planka vs OpenProject
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Planka is an open‑source, Kanban‑style project management tool that lets teams create projects, boards, lists and cards. Its drag‑and‑drop interface updates instantly for all connected users, and card descriptions support full Markdown. Designed for self‑hosting via Docker, Planka offers OpenID Connect SSO, notifications to over 100 providers, and full internationalisation. A hosted cloud version and a paid Pro edition are also available.
OpenProject is a free and open source project management software that offers a range of features to support project planning, team collaboration, and project tracking. It is designed to be highly customizable and scalable, making it suitable for a wide range of projects and teams.
- Open-source and free to self‑host
- Real‑time synchronization across users
- Rich Markdown support for detailed cards
- Extensive notification integrations
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Supports a range of project management methodologies
- Offers a range of features to support team collaboration
- Free and open source
- Self‑hosting requires Docker knowledge
- Limited native reporting features
- Pro version needed for advanced admin tools
- Can be complex to set up and configure
- Limited support for mobile devices
- May require technical expertise to customize
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataOpenProject offers a full‑featured, free, open‑source PM suite for freelancers and small teams, while Planka provides a lightweight, real‑time Kanban board that requires Docker expertise to self‑host.
Key differences
- •OpenProject includes Gantt charts, time‑tracking, issue tracking and multiple PM methodologies; Planka focuses on Kanban cards only.
- •OpenProject can integrate with version control (Git, SVN) and LDAP; Planka’s integrations are limited to notifications and OpenID Connect.
- •OpenProject is web‑based with email/community support; Planka must be self‑hosted via Docker and offers limited native reporting.
- •OpenProject is free with no paid tier; Planka is freemium, requiring a Pro subscription for advanced admin tools.
Pricing & value
OpenProject is completely free; Planka has a freemium model with paid Pro features.
Ease of use / learning curve
Planka’s drag‑and‑drop Kanban UI is simpler than OpenProject’s broader, more complex feature set.
Features & depth
OpenProject provides Gantt charts, time tracking, issue tracking, customizable workflows, and multiple methodologies; Planka is limited to Kanban cards.
Integrations & ecosystem
OpenProject integrates with Git, SVN, LDAP; Planka only offers notification integrations and OpenID Connect.
Collaboration
Planka offers real‑time sync of board changes; OpenProject sync is not described as real‑time.
Scalability
OpenProject is described as highly customizable and scalable; Planka’s scalability is not specified.
Support
OpenProject provides email and community support; Planka relies on community only, with no listed support channels.
Choose planka if…
Teams that want a simple, real‑time Kanban board and can manage Docker self‑hosting.
Choose OpenProject if…
Freelancers or small teams needing full PM capabilities, Gantt charts, and version‑control integration.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either tool?
OpenProject is free; Planka is freemium and may require a paid Pro subscription for advanced admin tools.
Can I self‑host both solutions?
Planka is packaged as a Docker image for self‑hosting; OpenProject can be self‑hosted but setup may be complex.
Which tool supports version‑control integration?
OpenProject integrates with Git and SVN; Planka does not list version‑control integrations.