Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Why it wins | Watch‑out | Try |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| monday.com | Ops visibility, dashboards | Great for templates + reporting | Can get messy if you overbuild | Try → |
| ClickUp | All-in-one work hub | Feature-rich for the price | Busy unless you keep it lean | Try → |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized fast setup and simple ownership/permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked integrations and reporting (so you don’t build a spreadsheet on the side).
- Included a clear watch‑out for each option to avoid bad fits.
We refresh guides when pricing/features shift. Always verify current terms on the vendor site.
Use-cases
Quick scenarios to help you decide without overthinking it.
- You run many client projects at once: monday.com is usually easier to keep tidy and report on across clients.
- You want one hub for tasks + docs: ClickUp can be great, but keep features limited at the start.
- Your team hates configuration: Keep it simple: templates + 5–8 columns max (either tool).
monday.com — best for agency ops visibility
Where it shines
- Dashboards across clients/projects (ideal for weekly ops)
- Easy to templatize delivery workflows
- Good for client-facing boards when needed
Gotchas to know
- Too many columns/automations becomes chaos
- You need naming conventions (clients/projects) for reporting to work
Best fit
- You manage multiple clients at once
- You care about reporting and workload visibility
- You want a structured but flexible system
Avoid if…
you want an all-in-one ‘everything’ app and hate setting rules.
ClickUp — best for a single ‘work hub’
Where it shines
- Tasks + docs + goals in one place
- Very customizable views
- Strong value if you use several features
Gotchas to know
- Can feel heavy—turn features on gradually
- Permissions and structure need some thought for clients
Best fit
- You want one hub for tasks + docs
- You’re OK spending time dialing in your workspace
- You need flexibility across different workflows
Avoid if…
your team wants the simplest possible PM tool with almost no setup.
Bottom line
If you want one safe recommendation for most agencies: go with monday.com and keep the setup simple. Choose ClickUp if you want a feature-rich hub and you’re willing to spend time getting the structure right.
Next: browse tools or start with best CRM.
FAQ
What’s the best monday.com vs clickup for a small agency?
Start with the Top pick in the quick comparison, then sanity‑check the watch‑out against your workflow and budget.
How long does it take to set up monday.com vs clickup?
Most teams can get a workable setup in a half day to two days. The real work is deciding your workflow (stages, ownership, and client touchpoints).
Do these tools support client access and permissions?
Usually, yes — but it varies by plan. Before committing, confirm guest seats, client permissions, and whether clients need paid accounts.