Jira vs Microsoft Project
Compare Jira and Microsoft Project on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Jira
Atlassian Agile issue tracker for software teams — Free ≤10; Standard from ~$8.15/user/mo annual.
Best for
- • Software engineering / Agile teams
- • Orgs already on Atlassian
- • Regulated/enterprise software delivery
Starting from $8.15/user/mo
Free plan available
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between Jira and Microsoft Project. Choose Jira when Software engineering / Agile teams. Choose Microsoft Project when Microsoft 365 standardised orgs. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Jira is better for
- ✓ Free plan
- ✓ Automations
- ✓ Value for money
Microsoft Project is better for
- ✓ Ease of use
- ✓ Collaboration
Tie
- • Timeline / Gantt
- • Integrations
- • AI features
Choose Jira if: Software engineering / Agile teams
Choose Microsoft Project if: Microsoft 365 standardised orgs
Microsoft Project
Microsoft 365 project / Planner ladder for Gantt, resources and portfolios — Planner Plan 1 from ~$10/user/mo.
Best for
- • Microsoft 365 standardised orgs
- • Traditional PMO Gantt/resource needs
- • Enterprise portfolio planning on higher plans
Starting from $10.00/user/mo
No free plan
Jira vs Microsoft Project at a glance
Criterion-level leaders from verified research.
Scorecard preview
Criterion leaders based on verified research — open the Scorecard tab for evidence detail.
- Starting pricingDepends
Jira
Microsoft Project
- Seat / licence minimumDepends
Jira
Microsoft Project
- Free planJira
Jira
Microsoft Project
- Ease of useMicrosoft Project
Jira
Microsoft Project
- Timeline / GanttTie
Jira
Microsoft Project
Which project management is better for you?
Quick picks based on fit — not a universal ranking.
- → Jira
Best for free plan
Jira researches a free plan; Microsoft Project does not research a free plan.
- → Jira
Best for automations
Jira leads on automations (8/10 vs 6/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
- → Jira
Best for value for money
Jira leads on value for money (8/10 vs 6/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
- → Microsoft Project
Best for ease of use
Microsoft Project leads on ease of use (5/10 vs 6/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
- → Microsoft Project
Best for collaboration
Microsoft Project leads on collaboration (6/10 vs 7/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
The biggest differences
Where the products diverge most clearly on verified criteria.
Starting pricing
DependsJira
Jira researched starting price from $8.15/mo; a free plan is researched; Microsoft Project researched starting price from $10/mo. Seat minimums and AI credits can change TCO.
Microsoft Project
Jira researched starting price from $8.15/mo; a free plan is researched; Microsoft Project researched starting price from $10/mo. Seat minimums and AI credits can change TCO.
Seat / licence minimum
DependsJira
Check paid seat floors for Jira and Microsoft Project on current vendor packaging.
Microsoft Project
Check paid seat floors for Jira and Microsoft Project on current vendor packaging.
Timeline / Gantt
TieJira
Jira and Microsoft Project are close on timeline gantt (9/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Microsoft Project
Jira and Microsoft Project are close on timeline gantt (9/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Automations
Jira winsJira
Jira leads on automations (8/10 vs 6/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Microsoft Project
Trails Jira on this criterion
Integrations
TieJira
Jira and Microsoft Project are close on integrations (9/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Microsoft Project
Jira and Microsoft Project are close on integrations (9/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Reporting
TieJira
Jira and Microsoft Project are close on reporting (8/10 vs 8/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Microsoft Project
Jira and Microsoft Project are close on reporting (8/10 vs 8/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Which should you choose?
Choose Jira if
- Software engineering / Agile teams
- Orgs already on Atlassian
- Regulated/enterprise software delivery
Choose Microsoft Project if
- Microsoft 365 standardised orgs
- Traditional PMO Gantt/resource needs
- Enterprise portfolio planning on higher plans
Related comparisons
Alternatives to consider
Linear
Modern issue tracker for product/engineering teams — Free limited; Basic from ~$8/user/mo annual.
ClickUp
All-in-one configurable Work OS (tasks, docs, dashboards, ClickUp Brain) — Unlimited from $7/user/mo annual.
Asana
Cross-functional work management with goals, workflows and AI Studio — Starter from $10.99/user/mo annual.
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-style work management with Gantt, portfolios and automation — Pro from $9/member/mo annual.
How we compare
A short look at the comparison process. Full methodology
1
Collect
Collect official product information, pricing, and product evidence.
2
Normalize
Map evidence to the same category evaluation criteria for both products.
3
Compare
Evaluate both products against identical criteria — ties and depends are allowed.
4
Explain
Show why each product wins, loses, or ties, with evidence behind the outcome.
Still deciding between Jira and Microsoft Project?
Use Best project management software for a shortlist matched to your priorities, or build another side-by-side comparison.
- Independent criterion outcomes
- No invented scores or prices
- Affiliate links never change winners
Some visit links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Comparison outcomes are never based on commission.