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10 best alternatives and competitors to Clarity PPM in 2025

10 best alternatives and competitors to Clarity PPM in 2025

Clarity PPM was once a leader in the project and portfolio management space—but times have changed. With user frustration mounting over its rigid interface, high costs, and poor support, many organizations are actively searching for smarter, more adaptable alternatives.

In this article, we highlight 10 alternatives to Clarity PPM that can meet the demands of modern PMOs in 2025 and beyond.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Why should you evaluate alternatives to Clarity PPM?

Clarity PPM, now owned by Broadcom, has long been a well-known name in the world of project and portfolio management. But let’s be honest—just because a tool has been around forever doesn’t mean it’s still the right fit. In fact, a growing number of organizations are starting to rethink their reliance on Clarity and are actively looking for more flexible, modern, and cost-effective alternatives.

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So, why is this happening? What’s pushing companies to move away from Clarity PPM? Here are some key reasons.

  • Outdated and rigid: Clarity feels stuck in the past. The interface hasn’t kept up with modern design standards; it’s clunky, unintuitive, and demands way too many clicks to get even the simplest tasks done. Its rigidity also becomes a major bottleneck for fast-moving teams, as adapting the system to your organization’s evolving needs can quickly become a frustrating and time-consuming process.
  • Rising costs: Despite its many limitations, Clarity PPM comes with a hefty price tag. Over the past few years, Broadcom has steadily increased licensing and maintenance fees. Unfortunately, those increases haven’t been accompanied by equally significant improvements in functionality or user experience. In other words, you’re paying more, but not necessarily getting more.
  • No local support: Another major pain point? Customer support. Since Broadcom’s acquisition of Clarity, many regional support teams have moved offshore. This has led to a noticeable drop in service quality and much slower response times.
  • Migrating to the new version is a headache: Broadcom has tried to modernize Clarity by offering a new SaaS-based interface. Sounds great in theory, right? The problem is, making the switch isn’t simple. Migration often involves a complete overhaul, with costly and time-consuming customizations that make teams wonder if the effort is even worth it. In fact, many organizations end up staying on the legacy version just to avoid disruption.
  • Low user adoption: all of the above points lead to one final, critical issue: low user adoption. Clarity is simply too complex for many end users. In a surprising number of organizations, it ends up being used just for time tracking, completely missing the mark when it comes to broader project and portfolio management.

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Key factors to consider when looking for alternatives to Clarity PPM

So, if you’re rethinking Clarity PPM, this isn’t just about comparing features on a checklist. It’s about finding a platform that actually fits the way your organization works today, and more importantly, one that can adapt as your business evolves.

Choosing the right PPM solution means asking deeper, more strategic questions. Here are the key aspects to focus on during your assessment:

  • Organizational maturity: before diving into demos or free trials, take a moment to assess your organization’s level of project management maturity. Are you managing one centralized portfolio? Or multiple, complex programs spread across different business units? Some tools are better suited for operational teams with basic needs, while others are designed to scale with more mature, strategic PMOs that need full visibility and governance across the enterprise.
  • Flexibility: No two organizations manage projects in exactly the same way. That’s why flexibility is non-negotiable. Whether your teams follow Agile, Waterfall, Phase-Gate, or some hybrid of all three, your next PPM tool should support your methodology, not force you to adapt to its limitations.
  • Ease of adoption: Even the best PPM tools are useless if people don’t use them. Intuitive design, simple onboarding, and accessible learning resources are key to driving adoption across teams—from project managers and execs to occasional users. Tools that are easy to navigate help teams stay focused on delivering value, not fighting the interface.
  • Integrations: A modern PPM solution needs to fit into your existing tech ecosystem. Make sure it can connect with the tools your teams already rely on—whether that’s your ERP, CRM, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other collaboration and reporting platforms.
  • Vendor reliability and support: lastly, consider who’s behind the software. Does the vendor have a strong track record? Do they offer responsive, local support? Are they continuously improving their product in line with customer needs? Choosing a partner, not just a provider, can make all the difference when it comes to long-term success.

For more information on the more than 100 criteria to consider when purchasing a Project Portfolio Management software, we invite you to download the following checklist.

PPM SOFTWARE CHECKLIST

A Comprehensive buyer’s checklist for PPM Software

Use this quick checklist to compare potential modern PPM solutions in order to pick the best one for your organization.

Download the checklist

10 best alternatives for Clarity PPM in 2025

From legacy replacements to modern cloud-based platforms, there’s no shortage of tools claiming to be the next best thing after Clarity PPM. But not all solutions are created equal. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best alternatives worth considering in 2025—each with its own strengths, specializations, and use cases.

1. Triskell Software

Triskell Software is a cloud-based PPM platform designed for organizations that need to align strategic planning with execution—without sacrificing flexibility, scalability, or customization. Whether you’re managing complex project portfolios, product pipelines, or strategic initiatives, Triskell gives you the tools to govern, prioritize, and deliver with precision.

Strategic planning and execution in a unified platform

Triskell stands out for its ability to connect high-level strategic planning with on-the-ground execution.

You can define and cascade OKRs, SMART goals, or KPIs across departments, and link them directly to projects, initiatives, and deliverables. This ensures that every investment is tied to strategic outcomes—and that teams stay focused on what truly matters.

Tailor-made for complex organizations

Triskell is highly configurable and adapts to your organization’s structure, governance model, and workflows.

Whether you’re managing multi-tier portfolios, product development cycles, or cross-functional initiatives, Triskell can reflect your exact operational reality without compromise. This makes it especially valuable for enterprises that have outgrown cookie-cutter solutions.

Seamless integration with enterprise ecosystems

Triskell’s open API allows for smooth integration with a wide variety of business-critical tools:

  • ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)
  • CRM platforms (Salesforce, Zoho)
  • Business Intelligence tools (Power BI)
  • DevOps and Agile tools (Azure DevOps, Jira)
  • Productivity suites (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
  • Other project management tools (Microsoft Project, and more)

No matter your tech stack, Triskell ensures a connected, synchronized flow of data across systems.

Other key features of Triskell Software

  • Scenario simulations: with Triskell, you can plan and simulate different scenarios, which will help you make informed decisions about prioritizing initiatives and allocating resources.
  • Hybrid approach to Portfolio Management: it doesn’t matter if your teams work with Agile, Waterfall, Phase-Gate, Dev-ops methodologies. In Triskell, all of them have a place.
  • Project Financial Management: Triskell Software’s functionalities to manage budgets and project costs are among the most advanced in the market.

Areas for improvement in Triskell Software

  • No mobile app (yet): Triskell is entirely cloud-based but currently lacks a dedicated mobile application for on-the-go management.
  • Learning curve: because of its deep configurability, the platform can feel complex at first for new users or smaller teams.

Triskell pricing

Custom pricing. For more information, you can contact Sales team.

There is a 14-days free trial available.

Triskell reviews

  • Capterra: 4.7/5
  • G2: 4.4/5

Ready to move on from Clarity PPM?

Discover how Triskell Software can help you streamline project portfolios, align with strategy, and simplify resource planning. Schedule a demo today.

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2. Planview AdaptiveWork

Planview AdaptiveWork (formerly Clarizen) is an enterprise-grade project and portfolio management (PPM) solution designed to connect strategy with execution. It’s popular among large organizations that need advanced customization, resource management, and integration with other business systems.

Key features of Planview AdaptiveWork

  • Highly customizable workflows and dashboards: tailor processes, automation, and fields to fit complex business needs.
  • Advanced project planning and resource management: enables detailed scheduling, capacity planning, and time tracking across portfolios.
  • Strong collaboration tools: built-in communication features like task discussions and real-time notifications improve team alignment.
  • Robust integrations: compatible with Salesforce, Jira, Microsoft Teams, ERP systems, and more for seamless data flow.

Areas of improvement of Planview AdaptiveWork

  • Steep learning curve: the interface isn’t intuitive, making onboarding and daily use more challenging for non-expert users.
  • Performance issues: users report slow load times and lag when handling large projects or datasets.
  • High cost: pricing is on the expensive side, and some organizations feel the value doesn’t justify the investment.
  • Limited support and training: technical support can be slow to respond, and onboarding materials are not always easy to navigate.

Planview AdaptiveWork reviews

  • Capterra: 4.1/5
  • G2: 4.3/5

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3. Celoxis

Celoxis is a comprehensive all-in-one project and portfolio management tool designed for mid-sized to large businesses. It offers a strong balance between robust functionality and affordability, making it a popular choice for teams that need powerful reporting and project tracking without the steep learning curve.

Key features of Celoxis

  • Robust project tracking: easily manage tasks, deadlines, dependencies, and progress with clear visibility across projects.
  • Strong budgeting and financial tracking: built-in capabilities for tracking costs, margins, and project profitability in real-time.
  • Integrated time tracking and resource management helps teams manage workloads, track billable hours, and optimize resource allocation effectively.
  • Clean Gantt charts and reporting tools: offers easy-to-understand visuals and powerful analytics for informed decision-making.

Areas of improvement of Celoxis

  • Limited document management: document handling and collaboration features could be more detailed and streamlined.
  • Best suited for niche use cases: Celoxis is more tailored for specific project types, which may not suit all organizations.
  • Outdated user interface: while functional, the UI can feel a bit old-fashioned and may lack the polish of newer platforms.
  • Initial learning curve: some features can be complex to grasp early on, especially for less technical users.

Celoxis reviews

  • Capterra: 4.4/5
  • G2: 4.5/5

EBOOK

PPM Software Buyers’ Guide

What should you look for in a new PPM tool?

Download the Guide

4. Asana

Asana is a popular work management and collaboration tool designed to help teams organize, track, and deliver projects efficiently. Its clean interface and focus on task management make it a go-to solution for teams looking to improve visibility and coordination without the complexity of traditional PPM tools.

Key features of Asana

  • User-friendly interface: Asana is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for non-technical users—making onboarding smooth and fast.
  • Multiple project views: teams can manage work in list, board (Kanban), timeline (Gantt-style), or calendar view to suit different planning styles.
  • Detailed task management: tasks can be assigned with due dates, dependencies, priority levels, subtasks, and comments—keeping everything in one place.
  • Custom automation rules: automate repetitive actions like task assignments, status updates, and notifications to streamline workflows.

Areas of improvement of Asana

  • Limited resource and budget management: Asana lacks advanced features like workload balancing, financial tracking, or detailed resource forecasting.
  • Single task assignee: tasks can only be assigned to one person, which can be limiting in collaborative environments.
  • Advanced features gated by pricing: the most powerful features—like timeline view and custom reporting—are only available in the higher-tier plans.
  • File management: while file attachments are supported, users mention occasional challenges in organizing or accessing documents across projects.

Asana reviews

  • Capterra: 4.5/5
  • G2: 4.4/5

Ready to move on from Clarity PPM?

Discover how Triskell Software can help you streamline project portfolios, align with strategy, and simplify resource planning. Schedule a demo today.

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5. Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management solution tailored for teams seeking a balance between functionality and affordability. It’s particularly effective for organizations already utilizing the Zoho ecosystem, offering seamless integration and a comprehensive suite of tools for planning, tracking, and collaboration.

Key features of Zoho Projects

  • Intuitive task and milestone management: users can easily break down work into tasks, subtasks, and milestones with dependencies and deadlines.
  • Integrated time tracking: built-in timesheets and timers allow teams to track hours worked and log billable time effortlessly.
  • Smooth integration with Zoho suite: syncs seamlessly with other Zoho apps like Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, and Zoho Analytics, creating a unified workspace.
  • Visual project planning: Gantt charts, resource utilization reports, and dashboards provide valuable insight into progress and workloads.

Areas of improvement of Zoho Projects

  • Mobile app limitations: users report performance issues and a less polished experience on mobile compared to desktop.
  • Integration quirks: while it integrates well with Zoho apps, connecting to third-party tools can sometimes be clunky or require workarounds.
  • Customization constraints: certain options—like multi-select fields—are missing, which can limit how granular teams can get with workflows.
  • Free plan restrictions: the free version is quite limited in terms of features and user count, pushing most teams toward paid tiers quickly.

Zoho Projects reviews

  • Capterra: 4.5/5
  • G2: 4.3/5

EBOOK

PPM Software Buyers’ Guide

What should you look for in a new PPM tool?

Download the Guide

6. Servicenow

ServiceNow is an enterprise-grade platform best known for IT service management, but its Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) capabilities—especially through its Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) module—make it a serious contender for organizations looking to connect strategy, execution, and operations in a single platform.

Key features of Servicenow

  • Centralized portfolio visibility: consolidates all projects, programs, and demands in one platform to enhance strategic alignment and prioritization.
  • Strong customization capabilities: offers deep configurability to match specific business processes, roles, and governance structures.
  • Robust data and reporting tools: the platform shines when it comes to data-driven decision-making, with advanced dashboards, KPIs, and performance analytics.
  • Asset and resource tracking: helps organizations manage their resources, assets, and teams efficiently within one ecosystem.

Areas of improvement of Servicenow

  • Long time-to-value: extracting full value from ServiceNow requires significant configuration and long onboarding cycles.
  • Lack of out-of-the-box simplicity: ServiceNow often needs heavy customization to meet even standard project management needs.
  • Cost and ROI concerns: the platform is expensive, and most businesses struggle to justify the investment if they’re not leveraging the full ServiceNow ecosystem.
  • Limited product management features: SPM module lacks stronger tools and maturity in the product management space.

Servicenow reviews

  • Capterra: NA
  • G2: 4.3/5

PROJECT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

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7. Jira

Jira by Atlassian is one of the most widely used tools for Agile project and issue tracking, particularly among software development and IT teams. Known for its flexibility and powerful workflows, Jira is ideal for managing sprints, bugs, epics, and complex technical backlogs.

Key features of Jira

  • Agile project management: built with Agile teams in mind, Jira supports Scrum, Kanban, and custom workflows with backlog management, sprint planning, and burndown charts.
  • Strong issue and task tracking: from user stories and bugs to test cases and epics, Jira handles detailed task tracking with ease.
  • Highly customizable workflows: teams can create workflows tailored to their unique processes, using statuses, transitions, triggers, and automations.
  • Marketplace with 1,000+ add-ons: extend Jira’s capabilities through a vast library of apps for reporting, time tracking, test management, and more.

Areas of improvement of Jira

  • Limited out-of-the-box reporting: advanced reporting often requires third-party apps or deep customization through Jira Query Language (JQL).
  • Performance issues: slow load times are quite common, especially when working with extensive backlogs or multiple boards.
  • User interface complexity: the UI is dense and can feel cluttered, especially when managing large volumes of issues or configuring workflows.
  • Automation and rule limitations: setting up rules or automations isn’t always intuitive, and can require trial and error or admin-level knowledge.

Jira reviews

  • Capterra: 4.4/5
  • G2: 4.3/5

EBOOK

PPM Software Buyers’ Guide

What should you look for in a new PPM tool?

Download the Guide

8. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a collaborative work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with powerful project tracking and automation features. It’s a favorite among teams that value flexibility, especially in cross-functional environments where structure and adaptability need to go hand in hand.

Key features of Smartsheet

  • Spreadsheet-style interface: provides an intuitive, Excel-like experience that eases adoption and accelerates onboarding for most users.
  • Strong dashboard and reporting tools: visual dashboards and real-time reporting give stakeholders clear, up-to-date project visibility.
  • Project tracking: supports Gantt charts, Kanban boards, calendars, and card views—allowing teams to manage work the way they prefer.
  • Automation and workflow builder: automate updates, reminders, status changes, and notifications with simple rule-based logic—no coding required.

Areas of improvement of Smartsheet

  • Learning curve for advanced features: while the basics are easy to pick up, automation, data linking, and advanced views can be confusing at first.
  • Cost concerns: Pricing can be a barrier, especially for small teams or organizations that need access to premium features across multiple users.
  • Performance on large datasets: some users report slower performance when working with very large sheets or complex automations.
  • Customer support: users have noted inconsistent support experiences, particularly when dealing with technical issues or feature limitations.

Smartsheet reviews

  • Capterra: 4.5/5
  • G2: 4.4/5

Ready to move on from Clarity PPM?

Discover how Triskell gives you more agility, better UX, and faster time-to-value. Full comparison here.

Learn more

9. Sciforma

Sciforma is a project and portfolio management (PPM) solution designed for organizations seeking comprehensive oversight of their strategic initiatives. Known for its scalability and configurability, it supports a wide range of use cases, from traditional project tracking to complex portfolio governance.

Key features of Sciforma

  • Highly configurable platform: offers great flexibility in tailoring workflows, fields, and reports to match specific organizational needs.
  • Centralized data management: facilitates the consolidation of all project-related data in one place for better collaboration and decision-making.
  • Advanced scheduling and task tracking: supports complex project planning with dependencies, baselines, and earned value metrics.
  • Security and access control: offers robust role-based access and user permissions to ensure data governance.

Areas of improvement of Sciforma

  • Outdated user interface: the interface feels old-fashioned and less intuitive compared to modern PPM tools.
  • Java-related constraints: issues related to Java dependencies are very common, which can impact compatibility and maintenance.
  • Reporting limitations: while functional, built-in reporting is sometimes perceived as insufficient, requiring additional customization or manual work.
  • Learning curve and usability: due to its configurability, the platform can be overwhelming for new users or teams without technical support.

Sciforma reviews

  • Capterra: 4.4/5
  • G2: 4.2/5

EBOOK

PPM Software Buyers’ Guide

What should you look for in a new PPM tool?

Download the Guide

10. Planisware

And lastly, we have Planisware, a robust PPM solution tailored for large enterprises managing complex portfolios, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, engineering, and manufacturing. It’s known for its strategic planning depth and powerful configurability across programs, portfolios, and resources.

Key features of Planisware

  • Scenario planning and what-if analysis: enables project leaders to test different strategic outcomes and assess project prioritization based on real-time data.
  • End-to-end portfolio and program management: supports strategic planning, financial forecasting, resource allocation, and execution in a single platform.
  • Highly customizable interface: offers flexibility in adapting to specific organizational needs, including tailored dashboards, workflows, and processes.
  • Centralized data and reporting: consolidates all project information into a single source of truth for improved governance and traceability.

Areas of improvement of Planisware

  • Slow system performance: loading times are quite long, particularly when handling large volumes of data or multi-project scenarios.
  • Limited trial or hands-on access: unlike many modern SaaS tools, Planisware doesn’t offer an easy way to explore the platform hands-on before a full implementation.
  • Overhead for smaller teams: the solution is best suited for large organizations; for smaller or less mature PMOs, it may feel like overkill.
  • Customer support: customer support can sometimes be very slow, especially during critical issues or system updates.

Planisware reviews

  • Capterra: 4.2/5
  • G2: 3.9/5

Conclusion: Triskell, the best alternative to Clarity PPM

Clarity PPM had its time, but the demands of modern portfolio management call for more flexibility, better user experience, and stronger alignment between strategy and execution.

Whether you’re looking for advanced planning capabilities, Agile support, or better cost-efficiency, there’s a solution out there to match your needs. And if you’re looking for a scalable, strategic, and customizable platform that evolves with your business—Triskell Software is a strong contender to lead that transformation.

Request a demo of Triskell Software

Triskell meets all the requirements for your organization’s PMO to take a step forward in aligning your project portfolio with strategic planning.

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Related Content

FAQ Alternatives to clarity PPM

For more information about the alternatives to Clarity PPM, we are sure you will find these articles useful:

Tools like Jira, Asana, and Triskell (with hybrid support) are strong options for Agile teams. Jira is particularly popular in dev-heavy environments, while Triskell supports Agile alongside Waterfall, Phase-Gate, and DevOps methodologies.

Yes, most alternatives to Clarity PPM offer migration options or services to help transfer historical project data, resources, and financials. The process will vary depending on the new platform’s architecture and your Clarity setup.

Start by highlighting the pain points—low adoption, rising costs, inefficiency—and compare them to the benefits of the new solution, such as improved user experience, better reporting, strategic alignment, and faster time-to-value.

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