Merlin Project review

Merlin Project is the most complete native alternative to OmniPlan and the better fit when work happens away from a reliable connection. ProjectWizards says every feature works offline and that teams sync through iCloud Drive, Dropbox or other common cloud services using its MagicSync technology, so there is no vendor server holding your plans. One file can be viewed as a Gantt chart, Kanban board, mind map or workload chart, and moving a card on the board updates dates and the critical path in the Gantt. It imports and exports Microsoft Project XML and MPX, which helps when clients send .mpp-based plans. The Mac version costs $22.99 a month or $229.99 a year, and Merlin Project Express at $6.99 a month covers personal or small projects. After the 30-day trial, the app becomes a free viewer for existing files. It scores just behind OmniPlan on value because there is no one-time license.

Who it is for

Mac teams that plan offline or keep project data off vendor servers

Price

Merlin Project Express $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year; Merlin Project for Mac $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year; iPad version $9.99 per month.

US$6.99 / month US$69.99 / year
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Gantt chart, Kanban boards, mind maps and workload view from one data source
• All features work offline, with sync when you reconnect
• Team sync through iCloud Drive, Dropbox or other cloud storage on the Mac
• Imports and exports Microsoft Project XML and MPX
• Workload view for people, materials, companies and equipment

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No ProjectWizards server processes your project data
• Strength: Moving a Kanban card updates the Gantt dates and critical path
• Strength: After the 30-day trial, the app stays a free viewer for your files
• Weakness: Full Mac version costs $22.99 per month, more than most cloud tools per seat
• Weakness: Express is meant for personal or small projects
• Weakness: Apple platforms only

Key facts

• Platforms: Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Vision Pro
• Mac version: $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year
• Express: $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year
• Free trial: 30 days

Where it ranks

Merlin Project is No. 4 in our Best Project Management Software for Mac verdict.