| Microsoft Planner | Trello | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Timeline & Gantt | Project Management |
| Best for | Teams already working in Microsoft Teams and 365 that want simple task boards | Small teams, freelancers, and individuals who want a lightweight visual board without setup |
| Free plan | Yes (included in Microsoft 365 enterprise plans) | Yes |
| Paid plans from | $10 per user / month (Planner Plan 1) | $5 per user / month (Standard) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Team size | Small team, Mid-size, Large, Enterprise | Solo / Freelancer, Small team |
| Approach | Kanban-style boards and buckets inside Microsoft 365 | Kanban boards with cards and columns |
| Learning curve | Low | Low |
| AI features | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams | Slack, Google Workspace, Zapier |
| Strengths |
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Microsoft Planner vs Trello pricing
Microsoft Planner
- Planner in Microsoft 365$0Included in Microsoft 365 enterprise plans
- Planner Plan 1$10 per user / monthPaid yearly
- Planner and Project Plan 3$30 per user / monthPaid yearly
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Microsoft Planner pricing →
Trello
- Free$0
- Standard$5 per user / monthBilled annually, or $6 billed monthly
- Premium$10 per user / monthBilled annually, or $12.50 billed monthly
- Enterprise$17.50 per user / monthBilled annually ($210 per user per year)
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Trello pricing →
Strengths and trade-offs
Microsoft Planner
Where it stands out
Its deep M365 and Teams integration makes it attractive for easy, friction-free adoption inside an existing ecosystem.
Trade-off to know
It's limited once project needs go beyond simple boards into more complex planning.
Trello
Where it stands out
Its simplicity makes it attractive for people who want to start organizing work in minutes, with Power-Ups available when they need a bit more.
Trade-off to know
That same simplicity means advanced views like Timeline are reserved for the Premium plan, and it can start to feel limited once projects get more complex.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Microsoft Planner if…
- Your team already lives in Microsoft Teams and 365 and wants task boards to show up there with zero new setup
- You want the friction-free adoption of a tool that's already part of software you're paying for and using daily
Choose Trello if…
- You're a freelancer, solo user, or small team that wants a free, lightweight board not tied to any larger platform
- You want the option to bolt on more functionality later through Power-Ups, Slack, or Google Workspace integrations
FAQ
Is Microsoft Planner free?
Basic Planner is included in Microsoft 365 enterprise plans, so many organizations already have it. Features like task dependencies, a timeline (Gantt) view, and sprints require Planner Plan 1 or higher.
Which works better with Microsoft Teams?
Planner is part of Microsoft 365 and works natively inside Teams. Trello connects to many tools through integrations, but it lives outside the Microsoft ecosystem.
Which is simpler for a small team that isn't on Microsoft 365?
Trello: its free plan and card-and-column boards take minutes to set up, with no Microsoft account needed.
What is the main difference between Microsoft Planner and Trello?
Both are freemium, low-complexity board tools aimed at teams that want simple task tracking without a steep learning curve. The real difference is ecosystem: Microsoft Planner is built to slot into Microsoft 365 and Teams, while Trello is a standalone board that works anywhere and leans on Power-Ups and third-party integrations like Slack and Zapier to extend itself.
Do Microsoft Planner and Trello have a free plan?
Yes, both offer a free plan. Microsoft Planner: included in Microsoft 365 enterprise plans.
How much do Microsoft Planner and Trello cost?
Microsoft Planner's paid plans start at $10 per user / month (Planner Plan 1), while Trello's start at $5 per user / month (Standard). Billing period, team size, and taxes affect the final price, so check each vendor's pricing page before deciding.
Who is each tool best suited for?
Microsoft Planner fits teams already working in Microsoft Teams and 365 that want simple task boards. Trello fits small teams, freelancers, and individuals who want a lightweight visual board without setup.