Trello vs Asana: Complete Comparison (2026)

Trello vs Asana: which one actually tracks client work past the task level?

Both tools organize internal work visually, but the workflow usually stops once the task is done... which means you're left manually copying hours into invoices and checking email for client feedback because neither has native billing or branded portals.

Trello uses Kanban boards where you drag cards across columns to track progress. It's fast to set up and easy to learn, but without native time tracking or invoicing, that progress doesn't connect to billing, so you'll still be juggling separate apps to actually get paid.

Asana gives you more structure with timelines and dependencies, which helps when one task blocks another. But like Trello, it lacks a dedicated client portal and billing system, so you'll end up paying for guest access workarounds or adding even more tools to your stack.

Plutio handles project management plus everything that comes after: proposals, contracts, task-level time tracking, and automated invoicing. If you need task management and billing in one place... check out Plutio and skip the comparison.

Last updated January 2026

4.6

Quick comparison (TLDR)

Trello is a visual Kanban tool where you organize tasks as cards on boards, so teams can start organizing tasks in minutes without complex setup. The free plan has generous limits and scales as you add Power-Ups ... but because it focuses purely on task organization, you'll still be looking elsewhere for time tracking and invoicing.

Asana adds project structure with timelines and portfolio views for managing multi-phase projects, which helps larger organizations track strict dependencies, though the interface adds complexity. However, it also stops at internal task management, which means you'll still be juggling separate tool stacks for your client-facing billing and portals.

Key differences at a glance

Core approach: Trello relies on Kanban boards, while Asana offers lists, boards, timelines, and calendar views for more complex work.
Pricing: Trello's free tier is more generous for solo users, whereas Asana's paid tiers include advanced workload and portfolio management.
Complexity: Trello is much faster to learn, but Asana is built to handle multi-step projects that require strict task dependencies.
Automation: Both tools include automation builders, but Asana's native rules are more capable than Trello's Power-Up dependent system.
Billing: Neither tool tracks time or sends invoices natively, so you'll still need to pay for a separate finance stack.

The verdict? Trello handles simple Kanban workflows but lacks timelines and time tracking. Asana handles multi-phase structure but still has no billing. For task management and billing in one subscription, try Plutio if you need task management and billing in one professional subscription.

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Visual organization and views

How you see your work shapes how you manage it. Cards on boards? Tasks with timelines? Multiple view options?

Trello

Trello started with the drag-and-drop board interface, so you can create lists and drag tasks across columns as work progresses. Setup takes minutes for simple coordination, but because the core is Kanban-only, you'll reach for Power-Ups the moment you need a timeline or calendar view.

Simple drag-and-drop boards
Unlimited boards on free plan
Card covers add visual context
Kanban-only design (no native timeline)
Calendar requires Power-Up
No Gantt or portfolio views

Asana

Asana offers list, board, timeline, and calendar views natively, so you can switch your project's layout without adding any plugins. The timeline view actually visualizes task dependencies-which means that when you adjust one date, the others shift automatically to reflect the ripple effect on your schedule.

List, board, timeline, calendar views
Timeline shows dependencies
Portfolio view for multi-project visibility
Workload view for capacity planning
More complex interface
Premium features require paid plans

Task structure and dependencies

Simple tasks or complex multi-step projects? How do you handle work that must happen in sequence?

Trello

Trello cards hold checklists and comments to keep tasks organized, but Trello lacks native dependencies, so you can't link one task to another, so you'll be manually managing dates across your board to ensure the work actually happens in the right order.

Checklists inside cards
Card attachments and comments
Labels for categorization
No native task dependencies
No automatic date shifting
Gantt requires Power-Up

Asana

Asana handles complex projects by letting you set strict task dependencies, so Task B is blocked until Task A is finished. Asana even shows these relationships visually in the timeline view, which saves you from the constant manual date-shifting that usually happens in simpler project tools.

Native subtasks with assignees
Task dependencies with auto-shifting
Visual timeline (Gantt-style)
Milestones for key dates
Dependencies on paid plans only
Complex setup for large projects

Automation and integrations

Repetitive actions should happen automatically. How do these tools reduce manual work?

Trello

Trello includes the Butler automation tool, which uses a rule-based system to handle repetitive tasks like moving cards or adding labels. It's fast to set up, but because free accounts are limited to one Power-Up, you'll often have to choose between a Slack integration or an advanced automation system.

Butler automation on all plans
AI-suggested automations
200+ Power-Up integrations
Free plan limited to 1 Power-Up
Heavy automation needs Premium

Asana

Asana offers a Workflow Builder with over 100 triggers, so you can automate task assignments and status updates based on real project events. Asana connects to existing tools natively, which means you don't have to worry about the restrictive "one plugin per board" limit that Trello enforces.

100+ automation triggers
Workflow Builder on paid plans
Native integrations included
Forms for external task creation
Advanced automation on Premium only
Rules can be complex to set up

Time tracking and billable hours

Client work often bills by the hour. Can you track time and convert it to invoices?

Trello

Trello lacks built-in time tracking, so you'll have to add a third-party Power-Up like Toggl or Clockify to see how long tasks are actually taking. Since time data is stored in that separate app rather than alongside the task, you'll still be stuck manually exporting hours and typing them into invoices every month. For freelancers billing 20-40 hours per week across 3-5 clients, the export-and-retype process takes 30-45 minutes per invoicing cycle. Across 12 months, that manual transfer adds up to 6-9 hours per year spent copying numbers between apps. Platforms with task-level time tracking connect hours directly to invoice line items without the manual step.

No built-in time tracking
Requires third-party Power-Up
Time data in separate system
Manual export for invoicing

Asana

Asana also misses native time tracking, which means you'll need an external integration like Harvest or Everhour just to log billable hours. While these tools can show time logs next to tasks, they still don't connect to a billing system. When the project wraps up, the hours sit in one app while the invoice needs to be created in another. For agencies running 10-15 client projects per month, the disconnect between tracking and billing creates a recurring admin task that eats 2-3 hours per month.

No built-in time tracking
Requires third-party integration
Time data in separate system
No time-to-invoice connection

Client communication and billing

Your team uses the tool daily. But can clients see their project status or pay invoices through it?

Trello

Trello provides guest access so clients can view boards with limited permissions, but Trello lacks a dedicated professional portal. Clients end up logging directly into the team's workspace, which exposes Trello's branding instead of the business brand. Proposals, contracts, and invoices live outside of Trello entirely. A typical client interaction involves sending a proposal from one app, getting a contract signed in another, managing tasks in Trello, then creating an invoice in a third app once the work is complete. For agencies that want a branded client experience where project updates and billing happen in one place, Trello leaves the gap open.

Guest access with limited permissions
Clients can comment on cards
No client portal
No proposals or contracts
No invoicing or payments

Asana

Asana lets you share specific projects with guests, so clients can see milestones and timelines. However, Asana focuses on internal coordination and doesn't offer a branded portal or billing tools. The client sees Asana's interface rather than the business brand. Proposals, contracts, and payments require separate apps. For service businesses where client-facing communication is part of the value proposition, Asana handles the internal side but leaves the client-facing workflow to other tools. White-labeled client portals handle project visibility and billing under one brand.

Guest access per project
Clients see timeline and milestones
No client portal
No proposals or contracts
No invoicing or payments

Team collaboration and permissions

Freelancers work solo. Agencies have teams with different access needs. How do these tools handle multiple users?

Trello

Simple permissions per board. Trello workspaces organize boards into collections. Team members can be Admins, Members, or Observers. Observers see boards but cannot edit cards or lists. The permission system covers basic needs but lacks granularity. Access control operates at the board level only, so you cannot give someone access to specific cards, or limit visibility to certain lists within a board. For agencies that share project boards with clients but want to hide internal task cards, the all-or-nothing board visibility creates workarounds. Free plan allows 10 boards per workspace. Standard plan ($5/user/month) adds unlimited boards, guest access, and advanced checklists.

Admin, Member, Observer roles
Board-level permissions
Workspace organization
No card-level permissions
Free plan board limit
Limited contractor controls

Asana

More granular project permissions. Asana allows project-level and team-level permissions with more access control options than Trello. Projects can be set to private, comment-only, or editor-access. Admin controls manage who sees what across the organization. Guest access lets external collaborators view specific projects without seeing the rest of the workspace. For agencies with contractors and clients who need limited visibility, Asana's project-level permissions are more practical. However, task-level permissions don't exist, so you cannot restrict someone from seeing individual tasks within a project they can access. Advanced admin controls and custom fields are locked behind paid plans starting at $10.99/user/month.

Project-level permissions
Team-based organization
Guest access per project
Admin controls for enterprise
No task-level permissions
Advanced controls on paid plans

Skip the comparison?

Get task management and billing in one app

Trello and Asana handle internal work. Plutio handles the full workflow: projects, time tracking, invoicing, and client portals.

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Trello vs Asana pricing breakdown

Both tools offer generous free tiers that suit solo users, but the real cost differences emerge the moment you need advanced project views or automation.

Trello Pricing (2026)

Free: Includes unlimited cards and up to 10 boards per workspace, which covers straightforward solo work.
Standard ($5/user/mo): Adds unlimited boards and Power-Ups, so you can integrate more tools into your workflow.
Premium ($10/user/mo): Unlocks timeline, calendar, and dashboard views for better project visibility.
Enterprise ($17.50/user/mo): Adds organization-wide controls and security for larger teams.

Asana Pricing (2026)

Personal (Free): Supports up to 10 teammates with unlimited tasks, though you're restricted to list and board views only.
Starter ($10.99/user/mo): Includes the timeline view and workflow builder so you can automate multi-phase projects.
Advanced ($24.99/user/mo): Unlocks portfolios, workload management, and goals for high-level coordination.

The hidden cost of the tool stack

When you add up the subscriptions for a 5-person team, the project management fee is only the beginning. Since neither tool handles billing, you'll still be paying $40-75/month for a time tracker like Toggl and another $50-85/month for invoicing software like FreshBooks. Across your entire stack, you'll likely spend $140-215/month ... whereas all-in-one platforms like Plutio start at just $49/month for teams.

Which tool is better for your team type?

Choosing between Trello and Asana usually comes down to whether you prioritize instant Kanban simplicity or structured project timelines.

Solo freelancers

Trello covers basic visual workload tracking without over-complicating things. Trello gets you moving in minutes, but because Trello doesn't handle the billing side of your business, you'll still be toggling between apps to get paid.

Small agencies (2-10 people)

Asana's timeline view helps agencies coordinate handoffs between designers and developers. You can see exactly how one delay ripples through the entire schedule, though you'll still be bridging the gap to your client's invoices manually.

Creative teams

Both tools handle production pipelines, but Trello's visual card covers often feel more natural for creative reviews where images and designs need quick visual context. Asana's list and board views organize the pipeline, but the emphasis is on structured task management rather than visual previews. However, while both handle internal tracking, neither tool lets you white-label the experience for clients or send proposals and invoices from the same platform.

Consultants and coaches

Consulting work usually involves billable hours, which makes both tools a stretch for the full billing workflow. Since neither tracks time natively, a separate time tracker like Toggl or Harvest runs alongside, and then those hours get manually copied into a separate invoicing app every month. For consultants billing 20-40 hours per week across multiple clients, the disconnect between task completion, time tracking, and invoicing creates a recurring admin burden that eats 1-2 hours per billing cycle. Platforms with task-level time tracking connected to invoicing handle the entire hours-to-invoice flow in one step.

Enterprise teams

Asana's portfolios and workload views provide the high-level visibility that larger organizations need to track multiple workstreams across departments. The Advanced plan at $24.99/user/month includes goals, custom fields, and approval workflows that help coordinate larger teams. But the per-user pricing adds up: a 20-person team on the Advanced plan costs $499.80/month. And since Asana still lacks native time tracking, invoicing, and client portals, enterprise teams layer additional tools on top, further increasing the total cost of the stack.

What both tools are missing

Trello and Asana both focus on internal coordination, but they share a few critical architectural gaps that can slow down a client-service business.

Time tracking that doesn't connect to billing

Neither tool tracks time natively, so an external app fills the gap. When billing time arrives, the process looks like: export hours from Toggl or Harvest, calculate totals per project, open FreshBooks or QuickBooks, create line items manually, and send the invoice. Each billing cycle takes 30-45 minutes per client. Across 15-20 clients per year, the manual transfer between time tracking and invoicing consumes 8-15 hours annually.

Proposals, contracts, and payments

The entire sales-to-billing cycle happens outside of Trello and Asana. Proposals go through one tool, e-signatures through another, and invoices through a third. Because these systems don't share data, every new client means re-entering project details across multiple platforms. A signed proposal doesn't automatically create a project in Trello, and a completed project in Asana doesn't generate an invoice. Each transition requires manual copying. Platforms with proposal-to-project workflows handle the full cycle without the data re-entry.

Non-branded client portals

Guest access lets clients see project boards or timelines, but the dashboard shows Trello or Asana's branding throughout. For agencies positioning premium services, clients logging into a third-party tool undermines the brand experience. Neither platform supports custom domains, branded login screens, or complete brand removal. Clients checking project status see the software vendor's logo rather than the agency's. White-labeled portals on custom domains let clients view projects, sign documents, and pay invoices under one brand without exposure to the underlying platform.

The communication scatter

Task comments work for internal project notes, but client conversations still happen in email, Slack, and text messages. When a client requests a change, the message sits in email while the task lives in Trello or Asana. Team members check two or three apps just to find the latest feedback. File requests come through email, approvals happen in a separate thread, and revision notes get scattered across platforms. Without client communication tied to the project record, context gets lost between tools, and tracking down a specific client request takes longer than the revision itself.

What users do when neither tool is enough

When Trello or Asana cannot handle the full workflow, users either build a multi-tool stack or switch to a platform designed for the complete client lifecycle.

The typical workaround stack

Most freelancers and agencies end up with something like:

Trello or Asana for task management ($0-25/month)
Toggl, Harvest, or Clockify for time tracking ($0-12/user/month)
FreshBooks, QuickBooks, or Wave for invoicing ($0-25/month)
HelloSign or DocuSign for contracts ($0-15/month)
Google Drive or Dropbox for file sharing ($0-15/month)

The total comes to 4-5 subscriptions, 4-5 logins, and 4-5 places where data lives.

The hidden cost: copying data between tools

The subscription costs are visible. The hidden cost is the manual work. When you finish a task in Trello, you stop your Toggl timer. When the project ends, you export Toggl hours, calculate totals, create an invoice in FreshBooks, attach the exported time log, and send it to the client. Each handoff takes 5-15 minutes. Across 20 clients per year, that is 40+ hours annually on data transfer between apps.

The one-platform alternative

All-in-one platforms exist that handle task management, time tracking, proposals, and invoicing in a single system. The trade-off: learning a new tool versus maintaining your existing stack. For users already comfortable with Trello or Asana, migration feels like effort. For users drowning in tool-juggling, switching to one platform can recover 3-5 hours per week.

What one platform looks like

Plutio is one platform that covers the complete workflow. Tasks live in Kanban boards (like Trello) or list views. Time tracking happens at the task level-click Start, do the work, click Stop. When the project ends, tracked hours convert to invoice line items with one click. Clients access a portal under your domain to check status, approve work, and pay invoices. The comparison table below shows exactly where Plutio fills gaps that both Trello and Asana leave open.

Final verdict

Both tools organize work well, but the choice really comes down to how much project structure you need and whether you're tired of tool-juggling.

Trello leans toward:

Visual Kanban boards with almost zero learning curve, but timeline views and Gantt charts are not included.
Straightforward projects that don't require complex dependencies or multi-phase tracking.
Lower per-user cost and a free tier that covers solo work, though time tracking and invoicing still require separate tools.

The trade-off: Trello focuses on simplicity, which means you'll hit a wall the moment you need timeline views or task-level time tracking.

Asana leans toward:

Multi-phase projects with task dependencies, though the interface takes longer to learn than Trello.
Timeline and portfolio views for workload tracking, but paid plans start at $10.99/user/month.
Structured coordination over simplicity, and the budget needs to cover Asana's higher-tier plans plus separate billing tools.

The trade-off: Asana also stops at task management, so you'll still be paying for separate billing and portal apps to run the rest of your business.

Consider Plutio if:

You're already using 3+ tools just to manage your projects, time, and billing.
Manual data entry between apps is eating up several hours of your week.
You want your clients to have a professional, white-labeled experience.

The bottom line: Trello is for Kanban speed, and Asana is for multi-phase structure. But if you're tired of copying data between apps and want a single platform to handle everything from task management to final invoice, Plutio bridges the gap between task management and billing.

Research & Sources

The Trello vs Asana comparison is based on direct hands-on testing, official documentation review, and analysis of user feedback across major platforms. All data verified January 2026.

Research methodology

Both tools were evaluated through active accounts, official feature documentation, and analysis of 1,000+ user reviews across G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius. Focus was on common pain points from 1-3 star reviews where users share honest limitations.

Platform ratings (January 2026)

Trello: 4.4/5 on G2 (13,000+ reviews), praised for simplicity, criticized for limited project views and Power-Up dependency
Asana: 4.4/5 on G2 (10,000+ reviews), praised for timeline and dependencies, criticized for pricing and complexity
Plutio: 4.6/5 on G2 (200+ reviews), praised for all-in-one coverage and white-labeling

Common user complaints (from 1-3 star reviews)

Trello users frequently mention: "Limited to Kanban only," "Power-Ups get expensive," "No time tracking," "Not enough for complex projects"

Asana users frequently mention: "Too expensive for what you get," "Overwhelming interface," "No time tracking," "Learning curve is steep"

Pricing sources (verified January 2026)

Feature verification

Trello G2 reviews (13,000+ reviews)
Asana G2 reviews (10,000+ reviews)

If you find inaccuracies or outdated information, please let us know.

Trello vs Asana vs Plutio: full feature comparison

See how all three tools compare on project management, time tracking, invoicing, and client portals

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Starting price	$19/month (Core plan)	$5/user/month (Standard plan, free tier available)	$10.99/user/month (Starter, annual)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	Yes (10 boards per workspace limit)	Free plan for up to 10 users
Trial period	14-day free trial	14-day Premium trial	Free trial available
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Kanban boards with cards and lists	Multiple views with dependencies
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	Admin, Member, Observer roles	You can control project access per user and team
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	Unlimited boards (paid plans)	You can create multiple boards per project
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	No native embed (Power-Up needed)	You can embed read-only project views
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	Shareable board links available	You can share project links publicly
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	Lists as stages (no milestones)	You can define custom sections and milestones
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	No proposals/contracts/invoices	Not supported
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Custom Fields (Standard+)	Full custom field support
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Core feature - Kanban is Trello	You can manage tasks in Kanban boards
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	Table view (Premium only)	You can view tasks in table format
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	Cards in lists (default view)	You can view tasks in lists
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	Calendar view (Premium only)	You can view tasks on a calendar
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	Timeline view (Premium, not Gantt)	Timeline view functions as a Gantt chart
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	Checklists only (not true subtasks)	You can break tasks into subtasks
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	Email-to-board creates cards	Included
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	Comments on cards	You can comment directly on tasks
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	File attachments on cards	You can attach files to tasks
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	Labels for priority (no native)	Priorities must be modeled using custom fields
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	Color labels built-in	You can tag tasks and use color labels
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	Multiple members per card	You can assign tasks to multiple teammates
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	Card templates available	You can reuse task and project templates
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	Board-level only (not per card)	Permissions apply at project level, not per task
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	No native dependencies (Power-Up)	You can define task dependencies
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	Via Butler automation rules	You can create recurring tasks
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Custom Fields (Standard+)	Full custom field support
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	No native time tracking	Native time tracking (Advanced plan only, $24.99/user/month)
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	Requires Power-Up (Clockify, etc)	Requires external tools or custom fields
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	Requires Power-Up	Requires reporting tools or integrations
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	No billable time feature	Asana does not track billable time
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	No invoicing capability	Not supported
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	Requires Power-Up	Requires third-party tools
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	Requires Power-Up	Requires integrations
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	No proposal feature	Asana is for task management only
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	No proposal feature	Not supported
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	No proposal feature	Not supported
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	No proposal feature	Not supported
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	No proposal feature	Not supported
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	No proposal feature	Not supported
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	No proposal feature	Not supported
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	No proposal feature	Pricing packages are not supported
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	No proposal feature	Pricing tables are not supported
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	Butler has some variables	Not supported
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	Due dates on cards	Not supported
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	Print to PDF only	Tasks and projects can be exported, not proposals
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	Card templates only	Proposal blocks are not supported
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	No e-signature feature	E-signatures are not supported
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	No proposal feature	Proposals are not supported
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	No contract feature	Asana does not handle contracts
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	No contract feature	Not supported
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	No e-signature feature	E-signatures are not supported
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	No contract feature	Not supported
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	No contract feature	Not supported
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	Due date reminders (Butler)	Not supported
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	Butler has variables	Not supported
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	No contract feature	Contracts cannot trigger workflows
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	Activity notifications	Not supported
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	No contract feature	Not supported
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing	No contract feature	Not supported
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	No contract feature	Contracts are not supported
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	No invoicing feature	Asana does not handle billing
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	No invoicing feature	Not supported
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	No invoicing feature	Invoices are not supported
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	No invoicing feature	Not supported
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	No invoicing feature	Not supported
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	No invoicing feature	Not supported
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	No payment collection	Asana does not process payments
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	No payment collection	Asana does not process payments
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	No payment collection	Asana does not process payments
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	No payment collection	Asana does not process payments
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	No invoicing feature	Payments are not supported
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	No invoicing feature	Not supported
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	No invoicing feature	Not supported
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	No invoicing feature	Subscriptions are not supported
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	No invoicing feature	Payments are not supported
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	No invoicing feature	Not supported
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	No invoicing feature	Payments are not supported
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	No invoicing feature	Contracts cannot trigger workflows
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	Activity notifications	Not supported
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	No expense tracking	Not supported
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	No invoicing feature	Not supported
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	No invoicing feature	Asana has no invoicing
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	No invoicing feature	Invoices are not supported
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	No unified inbox	Task comments act as a shared activity feed
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	Email-to-board only	Email-to-task is supported
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	No live chat	Live chat is not supported
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	No direct messaging	Messaging exists via comments, not chat
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	Comments on cards	Comments stay attached to tasks and projects
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	No team channels	Channel-based chat does not exist
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow	No channels feature	Channels are not supported
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	@mentions in comments	You can mention users in comments
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	No read receipts	Read receipts are not supported
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	Attachments in comments	Files attach to tasks, not chat threads
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	No shared inbox	Not supported
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Notifications only (no inbox)	Mobile app includes inbox
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	No email inbox feature	Email replies create tasks
FILES Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	File attachments on cards	Files are stored within tasks and projects
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	No folder structure	Section-based, relies on cloud integrations
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	No folders	Project-level permissions only
People folders	Group files by person when needed	No folders	Files are task-attached, not person-based
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	No folders	Files attach to projects and tasks
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	Preview attachments	Preview via cloud integrations
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	No file custom fields	You can create and reuse custom fields
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	No native documents	No built-in document editor
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	Comments on cards with files	Comments on task attachments
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	No bulk file actions	Select multiple via integrations
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	Search finds attachments	Search across projects and files
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Google Drive, Dropbox Power-Ups	Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Board-level permissions only	Project-level permissions
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Attachment links shareable	Task link sharing only
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	No scheduling feature	Asana does not have scheduling
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	No booking pages	Not supported
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	No scheduling feature	Scheduling is not supported
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	No scheduling feature	Scheduling is not supported
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	No scheduling feature	Scheduling is not supported
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Google Calendar sync (Premium)	Read-only calendar integration
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	No booking feature	Scheduling is not supported
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	No booking feature	Scheduling is not supported
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	No booking feature	Contracts cannot trigger workflows
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	No meeting feature	Reminders exist for tasks only
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Timezone detection built-in	Handled by external calendars
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps	No payment collection	Asana has no scheduling
Custom booking forms	Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout	No booking feature	Not supported
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	No booking feature	Scheduling is not supported
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	No booking feature	Scheduling is not supported
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Butler automation builder	70+ rule templates with AI Smart Rules
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	Butler rules and triggers	Rules allow task-based automation
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Scheduled Butler commands	Possible via rules and integrations
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Limited multi-step support	Complex logic requires integrations
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	No conditional branching	Limited logic without integrations
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	Scheduled delays available	Delayed rules are supported
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Create/update cards	Tasks and projects only
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Move/copy cards and lists	Tasks and projects can duplicate
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Archive cards and boards	Deletion requires manual confirmation
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	Webhooks available	Asana has a full API
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Email notifications only	Emails require integrations
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	Auto-comment via Butler	Requires integrations
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	Limited automation history	Logs exist at task level
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	Limited variable support	Variables exist inside rules
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	No cross-board automation	Not supported
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	No form builder	Internal only
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	No form builder	Not supported
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	No form feature	Internal intake forms exist
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	No form feature	You can create and reuse custom fields
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	No form feature	Conditional logic is limited
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	Activity notifications	Requires integrations
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	No form feature	Contracts cannot trigger workflows
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	No form feature	Forms can be shared via links
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	No form feature	Limited field options
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	No form feature	Many field types via custom fields
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	No form feature	Signatures are not supported
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	No form feature	Files can be uploaded
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	No form feature	Redirects not supported
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Cards can track contacts	Asana is not a CRM
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	No company management	Companies are not modeled
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	Custom Fields on cards	CRM structure does not exist
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	Card activity history	Activity is task-based only
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	Labels on cards	Tags exist via custom fields
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	No wiki/knowledge base	Pages exist but are not client-facing
Beautiful rich text pages	Write structured, formatted content without complexity	Card descriptions only	Not supported
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	No nested pages	Not supported
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	No wiki feature	Not supported
DASHBOARDS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Dashboard view (Premium)	Reporting dashboards with custom charts
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	No dashboard builder	Paid ($)
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Dashboard view has charts	Included
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Basic metrics in Dashboard	Included
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	No goals widget	Paid ($)
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	No notes widget	Not supported
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Calendar view (Premium)	Included
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	No financial widgets	Not supported
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	Cannot remove Trello brand	Asana branding always visible
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	Custom backgrounds only	UI cannot be customized
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	No CSS customization	Custom CSS is not supported
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	No custom login pages	Login pages cannot be customized
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	Trello branding remains	Emails cannot be branded
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	No custom fonts	Fonts cannot be customized
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	Board background images	Logos cannot be customized
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	No custom domains	Not supported
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	No custom SMTP	Not supported
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	No embedding option	Not supported
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	Workspaces and boards	Asana structure is templated
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	Limited menu customization	Navigation cannot be customized
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	No user-based menus	Menus are the same for all users
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	Admin, Member, Observer only	Roles exist but are limited
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Workspace-level permissions	Permissions are team-based
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	SSO via Atlassian (Enterprise)	SSO is supported on enterprise plans
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	200+ Power-Ups available	200+ native integrations
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	Zapier supported	Zapier is supported
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	Make.com supported	Make is supported
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	Pabbly Connect supported	Possible via API
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	REST API available	Full REST API is available
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	Webhooks supported	Webhooks are supported
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Trello 55/199	Asana 55/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	iOS and Android apps	Full-featured mobile apps
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	iOS app available	iOS app is available
Android app	Full-featured Android app	Android app available	Android app is available
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	Mac desktop app	Desktop app wraps the web version
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	Windows desktop app	Desktop app wraps the web version

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Trello vs Asana FAQ

Is Trello or Asana better for freelancers?

Trello's free tier is more generous for solo freelancers, and the Kanban-only layout helps manage tasks without a learning curve. Asana offers more features, but it's typically more tool than a single person needs and often carries a higher price tag.

Can I track time in Trello or Asana?

Neither tool includes native time tracking, which means you'll have to integrate an external app like Toggl or Clockify. While these plugins show time logs next to your tasks, they still don't connect to a billing system-leaving you to bridge the gap to your invoices manually.

Which tool has better mobile apps?

Both have functional iOS and Android apps. Trello's is simpler, mirroring the desktop experience. Asana's shows more features but can feel cluttered on smaller screens.

Can clients see their project status in either tool?

Both tools allow you to invite guests to specific projects, but neither offers a dedicated professional portal. Clients end up logging into a dashboard covered in Trello or Asana branding instead of your own business's identity.

Which tool is cheaper for teams?

Trello costs less per user for teams since its Standard plan starts at $5/user/month. Asana's entry-level paid plan costs more, though it does include native timeline views and task dependencies that Trello lacks.

Does either tool have Gantt charts?

Asana has a timeline view that works like a Gantt chart, showing task dependencies and date relationships. Trello requires a Power-Up like Planyway for Gantt functionality.

Can I create invoices in Trello or Asana?

No, neither tool includes native invoicing or payment collection. You'll still need a separate app like FreshBooks or QuickBooks to handle your finances, which means you'll be stuck manually transferring your tracked time into invoices every month.

Which tool is better for complex projects?

Asana includes task dependencies and timeline views natively, which handles multi-phase projects that Trello's Kanban-only layout does not cover. Trello handles simple workflows but lacks timeline views and dependency tracking for larger projects.

Can I use Trello and Asana together?

Yes. Some teams use Trello for quick Kanban workflows and Asana for structured projects. Zapier connects them. But this adds complexity and cost to your stack.

What if neither tool handles my full workflow?

If you need project management plus time tracking and invoicing, look at all-in-one platforms. Plutio handles projects, time tracking, invoicing, and client portals in one subscription.

Is Trello owned by Atlassian?

Yes. Atlassian acquired Trello in 2017. Trello integrates with Jira, Confluence, and other Atlassian products. Teams already using the Atlassian ecosystem get native connections between the products.

Does Asana have a free plan?

Yes. Asana Personal is free for up to 10 teammates. The free tier includes unlimited tasks, list view, and board view. Timeline view and dependencies require paid plans starting at $10.99/user/month.

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