OpenProject vs MeisterTask
Both OpenProject and MeisterTask are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the project management space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
OpenProject
EU- Headquarters
- Berlin, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
MeisterTask
EU- Headquarters
- Munich, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- No
Key Differences
- OpenProject offers a free tier, while meisterTask offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- OpenProject is open source, meaning you can audit the code, self-host, and avoid vendor lock-in. MeisterTask is proprietary, which often means a more polished out-of-the-box experience and dedicated support, but less flexibility for customisation.
- Data residency differs: OpenProject hosts data in Germany, EU, while MeisterTask hosts in Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- MeisterTask holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. OpenProject does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
- OpenProject was founded in 2012, giving it a 3-year head start over MeisterTask (founded 2015). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: OpenProject offers Gantt charts and work packages and Agile boards (Scrum and Kanban), while MeisterTask provides Kanban boards and Automations. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | OpenProject | MeisterTask |
|---|---|---|
| Name | OpenProject | MeisterTask |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Berlin, DE | Munich, DE |
| Data Centers | DE, EU | DE |
| Gantt charts and work packages | ||
| Agile boards (Scrum and Kanban) | ||
| Time and cost tracking | ||
| Resource management | ||
| Document management | ||
| Built-in wiki | ||
| Meeting management | ||
| BIM support | ||
| REST API | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| Kanban boards | ||
| Automations | ||
| Time tracking | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Agenda view | ||
| Custom fields | ||
| Reporting | ||
| Collaboration |
Pricing Comparison
OpenProject
Freefree / enterprise
MeisterTask
Freefreemium
Compliance Comparison
OpenProject
GDPRDPA
MeisterTask
GDPRISO 27001DPA
Get Started
Categories
How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose OpenProject
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose MeisterTask
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose MeisterTask
OpenProject vs MeisterTask — FAQ
What is the main difference between OpenProject and MeisterTask?
Both OpenProject and MeisterTask are European project management solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: OpenProject is open source while MeisterTask is proprietary, and OpenProject uses free / enterprise pricing while MeisterTask uses freemium. OpenProject is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, while MeisterTask is based in Munich, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, OpenProject or MeisterTask?
Both OpenProject and MeisterTask offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (free / enterprise vs. freemium), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both OpenProject and MeisterTask GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both OpenProject and MeisterTask are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, MeisterTask holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.