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Project Management · head to head

MeisterTask vs PhpStorm

MeisterTask logo

MeisterTask

Project Management

Project and task management tool

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit MeisterTaskFull review
PhpStorm logo

PhpStorm

Developer Tools

JetBrains IDE for PHP web development

From
$24/month
Free plan
No
Visit PhpStormFull review

The short version

  • MeisterTask is a beautiful, intuitive project and task management tool.
  • MeisterTask has a free plan, then $12.5/mo; PhpStorm starts at $24/mo.
  • Only MeisterTask lists kanban boards; only PhpStorm lists PHP-aware coding assistance.
  • Where MeisterTask falls short: the free plan is limited to 3 projects, 5 notes and 20 AI credits.
  • Where PhpStorm falls short: requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MeisterTask and PhpStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where MeisterTask and PhpStorm differ
AttributeMeisterTaskPhpStorm
Starting priceFree$24/month
Pricing modelFreemiumSubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryProject ManagementDeveloper Tools
Founded20152000

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in MeisterTask

  • Kanban boards
  • Automations
  • Time tracking
  • Checklists
  • Attachments
  • Slack
  • GitHub
  • Zendesk

Only in PhpStorm

  • PHP-aware coding assistance
  • Integrated debugger
  • Front-end tooling
  • Database tools
  • Version control integration
  • Docker and remote deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MeisterTask

  • Kanban task and project management for small teamsnot PhpStorm
  • Tracking work across projects with automations and time trackingnot PhpStorm

PhpStorm

  • Building PHP web applications with Laravel or Symfonynot MeisterTask
  • Debugging PHP code with Xdebugnot MeisterTask
  • Working across PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in one projectnot MeisterTask
  • Managing databases alongside application codenot MeisterTask

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MeisterTask

  • The free plan is limited to 3 projects, 5 notes and 20 AI credits
  • Recurring tasks and automations are excluded from the free plan entirely
  • Timeline views, subtasks, custom fields and custom reports require the Business plan at $24 per user per month
  • Subtasks being a Business feature means task breakdown is unavailable on the $12.50 Pro plan
  • SSO, workload planning and portfolios are Enterprise only with no published price

PhpStorm

  • Requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use
  • Heavier and slower to start than lightweight code editors
  • Some advanced framework-specific tooling requires additional configuration or plugins
  • Renewal pricing rises for lapsed subscriptions after the grace period

Pricing, plan by plan

MeisterTask

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Up to 3 projects
    • Up to 5 notes
    • 5 Content Manager seats
  • Pro$12.5/mo
    • Unlimited projects
    • Unlimited notes
    • 75 AI credits
  • Business$24/mo
    • All Pro features
    • Timeline views
    • Subtasks
  • EnterpriseOn request
    • All Business features
    • Workload planner
    • Portfolios

PhpStorm

$24/month
  • Individual$24/mo
    • Personal use license
    • Access to PhpStorm
    • Free for students and open-source maintainers
  • Organization$34/mo
    • Business use license
    • Access to PhpStorm
    • Volume and renewal discounts

Which should you pick?

Choose MeisterTask if

  • You need kanban boards.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want automations.
MeisterTask review

Choose PhpStorm if

  • You need php-aware coding assistance.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want integrated debugger.
PhpStorm review

Questions people ask

Is MeisterTask or PhpStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. MeisterTask starts at Free and PhpStorm at $24/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MeisterTask or PhpStorm?
MeisterTask has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for MeisterTask and $24/month for PhpStorm.
Does MeisterTask or PhpStorm run on more platforms?
MeisterTask runs on Web, iOS, Android. PhpStorm runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use MeisterTask for free?
Yes. MeisterTask has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PhpStorm starts at $24/month.
What is MeisterTask best used for?
MeisterTask is most often used for kanban task and project management for small teams, tracking work across projects with automations and time tracking. Of those, kanban task and project management for small teams and tracking work across projects with automations and time tracking are not what PhpStorm is typically brought in for.
What can MeisterTask do that PhpStorm cannot?
MeisterTask covers Kanban boards, Automations, Time tracking, Checklists. PhpStorm covers PHP-aware coding assistance, Integrated debugger, Front-end tooling, Database tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MeisterTask: How much does MeisterTask cost for small teams?

MeisterTask Pro plan costs $12.50 per user per month (with annual savings up to 22%) and includes unlimited projects, notes, external sharing, advanced search, and 75 AI credits per month.

Source
PhpStorm: How much does PhpStorm cost?

PhpStorm is sold via JetBrains Toolbox subscription starting around $24/month for individuals and $34/month for organizations, with free licenses for students and open-source maintainers.

Source
MeisterTask: Is there a free version of MeisterTask?

Yes, MeisterTask offers a free tier with no expiration. The free plan includes up to 3 projects, up to 5 notes, 5 Content Manager seats, and 20 Meister AI credits per month.

Source
PhpStorm: Is there a free trial?

JetBrains offers a free trial of PhpStorm so developers can test it before subscribing.

Source
MeisterTask: What payment methods does MeisterTask accept?

MeisterTask accepts both credit card and PayPal payments. All prices exclude VAT and the exact cost varies by region.

Source
PhpStorm: What platforms does PhpStorm support?

PhpStorm is a desktop IDE available on Windows, macOS, and Linux via JetBrains Toolbox.

Source
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