Top Accelo Alternatives: Best for Agencies in 2025

Margarita Aranza

Last updated Jan 18, 2025

Accelo has been acquired. What does that mean for your agency?

Nobody knows. It’s unclear what exactly the future holds for Accelo.

Thankfully, there’s a wide array of tools that can serve as great Accelo alternatives. One of the top options for agencies is Productive, an all-in-one tool created by industry professionals for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Try Productive as your Accelo alternative

We’ll explore the top Accelo alternatives with their key features, top benefits, and downsides in this article, so keep reading to find out more!

List of the Top Accelo Alternatives

  • Productive – best all-in-one Accelo alternative
  • Scoro – project management with CRM
  • Suitedash – centralized platform for projects
  • Hubspot – robust CRM for creatives and marketing
  • Wrike – resource management software
  • Avaza – project management and collaboration 
  • Kantata – project portfolio management software
  • Bigtime – streamlined operations for agencies
  • Monday – customizable work management tool
  • ClickUp – workflow management software
  • FunctionFox – creative project management 
  • Omnifocus – productivity tracking tool
  • Notion – knowledge management software
  • HarmonyPSA – another PSA alternative
  • GanttPRO – visual project management solution

1. Productive – A Great Accelo Alternative for Agencies

Need an all-in-one platform for your Accelo alternative? You’ll want to look into Productive.

Whether you run a digital agency, development company, consulting firm, or any other kind of business that works on client projects, Productive can support your needs.

Our previous system was Accelo, and it was massive. You could do everything under the sun, but you had to do it in a certain way. What’s good about Productive is that it’s powerful, but it doesn’t force you to do things in a certain way. You can be creative in the way you use it.

Roberto Ciarleglio and Ben Edge,
co-founders at Contra Agency

With Productive, you’ll be able to track daily project tasks, budget and deliver client projects on time, schedule resources, and create detailed reports that’ll help you make data-driven decisions.

As a business owner, you’ll be have an overview of the entire company and your teams will be able to collaborate on projects and tasks without the need for other tools.

Let’s explore Productive’s best features in more detail.

Try Productive as your Accelo alternative

Project Management

With the project management feature in Productive, you can switch between multiple project views. Accelo lists the Kanban view for their tasks, while Productive offers more than five layouts that help you customize the way you organize and view project progress.

Deliver your client projects on time

Projects can be broken down into tasks and to dos that can then be assigned to people that need to do them. There’s also an option for setting up repeating tasks for anything that needs to be done on a recurring basis.

Clients can also be invited to your workspace and collaborate on tasks with project teams.

Productive includes Automation features for creating custom automated workflows. Automations can be connected to tasks (such as a notification being sent to Slack when a task is updated), but also your budgeting or invoicing.

It’s a great way to make your workflows less reliant on manual work and minimize repetitive tasks.

CRM

One of standout Accelo features in the project management software space is its customer relationship management. Good news — Productive offers CRM software features too, and then some. 

With Productive’s customizable pipeline stages and an intuitive Kanban-board interface, you can easily track deals and stay organized.

Each deal works like an individual task, so you can assign tasks and to-dos, set deadlines and manage responsibilities. To manage contacts and information, you can forward emails into your inbox within Productive.


Organize deals with Productive’s lead management software

Since CRM is integrated with the Budgeting feature, you can create and send professional proposals using your agency rate card data. For reporting, you can analyze and forecast sales revenue, track performance by representative, and more. 

There’s also a seamless integration with HubSpot for sycing your deals.

Time Tracking

Time tracking in Productive was created to be as easy and painless as possible. In tasks, there’s a built-in time tracking feature that tracks your time on a specific project or task once you hit start. If you like to do things manually, you still have the option to fill in your timesheet by yourself at the end of the day. 

There’s also automatic time tracking which syncs time entries with your resource scheduling. Productive includes time off management for handling leave requests without the help of an additional HRM tool.

Resource Planning

Whether you’re planning schedules for a development company or a marketing agency, you’ll be able to see who’s working on which project and for how long, who can take on more work, who’s booked vacation or time off, and much more.

With proper resource management, it’s easier to achieve optimal utilization and keep things moving in the right direction. 

To manage your resources for the longer term, you can use two specific types of resource bookings: tentative bookings and placeholders.

Tentative bookings are used to get ahead of plans for unconfirmed projects (for ex., in the deal stage), which you can then switch to confirmed bookings.

If you’re expecting to hire additional staff and you want to account for it in your resource planner, you can use placeholders.


capacity planning made easier

Budgeting & Reporting

With Budgeting you can make sure you’re always on top of your project budgets and track profitability as you go. You can forecast your revenue and check when you’re about to go over budget.

Productive also includes overhead management and expense tracking for more reliable profitability reports.

There’s also Billing, so you can collect data and generate invoices from the platform. Another thing that makes Productive one of the best Accelo alternatives is that it includes the same core accounting integrations: Xero and QuickBooks integrations.

gain valuable REports in just a few clicks

With Productive’s reporting tools, you can make reports and data-driven decisions that are based on real-time business intelligence. You can choose from 50 available report templates or make your own reports that are tailored to your business needs.

Reports are customizable and can be shared by creating custom dashboards or setting up automated sending sequences to Slack or email.

Integrations

Productive offers various integrations with HR, accounting, and collaboration tools.

Integrations include Slack, Google Calendar, and Outlook for scheduling and updates; Xero and QuickBooks for accounting; BambooHR, Breathe, and SAP for HRM; Jira and Memtime for time tracking; and more.

Pricing

  • Plans start with the Essential plan at $9 per user per month, which includes essential features such as budgeting, project & task management, docs, time tracking, expense management, reporting, and time off management.
  • The Professional plan includes custom fields, recurring budgets, advanced reports, billable time approvals, and many more for $24 per user per month.
  • The Ultimate plan has everything that the Essential plan and Professional plan offer, along with the HubSpot integration, advanced forecasting, advanced custom fields, overhead calculations, and more for $32 per user per month.

You can go for a free 14-day free trial before you decide to check out a paid plan.

Choose the Best Accelo Alternative

Get insights into your profitability and other key success metrics with an all-in-one agency management tool.

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2. Scoro – A Solid Project Management Application for Agile Teams

Scoro is a comprehensive business management software that combines project management, collaboration, time tracking, and CRM features. With Scoro, businesses can streamline their operations, automate workflows, and gain valuable insights into their business processes.

Key Features:

  • Project planning and scheduling
  • Centralized task and time management
  • Built-in time tracking
  • CRM functionality to manage client relationships and sales
  • Real-time reports and analytics


SOurce: scoro

Scoro offers a lot of customization options, allowing businesses to modify the software to their specific workflows. However, because of the scale and the complexity of the tool itself, the initial setup and onboarding process of Scoro can be time-consuming and complex. Additionally, the software’s pricing can be on the higher side, so a small business might want to consider a more affordable Scoro alternative.

You can also check out our article on Accelo vs Scoro to find an in-depth Accelo review and comparison.

3. Suitedash – A Fair Task Management Solution

Suitedash is an all-in-one project management and client portal software designed to improve collaboration and client communication. It provides a centralized platform for managing projects, tasks, invoices, and client interactions.

Key Features:

  • Project and task management with customizable workflows
  • Client portal for secure communication and file sharing
  • Time tracking and billing integration
  • Built-in CRM and client management


Source: suitedash

Suitedash offers a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easy for companies and clients to navigate and collaborate. Some users may find Suitedash’s reporting and analytics capabilities to be relatively limited compared to other Accelo competitors.

4. HubSpot – A Good Choice for Service Providers

HubSpot is a well-known marketing automation and CRM platform that provides robust project management capabilities for agencies. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage marketing campaigns, track client interactions, and streamline project workflows.

Key Features:

  • Project planning, task assignment, and progress tracking
  • Collaborative team workspace and file sharing
  • Marketing automation and lead management
  • Client communication and ticketing system


source: hubspot

HubSpot’s seamless integration with its marketing automation and CRM functionalities allows businesses to align their project management efforts with their overall marketing strategies. There are almost limitless options when it comes to customization in HubSpot. While HubSpot offers project management capabilities, some agencies may find its feature set more focused on marketing and sales functions. It can be a good for for advertising agency software or other marketing businesses. This is why it’s a tool that’s usually used alongside other business management tools.

5. Wrike – A Good Enterprise Resource Management Software

Wrike is a popular project management platform that provides teams with a flexible and scalable platform to manage projects, tasks, and collaboration. It offers a range of features suitable for agencies of all sizes, from small creative teams to large marketing teams.

Key Features:

  • Project planning and resource management
  • Kanban boards and Gantt charts for visual project tracking
  • Task assignment and progress monitoring
  • Enterprise resource planning


source: wrike

Wrike’s intuitive interface and customizable project workflows make it easy for agencies to adapt the software to their specific needs. Despite its strengths, Wrike’s pricing model may be a drawback for some companies and the learning curve can be steep for users who are new to project management software.

6. Avaza – A Fair Task Planning Platform

Avaza is a cloud-based project management and collaboration tool. It offers features such as task management, time tracking, expense management, and invoicing, all in one integrated platform.

Key Features:

  • Project planning and task assignment with customizable workflows
  • Time tracking and expense management for accurate project billing
  • Invoicing and financial management
  • Collaboration and file sharing with clients and team members


source: avaza

Avaza provides a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for businesses looking for a smooth experience. While Avaza covers many project management aspects, some may find its reporting capabilities limited compared to more specialized tools. For more info check out our guide about Avaza alternatives.

7. Kantata – One of The Better Alternatives to Accelo for Marketing Teams

Kantata, previously known as Mavenlink, is a project portfolio management software tailored specifically to creative companies, offering features to enhance collaboration, workflow management, and project tracking. It focuses on providing an intuitive interface and seamless communication for creative teams.

Key Features:

  • Project planning and task management with visual timelines
  • Collaboration tools for real-time feedback and file sharing
  • Resource management and workload balancing
  • Time tracking and invoicing integration


source: kantata

Kantata’s user-friendly interface and visual timelines make it particularly suitable for creative teams. Its focus on collaboration and feedback enables efficient communication between a project manager and their project teams. Kantata may not offer as many advanced project management features as other tools, making it less suitable for agencies with complex projects and integration options may also be limited (learn more about the top Mavenlink alternatives).

8. Bigtime – A Solid Professional Services Automation Solution

Bigtime is a comprehensive professional services automation software designed to streamline operations, including project management, time tracking, billing, and resource management. It caters to firms of all sizes, offering robust features and customization options.

Key Features:

  • Project planning and task management with customizable workflows
  • Time and expense tracking for accurate project costing
  • Invoicing and financial management with customizable billing rates
  • Resource management tool


source: bigtime

Bigtime’s emphasis on professional services automation sets it apart, making it highly suitable for agencies with complex billing structures. The software’s customizable features and integrations allow agencies to adapt it to their specific workflows. Some users may find the initial setup and configuration process of Bigtime to be time-consuming and complex. Also, the interface may not be as visually appealing or intuitive as other project management software. To learn more, check out our article about Bigtime alternatives.

9. Monday – A Good Collaborative Platform for Companies of All Sizes

Monday is a visual project management tool that offers an intuitive interface and extensive customization options. It provides features for planning, tracking, and collaborating on projects, allowing for improved team coordination.

Key Features:

  • Visual project boards for task organization and progress tracking
  • Team collaboration and communication tools
  • File sharing and document management
  • Time tracking and workload management


source: monday

Monday’s visual approach to project management simplifies task tracking and improves team visibility. The software’s flexibility and customization options enable agencies to tailor it to their specific project management needs. While Monday excels in visual project management, it may lack some of the more advanced features offered by other tools. The pricing structure can also be a drawback for agencies with larger teams or complex project requirements.

10. ClickUp – A Good Collaborative Work Management Solution

ClickUp is a versatile project management tool that offers a wide range of features to streamline workflows. It combines task management, collaboration, and automation capabilities in a unified platform.

Key Features:

  • Task management with customizable views (list, board, calendar, etc.)
  • Collaboration tools including comments, mentions, and file sharing
  • Time tracking and productivity monitoring
  • Workflow automation with customizable templates and task dependencies


source: clickup

ClickUp’s extensive feature set and flexibility make it suitable for firms of all sizes and industries. Its intuitive interface and customizable views allow companies to adapt the software solution to their preferred workflow style. Some users may find ClickUp’s learning curve to be steep, especially when exploring advanced features. Additionally, the sheer number of options and customization possibilities can be overwhelming for new users. For more streamlined options, check out our article on ClickUp alternatives.

11. FunctionFox – A Good Choice for Agile Teams

FunctionFox is a project management and timesheet software designed specifically for creative teams. It focuses on simplifying project tracking, time management, and resource allocation.

Key Features:

  • Project and task management with customizable project phases
  • Timesheet and expense tracking for accurate project costing
  • Resource allocation and team collaboration
  • Reporting and analytics on project performance and team productivity


source: functionfox

FunctionFox’s streamlined interface and simplified project tracking make it easy for companies to manage their projects efficiently. The software’s emphasis on timesheet management and resource allocation ensures better project cost control. FunctionFox’s feature set may be limited compared to more comprehensive project management tools. Some users may find the reporting capabilities to be less robust and customizable than other alternatives.

12. OmniFocus – A Solid Option for Digital Agencies

OmniFocus is a task management software solution designed for individuals and teams seeking a solution for personal and professional productivity. It offers a range of features to capture, organize, and prioritize tasks effectively.

Key Features:

  • Task capture and organization with tags, due dates, and priorities
  • Project and task templates for streamlined workflow creation
  • Integration with calendar and email applications
  • Focus mode for improved productivity and concentration


source: omnifocus

OmniFocus excels in providing a focused and customizable task management experience. Its intuitive interface and powerful organizational features make it a preferred choice for individuals and small teams. OmniFocus may lack certain collaborative features necessary for agency-level project management and team coordination. Its design, optimized for individual productivity, may not be as suitable for large-scale operations.

13. Notion – A Popular Collaborative Platform

Notion is a versatile all-in-one workspace that combines project management, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing features. It allows agencies to create customizable databases, wikis, and task boards to suit their unique requirements.

Key Features:

  • Customizable task and project boards with flexible views
  • Document and knowledge management with collaborative editing
  • Integration of databases, tables, and calendars for information organization
  • Team collaboration and communication tools


source: notion

Notion’s flexibility and adaptability make it a powerful tool for businesses seeking a customizable workspace. Its extensive template library and cross-platform compatibility enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing. Notion’s learning curve may be steeper compared to more specialized Accelo alternatives. While it offers a broad range of features, some may find its project management capabilities to be less comprehensive.

14. HarmonyPSA – A Solid Professional Service Automation Solution

HarmonyPSA is a professional services automation tool that caters specifically to managed services providers and IT consulting firms. It combines project management, resource planning, billing, and helpdesk functionalities in a single platform.

Key Features:

  • Project planning and task management with Gantt charts
  • Resource scheduling and allocation
  • Helpdesk ticketing system for issue tracking and resolution
  • Reporting and analytics on project profitability


source: harmonypsa

HarmonyPSA offers a suite of features made specifically for managing services providers and IT consulting firms. Its integrated helpdesk functionality ensures efficient issue tracking and resolution, while its financial management capabilities support accurate billing and project profitability analysis. HarmonyPSA’s industry-specific focus may limit its suitability for agencies operating outside the managed services and IT consulting domains. Some users may find the interface to be less intuitive compared to other Accelo alternatives.

15. GanttPRO – A Fair Visual Project Management Solution

GanttPRO is a project management tool that specializes in Gantt chart visualization and planning. With GanttPRO, you can create and manage projects using interactive timelines by facilitating task dependencies and resource allocation.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive Gantt chart interface for visual project planning and tracking
  • Task management with dependencies and milestones
  • Resource allocation and workload balancing
  • Team collaboration and file sharing


source: ganttPRO

GanttPRO’s strength lies in its advanced Gantt chart capabilities, allowing agencies to visualize project timelines and dependencies with ease. The software’s interactive interface and planning features enhance project coordination. Agencies that are looking for a more comprehensive project management solution may find GanttPRO’s feature are limited compared to other tools. Its primary focus on Gantt charts may not fully address the diverse needs of different business workflows.

Takeaway

While Accelo’s a popular choice, exploring alternative tools can help agencies find solutions that better align with their specific needs.

We’ve mentioned more than a few Accelo alternatives in this article and each comes with unique features and strengths that help streamline operations.

Whether you want to see your strategic initiatives through from start to finish, or just need a simple time tracking or file management tool, we’re sure you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.

You can also check out some other software comparison pages to compare price, check out Accelo’s other competitors and more.

If you’re interested in an all-in-one agency management tool you should consider booking a demo with Productive.

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Margarita Aranza

Marketing Assistant

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