Wrike vs Trello (2024): Which Tool Is Best for Your Team?

Wrike and Trello, considered among the best project management tools available, both feature highly customizable options that can be used in a variety of ways.

Wrike is a cloud-based project management software tool that features a highly interactive system of task charts that can be customized for use in various types of projects. It can be used by all stakeholders, with assignments created and moved along through an easy-to-master workflow system that prioritizes team integration.

Like Wrike, Trello is also a cloud-based project management tool that provides task assignment, project tracking and scheduling tools all within a kanban-style board system that is easily accessible and usable for all tiers of project stakeholders. Teams can be set up for multiple projects, from content development to website optimization, and users can share tasks and notify members when they are completed.

This guide compares Wrike vs. Trello to help you determine the project management software that best fits your needs.

SEE: Keep up with the latest project management news and updates with Project Management Insider.

Wrike vs. Trello: Comparison table

Wrike vs. Trello: Pricing

The difference in pricing structure between Wrike and Trello lies in the billing frequency and the specific features included in each plan. Wrike’s pricing is based on an annual commitment, while Trello offers both monthly and annual billing options. Wrike’s plans are more focused on project management capabilities, while Trello’s plans are more focused on collaboration and task management features.

Trello’s plans are more straightforward and affordable compared to Wrike’s. However, Wrike offers more advanced features in its plans, which may be more appealing to larger teams or companies with complex project management needs.

Wrike pricing

• Free: Unlimited users.
• Team: $9.80 per user per month, billed annually, and covers 2–25 users.
• Business: $24.80 per user per month, billed annually, and covers 5–200 users.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing; covers 5 to unlimited users.
• Pinnacle: Custom pricing; covers 5 to unlimited users.

For more information, check out our full Wrike review.

Trello pricing

• Free: No cost for unlimited users.
• Standard: $5 per user per month, billed annually, or $6 per user per month, billed monthly.
• Premium: $10 per user per month, billed annually, or $12.50 per user per month, billed monthly.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing.

For more information, check out our full Trello review.

Wrike vs. Trello: Feature comparison

Task management

Winner: Wrike

The best project management software creates systems through which all project stakeholders can access their assignments and tasks and easily understand deadlines and deliverables at a glance. Both Wrike and Trello fulfill this function, but Wrike has unique features that provide added value for corporate users.

Both platforms feature the creation of cards, which can be displayed on kanban boards for an easy overall view of project progress and individual assignments. Trello features notification options within its kanban cards and allows users to upload content in various forms to its cards to provide a one-stop look at all content as the project progresses.

In addition to kanban, Wrike includes the ability to turn each project into an interactive Gantt chart, in which dependent tasks can be assigned along with deadlines. Within Wrike, deadlines can be adjusted easily within the Gantt chart, which then automatically changes all subsequent workflow, a feature that assists other stakeholders in budgeting their time.

Wrike also features a template that can create assignments out of meetings and share notes and information, driving projects forward without the need for endless memos, as well as a free editorial calendar that can track content development from conception to publication.

Collaboration and task assignment

Winner: Trello

Wrike and Trello feature strong collaboration tools that accommodate the inclusion of multiple team members in the project. Wrike enables project managers to assign individual tasks within a project to team members. Moreover, Wrike’s Gantt charts provide a quicker understanding of each team member’s role in the project while showing the status of each project at a glance.

Trello relies more on assigning tasks by dragging and dropping them in other team members’ queues. Its checklist function is useful for gauging the status of projects — for example, showing the percentage completed.

Display

Winner: Wrike

Wrike and Trello are quite similar with their drag-and-drop kanban displays. Cards can be easily moved from queue to queue, and team members can plan their time accordingly.

Wrike’s display advantage is the Gantt charts, in which a user can adjust deadlines and connect tasks and all stakeholders can quickly see project progress. The ability to toggle from kanban display to Gantt charts is a huge plus. While Trello offers this capability, it comes in the form of a paid Power-Up, which may not be within the budget of smaller teams.

Multiple views

Winner: Tie

Wrike offers five view options, including Gantt, calendar and timeline. Trello, on the other hand, offers seven views, which include kanban, calendar, dashboard and map view. Multiple view options in project management provide users with more flexibility in visualizing their tasks and projects, giving them more control over their workflow.

Integrations

Winner: Wrike

Wrike triumphs with its integrations for over 400 services, including artificial intelligence, analytics, collaboration, customer relations, digital asset management, desktop and mobile apps, developer, finance, human resources, IT, marketing, productivity and sales. This level of connectivity offers project managers the ability to maintain a consistent workflow and access additional resources with ease.

Trello’s integrations, known as Power-Ups, though limited in scope, still provide an impressive selection of almost 200 third-party tools. These include tools for analytics, automation options for file management and human resources — all of which can help extend projects beyond the basic task management features available on the platform.

With the choice between Power-Ups from Trello and integrations from Wrike, project managers certainly have no shortage of options when it comes to incorporating services into their workflow.

Wrike pros and cons

Pros of Wrike

• Includes many project views, including tables, Gantt charts, kanban-style boards and calendars.
• Offers option to create request forms and approval processes.
• Numerous chart visualizations with options ranging from pie charts to polar charts.
• Comes with resource management software to help project managers manage budgets.

Cons of Wrike

• Some users find it complicated with a steep learning curve.
• No monthly billing.

SEE: Check out our list of the best Wrike alternatives.

Trello pros and cons

Pros of Trello

• Easy to set up.
• Kanban-style task management allows teams to quickly start projects.
• Workflow automation saves time by enabling project managers to create shortcuts for recurring tasks.
• The visual progress timeline helps team members view assignments and follow up with issues at a glance.

Cons of Trello

• The simplicity of kanban-style task management is a drawback for large and enterprise-level teams that need to manage hundreds of complex projects and staff.
• It does not include features such as task dependencies, time tracking and visibility of who is working on which tasks.

SEE: Check out our list of the best Trello alternatives.

Should your organization use Wrike or Trello?

Both Wrike and Trello are useful as project management tools for small and large firms, providing easy-to-use and customizable platforms to save time and enhance communication.

Choose Wrike if . . .

• You require a platform that can accommodate complex projects with multiple team members and tasks.
• You value a high level of customization and flexibility in organizing and tracking projects.
• Your organization requires detailed reporting and analytics features.

Choose Trello if . . .

• You prefer a simple and user-friendly interface for project management.
• You have smaller teams or simpler projects that do not require advanced project management features.
• You are looking for a budget-friendly project management solution.

Review methodology

In order to provide a comprehensive comparison of two of the top project management tools on the market, we considered their features and capabilities that are crucial to project management. Based on these criteria, we analyzed the information on each tool’s official website as well as user reviews and feedback from reputable review sites.

We also conducted hands-on testing of Wrike and Trello to gain a practical understanding of their functionality and user experience. Our analysis enabled us to determine which tool excels in different areas and provide insights into which software may be more suitable for different types of organizations and project management needs.