Trello made kanban boards mainstream. KanbanWP puts kanban boards inside WordPress. They solve the same problem in different places, so the right choice depends on where your team works. We make KanbanWP, so read the Trello strengths below as our honest attempt to be fair. For a wider list, see best Trello alternatives in 2027.
At a glance
| KanbanWP | Trello | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Inside your WordPress admin | Hosted by the vendor |
| Data stored | Your own WordPress database | Vendor cloud |
| Cost model | Free plugin, you pay for hosting | Free plan with limits, paid per-user plans |
| Login | Existing WordPress accounts | Separate Trello accounts |
| Views | Kanban, List, Table, Calendar, Timeline, My Tasks | Board on the free plan; calendar and timeline views on paid tiers |
| AI | Your own API key (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini), per-user token caps, MCP for agents | AI features on paid tiers |
| WordPress integration | Cards link to posts, pages and WooCommerce orders | Through third-party connections |
| Mobile | Responsive web board, no native app | Native iOS and Android apps |
| Ecosystem | REST API, WP-CLI, webhooks, Slack and Discord | Large power-up marketplace |
Trello’s plans and AI packaging change, so check Trello’s pricing page.
Where KanbanWP is the better choice
- You live in WordPress. No extra logins, and editorial cards link to the actual post. See the editorial calendar guide.
- You want predictable cost. No per-seat fee as your team grows.
- You want data on your own server. Boards, tasks and comments are in your database. See the privacy policy.
- You want AI with cost control. Bring your own key, cap tokens per user, and log every call. Read AI project management.
- You share work with clients. Use the client portal.
Where Trello is the better choice
- Your team is not on WordPress.
- You need native mobile apps and a large power-up ecosystem.
- You want zero hosting responsibility.
- You work with many external collaborators who should not need a site login.
Moving from Trello
Export the board as JSON from Trello and import it with KanbanWP: importing a Trello board. You can run both side by side for a pilot project, then decide.
Verdict
If your work runs through a WordPress site, KanbanWP removes friction and per-seat cost. If it does not, Trello is the simpler hosted choice. Next steps: download KanbanWP, browse the board templates, or compare more tools in best free kanban board software in 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is KanbanWP a good Trello alternative?
It is a good fit if your team already uses WordPress and wants boards in the admin, with data in your own database and no per-seat fee. It is not a fit if you are not on WordPress or need Trello's native mobile apps and power-up ecosystem.
Can I move from Trello to KanbanWP?
Yes. Export your board as JSON from Trello and use KanbanWP's importer. Lists become stages, and cards, labels, checklists, members and comments come across.
Is KanbanWP free compared with Trello?
KanbanWP is a free plugin with no license key or per-user fee, but you pay for your own WordPress hosting. Trello has a free plan with limits and paid per-user plans.
Does KanbanWP have AI like Trello?
KanbanWP's AI runs on your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Gemini key, and an MCP server lets outside agents work on boards. In version 1.0.0 the AI is reached through the REST API, with no AI buttons on the board yet.