A simpler alternative to Microsoft Project

If you mostly need a task table, dependencies, a Gantt chart and a critical path, a browser tool may be enough. Here is an honest comparison.

Try it free See pricingFree for up to 3 plans of 50 lines.

Need	GenuinePlan	Microsoft Project
Where it runs	In the browser, nothing to install	Desktop app and cloud versions, depending on the plan
Task table with WBS numbering	Yes	Yes
Gantt chart and dependencies (FS, SS, FF, SF, lag)	Yes	Yes
Critical path	Yes	Yes
Baseline	One baseline per plan	Multiple baselines
Resource levelling, costs, custom fields	No	Yes
Import / export	Project XML, Excel, CSV in; XML, Excel out	Native .mpp and many formats
Sharing with non-users	Read-only link	Depends on the setup
Learning curve	Minutes	Longer, with more depth

Choose GenuinePlan when

You plan projects with a task list, durations and dependencies and want a chart you can share.
You want something your whole team can open without a licence conversation.
You need a status report and reminders without extra tools.

You need resource levelling, cost tracking, custom fields or portfolio features.
Your organisation standardises on it.

Save your plan from Project as XML and import it. Hierarchy, durations, link types and lag are kept.

Not directly. In Microsoft Project, use Save As and choose XML Format, then import the XML file.

You do not have to start over. Bring an existing plan in, and take your data out whenever you like.

Excel is fine for a quick list. Once dependencies and changing dates arrive, the spreadsheet starts to fight you.

The critical path is the chain of tasks that decides when the project ends. GenuinePlan calculates it for you and highlights it on the chart.

Free to start. Upgrade when you outgrow it.