The stage is set. Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project. Two heavyweights in the project management software division. Known as project scheduling software, project portfolio management, project planner and more, but which is the champion or is there a dark horse in the wings to steal the title?
To make the Primavera vs. Microsoft Project fair, we’ll define both, explain what they’re used for and where one surpasses the other. These are both widely used project management tools, but that doesn’t mean they’re without issues. One of the main complaints is the cost and complexity.
We’ll get into the stats and let readers decide which is better, Primavera P6 or MS Project, but know that there is a galaxy of project management software for all industries, including construction scheduling. In the battle between Microsoft Project and Oracle Primavera, the best choice might be neither.
That’s because ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that is less expensive and easier to use than either of these products. Our software has multiple project views which means project managers can schedule projects on robust Gantt charts or multiple projects on roadmaps, while teams execute their tasks on the visual workflow of kanban boards or task lists. Stakeholders can stay up to date with calendar views.
But a lot of tools have multiple project views. Ours differs in the power they give users. For example, our Gantt charts do everything a normal Gantt chart can do, but also link all four types of task dependencies to avoid delays and cost overruns. They can also filter for the critical path instantly, which means no complex calculations. Then set the baseline to track progress in real time. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project: Why Should You Choose Primavera P6?
Excuse our enthusiasm, but we can’t contain our endorsement for ProjectManager, which does what Primavera and Microsoft Project do and does it better. But fair is fair. Let’s give Primavera vs. MS Project its due and examine where they excel and where they fall short.
What Is Primavera P6? 
Primavera P6 is a comprehensive project management software suite developed by Oracle. It’s designed to plan, manage and execute large-scale and complex projects. It is widely recognized for its ability to handle large numbers of tasks, resources and project dependencies. This tool is known for its advanced features in scheduling, resource management, cost management and project portfolio management.
What Is Primavera P6 Used For?
As noted above, this project management software is used to manage complex and large-scale projects. It handles significant resources, multi-layered dependencies and multiple teams. This involves project scheduling, resource management, cost management, portfolio management, risk management, collaboration and reporting.
Related: What Is Oracle Primavera P6? Uses, Features & Pricing
Who Uses Primavera P6?
Organizations across various industries use the tool. Some of these are construction companies, engineering firms, oil and gas industry, aerospace and defense, utilities and energy, project management offices (PMOs) and government agencies.
Primavera P6 Key Features
Primavera P6 has many tools that allow it to be used across many industries. The project management software is designed to handle complicated, large projects and, therefore, has these key features.
- Tracks critical path method, dependencies and project baselines with Gantt charts
- Has resource usage profiles, as well as resource allocation, leveling and histograms
- Project portfolio management with optimization and cross-project resource management
Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project: How Is Primavera P6 Better Than Microsoft Project?
Unlike Microsoft Project, which is more suited for smaller to medium-sized projects with fewer tasks, Primavera P6 can handle thousands of tasks, dependencies and resources. MS Project has basic resource management, but Primavera P6 allows for detailed resource management across multiple projects, including labor, equipment and materials, and is better at managing larger teams.
Again, MS Project has similar features, such as portfolio management, but it’s not as comprehensive as Primavera P6. The same is true with cost and budget management, where Primavera P6 includes features like earned value management (EVM), which helps to track project performance against the baseline. Primavera P6 has enterprise-level project management features that can handle complex workloads, while Microsoft Project is simply not that robust.
Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project: How Is Primavera P6 Worse Than Microsoft Project?
However, there are limitations compared to Microsoft Project, particularly in terms of usability, cost and flexibility. Both are not known for their ease of use, but Primavera P6 has a steeper learner curve and requires significant time and training. Primavera P6 is also prohibitively expensive, which makes it out of reach for small-to-medium-sized businesses.
Then there is the resource management complexity. Primavera P6 has advanced resource management capabilities, but they might be too detailed for smaller teams and organizations. Also, integrating Primavera P6 with other software, such as ERP systems, can require custom solutions and technical expertise, whereas MS Project seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem and other third-party applications without such difficulties.
Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project: Why Should You Choose Microsoft Project?
That’s one side of the Primavera vs. MS Project debate. Now, it’s time to give the other side its due. Don’t make a decision quite yet. While Primavera P6 might look like a superior alternative to Microsoft Project, it’s still not a loser. It has its merits which we’ll explore now.
What Is Microsoft Project? 
Microsoft Project is project management software that provides tools for project planning, scheduling, resource management and collaboration. The project management software is designed to help project managers create detailed project schedules, assign tasks and resources, track project progress and generate reports.
What Is Microsoft Project Used For?
Microsoft Project is used to create project plans and schedule projects. It can allocate resources, track progress and manage budgets and costs. The tool can also generate reports on progress, timelines, costs and resource usage. There are also some collaborative features, though the product is not known as a great collaboration tool.
Related: What Is Microsoft Project? Uses, Features and Pricing
Who Uses Microsoft Project?
A wide range of industries and organizations of various sizes use Microsoft Project. Typical users include project managers, small-to-medium-sized businesses and freelancers and professional services consultants. It can also be found in departments within larger organizations as well as government and nonprofit organizations.
Microsoft Project Key Features
We’ve listed some key features that make Microsoft Project one of the best-known project management software products.
- Gantt charts with task dependencies and milestones
- Cost tracking against the project budget and assigning costs to resources, tasks and projects
- Pre-built and customizable reports and visual dashboards
Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project: How Is Microsoft Project Better Than Primavera P6?
Microsoft Project might be a better choice than Primavera P6 in the following scenarios. For example, when managing smaller or similar projects, where it’s more straightforward and has sufficient tools to schedule tasks, allocate resources and track budgets. No one would say MS Project is easy to use, but it is in comparison to Primavera. It’s also not more cost-effective than most project management tools, except when comparing it to the expensive Primavera P6.
One of the main advantages is that it works easily with other Microsoft tools that organizations are probably already using, such as Outlook, Excel, Teams, etc. While MS Project is not a collaborative tool, it can be used with other Microsoft products, such as Project for the Web and Project Online. Of course, this will add to the cost of using the software, which might make some shy away from the extra purchases.
Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project: How Is Microsoft Project Worse Than Primavera P6?
If users are looking for project management software that’s designed for large-scale, complex projects, then Primavera P6 will be a better solution than Microsoft Project. It’s going to struggle to manage bigger projects effectively. Therefore, Primavera P6 is the choice for enterprise-level project management as it provides detailed control over multiple, complex projects.
This includes Primaveria’s dominance in resource and portfolio management when working with large, distributed resources across multiple projects. Primavera P6 also has built-in features for detailed risk management and analysis. MS Project lacks the depth required for managing high-risk, large-scale projects. It also doesn’t have the advanced scheduling capability that allows for fine-grained control over complex timelines, task dependencies and constraints that Primavera P6 has.
How to Make a Microsoft Project Gantt Chart With ProjectManager
We haven’t talked about ProjectManager for a while, but at this point, it’s important to bring up the fact that our software can make a superior Gantt chart. Both Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project have Gantt charts, but they’re difficult to learn and expensive to use. Our software will also allow Mac users to view and edit MPP files, unlike MS Project. A quick way to clear those hurdles is to take a free 30-day trial with ProjectManager.
See how easy it is to take a Microsoft Project (MPP) file and import it into our software. There, it can be shared easily among the project team, edited without difficulty and then exported back to Microsoft Project. While it’s better to just use ProjectManager to manage projects, this workaround is helpful for those working in organizations that are wedded to MS Project. Just follow these steps.
1. Export Your Microsoft Project File as an Excel, MPP or CSV File
Users can import MPP files, excel documents or any CSV file into ProjectManager. Open the Gantt chart view. On the top ribbon, click the import button, which looks like a box with an arrow piercing its top.
2. Choose the Excel, CSV or MPP File You Want to Import
Now, follow the prompt and select the file you want to import. Once the file has been imported, users can view and edit it on their PC or Mac.
3. Select Options
At this point, users will be given the option to choose which option they want, such as importing the MPP file to a new project or adding it to an existing one.
4. Import Into ProjectManager
Select whether to import all the data from the Microsoft Project file or just the tasks.
5. Customize Your Microsoft Project Gantt Chart With ProjectManager
When a window that says success pops up, you’re ready to customize your Microsoft Project Gantt chart within ProjectManager, which means using our all unique and easy-to-use features.
Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project: Pricing Comparison
We’ve talked a lot about pricing, but having provided details. If you can take the sticker shock, below is a pricing comparison between Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project. (Note: there are two versions of Primavera P6, but Oracle Primavera Cloud.)
Primavera P6 Pricing
- Oracle Primavera P6 Professional: The P6 Professional version of Primavera is a desktop-based software that can be purchased directly from Oracle, or through an authorized Oracle software reseller. It must be installed into workstations. Oracle Primavera P6 Professional costs $2,570 for an annual subscription. That price includes $2,020 plus an annual maintenance fee of $550 for upgrades, fixes, patches, etc. The renewal of the maintenance cost isn’t required, but it’s suggested.
- Oracle Primavera P6 EPPM: There’s also the enterprise option, Primavera P6 Enterprise Professional Project Management (EPPM). This version of Primavera P6 is accessed via the web rather than being a desktop software application which makes it easier to implement in large organizations. This option will run you $2,750 for a perpetual license, which includes an annual maintenance fee of $605.
- Oracle Primavera Cloud (OPC): Like Primavera P6 Professional and Primavera P6 EPPM, Oracle Primavera Cloud focuses on project, program and portfolio management, but has a different feature set. OPC has the added benefits of faster delivery and fosters collaboration to improve efficiency and quality.
Microsoft Project Pricing
- Planner Plan 1: $10/user/month
- Planner and Project Plan 3: $30/user/month
- Planner and Project Plan 5: $55/user/month
ProjectManager Is Better Than Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project
For those still reeling from the prices of Primavera P6 vs. Microsoft Project, don’t worry. There is an alternative. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with features like Primavera P6 and MS Project to deliver projects on time and within budget but without the expenses or steep learning curve. Our software is designed to deliver projects whether they are big and complex or small and simple, for one project or a program or portfolio of projects and across industries like construction, IT, manufacturing, professional services and more. Our software has powerful risk management features to identify and track issues, automated workflow with task approval settings to ensure quality control, version control, global search and unlimited document storage.
Monitor Project Progress, Timelines and Costs in Real Time
Of course, being about to plan and assign tasks is only the start. Project and portfolio managers need to monitor their team’s performance and progress to ensure it aligns with the schedule. To get a high-level overview of the project, toggle over to the real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They’re collecting live data and displaying it on easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. For more detail, use customizable reports on status, portfolio, workload, timesheets, variance and more. They go deep for teams or provide a summary to keep stakeholders updated. Secure timesheets streamline payroll and provide a window into labor costs to help deliver projects within budget.
Schedule and Balance Project Resources
Managing resources is also essential to delivering successful projects. Gantt charts can schedule human and nonhuman resources, including costs. Project managers can then view their team’s resource allocation on color-coded workload charts and see who’s overallocated or underutilized. Then, balance their workload to keep everyone working at capacity without risking burnout. There’s also a team page that shows a daily or weekly overview of the team’s activities. This page can be filtered to show priority, progress and more.
Related Primavera and Microsoft Content
This isn’t the only time we’ve reviewed Primavera and Microsoft products. Those who want to read more about the pros and cons of these project management tools, check out the links below to recently published articles on the subject.
ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
