management Tool Should You Actually Use?

You're comparing Monday.com and Wrike because you need a project management tool that actually works for your team. Both are solid options, but they're built for different types of teams. Let me break down what matters.

The quick verdict: Monday.com wins for most small-to-mid-sized teams thanks to its better user interface, easier setup, and more affordable paid plans. Wrike is the better choice for large enterprises with complex workflows, especially if you need robust resource management and file proofing capabilities.

Pricing Comparison: Monday.com vs Wrike

Let's talk money first, because pricing structures can make or break your decision.

Monday.com Pricing

Monday.com uses a bucket pricing model that starts at a minimum of 3 seats, then goes up in increments of 5. This can get annoying-if you have 6 people, you're paying for 10 seats.

For a deeper dive into their pricing tiers, check out our Monday.com pricing breakdown.

Wrike Pricing

Wrike also sells in groups of users. For accounts up to 30 seats, subscriptions are sold in groups of 5. Between 30-100 seats, it's groups of 10. Above 100, groups of 25.

Important note: Wrike Business and above are only available as annual subscriptions.

Which Is Cheaper?

For small teams (5 users on paid plans):

For mid-sized teams (15 users) needing solid features:

Monday.com's paid plans are more affordable at every tier. Wrike's Business plan costs more than double their Team plan, which is a significant jump.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Both platforms can have hidden costs that aren't immediately obvious:

Monday.com hidden costs:

Wrike hidden costs:

Free Plans: Wrike Has the Edge

If you're trying to get by without paying, Wrike's free plan is substantially better. It supports unlimited users versus Monday.com's 2-user cap. However, Wrike limits you to 200 active tasks and lacks Gantt charts and automation-so "free forever" has real limitations.

Monday.com's free tier is basically just for solo users managing personal projects. Two seats, three boards, no advanced features.

For more free options, see our guide to free project management software.

Feature Comparison: What Actually Matters

User Interface & Learning Curve

This is where Monday.com pulls ahead for most teams. The interface is colorful, intuitive, and visually appealing. New users can figure out the basics without extensive training. Wrike's interface is more utilitarian-functional but "drab" as some reviewers put it. It's designed for people who prioritize functionality over aesthetics.

Monday.com's workflow creator is more intuitive and comes with automation templates you can customize or build from scratch. Wrike offers deeper customization for automations, but requires more time to master.

The onboarding experience differs significantly. Monday.com provides an easier learning curve with its visual, drag-and-drop interface that feels natural from day one. Wrike's extensive feature set can be overwhelming initially, though it offers more power once you master it. For teams new to project management software, Monday.com typically results in faster adoption.

Project Views

Both tools offer multiple ways to visualize projects:

Monday.com: Kanban boards, Gantt charts, calendars, timelines, and maps. Over 200 templates across industries. The dashboard can combine data from multiple boards depending on your plan (1, 5, 10, or 50 boards).

Wrike: 9 different views including Table, Board, Gantt chart, Resources, Timeline, and more. Wrike's Gantt charts support tasks and subtasks together, giving you a more complete picture. Their timeline views also include critical path highlights, dependencies, and milestones.

Wrike's ability to flag critical paths in project timelines is particularly valuable for complex projects where understanding dependencies is crucial. Monday.com doesn't offer this built-in critical path functionality, which can be a dealbreaker for project managers handling intricate schedules.

Task Management

Both platforms excel at task management but with different approaches:

Monday.com task management:

Wrike task management:

The key differentiator: Wrike allows cross-functional collaboration where the same work appears in multiple contexts. If your marketing team and product team need visibility into the same deliverable from their respective workspaces, Wrike handles this elegantly. Monday.com requires workarounds or duplicating items.

Automations & Integrations

Monday.com: 200+ integrations with tools like Slack, Salesforce, and Google Workspace. Automation limits vary by plan-250 actions/month on Standard, 25,000 on Pro, 250,000 on Enterprise.

Wrike: 400+ integrations including Jira, Microsoft Teams, and advanced connections with Salesforce, NetSuite, and Adobe Creative Cloud on higher tiers. Automation available on Team plans and up.

Monday.com has fewer integrations but they're easier to set up. Wrike's integration depth is better for enterprise environments with complex tool stacks.

Understanding Automation Limits

Monday.com's automation model is action-based. Every time an automation runs, it consumes one action from your monthly quota. If you exceed your monthly limit, the overage is deducted from next month's allocation. On the Standard plan with 250 actions/month, teams can hit limits quickly if they have multiple boards with frequent status changes or notification automations.

The Pro plan's 25,000 actions/month is typically sufficient for mid-sized companies using daily automations, including email integrations like Gmail or Outlook which consume significant actions. Enterprise teams using Monday.com as a CRM or for payroll management with formula columns should consider the Enterprise plan's 250,000 actions/month.

Wrike's automation approach is similar but generally more forgiving at higher tiers. The Business plan includes robust automation capabilities without the tight restrictions found on Monday.com's lower tiers.

Time Tracking

Both platforms offer built-in time tracking, but availability differs:

On Monday.com's lower tiers, you'd need a third-party integration for time tracking. Wrike bundles it with their Business plan along with timesheets and workload charts.

Wrike's time tracking implementation is more comprehensive, with built-in timesheets that integrate directly with workload management and resource planning features. Multiple team members can track time for the same tasks simultaneously, and time data feeds into budget tracking and profitability analysis.

Resource Management

Wrike excels here. Their Business plan includes robust resource management with workload charts, allocation tools, and capacity planning. This is a key differentiator for agencies and teams managing multiple projects with shared resources.

Monday.com has workload features on higher tiers, but Wrike's implementation is more comprehensive for complex project portfolios.

Wrike's resource management capabilities include:

According to Gartner research, beginning a project without proper resource planning can extend a four-month project to as much as a year. Wrike's resource management tools help teams avoid these costly delays by ensuring the right resources are available at the right time.

File Proofing & Approvals

If you're a creative team or agency, pay attention. Wrike lets you review, proof, and approve over 30 file types directly in the platform with side-by-side comparison and version control. They also integrate with DAM tools like MediaValet and Bynder.

Monday.com has proofing features but supports fewer file types and lacks a built-in approvals workflow on their boards. For marketing and creative teams dealing with client deliverables, Wrike is genuinely better here.

Wrike's approval workflows can be automated as part of larger processes or initiated ad hoc within tasks. The Live Editor feature allows multiple team members to edit task descriptions simultaneously, streamlining feedback collection. For agencies managing client approvals on design files, videos, or marketing materials, Wrike's proofing feature eliminates the need for external review tools.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Wrike allows work to be tagged in multiple projects, folders, and Spaces, so different teams can collaborate in their own workflow context. Monday.com doesn't offer this cross-tagging feature-work lives in one board at a time.

Monday workdocs lets teams co-edit documents in real time, embed boards, and create live action items, which eliminates the need for separate documentation tools. You can brainstorm, take meeting notes, and create project plans all within Monday.com without switching to Google Docs or Notion.

Reporting & Analytics

Monday.com reporting:

Wrike reporting:

Wrike's reporting is more sophisticated for teams that need detailed project performance metrics. Monday.com's dashboards are more visually appealing and easier to create but may lack depth for complex reporting requirements.

Mobile Experience

Both platforms offer mobile apps for iOS and Android:

Monday.com mobile: The mobile app mirrors the web experience well, with intuitive navigation and most core features accessible. Teams can update statuses, add comments, upload files, and view boards on the go. The mobile interface maintains Monday.com's visual appeal.

Wrike mobile: The mobile app has more limited functionality compared to the web version and some users report it can be slow or buggy. However, it covers essential tasks like updating project status, commenting, and viewing Gantt charts. For teams heavily reliant on mobile access, Monday.com has the edge.

Security & Compliance

Both platforms offer strong security features at enterprise tiers. Wrike has HIPAA support, which matters for healthcare teams. Two-factor authentication on Wrike is only available on the Enterprise plan, which is a weakness. Monday.com offers 2FA at lower tiers.

Monday.com security features:

Wrike security features:

Customer Support

Monday.com: Offers 24/7 customer support across all paid plans, which is a significant advantage. Support includes live chat, email, and phone support depending on your tier. The response time and quality of support improve on higher-tier plans, with Enterprise customers getting dedicated success managers.

Wrike: Support availability varies by plan. Free and Team plans have access to community forums and help center resources. Business and Enterprise plans include priority support. Wrike's customer support ratings are generally high, though not as consistently available as Monday.com's 24/7 offering.

Templates & Getting Started

Monday.com: Over 200 templates across industries including marketing, sales, HR, IT, operations, and more. Templates are highly customizable and serve as excellent starting points. The template library is one of Monday.com's strengths-you can launch a project in minutes by choosing a pre-built template and adjusting it to your needs.

Wrike: Offers numerous preset templates for various use cases including project roadmaps, objectives and key results (OKRs), communication plans, and work breakdown structures. Wrike's templates are more project-focused rather than industry-specific, making them versatile for different team types.

Customization Capabilities

Monday.com customization:

Wrike customization:

Wrike offers deeper customization options, particularly for teams with specialized workflows. Monday.com's customization is more visual and intuitive but may feel limiting for complex use cases.

Use Case Comparisons: When Each Tool Shines

Best for Marketing Teams

Winner: Wrike

Marketing teams benefit significantly from Wrike's proofing and approval workflows, asset management capabilities, and Adobe Creative Cloud integrations. The ability to review and approve over 30 file types directly in the platform streamlines creative production. Wrike also integrates with digital asset management (DAM) tools, making it easier to manage brand assets across campaigns.

Best for Software Development Teams

Winner: Wrike

Development teams need robust features like Gantt charts, time tracking, resource management, and integrations with development tools. Wrike delivers all of these on the Business plan and above. The ability to manage sprints, track development roadmaps, and handle product feedback makes Wrike better suited for engineering teams looking to ship products on time.

Best for Small Businesses

Winner: Monday.com

Small businesses benefit from Monday.com's more affordable entry point, easier learning curve, and 24/7 support. The visual interface helps teams adopt the platform quickly without extensive training. For small teams that don't need complex resource management or creative proofing, Monday.com provides better value.

Best for Remote Teams

Winner: Monday.com

Remote teams need seamless communication and collaboration tools. Monday.com's real-time updates, workdocs for co-editing, better mobile experience, and intuitive interface make remote collaboration easier. While Wrike also supports remote work with cloud-based access and real-time commenting, Monday.com's user-friendly design reduces friction for distributed teams.

Best for Professional Services & Agencies

Winner: Wrike

Professional services firms and agencies managing billable hours need resource management, time tracking, and budgeting tools. Wrike's Business plan includes all these features, allowing agencies to track billable utilization and profitability across client projects. The resource planning capabilities help ensure projects stay profitable and team members aren't over or under-allocated.

Best for Creative Teams

Winner: Wrike

Creative teams producing design files, videos, and marketing content need robust file proofing. Wrike's side-by-side version comparison, support for 30+ file types, and approval workflows make it the clear choice. Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud further streamlines creative workflows.

Best for Fast-Growing Companies

Winner: Wrike

Companies experiencing rapid growth need a platform that scales without sacrificing speed or collaboration. Wrike's ability to quickly spin up projects and onboard new users, combined with its flexible resource allocation, makes it ideal for fast-growth environments. The platform adapts as team structures change and project complexity increases.

Best for Startups

Winner: Monday.com

Startups typically prioritize ease of use, quick setup, and affordability. Monday.com's generous template library, intuitive interface, and lower price point on paid plans make it the better choice. Startups can get up and running in hours rather than days, and the visual workflow management helps small teams stay aligned without bureaucracy.

Who Should Use Monday.com?

Monday.com is the right choice if:

Try Monday.com free →

Who Should Use Wrike?

Wrike makes more sense if:

The Drawbacks You Should Know

Monday.com Weaknesses

Wrike Weaknesses

Integration Ecosystem Deep Dive

Monday.com Integrations

Monday.com offers 200+ integrations covering essential business tools:

Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Gmail, Outlook

Development: Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket

Sales & CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zendesk

Marketing: Mailchimp, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn

Productivity: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive

Time tracking: Harvest, Toggl, Everhour, Clockify

Design: Figma, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud

Monday.com integrations are generally easier to set up with point-and-click configuration. The platform uses a "recipe" approach where you select pre-built integration templates and customize them to your needs.

Wrike Integrations

Wrike offers 400+ integrations with deeper enterprise connectivity:

Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Gmail, Outlook

Development: Jira, GitHub, Jenkins, Azure DevOps

Sales & CRM: Salesforce (advanced), NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics

Creative: Adobe Creative Cloud (advanced), Figma, Sketch

File storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, SharePoint

DAM: MediaValet, Bynder, Brandfolder

Analytics: Tableau, Power BI, Looker

Wrike's advanced integrations (particularly with Salesforce, NetSuite, and Adobe Creative Cloud) are available on Business plan and above. These provide deeper two-way syncs and more sophisticated data flows. For enterprises with complex tool ecosystems, Wrike's integration depth is superior.

Real User Experiences

What Users Love About Monday.com

Based on G2 reviews, users consistently highlight ease of use as Monday.com's top strength, with 32% of reviewers specifically mentioning it. Typical user feedback includes:

Monday.com has a G2 rating of 4.7 out of 5, reflecting strong user satisfaction across the board.

What Users Love About Wrike

Wrike users appreciate the platform's flexibility and power, though only 9% of G2 reviewers highlighted ease of use as a top benefit. User feedback often focuses on capabilities:

Wrike has a G2 rating of 4.2 out of 5, with users praising its comprehensive feature set while noting the steeper learning curve.

Migration Considerations

Switching to Monday.com

If you're migrating from another tool to Monday.com:

Switching to Wrike

If you're migrating to Wrike:

Scalability & Growth

How Monday.com Scales

Monday.com scales well for teams growing from 10 to 200+ users. The platform's bucket pricing model means costs increase predictably as you add seats. Key scalability factors:

How Wrike Scales

Wrike is built for enterprise scale and handles large, complex organizations well. Scalability strengths include:

ROI & Value Analysis

Monday.com Value Proposition

Teams typically see ROI from Monday.com through:

For a 15-person team on Monday.com Pro ($285/month), the investment pays back quickly if it saves just a few hours per team member monthly.

Wrike Value Proposition

Wrike delivers ROI through:

For agencies and professional services firms, Wrike's resource management alone can justify the higher cost by improving billable utilization rates by 10-15%.

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Construction & Manufacturing

Recommendation: Wrike

Construction and manufacturing teams benefit from Gantt charts for timeline management, dependency tracking, and resource allocation. The ability to track budgets and manage complex schedules makes Wrike the better fit.

Retail & E-commerce

Recommendation: Monday.com

Retail teams need fast-moving workflows, easy collaboration, and mobile access for distributed teams. Monday.com's visual boards for inventory management, campaign planning, and store operations work well for retail environments.

Healthcare

Recommendation: Wrike

Healthcare organizations requiring HIPAA compliance must choose Wrike. The advanced security features and compliance certifications make it the only viable option for managing patient-related workflows.

Education

Recommendation: Monday.com

Educational institutions benefit from Monday.com's ease of use, allowing faculty and staff to adopt the platform quickly. The visual interface works well for managing academic calendars, student projects, and departmental workflows. Both platforms offer nonprofit/education discounts.

Finance & Legal

Recommendation: Wrike

Finance and legal teams need robust security, detailed audit trails, and approval workflows. Wrike's enterprise-grade security, custom permissions, and built-in approval processes better serve regulated industries.

Final Verdict: Monday.com for Most, Wrike for Complex Enterprises

For most teams reading this, Monday.com is the better choice. It's easier to learn, more affordable on paid plans, and has a cleaner interface that your team will actually enjoy using. The automation builder is more intuitive, and the template library gets you up and running faster.

The typical Monday.com user is a team of 5-50 people who needs solid project management without overwhelming complexity. You want to track tasks, collaborate in real-time, see project timelines, and automate repetitive work-all without spending weeks on setup and training.

Choose Wrike if you're running a large organization with complex project portfolios, need serious resource management, or require built-in creative proofing workflows. Wrike's free plan also makes sense if you're bootstrapping and need more than 2 users without paying. The Business plan and above deliver capabilities that Monday.com simply doesn't match for enterprise resource planning and cross-functional project management.

Wrike is purpose-built for agencies, professional services firms, and enterprises managing multiple simultaneous projects with shared resource pools. If you're tracking billable hours, managing team capacity across departments, or coordinating complex creative workflows, Wrike's higher learning curve and cost are justified.

Both offer 14-day free trials (no credit card required for Monday.com), so test each with your actual workflows before committing.

Start your Monday.com free trial →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Wrike to Monday.com or vice versa?

Yes, both platforms support data imports from Excel and CSV formats, making migration possible. However, you'll need to rebuild automations, workflows, and custom configurations. For enterprise migrations, consider working with implementation partners to ensure smooth transitions.

Which platform is better for remote teams?

Monday.com has a slight edge for remote teams due to its more intuitive interface, better mobile app, and real-time collaboration features like workdocs. However, both platforms support remote work effectively with cloud-based access and collaboration tools.

Do either platforms offer discounts for nonprofits or educational institutions?

Yes, both Monday.com and Wrike offer special pricing for nonprofits and educational institutions. Contact their sales teams directly to apply for these discounts, which can be substantial (often 30-50% off standard pricing).

Can I use Monday.com or Wrike for personal projects?

Both offer free plans suitable for personal use. Wrike's free plan is more generous (unlimited users, 200 active tasks) compared to Monday.com (2 users, 3 boards). For personal project management, either works, though simpler tools may be more appropriate.

Which platform has better Gantt chart capabilities?

Wrike has more advanced Gantt chart features, including critical path analysis, task and subtask visibility together, and dependency management. Monday.com offers Gantt charts starting on the Standard plan, but they're more basic in functionality.

Can I track billable hours and project profitability?

Wrike is better suited for billable hour tracking and profitability analysis, with built-in time tracking, timesheets, and budget monitoring on the Business plan. Monday.com has time tracking on Pro and above but requires more manual setup for profitability tracking.

Which platform integrates better with Salesforce?

Both integrate with Salesforce, but Wrike offers more advanced Salesforce integration on the Business plan with two-way sync capabilities and deeper data flows. For sales teams heavily reliant on Salesforce, Wrike's integration is more robust.

Is either platform suitable for agile software development?

Wrike is better suited for agile development with features supporting sprint planning, backlog management, and development roadmaps. Both integrate with development tools like Jira and GitHub, but Wrike's structure aligns better with agile methodologies.

Related Comparisons

Still exploring options? Check out these related guides: