Remote teams are the future. But managing projects and people virtually? That can get messy. Thankfully, modern tools are here to help!
TL;DR
From product roadmaps to sprint planning, remote teams rely on collaborative tools. We’ve picked our top 7 favorites—easy, dynamic, and built for teamwork. Whether your team is two or twenty, these tools simplify how work happens across distances. Let’s check them out!
1. Notion Tables – The All-in-One Wonder
Notion isn’t just a note-taking app anymore. Its tables work like spreadsheets, but they live inside a powerful wiki-style environment. You can mix text, checklists, images, and databases in the same doc.
- Create dynamic sprint boards
- View project timelines inside a page
- Add tags, status, and team member assignments
With Notion Tables, your planning isn’t locked in rows and columns—it grows with your team. But keep in mind: Notion sync might lag with very large databases.
Best for: Teams who want an integrated docs + project table setup, especially if they’re content-heavy.
2. Airtable Bases – The Colorful Spreadsheet Killer
If Excel had a stylish, tech-savvy cousin, it’d be Airtable. Its “Bases” are flexible data hubs where you can build templates for roadmaps, tasks, sprints, or feature sets.
- Switch between Kanban, calendar, gallery, and grid views
- Use advanced filters, automations, and custom fields
- Sync data from forms, apps, and third-party tools
Airtable Bases make sprint planning colorful and customizable. It’s a favorite for product and design teams who love structure and visuals.
Best for: Remote teams managing fast-moving product releases or frequent experimentation cycles.
3. Coda Docs – Spreadsheets That Write Back
Coda blends text, tables, and logic into docs that can behave like apps. It’s like Google Docs married Airtable and raised a genius.
- Link stories and sprints in the same doc
- Use formulas in your tables like Excel, but smarter
- Add buttons, automations, and packs (integrations!)
Want to build a launch tracker, meeting notes, and sprint table in one doc? Coda Docs can do that—with buttons that “mark complete” and charts that auto-update.
Best for: Teams that want docs to do more than hold info—they want action!
4. Google Sheets – The OG Crowd Favorite
Let’s be honest. Before you discovered the other tools, your roadmap probably lived in a Google Sheet. And it probably still does.
- It’s free, familiar, super collaborative
- Great for quick sprint boards and estimations
- Fantastic comment and versioning system
Google Sheets might not be flashy, but it’s powerful with formulas and open enough to plug into tools like Zapier or APIs. It’s also lightning-fast for teams with good naming and structure habits.
Best for: Teams that prioritize real-time editing and already live in Google Workspace.
5. Quip – Docs Meet Data, with a Conversational Twist
Quip combines spreadsheets, docs, and chat in a single tool. It’s designed with collaboration at its core. Think of it as Slack meets Excel meets Google Docs.
- Edit data in place while chatting with teammates
- Build task tables, to-dos, and simple sprints
- Embed project check-ins right inside your tables
Remote teams that love staying in sync (and hate switching tabs) will love how Quip simplifies updates and conversations. It’s especially popular in Salesforce-powered teams.
Best for: Teams that want serious collaboration chat inside their workflow docs.
6. OnlyOffice – Familiar but Supercharged
OnlyOffice will make fans of Word and Excel feel right at home—but now with live collaboration.
- Run it in the cloud or host it yourself
- Excellent privacy and data control
- Docs, sheets, and presentations all supported
For sprint planners needing spreadsheet power with strict control over data, OnlyOffice is a win. Plus, it’s compatible with Microsoft file formats.
Best for: Enterprises or privacy-focused teams that want open-source control over their collaboration stack.
7. SeaTable – Table Heaven for Data-Loving Teams
SeaTable is like Airtable’s open-source sibling. But it’s more focused on structured data and heavy-duty operations.
- Create and reuse sprint planning bases
- Generate reports and views for different roles
- Self-host your data if needed
Remote tech teams that love structure, templates, and integrations adore SeaTable. You can manage features, team members, timelines, and reports all in one workspace.
Best for: Data-centric remote teams and IT departments needing both visual planning and backend control.
So Which Tool Is Right for You?
Each team is different. Some love drag-and-drop features. Others rely on formulas or need tight document control. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:
- Quick, flexible collaboration: Google Sheets or Notion Tables
- Visual-first planning: Airtable Bases or SeaTable
- Docs + tables that act like apps: Coda Docs
- Chat-powered sheets: Quip
- Secure local hosting: OnlyOffice
It all comes down to how your team works best.
Final Thoughts
In remote work, clarity is everything. The right tool can turn chaotic backlogs into simple, visible workflows. So try a few. Mix and match. Build your dream workspace.
Remember, tools don’t replace teamwork—but they can power it. Now go and plan that perfect sprint!