Planka vs Trello
Is switching from Trello to Plankaworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Planka and Trello both serve project management and task tracking, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Trello costs $5/month ($60/year), while Planka is completely free. As an open-source tool, Planka's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to Planka saves you $60/year — $180 over 3 years
Trello costs
$60/yr
3-year cost
$180
Planka costs
Free
Best for
- +Teams needing Kanban
- +Self-hosters
- +Trello refugees
Not ideal for
- −Users needing many integrations
- −Users needing mobile app
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TrelloSubscription | PlankaAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $5/mo $60/year | Open Source |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WebSelf-hosted |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | Requires internet |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Hybrid |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
Trello
$5/mo
$60/year
Planka
Open SourcePlatforms
Trello
Web, Desktop (typical)Planka
Offline Support
Trello
Limited (typical)Planka
Requires internetOpen Source
Trello
NoPlanka
✓Open sourceOwnership
Trello
RentingPlanka
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Trello
High (typical)Planka
HybridMigration
Trello
—Planka
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Planka
- +Free and open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Clean UI
- +Real-time updates
−What you lose
- −Integrations
- −Mobile app
- −Power-Ups
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Planka
- +Teams needing Kanban
- +Self-hosters
- +Trello refugees
✗Should keep using Trello
- −Users needing many integrations
- −Users needing mobile app
Migration Guide
Switching from Trello to Planka is rated as medium. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Trello's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install Planka
Download Planka from the official website. It's completely free to use.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into Planka. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident Planka meets your needs, cancel your Trello subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planka a good alternative to Trello?
Yes, Planka is a solid alternative to Trello. It offers free access with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. Planka handles the core functionality that most Trello users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Trello to Planka?
Switching from Trello ($60/year) to Planka (Free) can save you approximately $60 per year, or $180 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Trello to Planka?
The main trade-offs include: Integrations, Mobile app, Power-Ups. However, Planka still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from Trello to Planka?
Yes. Most Trello data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into Planka. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is Planka really free?
Yes, Planka is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions for core functionality.
Does Planka work on the same platforms as Trello?
Planka is available on web, self hosted. Check the official website for the most up-to-date platform support.
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Ready to stop renting Trello?
Planka is a one-time purchase alternative that lets you own your tools.