Updated 2026-01-28
Best Sprint Planning Tools for Agencies
Practical picks for agencies that want predictable workflows.
Small teams usually don’t fail because of lack of effort. Problems start when ownership is unclear, priorities shift, and tasks get lost between conversations. This page compares tools that small teams use once they outgrow simple to‑do lists.
Note: we focus on practical trade-offs. If you already know the category, jump straight to the comparison table.
Quick picks
| Tool | Why it’s a good fit | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Smartsheet Best overall | Good for teams who think in spreadsheets but need collaboration and tracking. | Can feel spreadsheet-heavy compared to modern PM tools. |
| Asana Best value | Fits teams that want clear assignments, projects, and a clean UI without too much configuration. | Reporting depth can require add-ons or higher tiers. |
| ClickUp Best for teams | Best when you want many features in one place and are willing to tune the workspace to your process. | Feature-heavy; without setup discipline it can feel noisy. |
| Basecamp Best for beginners | Great for simple team communication with to-dos and message boards; calm and opinionated. | Limited advanced reporting and workflow customization. |
| Wrike Best for power users | Strong for teams juggling multiple projects who need ownership, timelines, and reporting. | Initial setup takes time; may be overkill for very small projects. |
How to choose
- Start with the job to be done: what problem are you solving weekly?
- Setup vs simplicity: powerful tools often require configuration.
- Pricing reality: check seat limits, usage caps, and add-ons.
- Adoption: the best tool is the one your team actually uses.
Next steps
Once you’ve shortlisted 2–3 tools, test them with one real workflow (not a demo project). That usually reveals the right pick quickly.