Author: Nicole

Microsoft Planner, which includes basic features, is not sold separately but is included for free as part of certain Microsoft 365 subscription plans. This means if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription such as Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium, or Enterprise plans like E3 and E5, you will have access to Microsoft Planner at no additional cost. 

However, for more advanced project management features that were historically part of Microsoft Project, you would need to consider upgrading to premium plans such as Planner Plan 3 or Planner Plan 5. These plans are not free and come at an additional cost, offering advanced tools like detailed project scheduling, resource management, and comprehensive project tracking, which are necessary for managing complex projects. 

Can Microsoft Planner do a Gantt chart? 

Should I use MS Planner or MS Project? 

 

Microsoft Planner now provides two distinct options within Microsoft 365 to cater to both simple and complex project management needs. Here’s an overview: 

Basic Planner: 

Ideal for Simple Tasks: Excellent for routine tasks and smaller projects that don’t require extensive management tools. 

Perfect for Teams: Suitable for small to medium-sized teams looking to coordinate tasks, set deadlines, and monitor project progress. 

Included with Your Subscription: This basic service is part of your Microsoft 365 subscription, so there is no additional cost to start using it. 

Advanced Planner (Plan 3 and Plan 5 Add-ons): 

Extended Features for Complex Projects: Designed for projects that need detailed planning tools akin to Microsoft Project, offering Gantt charts for scheduling, detailed resource management, and comprehensive project tracking. 

Designed for Larger Projects and Teams: Ideal for managing larger teams or multiple projects requiring robust coordination and tracking, these advanced features will meet your needs. 

Available as an Add-On: To access these advanced capabilities, you can upgrade to either Plan 3 or Plan 5, available as add-ons to your basic Planner service within Microsoft 365. 

How to Choose: 

Start with Basic Planner: If your project management needs are simple, the basic Planner service included in your Microsoft 365 subscription will likely be sufficient. 

Consider Advanced Plans for More Needs: As your project requirements grow, especially if you need more advanced project management tools, upgrading to Plan 3 or Plan 5 will provide access to enhanced functionalities. 

You might also be interested in: 

Is Microsoft Planner the same as Microsoft Project? 

Is Microsoft Planner a project management tool? 

Yes, Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project have been unified into a single platform within Microsoft 365, but they maintain distinct features tailored to different project management needs. 

Unified Platform Details: 

Single App Access: Both the original features of Microsoft Planner and the advanced functionalities of Microsoft Project are now accessible through the Planner app in Microsoft 365. 

Base Features: The core features of what was originally Microsoft Planner come with Microsoft 365 and Office 365 subscriptions at no additional cost. These features are suitable for basic task management and small project collaboration. 

Advanced Features: The more complex project management tools, historically part of Microsoft Project, are available as paid add-ons within the same Planner app. These include capabilities like detailed project scheduling, resource management, and comprehensive reporting. 

Seamless Integration: Moving forward, there will not be separate applications for Planner and Project. Instead, all functionalities are integrated into one app, allowing users to access different levels of project management tools depending on their needs and subscription plan. 

You might also be interested in:  

What is the difference between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project? 

Should I use MS Planner or MS Project? 

Microsoft has combined Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project into a single, flexible tool within Microsoft 365, offering features that suit everyone from beginners to advanced project managers. Here’s a straightforward look at what this means: 

Basic Features with Microsoft Planner: 

Included in Microsoft 365: You get Microsoft Planner with any Business Standard or higher Microsoft 365 plan. There’s no extra cost. 

Ideal for Simple Tasks: It’s great for small projects or daily tasks. You can make to-do lists, assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and see updates. 

Team Collaboration: Easily works with Microsoft Teams, so you can chat and share files right where you’re planning. 

Advanced Features with Microsoft Project: 

For bigger, more complex projects, you can upgrade to get more powerful tools: 

Project Plan 3 ($30 per user/month): 

More Project Tools: Adds features like showing how tasks depend on each other, visual roadmaps, and setting project baselines. 

Budget Features: Helps you keep track of project costs and budgets. 

AI Assistance: There’s even an AI feature to help plan and optimize your tasks. 

Project Plan 5 ($55 per user/month): 

For Big Projects: Includes everything in Plan 3 plus tools for managing multiple projects at once and detailed ways to manage resources across an enterprise. 

Custom Setup: More options to customize and integrate the tool with other systems. 

Key Differences: 

Ease of Use: Planner is simpler to use for everyday tasks and small projects. Project Plans 3 and 5 offer more detailed tools for serious project management. 

Who Should Use Them: Planner is great for anyone who needs a straightforward tool to organize tasks and small projects. The advanced plans are best for project managers needing to oversee detailed, large-scale projects. 

You might also be interested in:  

What is the difference between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project? 

Is Microsoft Planner a project management tool?