Need help:

Ease to create tasks and organize them in summary tasks. The variety of attributes that can be attached to tasks (predecessors, durations, types of tasks fixed duration, fixed work or fixed units, constraints etc.)

Types of resources in each software, ease of assigning resources or dealing with overallocations.

Ability of the software to use and customize different types of calendars.

Ability to save baselines

Tracking features and details capability of the analyzed software

Reporting features

Cost comparison. Consider the ongoing licensing fees if applicable.

Ability to use the files on mobile devices.

Etc.

Sample Table:

Sample Only Evaluation Criteria	Software One	Software Two	Software Three	Preferred Software for the criteria
Criteria 1 (e.g. Ease of creating Tasks and Durations)	Notes
Project Cost Tracking
User Interface - Ease of Use
Software Licence Cost
Etc.

Tip 2 Get information about the software:

Some of the software will let you download a demo; you can also reach out to their customer support with specific questions and most likely they will be more than happy to assist you with information about their software - this will be especially useful if you can't get a demo to test.

Tip 3 - Organize your research:

Treat this research as a project. Develop a strategy for the research project. One possible approach is to assign each group member one software, allow time for research and have session where you put the information in the table and reach consensus on the preferred software. Think about the various phases of the research, what tasks will you complete in each phase? You can add duration to the tasks, milestones, deadlines etc. to ensure you have the comparison complete before the submission deadline. Of course, you can use MS Project to plan the research project do not submit this project plan, it is only meant to help you organize the activities for the assignment.