Free Alternative Comparison · 2026
GanttFather vs OnlineGantt
GanttFather is a focused Gantt + Kanban tool with cloud sync, real-time collaboration, drag-to-link dependencies, critical path, and AI agent integration via MCP all included free on every plan (free tier: 1 project you own, 2 editor seats, unlimited free viewers & guests). OnlineGantt is a minimalist Gantt builder with a free local-file-only mode and a $4/user/month cloud tier — modal-based dependencies, no critical path confirmed, no Kanban view. GanttFather wins on every collaboration, depth, and AI dimension, plus flat per-project pricing with no per-seat tax. OnlineGantt wins on quick no-signup local drafts for one-off charts.
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What's the difference between GanttFather and OnlineGantt?
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 | OnlineGantt |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes — 1 project you own, cloud-synced, unlimited free viewers | Local-file mode only (no cloud) |
| Starting price | $0 free; $5/mo per extra project ($2.50 annual); $2/mo per extra editor | $0 local; $4/user/mo cloud |
| Cloud sync (free) | Yes | No (paid only) |
| Account required | Yes (free signup) | No for local; Yes for cloud |
| Drag-and-drop | Yes | Yes |
| Dependencies | FS, SS, FF, SF + lag (drag-to-link) | Yes (modal-based, no drag-to-link) |
| Critical path | Yes (free) | Not surfaced — likely no |
| Kanban view | Yes, synced with Gantt | No |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes (SignalR) | Cloud tier only |
| Round-trip Excel | Yes (free) | File export only |
| AI agent integration (MCP) | Native MCP server | None |
| Public read-only sharing | Yes (Spectator Link) | Cloud tier only |
| Languages | 11 (EN/ES/FR/IT/PT/ZH/DE/HI/ID/JA/KO) | English-focused |
| Quick one-off draft (no signup) | Signup required | Local-file mode no signup |
Sources: OnlineGantt · GanttFather. Data verified April 2026.
When is OnlineGantt the better choice?
OnlineGantt is the better choice when you need a quick one-off Gantt chart with zero signup, saved as a local file.
- You're drafting a one-time timeline for a presentation and don't want to create an account.
- You're comfortable saving project data as files on your local disk instead of cloud sync.
- You don't need real-time collaboration, critical path, or AI integration.
- You don't need a Kanban view alongside the Gantt.
- A modal-based dependency editor (vs drag-to-link) doesn't bother you.
When is GanttFather the better choice?
GanttFather is the better choice when you need cloud-synced team collaboration, full dependency UX, critical path, and AI agents — all on a permanent free tier.
- You want cloud sync and team collaboration without paying $4/user/month.
- You need drag-to-link dependency creation, not modal-based editing.
- You need critical path analysis on the free tier.
- You want public read-only client share links without paying.
- You want a Kanban view synchronized with the Gantt timeline.
- You want AI agents (Claude, Cursor, Windsurf) managing tasks via Model Context Protocol.
- Your team uses multiple languages.
Frequently asked questions: GanttFather vs OnlineGantt
Is OnlineGantt actually free?
Partially. OnlineGantt has a free local-file mode where you create Gantt charts in your browser and save them as files on your computer — no cloud sync, no team sharing, no account. Cloud sync, real-time collaboration, and team features require the paid tier at $4/user/month. GanttFather provides cloud-synced multi-user collaboration on its free tier at $0.
When is OnlineGantt the better choice?
OnlineGantt is best when you need a quick one-off Gantt chart with no signup required and no cloud component — for example, drafting a timeline for a presentation that you'll save as a file locally. For ongoing team collaboration, cloud sync, dependencies with drag-to-link UX, and critical path analysis, GanttFather is the more capable tool.
Does OnlineGantt support critical path?
Critical path support is not surfaced on the OnlineGantt homepage or in third-party reviews as of April 2026. We recommend verifying in-app before relying on it. GanttFather computes critical path automatically across all four dependency types (FS, SS, FF, SF) on the free tier.
How does dependency management compare?
Both tools support task dependencies, but the UX differs. GanttFather lets you drag from one task bar to another to create a dependency link — the visual style most teams expect. OnlineGantt requires opening a task's edit dialog and selecting predecessors from a dropdown — slower for projects with many dependencies.
Can I share an OnlineGantt project with stakeholders?
Cloud sharing requires the paid tier. In free local-file mode, you can export the file and email it. GanttFather generates a public Spectator Link on the free tier — a read-only URL stakeholders open in their browser without creating an account.
Can I migrate from OnlineGantt to GanttFather?
Yes, via Excel. Export your OnlineGantt project to file format, convert to .xlsx if needed, then import the .xlsx into GanttFather using the built-in Excel importer. Tasks, dates, and dependencies migrate cleanly.
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Every feature is free. No credit card. 1 project you own with 2 editor seats and unlimited free viewers — extra projects from $5/month.
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