Free Alternative Comparison · 2026
GanttFather vs GanttProject
GanttFather is a browser-based cloud Gantt + Kanban tool with real-time collaboration, native AI agents via MCP, and a permanent free tier (4 projects, unlimited team members). GanttProject is a free open-source desktop application (GPL3) for Windows, macOS, and Linux — solid for offline single-user planning with full data ownership and direct .mpp Microsoft Project import/export, but with no built-in cloud collaboration in the desktop app. GanttFather wins on browser access, cloud sync, real-time team collaboration, Kanban + Gantt synchronization, AI agent integration, and release cadence. GanttProject wins on data sovereignty, .mpp file compatibility, open-source GPL3 code, and broader language coverage (20+ languages).
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What's the difference between GanttFather and GanttProject?
Side-by-side feature comparison of the two tools across pricing, dependencies, real-time collaboration, AI integration, and platform support. Bold rows highlight the dimension where one tool clearly leads.
| Feature | GanttFather | GanttProject |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free tier + slots from $1/mo annual | Free (GPL3) + voluntary pay-what-you-wish |
| Platform | Browser (any device) | Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux) |
| Installation | None — sign up + start | Download installer per OS |
| Cloud sync (built-in) | Yes (SignalR) | No (separate paid GanttProject Cloud product) |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes | No (single-user desktop) |
| Drag-and-drop | Yes | Yes |
| Dependencies | FS, SS, FF, SF + lag | Yes (PERT-style) |
| Critical path | Yes | Yes |
| Kanban view | Yes, synced with Gantt | No |
| Native file format | Cloud database | .gan (XML, fully owned by you) |
| MS Project .mpp import/export | Excel round-trip (.xlsx) | Direct .mpp import/export |
| Other exports | Excel (.xlsx) | CSV, Excel, PDF, PNG |
| AI agent integration (MCP) | Native MCP server | None |
| Open source | No | GPL3 — full source available |
| Release cadence | Continuous web deploys | Slow (stable v3.3 Jan 2024, beta v3.4 Feb 2026) |
| Languages | 6 (EN/ES/FR/IT/PT/ZH) | 20+ |
Sources: GanttProject · GanttFather. Data verified April 2026.
When is GanttProject the better choice?
GanttProject is the better choice when data sovereignty, offline desktop access, and Microsoft Project file compatibility matter more than collaboration.
- You require local file storage with no cloud dependency for compliance or privacy reasons.
- You need direct .mpp Microsoft Project file import/export.
- You require an open-source GPL3 license (audit, fork, modify the source).
- You work offline most of the time and don't need cloud sync.
- You need a language GanttFather does not support (GanttProject covers 20+).
- Your workflow is single-user and team collaboration isn't a requirement.
When is GanttFather the better choice?
GanttFather is the better choice when you need browser-based access, cloud sync, real-time team collaboration, and AI integration on a permanent free tier.
- You want browser-based access from any device — no install required.
- You need real-time team collaboration with multiple users editing the same chart.
- You want a Kanban view synchronized with the Gantt timeline.
- You want public read-only client share links without setting up your own server.
- You want AI agents (Claude, Cursor, Windsurf) managing tasks via Model Context Protocol.
- You prefer continuous product updates over slow major-version releases.
Frequently asked questions: GanttFather vs GanttProject
Is GanttProject really free?
Yes. GanttProject is open-source software distributed under the GPL3 license. All packages are available for free, with an optional pay-what-you-wish donation. The desktop app runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and the source code is publicly available — you can fork it, modify it, or audit it.
When is GanttProject the better choice?
GanttProject is better when data sovereignty matters: it stores everything in local .gan files that you fully own, with no cloud dependency. It's also the right pick if you need direct .mpp Microsoft Project import/export, or if you require an open-source GPL3 license for compliance reasons. For browser-based access and real-time team collaboration, GanttFather is the better tool.
Does GanttProject have cloud sync or team collaboration?
Not in the desktop app. The GanttProject team sells a separate hosted product called GanttProject Cloud (ganttproject.cloud) for shared online projects, but it's a separate paid offering, not built into the free desktop app. GanttFather provides cloud sync and real-time collaboration on its free tier at $0.
Can I open .gan files in GanttFather, or .xlsx files in GanttProject?
Migration path: export your GanttProject project to .xlsx (GanttProject supports Excel export), then import into GanttFather using the built-in Excel importer. Going the other direction, you can export GanttFather projects to Excel and open them in GanttProject. Direct .gan ↔ GanttFather conversion is not supported.
Is GanttProject still actively maintained?
Yes, but with a slow release cadence. The latest stable release is v3.3 (January 2024, patched January 2025). A v3.4 Beta III was released in February 2026. Compared to GanttFather's continuous web deploys, GanttProject ships maybe one major version per year-and-a-half. If you need rapid feature iteration, GanttFather wins; if you value stability and a predictable release cycle, GanttProject is fine.
Does GanttProject have AI integration?
No. As a desktop application, GanttProject does not expose an MCP server or any AI agent API. GanttFather provides a native Model Context Protocol (MCP) server so AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and Windsurf can manage tasks programmatically.
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