Redbooth vs Microsoft Planner
Planner only works if you're already paying for Microsoft 365 — and even then, timelines, AI, and video are separate add-ons. Redbooth works standalone, with all of it included.
No credit card needed | Unlimited time on Free plan
Last updated: September 2026. Microsoft Planner and Microsoft 365 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Feature information is accurate as of publish date and may change — verify current details on microsoft.com. See current Redbooth plans and pricing.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Planner is bundled into Microsoft 365 — here's what that bundling actually costs
| Feature | Redbooth | MS Planner |
|---|---|---|
| Task & project management | ||
| Kanban-style board view | ||
| Timeline / Gantt view | Plan 1 add-on (+$10/user/mo) | |
| Built-in HD video conferencing | Via Microsoft Teams (separate app) | |
| Built-in team chat | Via Microsoft Teams (separate app) | |
| Time tracking on every plan | ||
| AI task & deadline predictions | Via Microsoft 365 Copilot (separate add-on) | |
| File storage & third-party integrations | ||
| Free / standalone plan available | Requires an M365 subscription |
Why Teams Choose Redbooth Over Planner
The pattern we hear most: bundled pricing that adds up once you need more than the basics
It comes up most with software teams and marketing agencies who aren't fully standardized on Microsoft 365 across every collaborator.
See Redbooth in Action
Organize, communicate, and visualize your work — all in one place
Teams Who Made the Switch
"Planner comes free with our Microsoft 365 seats, which felt like a good deal until we needed a real timeline view. That was another $10 a seat on top of what we already paid for M365."
"Every video call still meant opening Teams separately. It works, but it's not the same as having it live in the same workspace as the task."
"We weren't even fully on Microsoft 365, so Planner wasn't really an option for us without buying into the whole ecosystem first. Redbooth just worked without that dependency."
Redbooth vs Microsoft Planner: Common Questions
Do I need Microsoft 365 to use Redbooth?
No. Redbooth works standalone — you don't need an existing Microsoft 365 subscription or any other bundled product to sign up and start using it.
Can I import my Microsoft Planner tasks into Redbooth?
Yes. You can bring over your plans, tasks, and due dates so your team keeps working without losing existing project data.
Does Redbooth have built-in video calls like Teams?
Yes — HD video conferencing is built directly into Redbooth's workspace, so you don't need to open a separate app for calls the way Planner relies on Teams.
Why do teams switch from Microsoft Planner to Redbooth?
Most commonly it's teams that either aren't fully on Microsoft 365, or are on M365 but found that the timeline view, AI features, and time tracking they needed were each a separate paid add-on.
Is there a free plan to try Redbooth first?
Yes, you can start a free trial with no credit card required and test the full feature set with your real projects before deciding.
Ready for a Workspace That Doesn't Need a Bundle?
Join 1M+ professionals managing tasks, timelines, chat, and video in one workspace with Redbooth
No credit card needed | Unlimited time on Free plan