Microsoft Project review (2026): features, pros and cons, and what to check before you buy
Microsoft's scheduling and project portfolio product, sold as Project Plan subscriptions inside the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Our take for buyers
Microsoft Project is a scheduling and project portfolio product aimed at Microsoft 365 organizations with PMO-style needs. G2 lists it as Microsoft Project and Portfolio Management with a 4.0 rating from about 1,620 reviews. It is a sensible shortlist item if your planners already live in the Microsoft stack. Its pitch is scheduling depth and portfolio views rather than lightweight task tracking.
It is not a good match for small teams that want a simple board without Microsoft licensing. Little is published that a buyer can rely on, including plan contents, feature limits and terms, so most of the evaluation depends on what Microsoft confirms directly. Ask for current plan documentation early.
- Best for
- Microsoft 365 organizations with PMO-style scheduling needs.
- Starting price
- Not confirmed by Microsoft; third parties list Project Plan 3 at about $30 per user per month
- G2 rating
- 4.0 (1,622 reviews)
What is Microsoft Project?
Microsoft's scheduling and project portfolio product, sold as Project Plan subscriptions inside the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Worth a look when a PMO already lives in Microsoft 365 and needs scheduling and portfolio control under Project Plan licences. Verify current pricing directly, because Microsoft does not confirm it. A small team wanting a plain board will find it excessive. Microsoft Project is based in Redmond, US.
Category: Project Management Software
Microsoft Project plans and pricing
| Plan | Price | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planner Plan 1 | $10 (G2 listing) | user/month | Third-party |
| Project Plan 3 | $30 (toolsforhumans.ai, Software Advice 2023) | user/month | Third-party, possibly dated |
All prices are third-party figures and not confirmed by the vendor's price list. Confirm on microsoft.com before use.
Who should shortlist Microsoft Project
A strong fit for
- Microsoft 365 organizations with PMO-style scheduling needs.
A weak fit for
- Small teams wanting a simple board without Microsoft licensing.
Microsoft Project alternatives
AsanaCross-functional teams that want timelines and unlimited automations from the Starter tier.
SmartsheetTeams used to spreadsheets who want structured project tracking.
WrikeMid-size teams running cross-functional projects with approvals.
monday.comSmall and mid-size teams that want customizable boards and many automations.
ClickUpSmall and mid-size teams that want one flexible tool replacing several apps.
JiraSoftware and IT teams running agile sprints and backlogs.
Contract and buying terms
- Starting price
- Not confirmed by Microsoft; third parties list Project Plan 3 at about $30 per user per month.
- Pricing model
- Per user.
- Free plan or trial
- No.
What to test in a Microsoft Project demo or trial
Because plan contents are not published in a form we could cite, begin by asking Microsoft which plan includes which scheduling and portfolio features. In the trial, build a real project schedule with dependencies and resources, then check how it shares with the rest of your Microsoft 365 tenant. Compare the experience against a simple board if part of your team only needs task tracking, since the product is aimed at PMO-style work.
Questions to ask Microsoft Project before you sign
These are the points Microsoft Project's public pages leave open. Get the answers in writing before procurement signs off.
- Which plan includes SAML SSO, and what does it cost for our seat count?
- Is SCIM provisioning included, or a paid add-on?
- Which plan includes audit logs, and how long are they kept?
- Where is our data stored, and can we choose the region?
- Can we sign your standard DPA without changes?
- Is there a monthly option, and what are the cancellation and renewal terms?
- What will the price be at renewal, and is the increase capped?
Things to know before a demo
- Plans, features and terms are not confirmed by the vendor's own documentation.
- G2 entry price shown is Planner Plan 1 at $10 per user per month.
Microsoft Project FAQ
What is Microsoft Project used for?
Worth a look when a PMO already lives in Microsoft 365 and needs scheduling and portfolio control under Project Plan licences. Verify current pricing directly, because Microsoft does not confirm it. A small team wanting a plain board will find it excessive. It suits microsoft 365 organizations with PMO-style scheduling needs.
Who is Microsoft Project best for?
Microsoft 365 organizations with PMO-style scheduling needs. Small teams wanting a simple board without Microsoft licensing are a poorer fit.
How is Microsoft Project rated?
G2 lists it as Microsoft Project and Portfolio Management with a 4.0 rating from roughly 1,620 reviews.
Does Microsoft Project support SSO and audit logs?
Microsoft does not publish those answers in the material we found. Ask for them in writing, tied to the specific plan you would buy.
Vendor profile
- Headquarters
- Redmond, US.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from Microsoft Project's own pricing, product or documentation pages, G2 and company records, checked on October 24, 2026. Unknown values are left out instead of estimated.