Overview of ClickUp vs Trello
ClickUp and Trello are two leading project management platforms with different strengths. ClickUp is built for teams wanting robust customization, automation, and a variety of productivity views. Trello is popular for its user-friendly Kanban boards and visual simplicity. ClickUp targets teams with complex workflows, while Trello excels for lightweight, board-centric task tracking. Both offer free plans and mobile apps, but they differ sharply in feature depth, security, and workspace management.
- ClickUp offers advanced features—Gantt charts, docs, and automation included—even on its free plan.
- Trello is Kanban-first and easier for small teams or straightforward workflows.
- ClickUp supports more complex permissions, goal tracking, and views, while Trello has simpler controls.
- Security standards differ: ClickUp is SOC 2 Type II compliant; Trello is not.
Key Takeaways
- ClickUp is feature-rich for advanced project management; Trello shines for easy Kanban boards.
- Both offer free and paid plans starting at $5/user, but differ in free plan limits and features.
- ClickUp leads with security (SOC 2 Type II) and customization; Trello is simpler and easier for basic use cases.
| Feature | How ClickUp handles it | How Trello handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan; paid from $5/member/mo | Free plan; paid from $5/user/mo | Tied on entry-level pricing |
| Workspace limits | Free plan: unlimited tasks/members; some feature caps (e.g., Gantt charts, dashboards) | Free plan: 10 boards/Workspace; 250 monthly automation runs | ClickUp for scale; Trello for board simplicity |
| Kanban boards | Available, along with list, calendar, Gantt, mind map, workload views | Core feature; board (Kanban) is primary view | Trello for pure Kanban; ClickUp for multiple views |
| Automation | Included; no specific free plan limit mentioned | Butler feature; free plan has 250-command/month limit | ClickUp for volume; Trello for basic automation |
| User permissions | Supports granular permissions and roles | Not publicly specified | ClickUp for controlling access |
| Integrations | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Data encryption | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| SOC 2 compliance | Yes (Type II) | No | ClickUp for regulated orgs |
| Mobile apps | Available | Available | Tied |
| Templates | Available (for projects, docs, etc.) | Available (for boards, cards) | ClickUp for advanced project templates |
| Activity tracking | Available (change and action tracking built in) | Available (history on cards/boards) | Tied for transparency |
Pricing and Plan Options
ClickUp and Trello both offer free forever plans for individuals or small teams. ClickUp’s free plan includes unlimited tasks and members but restricts some features (e.g., advanced views like Gantt charts, dashboard limitations). Trello’s free plan is centered around up to 10 boards per Workspace and imposes a 250-command run limit for its Butler automation per month.
Both platforms offer paid tiers starting at $5 per user per month. ClickUp’s paid plans unlock advanced tools (full Gantt, time tracking, mind maps), while Trello’s paid plans allow unlimited boards, more advanced automation, and security options. Cost is similar, but ClickUp provides broader base features in its entry plan.
Limits and Workspace Management
ClickUp’s free plan supports unlimited tasks and users, making it suitable for growing teams. However, free users face restrictions on some advanced tools such as Gantt charts and dashboards. In contrast, Trello’s free plan limits you to 10 boards per Workspace and 250 monthly automation runs, which may quickly cap usability for fast-moving teams or multiple projects. Trello’s simple board structure works well for small groups, while ClickUp can scale to accommodate larger, more complex workspaces.
Core Features and Customization
ClickUp’s approach is multi-dimensional: you get Kanban boards plus other views (list, calendar, Gantt, box, workload, mind map). It caters to teams needing project docs, embedded goal tracking, and custom automations. Trello, by contrast, emphasizes visual Kanban boards with lists and cards—a familiar system for tracking tasks or ideas, but less flexible if you require out-of-the-box multiple productivity views.
ClickUp enables customizing views per Workspace or project, supports managing complex relationships, and allows advanced configurations. Trello simplifies onboarding and maintenance with its singular focus but offers limited customizability.
Automation and Templates
Automation in ClickUp covers workflow triggers, recurring task creation, and notification handling. Specific limits on ClickUp’s free plan automations are not publicly specified, but advanced automation is included. Trello’s Butler automation is restricted to 250 commands per month on free tier—adequate for individuals but limiting for busy teams.
On templates: ClickUp provides templates for projects, recurring processes, and documents. Trello offers templates for boards and cards, focused on quickly replicating board structures or workflows.
User Permissions and Activity Tracking
ClickUp supports granular user permission controls, allowing exactly who can access or edit each Workspace or project. Trello’s specifics on permissions are not publicly specified, but the platform favors simplicity over complexity. For activity tracking, both ClickUp and Trello log task changes and user actions, aiding transparency and audit needs.
Security and Compliance
Security is a standout difference. ClickUp meets GDPR and SOC 2 Type II standards. It also provides two-factor authentication and single sign-on options—a requirement for organisations bound by robust data governance.
Trello is compliant with GDPR and PCI DSS, plus two-factor authentication. HIPAA compliance and specific uptime guarantees are not publicly specified for either tool, so highly regulated organizations should note these gaps.
Mobile Access and Integrations
Both ClickUp and Trello offer mobile apps, keeping you connected and productive on iOS and Android. Integration support is not publicly specified for either platform, but both are widely used in the SaaS space and commonly integrate with major productivity tools (check the vendor’s website for the latest published details). For remote, distributed, or on-the-go teams, both are strong in mobile coverage.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Team
Deciding between ClickUp and Trello depends on your team’s complexity, feature needs, and scale. If you want robust customization, multiple project views (beyond boards), granular permissions, and advanced project management (like Gantt charts, automation, docs, and goals), ClickUp delivers the edge. Teams in regulated industries benefit from ClickUp’s SOC 2 Type II compliance as well.
If you prefer simplicity, ease of use, and primarily work in a Kanban-board style, Trello remains a favorite. Its visual approach can help smaller or non-technical teams get organized fast, with minimal learning curve. For startups or personal task management, Trello’s free tier goes far, assuming your board and automation needs are modest.
Conclusion
In summary, ClickUp is the better choice for teams needing feature depth, advanced workflow, and enterprise-grade security. Trello wins if board-based simplicity and accessibility are top priorities. For most growing businesses, ClickUp offers a broader platform—but if you simply want to move cards on a board, Trello’s focus may suit you best.
FAQs
Which is better for project management: ClickUp or Trello?
ClickUp is better for complex project management with advanced features and customization. Trello excels for simple, visual task tracking via Kanban boards.
How do ClickUp and Trello differ in terms of features?
ClickUp includes Gantt charts, mind maps, time tracking, documents, goal tracking, and multiple views. Trello focuses on Kanban boards, lists, and cards for basic task management.
What are the pricing differences between ClickUp and Trello?
Both start paid plans at $5/user/month. Free plan limits differ: ClickUp allows unlimited tasks and members; Trello caps boards and automation usage.
Which integrations do ClickUp and Trello support?
Not publicly specified. Both are widely integrated with other productivity software—check official sites for most current information.
Is ClickUp more secure than Trello?
ClickUp is SOC 2 Type II compliant in addition to GDPR, offering stronger security credentials than Trello, which is not SOC 2 certified.
Can I migrate from Trello to ClickUp easily?
Not publicly specified. Both platforms offer import/export tools, but check support documentation.
What user roles and permissions are available in ClickUp vs Trello?
ClickUp offers granular permission and role controls. Trello’s specific user permission features are not publicly specified.
How do automations compare between ClickUp and Trello?
ClickUp features robust automation. Trello’s free automation (Butler) is limited to 250 commands/month; advanced automations require paid plans.