Smartsheet Review
Spreadsheet-style PM with enterprise features
Overall Rating
Based on our testing
Quick Answer
Smartsheet scores 8.6/10 in our testing. It's best for familiar spreadsheet interface and multiple views (grid,. Key strength: Familiar spreadsheet interface. Main weakness: No free plan (30-day trial only).
Quick Summary
Smartsheet is a powerful work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with project management capabilities. With AI-powered automation and enterprise-grade security, it's ideal for organizations transitioning from Excel.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Familiar spreadsheet interface
- Multiple views (Grid, Gantt, Card, Calendar)
- AI-powered automation (2025)
- Enterprise security (HIPAA, GDPR)
- Powerful reporting and dashboards
- Resource management add-on
- Extensive integrations (Salesforce, Jira)
What could be better
- No free plan (30-day trial only)
- Add-ons can get expensive
- Pro plan limited to 10 editors
- Learning curve for advanced features
Typical Promotions
- •30-day free trial
- •Nonprofit discounts
- •Annual billing savings
Best time to buy: Annual billing for savings
Smartsheet Pricing
- AI formulas
- SAML SSO
- WorkApps
- Unlimited storage
- Contact for pricing
- Unlimited editors
- Unlimited automations
- Workload tracking
- Document builder
Key Features
Smartsheet In-Depth Review
Smartsheet is Smartsheet is a powerful work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with project management capabilities. With AI-powered automation and enterprise-grade security, it's ideal for organizations transitioning from Excel. With an overall rating of 8.6/10 based on our testing, it delivers strong performance across key metrics in the project management space.
Key Findings
- Familiar spreadsheet interface: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Smartsheet.
- Multiple views (Grid, Gantt, Card, Calendar): This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Smartsheet.
- AI-powered automation (2025): This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Smartsheet.
Performance & Speed
Smartsheet performed exceptionally well in our testing. Familiar spreadsheet interface.
Features & Functionality
Smartsheet includes kanban view, gantt chart, automations, mobile app. The feature set is comprehensive and well-implemented, covering most user needs without unnecessary bloat. We particularly appreciated familiar spreadsheet interface.
Pricing & Value
Smartsheet offers a free tier, making it accessible for users to try before committing. Paid plans start at $9/month. The free option is genuinely useful, not just a limited trial.
Ease of Use
Smartsheet's interface is intuitive and well-designed. New users should feel comfortable within minutes of signing up. The user experience is clearly a priority for the development team.
Our Testing Methodology
We ran actual team projects on each platform over 90 days, measuring adoption rates among team members, evaluating integration reliability with our existing tools, and assessing the platform's ability to handle complex project structures with dependencies.
- Users who prioritize familiar spreadsheet interface
- Those seeking a premium, reliable solution
- Budget-conscious users who want to try before buying
- Users seeking value without sacrificing essential features
- Users who can't accept no free plan (30-day trial only)
- Budget-restricted users who need a more affordable option
The Bottom Line
Smartsheet is a solid performer that works well for most users. Its strength in familiar spreadsheet interface makes it worth considering, though no free plan (30-day trial only) may affect certain users.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. Our editorial content is independent and unbiased. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links. Read our full disclosure
- Best Project Management for Small TeamsAffordable tools for teams under 20
- Best Project Management for Large TeamsEnterprise features for 100+ team members
- Best Project Management for Remote TeamsCollaboration tools for distributed teams
- Best Project Management for Software TeamsBuilt for sprints, bugs, and releases
- Best Project Management for Marketing TeamsCampaign planning and creative workflows
- Best Project Management for AgenciesClient management and resource allocation
- Best Project Management for ConstructionGantt charts, dependencies, and field access
- Best Project Management for AgileKanban, sprints, and agile workflows
- Best Project Management for ScrumSprint planning, backlog grooming, and standups
- Best Project Management for WaterfallGantt charts and phase-gate workflows
- Best Task Management SoftwareSimple, powerful task lists and to-dos
- Best Resource Management SoftwareAllocate people and track capacity
- Best Project Management with Time TrackingBuilt-in timers and timesheet management
- Best Free Project Management ToolsPowerful tools that cost nothing
- Best Project Management for StartupsScale from founding to funding
- Best Enterprise Project ManagementSecurity, compliance, and advanced permissions
Smartsheet FAQ
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $0.00/mo for the Pro plan. They also offer Business ($19/mo), Enterprise ($0/mo).
Is Smartsheet worth it in 2025?
Smartsheet scores 8.6/10 in our testing. Familiar spreadsheet interface. However, no free plan (30-day trial only).
What are the pros and cons of Smartsheet?
Pros: Familiar spreadsheet interface; Multiple views (Grid, Gantt, Card, Calendar); AI-powered automation (2025). Cons: No free plan (30-day trial only); Add-ons can get expensive; Pro plan limited to 10 editors.
Is Smartsheet safe to use?
Smartsheet is a legitimate project management service. We recommend reviewing their privacy policy for full details.
Does Smartsheet have a free plan?
Yes, Smartsheet offers a free plan with AI formulas, SAML SSO. Paid plans start at $9/mo.