Top 10 Project Management Tools For Teams Using GitHub

Managing projects within GitHub can simplify workflows for software teams, but choosing the right tool is key to staying organized and improving collaboration. Tools designed for GitHub users make processes like sprint planning and progress tracking easier without interrupting the developer’s flow.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 project management tools for GitHub, starting with the one built specifically for GitHub users: Zenhub.

1. Zenhub

Overview

Zenhub is built for teams that work directly in GitHub. Unlike standalone tools, Zenhub integrates seamlessly into GitHub, letting developers handle project management without needing to switch between platforms. This focus on GitHub makes Zenhub a top choice for engineering teams looking for a smooth and developer-friendly experience.

Key Features

• GitHub Integration: Zenhub works directly inside GitHub, syncing issues and pull requests automatically so teams don’t have to manually update project details.
• Automation and AI ensure that leaders can get real-time visibility at a glance
• Boards: Teams can organize workflows visually using Zenhub’s customizable Kanban boards, which also support multi-repo projects.
• Reporting: Agile metrics like velocity, burndown charts, and cumulative flow diagrams are auto-generated from GitHub data, saving time and effort.

Integration with GitHub

Zenhub extends GitHub’s functionality by adding tools for sprint planning, workflow automation, and advanced reporting. Since the integration is built into GitHub, teams can access everything they need in one place. This eliminates unnecessary platform-switching and keeps project data updated in real-time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Direct integration with GitHub ensures that developers can stay focused on their work.
2. Automated reports provide useful insights without requiring extra manual effort.
3. Best-in-class visibility with features like real-time roadmaps and AI-generated summaries

Cons

1. Teams that don’t use GitHub as their main platform may find less value in Zenhub, though with the release of Zenhub Issues this has been largely mitigated

Who It’s Best For

Zenhub works best for software development teams that depend on GitHub for their day-to-day workflows. With its automation and AI capabilities, it’s a great choice for teams that want to spend less time making updates and building reports and want to spend more time working towards their goals. Organizations aiming to enhance their project management ease and visibility without adding unnecessary complexity will find Zenhub a great fit. Zenhub is also the only option that is directly connected to GitHub, including having a GitHub extension to ensure that developers don’t need to switch tools mid-project. This direct connection means that it’s the only solution that gets real-time data from work that’s actually happening.

2. GitHub Projects

Overview

GitHub Projects is a project management tool built directly into GitHub, giving teams a practical way to organize and track their work without needing to switch platforms.

Key Features

• Kanban Boards: Teams can use flexible Kanban boards to visualize workflows and move tasks through different stages of progress.
• Automated Workflows: Tasks like moving issues or pull requests between columns can be automated based on specific events, helping teams manage projects more efficiently.
• Custom Views: Teams can create views tailored to their needs, allowing them to focus on specific priorities and relevant information.

Integration with GitHub

Since GitHub Projects is built into GitHub, it connects seamlessly with core GitHub features. Issues, pull requests, and other elements can be added to project boards automatically, eliminating the need for manual syncing or updates. This integration ensures that project data remains accurate and current.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. The interface is simple and easy to learn, especially for users already familiar with GitHub.
2. Its integration with GitHub keeps project management closely tied to development workflows, reducing friction and saving time.

Cons

1. Advanced features and deeper customization options found in other tools are missing.
2. Lack of automation and visibility tools can make it hard for leaders to monitor high-level progress towards company goals.

Who It’s Best For

GitHub Projects works well for teams that already use GitHub extensively and want a straightforward, integrated tool for managing projects. It’s particularly helpful for very small teams or projects that don’t need customization or reporting features.

3. Jira

Overview

Jira, a project management tool created by Atlassian, connects with GitHub to help teams organize and track their software development projects. While it wasn’t specifically designed for GitHub, its flexibility and wide range of features make it a favorite among many teams.

Key Features

• Custom Workflows: Teams can design workflows that align with their processes, giving them greater control over how tasks are managed.
• Agile Reporting: Built-in reporting tools help teams monitor progress, evaluate performance, and gather insights into their development work.
• Wide Integrations: Jira connects with numerous tools like developer platforms, communication apps, and other project management software, making it easier to streamline work across systems.

Integration with GitHub

The limited connection between Jira and GitHub allows teams to link commits, pull requests, and branches directly to Jira issues. Updates are a relatively manual process, with many users opting to pay for third-party apps to build a more robust connection.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Teams can adapt Jira to their specific needs and workflows thanks to its customization options.
2. Its broad library of integrations and add-ons makes it a flexible tool for different types of projects.

Cons

1. Jira’s complexity and steep learning curve might be challenging for teams that need a simpler project management solution.
2. Jira lacks an easy GitHub integration, and it requires engineers to switch between platforms. Their integration also doesn’t pull data directly from GitHub, instead opting for more manual processes.
3. Pricing can add up as many features are paid add-ons

Who It’s Best For

Jira works well for larger organizations or projects that need significant customization and flexibility in project management. On the other hand, smaller teams or projects wanting to streamline their project management may benefit more from a GitHub-focused tool.

4. Trello

Overview

Trello is a straightforward project management tool designed to make organizing tasks and workflows easier. Its visual layout and flexibility have made it a favorite among teams wanting a simpler way to manage their work. For software development projects, its GitHub integration adds another layer of convenience.

Key Features

• Kanban Boards: Trello’s boards use a visual card system to represent tasks, which you can move across columns to show progress. This layout makes it easy to see where projects stand at a glance.
• Power-Ups: Teams can enhance Trello’s features with Power-Ups, which connect it to other tools like communication apps, time trackers, and automation platforms.
• Collaboration Tools: Trello keeps communication organized by letting team members comment on cards, tag each other, and attach files or links directly to tasks.

Integration with GitHub

Trello has a GitHub integration, but issues must be manually attached to cards.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Trello’s visual design is simple to use and easy for anyone on the team to pick up, regardless of technical background.
2. The platform’s flexibility makes it adaptable to various workflows, whether a team follows Agile practices or uses other methods.

Cons

1. While Trello is great for simplicity, it doesn’t offer the advanced features and detailed reporting options that some larger tools provide.

Who It’s Best For

Trello works well for teams that prefer a simple, visually organized way to manage their projects. It’s a particularly good fit for smaller teams that are just starting out or those with straightforward workflows that don’t need heavy customization. Teams just starting with project management or moving away from more complicated tools may find Trello a welcome change.

5. Asana

Overview

Asana is a flexible project management tool with features designed to help teams stay organized, track progress, and collaborate efficiently. Its GitHub integration adds extra value for software development teams aiming to simplify their workflows.

Key Features

• Task Management: Teams can easily create, assign, and prioritize tasks. Each task allows users to include relevant details, attachments, and comments, ensuring everyone has the necessary context to move forward.
• Timeline View: The Timeline view provides a visual way to manage projects across a specific timeframe. This Gantt-style chart helps teams identify task dependencies, anticipate delays, and keep projects on schedule.
• Automation: Asana’s automation tools save time and cut down on repetitive tasks. Teams can create specific rules to assign tasks, update statuses, or send notifications whenever certain actions occur.

Integration with GitHub

The GitHub integration connects development work directly to project management tasks in Asana. Teams can link commits, pull requests, and issues to Asana tasks, giving everyone a clear picture of how technical progress aligns with broader project goals. This connection ensures consistent updates and accurate timelines for the whole team.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Asana’s intuitive interface and feature set make it suitable for various team structures and project types.
2. Automation tools reduce unnecessary manual tasks, allowing teams to focus on more strategic work.

Cons

1. Asana’s pricing can be a challenge for larger teams or organizations with complex requirements.

Who It’s Best For

Asana is an excellent choice for teams needing a project management tool that is both powerful and adaptable. Its ease of use makes it a good fit for industries ranging from marketing to product development. Software teams, in particular, benefit from the GitHub integration, which connects technical tasks with overall project timelines. Teams seeking a combination of simplicity and robust features will find Asana a strong contender.

6. Azure DevOps

Overview

Azure DevOps offers a project management and development platform that works seamlessly with GitHub, creating a unified space for teams to collaborate and deliver software efficiently. It combines tools for planning, coding, and deploying software to make the development process smoother and more organized.

Key Features

• Boards: Teams can use customizable Kanban-style boards to map out and manage workflows. These visual boards help track progress and quickly spot any bottlenecks in the process.
• Pipelines: With Azure DevOps Pipelines, teams can automate build, testing, and deployment tasks. This continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) tool ensures that code changes are checked and deployed consistently, cutting down on manual errors and saving time.
• Repos: Azure DevOps provides centralized version control for Git and Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC). Teams can collaborate on code, manage branches, and run code reviews all within one platform.

Integration with GitHub

Azure DevOps connects directly with GitHub repositories, simplifying the process of syncing code changes, issues, and pull requests. This integration allows teams to combine the strengths of both platforms. For example, Azure Pipelines can automatically build, test, and deploy GitHub projects, creating a more streamlined development workflow.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Azure DevOps provides an all-in-one solution for managing every stage of the development lifecycle—from planning to deployment.
2. Its integration with GitHub makes it easy for teams to continue using their existing GitHub repositories while gaining access to advanced project management and CI/CD tools.

Cons

1. Teams already using other development tools might find switching to Azure DevOps a time-intensive process that requires significant effort.

Who It’s Best For

Azure DevOps works well for teams that need an end-to-end solution for project management and development. It’s particularly useful for organizations already using Microsoft tools, as it integrates seamlessly with other Azure services. Teams that want to combine GitHub’s capabilities with more advanced project management and automation tools will find Azure DevOps a strong option.

7. Monday.com

Overview

Monday.com is a project management platform designed to adapt to different workflows and team structures. Its flexibility and GitHub integration make it a strong choice for software development teams aiming to organize their processes more effectively.

Key Features

• Custom Boards: Monday.com provides customizable boards that teams can shape to fit their needs. Users can add personalized columns, labels, and views to monitor projects in a way that aligns with their workflow.
• Automation Options: Teams can automate repetitive tasks through Monday.com’s rule-based system. For instance, actions like moving an item to a specific column or assigning tasks to members can trigger automated processes.
• Wide Range of Integrations: Monday.com connects easily with a variety of tools, including apps for communication, file sharing, and time tracking, ensuring teams can streamline their workflows across multiple platforms.

Integration with GitHub

The GitHub integration simplifies project management for development teams. By linking GitHub repositories to Monday.com, teams can automatically sync issues, pull requests, and updates, reducing the need for manual tracking. This ensures project boards always display the latest progress and keeps everyone aligned.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Monday.com’s adaptability lets teams customize their project management process to match their specific workflows.
2. The intuitive interface makes it easy for teams to get started, even without prior experience using project management tools.

Cons

1. The pricing can become costly for larger teams or organizations with more advanced needs.

Who It’s Best For

Monday.com is a solid pick for teams that prioritize customization and flexibility in managing their projects. Its versatile design suits a variety of industries and team sizes. Software development teams, in particular, will appreciate the GitHub integration, which keeps their boards aligned with ongoing development work. Teams seeking a balance between ease of use and robust features will find Monday.com a practical solution.

8. Shortcut (formerly Clubhouse)

Overview

Shortcut, previously called Clubhouse, is a project management tool designed specifically for software development teams. With a straightforward interface and seamless GitHub integration, it helps teams organize and track work throughout the development process.

Key Features

• Story-Based Workflow: Shortcut organizes work into smaller, manageable pieces called stories. These stories can be grouped into Epics, making it easier to oversee progress on larger goals.
• Iteration Planning: Teams can plan and manage sprints, assign tasks, and track velocity using Shortcut’s iteration planning tools. This keeps development work consistent and predictable.
• Reporting Tools: Shortcut offers reports such as burndown charts, cumulative flow diagrams, and cycle time reports. These features provide teams with clear insights into their performance and progress.

Integration with GitHub

Shortcut integrates directly with GitHub to connect tasks and code changes. For example, when a pull request is created or merged, the related story’s status can update automatically. This ensures project boards always show the most up-to-date information, keeping everyone on the same page.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. The intuitive interface and story-based structure make Shortcut easy to use and adopt for teams.
2. The GitHub integration links project management closely with development work, minimizing miscommunication and outdated information.

Cons

1. Shortcut may not offer the deep customization options available in more advanced project management tools.

Who It’s Best For

Shortcut works well for software development teams seeking a simple, purpose-built tool to manage their work effectively. Its story-based structure and GitHub integration are especially helpful for Agile teams following methods like Scrum or Kanban. Teams wanting a balance of simplicity and functionality will likely find Shortcut a great fit.

9. YouTrack

Overview

YouTrack is an issue tracking and project management tool that works seamlessly with GitHub. Built by JetBrains, it comes with features designed to help software teams organize, track progress, and collaborate more effectively.

Key Features

• Agile Boards: YouTrack includes customizable agile boards to help teams visualize and manage workflows. These boards support methods like Scrum and Kanban, making it easy to adapt to different team processes.
• Custom Workflows: Teams can design workflows that fit their specific needs, ensuring issues move smoothly through the development process while aligning with established practices.
• Time Tracking: Built-in time tracking lets team members log how much time they spend on tasks. This helps teams monitor progress and pinpoint areas where they can improve efficiency.

Integration with GitHub

YouTrack integrates directly with GitHub, syncing development work with project management activities. Teams can link GitHub commits, pull requests, and branches to YouTrack issues, keeping all project data in one place. This connection ensures everyone stays on the same page and up-to-date with progress and changes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. YouTrack’s customizability lets teams tailor the tool to fit their workflows and processes.
2. The integration with GitHub keeps development and project management connected, reducing miscommunication and outdated information.

Cons

1. The interface may feel less intuitive to some users compared to other project management tools.

Who It’s Best For

YouTrack is a strong option for software teams that need flexibility and customization in their project management. Its features and GitHub integration make it ideal for agile teams. Additionally, organizations already using JetBrains tools like IntelliJ IDEA or PyCharm may find YouTrack complements their existing setup.

10. Taiga.io

Overview

Taiga.io is an open-source project management platform designed to streamline how teams organize and track software development work. Its built-in GitHub integration allows teams to collaborate and manage projects in one centralized space, simplifying workflows and reducing unnecessary complexity.

Key Features

• Support for Scrum and Kanban: Whether your team uses Scrum or Kanban, Taiga.io provides tools tailored to both. Scrum teams can access sprint planning features, while Kanban users benefit from customizable boards, giving everyone the flexibility to work in their preferred style.
• Organized Workflows with Epics and User Stories: Taiga.io uses epics to represent larger goals and user stories to break them into smaller, actionable tasks. This structure helps teams stay on track and deliver work in manageable steps.
• Team Collaboration Tools: Communication stays organized with built-in features like comments, mentions, and file attachments. These tools allow teammates to keep discussions relevant to specific tasks or issues, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Integration with GitHub

Taiga.io connects smoothly with GitHub, making it easier to manage both projects and code in one environment. Teams can sync GitHub repositories with Taiga.io projects, automatically updating boards with issues, pull requests, and commits. This automated syncing reduces manual updates and keeps everyone aligned with the latest progress.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Taiga.io’s open-source nature allows teams to modify and adapt the platform to meet their unique requirements.
2. Its simple interface and clear navigation make onboarding quick and intuitive for new users.

Cons

1. While Taiga.io includes a variety of features, it may not offer the advanced functionality that some larger proprietary tools provide.

Who It’s Best For

Taiga.io is a great fit for software development teams that prefer open-source tools and want a no-frills project management solution. Its support for both Scrum and Kanban methodologies ensures it works well for teams following either framework. Additionally, teams looking for seamless integration between project and code management will benefit from its GitHub syncing capabilities.

Selecting the right project management tool for GitHub depends on your team’s specific needs, workflow, and the complexity of your projects. While each tool offers unique strengths, Zenhub stands out with its native GitHub integration, automation features, and developer-focused design, making it the ideal choice for teams looking to streamline Agile workflows without disrupting their coding environment.

Ready to optimize your GitHub project management? Get Zenhub for free today and experience a seamless, integrated solution built specifically for software teams.