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14 Float Alternatives to Try in 2024

Esther van Opijnen
|
November 17, 2023
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Just as creative businesses grow and change, so do the tools they depend on for project management. In recent years, Float has gained popularity as a reliable resource management software, but it may be time to explore other alternatives to support your complete project cycle. 

Whether you're seeking more robust functionality or better pricing options, there are several Float alternatives worth considering. In this article, we'll explore 14 of the best options available in 2024 to help you find the software that best suits your business needs.

Why should I look for a Float Alternative?

Float caters to smaller teams and businesses without hesitation. Its resource scheduling feature facilitates effortless and quick organization of project schedules for small teams. The platform also includes built-in time tracking and offers basic reporting and analytics, making it a significant improvement from manually managing resources using spreadsheets.

Tailored exclusively for resource scheduling, Float lacks essential project management features that typically accompany resource scheduling tools. This aspect stands out as a major pain point, as highlighted in these reviews.

#1 Lack of features

According to reviews, Float is a simple and intuitive tool that is easy to use for scheduling and tracking resources. However, some users have noted that it does not have as many features as other resource management software, particularly in the areas of team collaboration and project management.

Users report that Float's functionality is limited to scheduling and tracking tasks and does not include features such as project budgeting, reporting, and invoicing.  As one G2 reviewer notes:

“I don't like how the tool looks, visually. Especially the project planning part. Many basic features that are available in other project management tools are not available, for example, the Gantt chart is not really there. The reporting part is very weak. A lot of people in the office like the tool, I think, but for me it's not the best because of some basic things are missing. We ended up using Qlik to build reporting part and the Gantt chart.”

Plus, Float primarily focuses on helping teams visualize and forecast their budgets rather than providing comprehensive financial management tools. 

#2 Limited scheduling capabilities

Float enables businesses to manage their team's schedules and workload. While Float has many useful features for scheduling tasks and tracking resources, some users have reported that it has limited scheduling capabilities compared to other tools.

Additionally, some users have said that Float's scheduling interface can be difficult to navigate when dealing with complex schedules or multiple team members. Users have noted that the tool is most effective for small teams or simpler projects and may not be the best choice for larger teams or more complex projects. Here's a review from Capterra:

“There are some UX problems which are just plain weird. Scheduling time for an employee is tedious because the planned time affects the duration and vice-versa. We do our planning on a weekly basis instead of day-to-day, so we're often entering time planned like 0.4h/day which is more complicated than we would like it to be. There are some weird issues with the API as well, where some fields are not being applied correctly, or behavior changes with updates.”

#3 There’s a learning curve

Several online reviewers have reported that the onboarding and implementation process can be time-consuming and may require significant effort to get the most out of the tool.

While Float's interface is generally user-friendly, some users may require additional training or support to fully utilize the tool's features and maximize its benefits. Here's a review from Capterra

“One aspect that I find slightly challenging is the learning curve associated with the initial setup and configuration. It took some time to fully understand all the features and functionalities of Float.”

14 best Float alternatives to consider

If you're experiencing these common Float frustrations, it may be time to consider switching to a more reliable and versatile option. So, what are your alternatives? Here are our 14 picks for tools that offer more robust features.

1. Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive brings an end to scattered workflows and combines project budgeting, time tracking, invoicing, and reporting features to cover your complete project lifecycle. Here’s a better look at the features that Rodeo Drive has to offer:

Time tracking that’s connected to your budget

To ensure that clients are billed accurately for the work done, time tracking is essential. Rodeo Drive provides users with two options to track time — starting the stopwatch when beginning work on a task or adding a time card after completing the task.

Because Rodeo Drive's features are interconnected, every activity entered into the platform must be assigned to a budget activity. This ensures that your budget is continuously updated in real-time as you complete project tasks, enabling you to monitor the percentage of your budget spent as your team progresses.

Gif of stopping timer in Rodeo Drive

Recording time using Rodeo Drive’s live timer

The integration of time tracking and budgeting is particularly beneficial when it comes to invoicing clients and generating reports on project progress. 

Send estimates and invoices

The software utilizes your logged hours data to automatically generate invoices, eliminating the need for manual calculations. Additionally, Rodeo Drive allows you to split and send invoices in phases, which can help with cash flow management.

Screenshot of creating an invoice in Rodeo Drive

Creating an invoice in Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive's integration with QuickBooks (US) and Xero (UK) further streamlines bookkeeping and billing processes, providing a comprehensive solution for financial project management.

Monitor your project’s financial health

If you use the Achiever plan, Rodeo Drive will provide you with detailed insights into your team's usage of the platform. The software offers three types of automatically generated reports — time, productivity, and projects. These reports can be filtered by employee or client, enabling you to view billable hours recorded by each employee, track project progress, and determine profitability.

Rodeo Drive's project report

Rodeo Drive’s Projects report, which provides an overview of the project status

Accessing information on budget versus actual spending, time spent on each client or project, and project profitability allows you to utilize these insights to create more precise budgets for future projects. By leveraging this data, you can gain a better understanding of your financial performance and make informed decisions to improve your bottom line.

Schedule tasks with confidence

In the fast-paced world of project management, it's essential to have a tool that can keep up. Fortunately, Rodeo Drive makes planning and assigning tasks a seamless experience. 

Gif of adjusting an activity duration in Rodeo Drive

Adjusting project activities within Rodeo Drive’s planner

When you’re working on a fast-moving project, you need all the information at your fingertips. As soon as you sign in to the platform, you'll see a summary of your pending tasks, recently tracked time, and current project status. This allows you to evaluate which items require your immediate attention and dive straight into work. 

Who is this tool for?

Rodeo Drive was specifically designed for creative professionals who require a solution that combines project management with financial management to streamline administrative tasks. This includes teams of all sizes working in various fields such as video production, marketing, event planning, creative agencies, and more.

Pricing

Rodeo Drive's pricing is easy to understand:  

  • Free: Access to the essential features for project management at no cost.
  • Achiever: $14.99 per user/month, this plan comes with all of the features Rodeo Drive offers.

Ready to give it a try? Start your free Rodeo Drive account now.

2. Adobe Workfront

Workfront's objectives view

Source: Adobe Workfront

Adobe Workfront helps teams manage intricate projects and tasks. Its features include asset management, portfolio management, and time tracking, making it a comprehensive tool for managing creative projects.

Despite having an intuitive interface and robust features, Workfront is not as scalable as other tools on this list and lacks integrations and project and timeline views.

Adobe acquired the platform, which makes it an attractive option for creative and marketing agencies already utilizing Adobe's suite of design solutions.

Related: The Best Adobe Workfront Alternatives

Adobe Workfront’s popular features

Who is this tool for?

Workfront can be a great fit for organizations with complex workflows in design, product, or software development who have integrated other Adobe products. 

Adobe Workfront’s pricing

Ask Adobe Workfront for a custom plan or log in to your Adobe Creative Cloud to find out more.

3. Jira

Jira's dashboard

Source: Jira

Jira is a work management solution specifically designed for software development teams to organize, track, and manage projects throughout the software development lifecycle. The software is available in both cloud-based and on-premise versions, offering flexibility based on organizational workflows.

While Jira is highly customizable, some users have noted that it can be complex to use. However, given that it is primarily aimed at the software development industry, this may not be a significant issue for those teams.

Jira’s popular features

  • Sprint planner
  • Report
  • Scrum boards

Who is this tool for?

Jira is quite feature-heavy and can be complex for small creative teams. However, the platform is ideal for software development teams that work with an agile project management methodology. 

Jira’s pricing

  • Free version with limited features for 3 users
  • Standard version: $22.05  per user/month
  • Premium version: $49.35 per user/month
  • Enterprise version: Price upon request and billed annually 

Note: All plans are based on the Jira Cloud offering

4. Resource Guru

Resource Guru's schedule

Source: Resource Guru

Resource Guru helps teams effectively schedule and manage resources like people, equipment, and meeting spaces. It offers a friendly visual interface to track resource availability, schedule tasks, and ensure resources are allocated optimally across projects and teams. 

This tool streamlines resource planning, prevents overbooking, and maximizes the use of available resources for organizations. Some users find the UI difficult to navigate and the tool can feel clunky.

Resource Guru’s popular features

  • Project forecasting reports
  • Leave management
  • Resource scheduling
  • Equipment management

Who is this tool for?

Resource Guru caters to professional services industries, including agencies, consulting and IT firms, plus construction and engineering teams.

Resource Guru’s pricing

  • Grasshopper Plan: $5 per user/month
  • Blackbelt Plan: $8 per user/month
  • Master plan: $12 per user/month

5. Kantata

Kantata's resource center

Source: Kantata

Kantata, formerly known as Mavenlink, is a project management tool widely used for resource planning and project performance tracking. In 2022, Mavenlink merged with Kimble to form Kantata, which brought new business intelligence capabilities.

While the tool has an extensive library of functionalities, Kantata has been criticized by many online reviewers for its cumbersome user interface and user experience. Users have reported difficulty in accessing important features and navigating the platform.

While most users are seeking a project management tool that will streamline their workflows and save time, Kantata may require significant administrative set-up. The straightforwardness of Float or other tools on this list might suit your needs better.

Also read: The Best Kantata Alternatives for Project Management

Kantata’s popular features

  • Capacity planning and resource management
  • Talent management
  • Project budgeting
  • Forecasting 
  • Dashboards 

Who is this tool for?

Kantata is designed for project managers and teams working in professional services industries, such as marketing agencies, consulting firms, IT services companies, and architecture and engineering firms. 

Kantata’s pricing

Request a custom plan through the website. You will need to fill out a form with your industry, team size, and location in order to receive pricing information. 

6. Monday.com

Monday's project planning

Source: monday.com

Good chance you’ve come across monday.com in your search for a project management tool. Undoubtedly, monday.com is one of the most sought-after project management tools in the market, providing stiff competition to the Float alternatives on this list.

It is a versatile tool that caters to organizations from various industries and offers a range of features, including Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and customizable workflows. This allows you to create workflows that fit your team's specific requirements. However, this level of flexibility can be a double-edged sword, as it requires some degree of technical proficiency to design workflows that work effectively.

Also read: Top Monday Alternatives to Try

Monday’s popular features

Who is this tool for?

Monday.com is designed for teams across various industries who possess the technical expertise to customize the platform according to their specific requirements. The tool serves as a centralized platform that can streamline workflows for teams.

Monday’s pricing

  • Individual plan: Free for up to 2 users
  • Basic plan: $10 per user/month
  • Standard plan: $12 per user/month
  • Pro plan: $20 per user/month
  • Enterprise plan: Contact sales 

Note: All paid plans require a minimum of 3 users.

7. Asana

Asana's content queue

Source: Asana 

Asana is a popular tool known for its exceptional task management features. 

Users can easily assign tasks, establish milestones, and track time and deadlines using the software. While small businesses and freelancers can take advantage of the free plan, some online reviews express frustration with the limited feature set of the free version.

It's important to note that Asana is primarily focused on task management and workflows, so project managers may need to rely on additional software tools to support their projects from start to finish. For instance, Asana lacks financial management capabilities like Float so when you’re opting for Asana, this wouldn’t be an upgrade.

Related: Top Asana Alternatives to Consider

Asana’s popular features

  • Task boards
  • Timelines
  • Workload management
  • Dependencies

Who is this tool for?

Asana is a powerful tool designed for teams seeking to effectively track tasks and establish milestones based on project activities. While it excels in task management, if you require features to support a wider range of work processes, it may be necessary to use additional tools or integrate with other software.

Asana’s pricing

  • Basic plan: free
  • Premium plan: $13.49 per user/month
  • Business plan: $30.49 per user/month
  • Enterprise plan: contact sales

8. Productive

Productive's projects view

Source: Productive 

Productive is a project management software that aims to be an all-in-one solution by covering sales pipeline management, resource allocation, and project management. The platform provides features such as time tracking, budget management, and invoicing to help users manage their projects effectively

The tool focuses on financials and profitability, providing tools to track employee cost rates, company overhead costs, and revenue prediction through resource planning and project progress reports.

Productive has received criticism from users on its task management component, and some users have expressed a desire for more features in its sales pipeline.

Productive’s popular features

  • Resource planning
  • Time tracking
  • Billing
  • Sales
  • Documents and collaboration 

Who is this tool for?

Productive is a cloud-based project management solution designed specifically for professional service firms, agencies, and studios.

Productive’s pricing

  • Essential plan: $11 per user/month
  • Professional plan: $28 per user/month
  • Ultimate plan: Pricing upon request
  • Enterprise plan: Pricing upon request

9. ClickUp

ClickUp's project board

Source: ClickUp 

ClickUp claims to save users 20% of their time and boasts an extensive set of features, such as task management, time tracking, and reporting. The extensive customizability it offers can lead to a complex and overwhelming experience, posing a challenge for some users trying to navigate the platform.

The anticipated 3.0 version promises to deliver more functionalities such as custom task types and work and notifications in the same place in a sleek newly designed interface.

Related: Top ClickUp Alternatives to Try [Free & Paid]

ClickUp’s popular features

  • Customizable tasks
  • Time management
  • Unique project views
  • Milestone tracking

Who is this tool for?

With its customizable workflows, this project management tool is suitable for organizations of any size with a certain level of tech-savviness.

ClickUp’s pricing

  • Free forever plan
  • Unlimited plan: $10 per user/month
  • Business plan: $19 per user/month
  • Enterprise plan: upon request

10. Smartsheet

Smartsheet's schedule

Source: Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a project management solution that offers a tabular interface for teams to collaborate on tasks and manage their work. The tool focuses primarily on task management, allowing users to assign tasks and track project progress. With various dashboard viewing options and collaboration features, the tool helps teams stay on track.

One downside is the lack of robust invoicing and reporting functionality. Additionally, the spreadsheet-like interface may be challenging for some users.

Also read: The Best Smartsheet Alternatives [Free & Paid]

Smartsheet’s popular features

  • Team collaboration
  • Task management
  • Workflow automations
  • Resource management

Who is this tool for?

Teams seeking to manage project data in a spreadsheet format can benefit from using Smartsheet. However, the tool's complexity requires users with experience in working with Excel.

Smartsheet’s pricing

  • Free plan
  • Pro version: $9 per user/month
  • Business version: $32 per user/month
  • Enterprise version: price upon request

11. Teamwork

Teamwork's task board

Source: Teamwork 

Teamwork primarily focuses on simplifying project planning through milestones, tasks, and messaging. The platform has a polished interface, and it easily integrates with widely used tools such as Slack. However, its reporting and automation features are somewhat limited.

The platform allows you to efficiently manage your team's time and budget, while also providing unlimited client users for streamlined project communication and easy deliverable sign-off.

Related: The Best Teamwork Alternatives [In Depth Review]

Teamwork’s popular features

  • Project templates
  • Time tracking
  • Resource planning
  • Budgeting
  • Billing

Who is this tool for?

Teamwork is designed primarily for project-based work and offers various plan options suitable for companies of all sizes. However, with a 5-user minimum requirement, it is not an ideal solution for freelancers or small startups.

Teamwork’s pricing

  • Free plan: $0 for up to 5 users
  • Starter plan: $8.99 per user/month 
  • Deliver plan: $13.99 per user/month 
  • Grow plan: $25.99 per user/month 

Note: All plans have a 5-user minimum. 

12. Wrike

Wrike's dashboard

Source: Wrike 

Wrike is a popular project and resource management tool suitable for larger organizations looking for client management tools. The platform offers Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and resource planning to structure workflows to your preferences. 

However, Wrike's complexity can result in a longer learning curve and adoption by users, and its interface is not very intuitive. Although offering proofing and live document editing, Wrike lacks a simple messaging feature to keep connected with your team.

Also read: The Best Wrike Alternatives for Project Management

Wrike’s popular features

  • Project portfolio management
  • Proofing
  • Time tracking
  • To-do lists

Who is this tool for?

Wrike is tailored towards medium to large-sized organizations that rely on team collaboration, client management, and resource allocation. Its range of features is designed to streamline workflows and increase productivity.

Wrike’s pricing

  • Free plan
  • Team plan: $9.80 per user/month 
  • Business plan: $24.80 per user/month 
  • Enterprise plan: Pricing upon request
  • Pinnacle plan: Pricing upon request

13. Paymo

Paymo's account page

Source: Paymo

Paymo is a platform that combines project management with HR and CRM management to offer an all-in-one solution. It's a great choice for teams looking to track time, collaborate, and send invoices, though the invoicing functionality could use some improvement, according to online reviews.

As one of the top alternatives to Float, Paymo offers resource management plus budgeting, and invoicing features to help teams manage end-to-end projects. 

However, some users have noted that it lacks collaboration options for external users without paying for an additional seat. Paymo also provides a time-tracking app to help users manually log hours or automatically record their work.

Related: Paymo Alternatives to Try [Free & Paid]

Paymo’s popular features

  • Team scheduling
  • Task planning
  • Online payments
  • Time Tracking
  • Invoicing 

Who is this tool for?

Paymo has creative agencies, higher education institutions, business consultants, and web development companies among their clients.

Paymo’s pricing

  • Free plan
  • Starter plan: $9.90 per user/month
  • Small office plan: $15.90 per user/month
  • Business plan: $23.90 per user/month

14. Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects' Gantt chart

Source: Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is a part of the Zoho suite, offering time tracking, team collaboration, and task management features. Integrating Zoho Projects with other Zoho products like Zoho CMS, Zoho Mail, and Zoho Invoice creates a full range of options for users. 

The platform's comprehensive capabilities can lead to a complex UI, making it challenging for users to navigate. Additionally, Zoho Projects lacks a dedicated customer support team, making onboarding and issue resolution difficult.

Related: Top Zoho Projects Alternatives [Free & Paid]

Zoho Project’s popular features

  • Time tracking
  • Charts and reporting
  • Team collaboration
  • Issue tracking
  • Task management

Who is this tool for?

Zoho Projects is an ideal solution for larger enterprises with a substantial software budget that requires a wide range of features across various departments.

Zoho Project’s pricing

  • Free plan: $0 for up to 3 users 
  • Premium plan: $5 per user/month 
  • Enterprise plan: $10 per user/month 

Takeaway

That concludes our list of the top 14 Float alternatives. There's no universal project management solution, but fortunately, there's a software tool available for every team's needs.

If you're already using Zoho in your workflows, consider trying out Zoho Projects. Or if you want to focus on task tracking, consider Asana or monday.com.

However, many Float alternatives may require integrations to ensure the successful completion of your projects. If you're seeking an efficient and cost-effective all-in-one solution, Rodeo Drive is the way to go.

The best part is that you can test Rodeo Drive completely free, with no credit card needed.