Introduction to ClickUp and Wrike
ClickUp and Wrike are leading project management tools built for businesses aiming to organize work, collaborate on projects, and increase productivity. ClickUp markets itself as an all-in-one platform with extensive customization and automation, making it appealing for startups and SMEs needing flexibility. Wrike distinguishes itself with advanced reporting, workload balancing, and rigorous administrative controls, favored by larger enterprises and teams tackling complex operational needs. Both offer core features for project and task management, but each takes a distinct approach—ClickUp focuses on unifying everything in one workspace, while Wrike emphasizes robust, specialized project oversight and resource management.
Key Takeaways
- ClickUp emphasizes flexibility, built-in automation, and time tracking, making it suitable for teams seeking extensive customization.
- Wrike is preferred by larger teams for its advanced reporting, resource management, and strong access controls like role-based permissions.
- Both platforms are SOC 2 compliant and offer two-factor authentication; only Wrike publicly states ISO 27001 certification.
- ClickUp offers lower entry pricing and a more generous free tier for very small teams, while Wrike grants advanced features at higher tiers.
| Feature | How ClickUp handles it | How Wrike handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing (entry) | Free forever plan; paid from $5/user/mo | Free plan; paid from $9.80/user/mo | Small teams (ClickUp); Larger teams (Wrike) |
| Storage/User limits (Free) | 100MB storage | 2GB storage, max 5 users | ClickUp: light solo/small team use; Wrike: slightly bigger teams |
| Customization | Highly customizable tasks, views, workflows | Customization available, but deeper focus on reporting/resource tools | ClickUp for flexibility; Wrike for structured pm needs |
| Time Tracking | Built-in | Included, approach not specified | ClickUp for teams prioritizing time tracking |
| Automations | Available (limits not specified) | Available (limits not specified) | Both—feature-rich, but check tier specifics |
| Security & Compliance | SOC 2, 2FA | SOC 2, ISO 27001, 2FA, role-based access | Wrike for stricter compliance |
| User Permissions | Standard permission controls | Role-based, advanced controls | Wrike for granular access; ClickUp for simple set-ups |
| Mobile Support | Mobile app available | Mobile app available | Both for hybrid/remote use |
| Third-party Integrations | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Unknown—investigate per specific need |
Pricing and Free Plans
ClickUp delivers a free forever plan capped at 100MB file storage, aimed at freelancers or very small teams testing the waters. Paid plans start at $5 per user per month. Larger organizations can scale up for more advanced features.
Wrike offers a free plan as well, allowing up to 2GB of storage for a maximum of 5 users—better suited for more collaborative small teams, but with restrictive user limits. Paid plans begin at $9.80 per user per month and unlock more robust admin, reporting, and workload management tools.
The value proposition: ClickUp’s free plan is accessible for solo users or tiny groups interested in its customization. Wrike’s free offering is more teamwork-friendly, but you’ll need to pay sooner for additional users or deeper project controls.
Workspace and Organizational Structure
ClickUp uses ClickUp Workspace as the container for everything—projects, docs, dashboards, and team members. Its structure is flexible: you can organize work using folders, lists, and custom statuses. This customization suits non-standard workflows or organizations that shift rapidly.
Wrike’s counterpart is Wrike Spaces, which introduces a hierarchy to manage multiple departments or teams efficiently. You benefit from greater separation between workgroups and better resource distribution. Wrike offers built-in frameworks for common project types, reducing setup friction for larger organizations.
Task Management Features
Both ClickUp and Wrike support robust task management, allowing you to assign Tasks and Subtasks, track status, and set dependencies. ClickUp stands out for its flexible task custom fields, multiple view options (Kanban, lists, Gantt, etc.), and built-in automations (though plan-based limits aren’t publicly specified). Time Tracking is native in ClickUp—handy for agencies or consultants billing by the hour. Wrike covers automation and time tracking as well, but its notable advantage lies in advanced reporting tools and workload balancing made for project and resource managers.
Security and Compliance
Both platforms provide two-factor authentication (2FA) and are certified for SOC 2 compliance. Wrike goes further with role-based access control and explicit ISO/IEC 27001 certification, better aligning with strict security demands from regulated or enterprise organizations. Information about explicit GDPR compliance is not publicly specified for either. Assess your company’s requirements for compliance and security certifications when making a decision.
Integrations and Mobile App Support
Details on third-party integrations are not publicly specified for either ClickUp or Wrike in the current data—this area may require direct vendor inquiry for mission-critical toolchains. For mobility, both platforms provide a dedicated mobile app, supporting real-time updates for distributed or hybrid teams.
User Permissions and Access Controls
ClickUp enables standard permission controls for adding, editing, and restricting access to projects and spaces. Wrike raises the bar with role-based access control, aligning more closely with enterprise needs—allowing specific access and action rights by role, such as admin-only areas or segregated department spaces. For fast-growing or large organizations, Wrike’s structure simplifies scalable user management, while ClickUp remains suitable for smaller or less segmented teams.
Choosing the Right Tool: ClickUp or Wrike?
If you’re a small team or freelancer valuing flexibility and a lower-cost entry, ClickUp is your likely fit. Its customization and automation are strong suits for varied workflows and evolving needs.
Opt for Wrike if you’re managing work at scale, need granular admin/user controls, or require advanced reporting and compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001). It’s engineered for clarity in roles, resource management, and larger team governance.
To make the right choice, consider:
- The size and structure of your team
- Reporting, access control, and compliance requirements
- Your need for time tracking and automation
- The value of customization vs. built-in project frameworks
Conclusion and Next Steps
ClickUp and Wrike share core project management features but diverge in approach. ClickUp targets teams seeking flexible, customizable workflows at a budget-friendly price, while Wrike addresses complex project and resource administration, delivering advanced access control and security certifications. Trialing either tool on its free plan provides hands-on insight—focus on your top-priority features and organizational needs to determine which aligns best with your business goals.
FAQs
Which is better for project management: ClickUp or Wrike?
ClickUp is better for smaller teams needing flexibility and customization. Wrike excels with advanced reporting and resource management for larger teams.
How do ClickUp and Wrike compare on pricing and value?
ClickUp offers a lower entry price and more storage for solo/small teams. Wrike is more expensive but scales with advanced tools and controls for larger teams.
Does ClickUp offer better customization than Wrike?
Yes, ClickUp is known for broad customization—custom fields, views, and workflows—while Wrike focuses more on structured, deep project management features.
How do Wrike and ClickUp handle security and compliance?
Both provide SOC 2 and 2FA. Wrike adds ISO 27001 and role-based access control. GDPR compliance not publicly specified for either.
Can ClickUp or Wrike integrate with my existing tools?
Integration options are not publicly specified for either platform. Confirm directly with the vendor for compatibility with your tool stack.
What are the main workflow differences between ClickUp and Wrike?
ClickUp emphasizes flexibility and customization. Wrike offers robust resource management, workload balancing, and stronger admin structures.
Which platform provides better reporting and analytics?
Wrike leads with its advanced reporting and analytics tools, especially for resource allocation and workload visibility.
Is Wrike easier to onboard than ClickUp?
Wrike provides structured onboarding frameworks for enterprises, while ClickUp requires more configuration up front due to its flexibility.