Kanban has become one of the most popular methodologies in project management for its visual approach and ability to streamline workflows. Moreover, it’s become a favorite in agile development, project management, and personal productivity by focusing on flexibility and continuous improvement.
However, it is challenging to decide not just the best Kanban software, but the most suitable one for your organization. Especially when there are various tools available on the market today, the task can also be time-consuming.
Fortunately, we have done some research to come up with a list of Kanban tools you should try out. Besides, this article goes through what to look for in a tool so you can make an informed decision.
What is a Kanban software?
Kanban, or Kanban board, software brings the Kanban methodology into the digital workspace. As a result, it enables teams to visualize workflows, prioritize tasks, and manage projects efficiently.
Additionally, these tools display work as cards on a board, representing various stages of a workflow from “To Do” to “Done.” This visual approach allows teams to quickly assess the status of projects, identify bottlenecks, and improve collaboration.
How to pick the right Kanban software for your team
Before diving into the best Kaban software list, you should know what you are looking for in the first place. Selecting the right Kanban software depends on several factors unique to your team’s needs and workflow preferences.
Here are some key considerations:
- Define your team needs: It is crucial to identify the project scope, team size, and level of collaboration required. Remember that some tools are better suited to smaller teams, while others cater to larger organizations.
- Consider budget: Subscription costs vary significantly, so assess what each tool offers in terms of free features and premium tiers.
- Evaluate user experience: There is no point in choosing a fancy Kanban software you have to spend days learning how to use it. A tool with a steep learning curve might delay adoption, especially for teams without project management experience.
- Test the software: Many tools offer free trials or demos, which can help you gauge usability and determine if it fits your team’s workflow. So, why not give them a try before deciding which tool to use across your teams?
- Long-term scalability: Last but not least, ensure the tool will support your team’s future growth and increase project complexity.
5 best Kanban software tools to streamline workflow
1. Jira – Best Kanban software for Agile
Developed by Atlassian, Jira (formerly Jira Software) is well-suited for development teams and larger organizations that need advanced project management features. While Jira also supports Kanban boards, it offers additional workflow automation, integration with Atlassian products, and extensive reporting features. All to provide deep insights into project tracking and analysis.

Besides, these capabilities make Jira a powerful option for teams focused on technical or complex projects. Despite being difficult to learn, especially for users new to project management software, Jira’s features are highly valuable to those familiar with agile and development workflows.
Another cool thing about Jira is that you can take advantage of its marketplace for more Kanban solutions to satisfy your needs.
*Who is it for?
Jira is best suited to software development teams and enterprise-level projects where comprehensive functionality is essential.
Pros:
- Powerful and feature-rich
- Integrates well with developer tools
- A marketplace for more Kanban methodology solutions
Cons:
- Provides a steep learning curve for beginners
- Can be (very) complex for non-technical users
2. Monday.com – A Kanban tool with great visuals
Monday.com offers a highly visual, adaptable platform that supports various project management methodologies, including Kanban. Known for its bright, intuitive interface, Monday.com provides customizable workflows, third-party integrations, and an extensive library of templates, allowing teams to tailor it to their specific needs.

With a strong visual layout, it’s especially well-suited to teams that prefer a color-coded, interactive approach to project management. Although pricing can be high for larger teams, Monday.com’s adaptability and interactive design make it a preferred choice for visual-driven teams that require flexibility in their project tracking.
*Who is it for?
Teams that prefer a visual, interactive approach to project management.
Pros:
- Visual and easy-to-adapt interface
- Offers extensive customization
Cons:
- Pricing can add up, especially for large teams
- Some features may be unnecessary for small teams
3. Trello – One of the best Kanban tools with simplicity
Trello remains one of the most popular Kanban tools due to its simplicity and adaptability. Known for its intuitive, drag-and-drop interface, Trello provides users with a clean and easy-to-navigate environment, making it especially ideal for beginners and small teams.
Additionally, Trello’s core functionality lies in its customizable boards and Power-Ups, which are integrations that add extra features. The platform also has a mobile-friendly app and built-in collaboration tools like comments and tagging, allowing team members to communicate efficiently.
Besides, Trello’s user-friendly approach and adaptability are among its strongest features although it does have some limitations. Especially in the free version, it is where advanced functionalities like reporting are unavailable.
*Who is it for?
For small teams, freelancers, or those new to project management.
Pros:
- User-friendly, minimal learning curve
- Flexible, with the ability to adapt to various projects
Cons:
- Limited functionality in the free version
- Lacks advanced reporting features
4. Asana – Advanced Kanban software with a price
Asana offers a highly visual and versatile project management experience with a variety of viewing options, including Kanban. In addition to boards, Asana includes project timelines, task dependencies, and automation features to help streamline repetitive tasks.
Moreover, its clean, intuitive design makes it a popular choice for teams that need a flexible tool capable of supporting cross-departmental projects. Asana’s project views and customizable workflows make it an adaptable choice for a wide range of projects, though the free version has limited capabilities.
Advanced features, while powerful, can become pricey, especially for larger teams.
*Who is it for?
For medium to large teams, particularly those managing multiple projects across departments.
Pros:
- Easy to use, with multiple project views
- Supports cross-departmental projects
Cons:
- Limited functionality in the free version
- Advanced features can be pricey
5. ClickUp – A feature-packed Kanban tool
ClickUp positions itself as an all-in-one project management tool with strong Kanban capabilities. It’s particularly useful for teams needing a comprehensive task management solution, offering customizable views, built-in automation, and extensive reporting and analytics tools.
Additionally, ClickUp’s flexibility allows users to tailor their views to meet specific project needs, making it suitable for teams with varied workflows. Despite its affordability and feature-rich free version, ClickUp’s extensive functionalities can be overwhelming for beginners.
*Who is it for?
For teams looking for a scalable project management tool that supports everything from Kanban to advanced automation.
Pros:
- Affordable, with many features included in the free plan
- Highly flexible and customizable
Cons:
- Overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive features
Best plugins for Jira Kanban board
While Jira is a robust tool on its own, various plugins can enhance its Kanban functionality. They can also provide additional features to streamline workflows and improve productivity.
1. Routemap – by DevSamurai
Routemap is an intuitive Jira plugin that enhances project portfolio management within Kanban boards. It enables teams to create detailed visual Kanban boards for managing version releases and product sprints throughout the entire project.

Routemap is especially useful for long-term planning, as it provides a clear visualization of project goals and their respective timelines. Besides, Routemap integrates seamlessly with Jira, allowing you to synchronize your Jira project’s releases and sprint backlog with its Kanban boards.

This plugin is ideal for teams working on multiple complex projects requiring a high level of visibility across various stages.
2. ScriptRunner for Jira – by Adaptavist
Scriptrunner for Jira is a powerful automation and customization tool for Jira that enhances Kanban boards by adding scripting capabilities. It allows teams to automate repetitive tasks, set custom workflows, and develop customized triggers that enhance the board’s functionality.

For instance, Scriptrunner can automate task transitions based on specific actions or conditions, helping to streamline the Kanban workflow. Additionally, it allows for the creation of customized reporting and analytics, giving teams deeper insights into their progress and performance.
For teams looking to customize their Jira experience and automate their workflow, Scriptrunner provides the tools to take Kanban boards to the next level.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Kanban software depends on your team’s specific workflow, budget, and project requirements. While Trello and Asana offer simple, user-friendly options for small to medium teams, tools like Jira and Kanbanize provide advanced capabilities for more complex projects.
Kanban’s visual approach to project management can be transformative for productivity, and selecting the right software can make all the difference. Try a few options, test the features that matter most to your team, and enjoy the streamlined and efficient workflow that Kanban is known for.
And if you lean more on Jira, don’t forget to give the recommended plugins like Routemap a try. These tools can even enhance your experience further.