Best Microsoft Project Online Alternatives for Construction in 2025–2026

In September 2025, Microsoft announced the retirement of Microsoft Project for the Web and Project Online. Sales of Project Online to new customers stopped on October 1, 2025 and full retirement is scheduled for September 30, 2026. Project Desktop and Project Server (on-premise) are unaffected for now, but Microsoft’s long-term roadmap is clear - scheduling is being merged into Microsoft Planner.

For industries like construction, this shift is a big deal. Unlike office workflows, construction scheduling depends on critical path tracking, dependencies, resource allocation and field-ready updates. Planner may be fine for task lists, but it’s not built for billion-dollar builds, subcontractor coordination or complex RFIs.

That’s why construction firms are now asking: What’s the best Microsoft Project Online alternative in 2025–2026?

What’s Changing with Microsoft Project?

• Microsoft Project Online: Retired by September 30, 2026. No new licenses sold after Oct 1, 2025.
• Microsoft Project for the Web: Being integrated into Microsoft Planner, losing advanced scheduling functionality.
• Microsoft Project Desktop / Project Server: Still available, but future roadmap uncertain as Microsoft shifts toward cloud + Planner integration.

If your construction team relies on Project Online for scheduling, you’ll need to migrate.

Why This Matters More for Construction Teams

Construction scheduling is not just about assigning tasks. It requires:

• Critical path tracking – to avoid costly delays.
• Dependencies across trades – plumbing before drywall, MEP before finishes.
• Field mobility – crews need access to live updates, not static files.
• Budget alignment – schedules drive cost exposures.

Planner doesn’t support these needs. That’s why switching to construction-specific software makes more sense than waiting for Microsoft’s sunset date.

What to Look For in a Microsoft Project Alternative

When evaluating replacements, construction teams should prioritize:

• Scheduling built for construction (dependencies, milestones, critical path)
• Mobile-first field tools (offline updates, punch lists, inspections)
• Integration with budgets and RFIs (not just tasks)
• Transparent pricing (no project-value markups)
• Ease of onboarding (so supers, subs, and owners actually use it)

Best Microsoft Project Online Alternatives for Construction

1. Procore

Best for: Large general contractors and enterprise-level project teams

Procore is one of the most recognized names in construction project management. It offers robust scheduling features that can replace Microsoft Project while also integrating financials, quality, and field tools.

• Why it works as a Microsoft Project alternative: Procore’s built-in scheduling connects with Primavera P6, MS Project (desktop), and now integrates closely with Gantt-style workflows that construction teams already use.
• Pros: Enterprise-grade platform, strong ecosystem of integrations, widely adopted in the industry, real-time updates across office and field.
• Cons: Pricing is tied to project volume, which can be costly for mid-size contractors. Requires training and internal champions for adoption.

2. INGENIOUS.BUILD

Best for: Owners, Developers and GCs looking for an all-in-one modern platform

INGENIOUS.BUILD is a next-generation construction management platform that unifies scheduling, budgeting, RFIs, submittals and collaboration in one system. Unlike point tools, it’s designed for cross-stakeholder coordination - owners, owner’s reps, GCs and subs.

• Why it works as a Microsoft Project replacement: Real-time scheduling tied directly to budgets, RFIs and approvals - no need for separate scheduling software. Works seamlessly across desktop, iPad/iPhone and Android.
• Pros: Transparent, fixed pricing (not tied to project value), intuitive UI, fast onboarding, mobile-ready, strong cost and schedule visibility.‍
• Cons: Best for teams ready to centralize - smaller firms looking for a single-feature tool may find it more than they need.

3. Autodesk Build

Best for: Teams with design-heavy workflows or BIM requirements

Autodesk Build, part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud, is a natural choice for firms already using Revit, AutoCAD or Navisworks. It combines document control, scheduling and issue tracking with deep BIM integration.

• Why it works as a Microsoft Project replacement: Offers construction-first scheduling tied directly to design coordination and field issue tracking.
• Pros: Excellent for BIM/VDC workflows, tight integration with Autodesk tools, robust document management.
• Cons: Can feel heavy for smaller firms, pricing adds up if you need multiple Autodesk products.
  

4. Fieldwire

Best for: Subcontractors and field-driven coordination

Fieldwire is a lightweight, field-first platform designed for task management, punch lists and day-to-day construction schedules. It’s not as feature-heavy as Procore or Autodesk Build but offers fast adoption for site teams.

• Why it works as an MS Project alternative: Gantt-style schedules and task lists are easy to update on-site, replacing the need for separate desktop scheduling tools.
• Pros: Mobile-friendly, simple to roll out to crews, offline functionality for remote jobsites, affordable pricing.
• Cons: Limited financial management tools, not a full project management suite.
  

5. Buildertrend

Best for: Residential contractors and remodelers

Buildertrend focuses on homebuilders and remodelers who need a mix of project scheduling and client communication. It’s less about massive commercial jobs and more about streamlining smaller-scale projects.

• Why it works as an alternative: Its scheduling integrates with budgets, selections and client portals, making it a good fit for contractors who need transparency.
• Pros: User-friendly, strong client communication tools, QuickBooks/Xero integration.
• Cons: Not well-suited for complex infrastructure or enterprise projects.

Migration Strategy: How to Transition from Microsoft Project Online

1. Audit your schedules – export Project Online schedules into Excel/CSV.
2. Evaluate your needs – enterprise vs. residential vs. field-first.
3. Select a platform – choose an alternative with proper scheduling + construction workflows.
4. Pilot migration – test with one project first before company-wide rollout.
5. Train teams – ensure field supers and PMs know how to use the new tool.

FAQ: Microsoft Project Shutdown and Construction Alternatives

When is Microsoft Project Online shutting down?

Microsoft will retire Project Online on September 30, 2026. New licenses stopped being sold after October 1, 2025.

What is replacing Microsoft Project Online?

Microsoft is merging scheduling features into Microsoft Planner, which is more of a task management tool than a construction scheduling solution.

What’s the difference between Microsoft Planner and Project?

• Project Online supported dependencies, critical path, and enterprise scheduling.
• Planner is more lightweight — good for checklists but not for large-scale builds.

What’s the best Microsoft Project alternative for construction?

Options like Procore, Autodesk Build, Fieldwire, Buildertrend and INGENIOUS.BUILD provide construction-specific scheduling, financials and collaboration features.

Can I still use Microsoft Project Desktop?

Yes, the desktop version and Project Server remain available for now, but Microsoft’s strategy is moving away from these toward Planner.

How do I export my Microsoft Project data to another platform?

Most systems allow importing CSV or XML exports from Project. Check with your vendor for migration tools.

Why is Microsoft shutting down Project Online?

Microsoft is consolidating its project management products into Planner to simplify its ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

The retirement of Microsoft Project Online marks the end of an era - but it’s also an opportunity. Rather than simply replacing Project with another generic tool, construction firms can upgrade to modern construction management platforms that unify schedules, budgets, drawings, RFIs and field tools.

If you’re evaluating Microsoft Project alternatives, don’t just replicate old workflows. Look for software built for the realities of construction in 2025-2026.

See how INGENIOUS.BUILD helps teams transition from legacy tools to real-time construction scheduling.
‍Book a demo today!