Free Kanban board tools

Introduction

If you are seeking a free Kanban tool to build your own personal Kanban system, then there’s plenty of choices. This list provides just some of the best-known free Kanban board tools out there.

Some of the tools are completely free for all users, but many come with restrictions on the free plan, and many require you to upgrade to get features more suitable for teams. Nevertheless, it’s worth trying them out. Even if you don’t end up using it, many tools include lots of Kanban board examples and templates which can inspire your own team’s Kanban system.

Irrespective of whether you are part of an Agile project team or not, this list is worth checking out. You won’t learn how to use these tools by attending any typical Kanban training courses or by getting a Kanban certificate. So, sign up for a free tool, follow the explainer videos and articles, and start to boost your Agile team workflow.

Free Kanban boards

1. Asana

Asana is a robust work management platform that goes beyond traditional Kanban boards to offer a variety of project views, including lists, timelines, and calendars. It’s designed to help teams coordinate and manage work in a cohesive manner. Asana’s strength lies in its task assignments, subtasks, and dependency tracking, which make it ideal for complex projects.

Restrictions: Free for up to 15 members; some features like timeline views and advanced reporting are reserved for premium versions.

Website: https://asana.com/

2. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is an extensive suite of tools that includes CRM, project management, and team collaboration features. It offers Kanban boards as part of its project management toolkit. Bitrix24 stands out with its CRM integration, which can be a valuable asset for sales-oriented teams.

Restrictions: Free with limits on users and features.

Website: https://www.bitrix24.com/

3. ClickUp

ClickUp is a comprehensive tool that promises to replace a suite of productivity apps. It offers task management through various layouts including Kanban boards, and it’s known for its rich feature set even in the free version. It aims to cater to all work types through its customisable views and tasks.

Restrictions: Free with some limitations on features and storage.

Website: https://clickup.com/

4. Kanbanize

Kanbanize stands out with its powerful analytics and automation within the Kanban framework, aiming to boost efficiency in large enterprises and lean teams. Its interface allows for the creation of multiple interconnected boards to manage complex workflows, while sophisticated features like automation rules, custom fields, and detailed analytics help streamline project management. Kanbanize is well-suited for those who want to scale their Kanban practice and need a tool that grows with their needs.

Restrictions: Offers a free trial; after which, a paid subscription is required for continued access to all features.

Website: https://kanbanize.com/

5. KanbanFlow

KanbanFlow is a straightforward Kanban tool that delivers on the essentials of visual task management with the addition of a Pomodoro timer for time tracking and increased productivity. It is web-based and offers a clean and easy-to-use interface, which is perfect for teams looking to implement Kanban principles without unnecessary complexity.

Restrictions: The free version includes basic Kanban features; premium features require a subscription.

Website: https://kanbanflow.com/

6. Kanboard

Kanboard is a free and open-source project management tool that excels in simplicity and minimalism. Its focus on efficiency and functionality makes it a suitable option for individuals and teams looking for a no-frills Kanban experience. Users who are comfortable with self-hosting will find Kanboard flexible as it can be installed on their own servers.

Restrictions: Fully free and open-source.

Website: https://kanboard.org/

7. LeanKit

LeanKit by Planview is tailored for Lean and Agile teams, offering Kanban boards with a good deal of flexibility and reporting. It is particularly suitable for teams looking to improve workflow and track efficiency. LeanKit provides advanced Kanban board metrics and forecasting, which can be a differentiator for data-driven teams.

Restrictions: Free trial available; full features require a paid subscription.

Website: https://www.planview.com/

8. MeisterTask

MeisterTask is a visually attractive and collaborative task management tool. It integrates well with MindMeister, a mind-mapping tool, thus favouring those who plan their projects visually. MeisterTask differentiates itself with a focus on a clean user interface and a seamless user experience.

Restrictions: The basic free version; Pro features available at a cost.

Website: https://www.meistertask.com/

9. Taiga

Taiga is an Agile project management platform with a strong emphasis on user experience and design. It is particularly suited to Agile developers and designers looking for a tool that supports Scrum and Kanban methodologies. Taiga’s simple, intuitive interface makes it easy to start with Agile practices.

Restrictions: Basic free version; advanced features are paid.

Website: https://taiga.io/

10. Trello

Trello is an intuitive web-based Kanban tool that popularised the card/board approach to task management. It enables users to create boards, lists, and cards to organise and prioritise projects in a flexible and rewarding way. Trello is visually appealing and user-friendly, making it a go-to choice for both personal and professional use. The tool integrates with various apps and services for increased functionality.

Restrictions: No major restrictions in the free version, but some power-ups (integrations) and features are limited.

Website: https://trello.com/

11. Wekan

Wekan is another open-source Kanban board that is notable for its self-hosting capabilities, allowing for full control over data and privacy. It can be a great choice for teams with technical expertise who prioritise data sovereignty and customisability.

Restrictions: Fully free and open-source.

Website: https://wekan.github.io/

12. Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is part of the Zoho software suite and offers an extensive range of project management features including task lists, milestones, and Kanban boards. It is designed for businesses of all sizes to improve productivity through better planning and collaboration. Zoho Projects integrates well with other Zoho apps and third-party applications.

Restrictions: Free for up to 3 users; additional features and more users require a paid plan.

Website: https://www.zoho.com/

Summary

Professionals seeking free Kanban tools will find a wealth of options to aid in establishing a personal or team-based Kanban system. Although many offerings are free, they often come with certain limitations unless users opt for premium upgrades, which are more team-oriented. These tools not only assist in implementing Kanban boards but also offer a trove of templates and examples that inspire and enhance team workflows.

Notably, Asana stands out for its comprehensive work management capabilities, Bitrix24 integrates seamlessly with CRM, and ClickUp offers a vast array of features even for its free users. For enterprises seeking advanced analytics and automation, Kanbanize is the go-to, whereas KanbanFlow adds a Pomodoro timer to its straightforward task management. Kanboard is an exemplary no-cost, open-source solution for those comfortable with self-hosting, and MeisterTask excels in design and collaboration, integrating smoothly with mind-mapping tools. Trello remains a popular choice for its user-friendliness, whereas Wekan is ideal for those prioritising data control. Zoho Projects, with broader project management features, rounds off the list as a versatile option for small to mid-sized businesses.