In this article, we going to see the top 10 free Kanban boards for productive teams to boost productivity, minimize costly miscommunications, and speed up overall project completion.

According to recent project management data, 90% of workplace initiatives involve team collaboration rather than individual completion. Collaboration tools enhance internal communications by providing features such as live chat messaging, multi-author file collaboration, and even video conferencing.

However, because of the constant notifications and team-wide communication, it can be difficult to know the exact status of a project, who to contact for a specific requirement, and which tasks specific teams have been assigned.

The best free Kanban boards boost productivity, minimize costly miscommunications, and speed up overall project completion.

What is a Kanban Board? 

The Kanban system is a project and task management method that provides real-time information on project and task status.

It was created by a Toyota employee to remove workflow bottlenecks while also providing a bird’s eye view of current projects and work in progress. It is now one of the most widely used agile project management solutions.

Consider the Kanban system as a set of project-specific “message boards” to which everyone allocated to the project can participate, rather than a more linear Gantt chart. These Kanban Boards are stacked with cards (think of them as sticky notes) that provide critical information about the project’s various components.

Users offer progress updates on the tasks they are accountable for as part of the wider project in addition to pinning files, notes, or queries to a Kanban board custom field.

Because the Kanban approach is gradual, a project cannot go forward in most situations until all dependent tasks have been finished. This encourages employee accountability and productivity while also ensuring that any mistakes made do not affect the overall project.

Because the task board is shared and discussed by several people, project objectives stay top-of-mind, and small questions may be promptly answered via chat messaging and comments.

What are the Benefits of Kanban Tools?

Despite the fact that the scrum process is one of the most widely used workflow management approaches, Kanban systems provide distinct benefits that are often better suited to agile tactics.

The Kanban method, unlike scrum, offers greater flexibility and less of a rigid, highly structured framework.

Furthermore, when compared to scrum systems, which function under the supervision of a specialized Scrum Master, online Kanban boards allow for far more cooperation. Anyone having access to a board’s view and edit permissions can add comments, files, alter task progress, and create new to-do lists.

Read Digital Kanban Board: Top 5 Reasons To Use It

The Kanban system is also regarded to be a better fit for teams who need to keep a close eye on individual task completion within the context of bigger overall development. Kanban boards assist managers and employees in better-identifying barriers, providing clients with more realistic deadline predictions, and preventing employees from being overworked.

Kanban also has the following advantages:

• User roles that are adaptable
• Project management software with a visual interface
• Task dependencies and a range of deadlines
• Workflow modifications that are simple to make without affecting past work Team-wide access to files and project updates
• The workload is more evenly distributed Works on a wide range of projects and priorities

Best Free Kanban Boards in 2021

1. Restyaboard

Restyaboard is one of the most well-known Kanban software choices, with clients such as KIA Motors, KNO3, Cyprotex, etc…

On its free plan, the platform provides limitless personal boards, cards, and lists, as well as up to 10 team boards. Kanban cards can contain photos, documents, presentations, and other data, and cards and individual tasks can be allocated to many people.

Set due dates, create checklists, comment on other users, and re-prioritize tasks at any time.

Restyaboard’s automation tool is likely its most well-known feature. Admins may automate operations that might otherwise take a long time by setting rule-based triggers, calendar and due dates, and more.

With free Kanban boards from Restyaboard, you can manage your business and everyday personal tasks. They’re all available on the internet and can be accessed at any moment. So, if you remember an important assignment while strolling down the street, you can quickly add it to your Kanban board using your smartphone. Your tasks can always be with you, ready to be arranged for whenever you’re ready to get to them, whether you’re at home or at work, on vacation, or doing something else.

Restyaboard Features:

• Monitoring KPIs
• Sorting and labeling tasks
• Setting a milestone
• Templates for projects that can be customized
• Syncing across several devices
• Evernote, Slack, Drive, Dropbox, and other mobile app integrations (power-ups)
• List View
• Kanban View
• Gantt Chart View
• Calendar View
• Project Calendar
• Reports
• Time Tracking
• Attachment to the file
• Apps for iOS and Android
• Assigned Comments
• Email
• Checklists
• Imports
• Attractive Interface

Best for:

• Putting together editorial calendars
• Event planning and outreach for Nonprofits
• Product creation and distribution
• Managing distant teams’ work
• Keeping track of team availability and workload

2. Asana

Nasa, The New York Times, Deloitte, and Red Bull all use Asana, project management, and Kanban board software.

Asana’s free Kanban boards allow users to add an unlimited number of cards, which can be grouped and filtered by deadline, priority, team, or tag. A % bar heading appears on each card, indicating how close the assignment is to completion.

Asana Features:

• Creating subtasks
• There are over 100 app connectors.
• Apps for iOS and Android
• Time tracker
• View of a Gantt chart
• Milestones
• User mentions and task comments
• Prioritization of tasks
• Color-coding
• Attachment to the file
• Inbox that is tailored to you
• Live notifications in the app and through email
• Multi-device synchronization

Best for:

• Content marketing strategy
• Attorneys in need of a more efficient case management and organization system
• Donor outreach planning for Nonprofits

3. MeisterTask

MeisterTask is a free Kanban program that runs in the browser and is device agnostic. It is noted for its user-friendly UI and robust mobile app.

It’s also a great alternative for individuals who are currently using a Kanban system that isn’t working for them because it allows users to import old boards and additional data from Trello and Asana right into MeisterTask.

MeisterTask does more than merely allow users to define task dependencies, which will be appreciated by those who rely heavily on task relationships. Users can also link activities and cards together, replicate cards across different boards, and block and unblock tasks in the event of an emergency.

Each team and user have their own dashboard icon and description, making it simple to locate the board you require. Users can also organize tasks by deadline, project, or tags. They can also streamline their dashboard interface by presenting tasks in “Focus” mode, which means that only the item they’re working on will appear in the interface until it’s completed.

MeisterTask Features:

• Formatting a to-do list
• Integrations with Slack, Teams, Dropbox, and Zendesk
• Automated chores and repeating jobs
• User tagging and task commenting
• Notifications in real-time via the app and by email
• Widget for keeping track of time Personalized inbox
• Headers for tasks
• Color-coding
• Attachments to files
• Prioritization and updating of tag status

Best for:

• Any team that relies largely on mobile app usage
• Management of customer service
• Inventory control and shipment tracking

4. Backlog

Backlog is a free Kanban software by Nulab that is utilized by companies such as Google, Sony, and Abode.

It’s great for businesses searching for a lightweight, user-friendly Kanban tool, as well as those who aren’t interested in the project management functionality offered by some of the other platforms on this list.

Backlog arranges tasks by their current status, but users can alter statuses to meet a project’s specific requirements. Backlog also includes color-coding, task tagging, and task prioritizing.

Backlog only permits one user to be assigned to a task as of this writing (though multiple users can be assigned to overall projects.)

Backlog Features:

• Slack integration with a mobile app
• Creating subtasks
• Board divisions
• Accounts for visitors
• Push alerts are delivered instantly.
• Milestones
• tagging and commenting on tasks
• Uploading and exchanging files
• Syncing across several devices
• Git version control is built-in.
• Wikis built-in

Best for:

• Product launches and event planning
• Taking charge of the hiring process
• Developers of software
• Projects involving inbound marketing

5. Teamwork

Well-known companies including Paypal, Disney, Netflix, and Spotify use Teamwork, a web-based Kanban solution.

The Portfolio Kanban view provides managers with a bird’s eye perspective of current tasks, assignees, and project status, as well as the ability to prioritize projects.

Workload, Teamwork’s workload management tool, is its strongest feature.

The number of current tasks per person, as well as the total number of jobs allocated to and completed by that employee each month, are displayed in Workload. The bar graph structure of Workload makes it easier than ever to track employee productivity and growth, while also assisting managers in ensuring that assignments are distributed evenly among coworkers.

Teamwork, unlike many of the other Kanban tools on this list, provides a built-in time tracking component, allowing for more precise deadlines.

Teamwork Features:

• Creating subtasks in a mobile app
• Analytical and reporting on projects
• Templates for projects
• Automated tasks
• User tagging and task commenting
• Interface with drag-and-drop functionality
• Keeping note of milestones
• Sharing and storing files
• Integrations with Gmail, Slack, Drive, Dropbox, and Zapier

Best For:

• E-learning courses are being developed by remote educators.
• Marketing campaign planning and management
• Product introductions and development
• Management of resources

Also, read Top 10 Kanban Tools (Trello Alternative)

6. Zoho Projects

Dell, Stanford University, and Siemens all use Zoho Projects, a cloud-based Kanban tool.

Document sharing and storage, job assignment and progress updates, and task ranking according to current severity levels are all typical features.

But it’s the social workflow management tools that really set Zoho Projects apart from the competition.

Every user has their own profile page, which provides a stream of their present and upcoming activity in addition to commenting and tagging other users. Users can add files to their feeds, change their personal statuses, and pin relevant questions to the top.

The Forum social function allows employees to communicate instantly through chat messages and forum postings, providing a higher level of collaboration than many of the other Kanban apps on this list. Internal FAQs can be stored in searchable forums, which can also be used as wikis.

Once a project is completed, team members can establish a new board including all pertinent project information in case it is needed again in the future.

Zoho Projects Features :

• Creating subtasks
• Automated tasks
• Timesheets and time tracking
• Notifications in real-time
• Apps for iPhone and Android
• Prioritization of tasks
• Formatting a to-do list
• Each task has many assignees.
• Slack, Zapier, GitHub, Dropbox, Gmail, and more services are all integrated.
• Milestones
• Dependencies between tasks

Best for:

• Those that work as freelancers and need to keep track of their billable hours
• Chemical labs must adhere to strict safety and quality regulations.
• Listings and sales are tracked by real estate agents.
• Managing the progress and materials on the construction/building site

7. Toggl Plan

Toggl Plan is a delightfully simple project management solution that your team will enjoy using on a daily basis.

It includes an unlimited number of Kanban boards, as well as project and team timeframes. Workflows on Kanban boards can be completely adjusted to fit your needs.

On a Kanban board, you can make as many lists (or swimlanes) as you want. You can hide infrequently used lists to help decrease clutter.

Using only your keyboard, you may quickly and easily create task cards. The drag-and-drop interface makes reprioritizing tasks and transferring them between lists a breeze.

Task cards provide everything you’ll need to keep track of all of your task-related information in one spot. In a card, you can include extensive notes, checklists, and estimates, as well as deadlines and numerous assignees.

Your team will also be able to track time spent on each work thanks to the Toggl Track connection.

Toggl Plan Features:

• On the Plan timeline, visually plan and manage projects.
• Color-coded milestones let you keep track of crucial dates.
• On the team timeline, keep track of team workloads and availability.
• Tasks that repeat themselves.
• You’ll get real-time updates on tasks that are important to you.
• Slack, Google Calendar, and Github integrations are all available.
• Toggl Plan is a browser add-on that allows you to capture tasks from any location.

Best For:

• Planning and execution of projects in collaboration
• Sprint planning and management for agile software development
• Marketing campaign management

8. Kanban Tool 

Kanban Tool is a visual management system that allows for a tremendous amount of task/project information and card customization.

Cisco, Xerox, Expedia, and over 25,000 other large and small enterprises throughout the world rely on it, owing to its numerous distinct characteristics that other products lack.

The ability to see a complete card’s history, direct linkages for particular cards, and even board and card cloning are among these features. Users can mention one another, tag and categorize cards, and get notifications on what has been added to a board or card since they last visited it.

Members of your team can collaborate on boards, add subheadings to them, and even organize similar project boards into folders. Users can choose from time-driven, event-driven, sales pipeline, internet marketing, or product development board outlines using predefined board templates.

Kanban Tool is a dream come true for the ultra-organized as well as enterprises that work on multiple projects at the same time.

Kanban Tool  Features:

• Color-coding of tasks
• The search bar on the board
• Apps for Android and Apple iOS with cumulative flow diagrams for workflow monitoring
• Ability to duplicate or transfer duties
• Integrations with Zapier, Outlook, GSuite, OneDrive, DropBox, and Google Calendar
• Possibility of creating recurring tasks
• Postponement of the task
• Templates for to-do lists and checklists
• Prioritization of tasks
• In cards, there are keyboard shortcuts.
• Notifications of comments by email

Best For:

• Managing email marketing campaigns
• Online retailer customer journey mapping 
• Organizing consultants’ billable tasks and hours

9. KanbanFlow

KanbanFlow is a lean workflow management application that helps you reduce the number of ongoing projects and detect recurring barriers.

The best feature of KanbanFlow is its Pomodoro and stopwatch time tracking. Users can register time spent on projects either automatically or manually, or use the clock countdown tool to better manage their daily workflow.

KanbanFlow also generates “Time Spent” reports on tasks, which may be used to improve time management and set more precise due dates in the future.

Every board shows the current work status, including a list of completed tasks, and tasks are color-coded for better visual organization.

KanbanFlow Features: 

• Filtering by task
• Assignment of subtasks
• App for mobile devices
• REST-based API for cycle and lead time metrics on a calendar board
• Email-added tasks
• Import and export data to Excel
• Make a list of recurring tasks.
• Establish task dependencies and task linkages.
• KanbanFlow and the features listed above are entirely free to use for an unlimited number of people.

Best For: 

• Managers who are looking for a team-wide to-do list
• Without the need to upload files to boards, software development teams may work more efficiently.
• Trello alternatives sought by development teams
• New employee onboarding

10. Trello

Trello is one of the fantastic free Kanban boards that can be used by a variety of teams. Instead of a timeline-based framework, it employs the usage of boards, lists, and cards. In Trello, a typical Kanban rule includes three columns: To-Do, Doing, and Done. The first to-do column contains cards with tasks that must be completed. You can move tasks assigned to you into the doing column as you pick them. Move a task to the done list when it’s finished.

Trello Features:

• KPI monitoring
• Task labeling and sorting
• Milestone setting
• Customizable project templates 
• Multi-device syncing
• Mobile app
• Integrations (power-ups) with Evernote, Slack, Drive, Dropbox, and more

Best for:

• Putting together editorial calendars
• Event planning and outreach for Nonprofits
• Product creation and distribution
• In online education, lesson planning and homework assignment tracking are both important.

The free Kanban boards featured above provide more efficient workflows as well as visual representations of current and upcoming tasks.

Do you have any other tools or software that you would like to share with our readers? If so, please leave them in the comment section below.