Pros and cons of open source project management software

Table of contents

How open source project management supports EU cybersecurity
Advantages of open source project management tools
1. Access to the source code
2. Transparency and security
3. Compatibility with different platforms and systems
Disadvantages of open source project management software
1. Technical support
2. Lack of documentation
3. Concerns with adoption
3 best open source project management software of 2025
1. Easy Redmine
2. Redmine
3. OpenProject
Open source software is the future of secure collaboration

TL;DR

With the EU backing open source for digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, Easy Redmine offers a secure, customisable project management solution that meets both regulatory and operational needs.

How open source project management supports EU cybersecurity

At the end of January 2025 in Brussels, there was EU Open Source Policy Summit 2025 focusing on advancing open source as a strategic tool for Europe’s digital sovereignty and cybersecurity resilience. This summit has been as next step for the a document titled "Communication to the Commission Open Source Software Strategy 2020-2023 Think Open" released in 2020 by the European Commission.

The document recognizes the importance of open source software and highlights its potential to support innovation and digital transformation. It encourages the use of open source software in public administrations, particularly for ensuring data privacy and security.

Now it’s time to explore pros and cons of open source project management tools. Let’s have a look how it can assist in making right decisions regarding project management software.

Advantages of open source project management tools

1. Access to the source code

One of the most significant advantages of open source software is the access to the source code. This means that they can use, distribute, and modify the software according to their specific needs. With proprietary software, on the other hand, users are limited in their ability to customize the software to meet their needs.

2. Transparency and security

Another key benefit of open source software is the increased transparency and security it provides. The source code of open source software is available to all users, which means that the software's safety and security can be verified. This level of transparency is not possible with proprietary software, where users have to rely on the vendor's word for the security of the software. 

3. Compatibility with different platforms and systems

Compatibility with different platforms and systems is another significant advantage of open source software. This versatility allows organizations to choose the operating system and hardware that best suits their needs, without being limited to specific vendors or systems.

Disadvantages of open source project management software

Open source software has many benefits, but it's not without its drawbacks. One of the main concerns is the limited or no technical support that is often provided. This can be a real challenge for users and companies, especially those who are not technically savvy. 

However, with our open Easy Redmine, users can rest assured that they will have access to excellent support.

1. Technical support

For open source software, the quality of support varies. In the case of technical problems, it can happen that their solution requires an expert and it is not always easy to find him quickly.

That won't happen to you with our PM software. Our support team is dedicated to helping users with any technical issues they may encounter. Whether it's a simple question or a more complex problem, the team is always available to assist users. This level of support is not common in the open source software world and is a significant advantage for Easy Redmine users.

2. Lack of documentation

Another disadvantage of open source software is the lack of official documentation and user manuals. This can make it difficult for users to get started with the software and can lead to frustration and confusion. 

However, this is not an issue with Easy Redmine. The software comes with comprehensive documentation and training resources, including a training center that offers courses on project management best practices. The courses are designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, so even those who are new to project management can quickly get up to speed.

3. Concerns with adoption

Finally, lower adoption rates in some industries or markets can be a significant drawback for open source software. This is because it can be more challenging to find support or resources, which can be a barrier to adoption. However, this is not a concern with Easy Redmine.

Anyway, the team behind Easy Redmine is constantly innovating and moving with towards clients'needs. This means that the software is always up-to-date with the latest trends and technology, making it an ideal choice for users across industries. As a result, Easy Redmine is becoming an increasingly popular choice for project management in various markets, especially in Germany and France.

3 best open source project management software of 2025

1. Easy Redmine

Easy Redmine is designed to work with a range of systems and platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it a versatile solution for project management. 

Easy Redmine software is built for integration. It connects smoothly with your existing systems—whether it's CRM, accounting, or other tools—so you can keep your workflow unified and efficient.

You can also adapt the platform to your team’s specific project processes. Unlike closed systems, Easy Redmine gives you full control to create the workflows and features you need. That means better productivity, fewer workarounds, and software that works your way. 

It’s also powered by Easy AI, giving you the tools to automate routine tasks, set up automation workflows, and adopt AI agents with ease.

Custom dashboard in Easy Redmine

2. Redmine

Redmine is a free, open-source project management and issue-tracking tool that supports multi-project management, flexible role-based access control, and visual planning. Built on the Ruby on Rails framework, it is cross-platform, highly customizable, and widely used for structured project management in various industries.

If you prefer simplicity and cost savings, choose Redmine. Or consider choosing Easy Redmine for advanced features, enterprise-grade support, and automated workflows. Organizations prioritizing AI agents or hybrid project methodologies (Agile + Waterfall) will benefit most from Easy Redmine.

All in all, Easy Redmine offers a polished, secure, and scalable upgrade to Redmine, ideal for teams prioritizing modern workflows, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. Read more details, if you want to dive deeper into comparison of Redmine and Easy Redmine. 

3. OpenProject

OpenProject is an open source project management software designed to support classical, agile, and hybrid project management approaches. It provides tools for project planning, task and time management, collaboration, and reporting to help teams work together throughout the entire project lifecycle. 

Anyway, there are several features in which Easy Redine overgrades OpenProject, OpenProject’s more limited and technically demanding open-source platform.

Open source software is the future of secure collaboration

Open source project management tools are proving essential for organisations seeking secure, flexible, and transparent solutions, especially in light of growing EU emphasis on digital sovereignty and cybersecurity. While they come with challenges like limited support or adoption, platforms such as Easy Redmine offer the best of both worlds—open architecture with robust enterprise-level service and features. 

Try Easy Redmine free for 30 days and experience secure, project management built for your needs.