Microsoft Project vs. Microsoft Planner: Which Should You Use?

Posted on 05/02/2024 by Niko Venev

If you're in search of project management software, two Microsoft programs are probably already on your radar: Project and Planner. While each can facilitate project planning and execution, their differences can help you determine which software is right for you.


       

Live Microsoft Project Instructor-led Courses

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Project - Level 1 1 day $350
Project - Level 2 1 day $350
Project - Combo (Levels 1 & 2) 2 days $625
       

Self-Paced Microsoft Project eLearning

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Project 2016/2019 eLearning Bundle 6 courses $300
Project 365 eLearning Bundle 6 courses $300
Project 2016/2019: Part 1 - Beginner 5 courses $150
Project 2016/2019: Part 2 - Advanced 5 courses $150
Project 365: Part 1 - Beginner 5 courses $150
Project 365: Part 2 - Advanced 5 courses $150

Consider Your Project's Complexity

When deciding between MS Project or MS Planner, you can rest assured that both software options have been designed to facilitate teamwork. While each can be accessed through Microsoft Teams, Planner is usually chosen for simpler jobs and Project is the go-to solution for more complex work. Project has the features needed for intricate project management tasks, such as tracking dependencies and understanding costs.

That being said, when you compare Microsoft Project vs. Microsoft Planner, Planner's advantage is its simplicity. Planner uses templates and gives users a convenient way to manage tasks, modify to-do lists, edit plans, and oversee projects from one centralized area: Microsoft 365. While multiple views are available, users can accomplish all of their work within a single view. Planner users can also tackle a project using timelines, lists, and boards. For those who anticipate needing some guidance while working, Planner offers a helping hand in the form of the AI-powered Copilot.

 

Microsoft Project vs. Microsoft Planner Feature Breakdown

In any Microsoft Project vs. Planner comparison, the first thing to understand is that Planner is a straightforward program that provides a kanban-style board to facilitate task management. In contrast, with Project, users can accomplish advanced project management tasks, including:

  • Creating baselines
  • Engaging in dynamic scheduling
  • Managing resources
  • Tracking dependencies
  • Understanding costs
  • Generating detailed reports
  • Creating customizations

When attempting to decide between MS Project or Planner, consider the software iterations that would be available to you. For example, while there's only one, basic version of Planner, MS Project offers multiple versions: Project Online, Project for the Web, and Project Desktop. Each version provides different features and functionality, and the iteration that's right for you can depend on your work plans and your team's preferences. Project Online is the go-to solution for businesses of all sizes that want an easily accessible, Web-based application that packs a punch with its functionality. Should you want a lighter tool that allows your team to create, view, and collaborate on projects, the cloud-based Project for the Web can be the appropriate solution. If you work in a corporate environment, the advanced features of Project Desktop can be more suitable for your needs.

If your business is large or you have plans for expansion, one of the determining factors that you should consider is scalability. While Planner is technically scalable and even capable of being configured through the use of code, Project has the scalability required of extremely large organizations. In cases like these, deciding between Microsoft Project or Planner can be much easier.

Another key point in the Microsoft Project vs. Planner debate is collaboration capabilities. You can get more tasks done with your colleagues by using Project, but Planner allows for better team communication. With Planner, an entire team can be invited into the process of creating plans and assigning tasks and chat with each other. They can also access Planner while using Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Sharepoint.

 

MS Project vs. MS Planner Cost Considerations

If you're on a budget, you may find that opting for MS Planner is the most cost-effective solution, as this software comes bundled as a convenient add-on to Microsoft 365 for business subscriptions. Another consideration is that Project will require you to pay for each user, while Planner will allow users who do not have Planner to access it free of charge. However, when it comes down to it, if you need the advanced resource management capabilities and analysis functionality that Microsoft Project can provide, the expense to license it is worth the investment.

 

Learn Microsoft Project With Hands-On Training Courses

If you decide on using Microsoft Project, you'll need to learn how to get the most value out of this advanced project management software. That's where we come in. At Certstaffix Training, we've developed on-site and online Microsoft Project courses that can teach you how to use this software to its full potential. Taught by a live instructor, they're sure to help you learn how to perform all of the professional project management tasks required by your company. Sign up today.

 



 


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Public instructor-led Microsoft Project course prices start at $350 per student. Group training discounts are available.

Self-Paced Microsoft Project eLearning courses cost $150 at the starting point per student. Group purchase discounts are available.







 

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