10 Best Smartsheet Alternatives I’ve Tried In 2026
10 Best Alternatives To Smartsheet
The best Smartsheet alternatives let you start running projects quicker and with less overhead, are better suited for simpler projects, and offer key features that Smartsheet is missing, like invoicing. With the right alternative to Smartsheet, you can manage your projects and collaborate with the team in a way that best fits your needs.
I've used my 20+ years of experience in project management to test a variety of Smartsheet alternatives so you can find the right tool that will help you and your team track project progress, assign work, and deliver projects successfully. Below, I cover strengths and key differences, pros and cons, and ideal use cases for each tool.
What are Smartsheet Alternatives?
Smartsheet alternatives are project management and collaboration software solutions that offer similar functionality to Smartsheet, but in a simpler interface or with extra features that Smartsheet doesn't offer, like client management, invoicing, or the ability to create baselines. They also might have a lower price point than Smartsheet.
Alternatives to Smartsheet will include many of the standard project management and collaboration features typically included in this kind of software, such as task management, project tracking, and team communication.
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Best Smartsheet Competitors And Alternatives Summary
Use this table to compare the specs on my picks for Smartsheet alternatives.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Smartsheet alternative for teams for a free plan | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best Smartsheet alternative for project cost and performance analysis | Free trial + free demo available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best Smartsheet alternative for a cheaper cost | Free plan available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best Smartsheet alternative for scaling marketing & agency teams | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best Smartsheet Alternative for business plan management with strategy experts | Free demo available | From $70/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for in-app sales management | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for detailed time tracking | Free plan + free trial available | From $6/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for customizable task views | 15-day free trial + free plan + free demo available | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for full lifecycle project delivery | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Organize your communication by topic, project, or even specific data point | 30-day free trial + free demo available | From $24/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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Smartsheet
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Accelo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Celoxis
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4
Best Smartsheet Competitor Overviews
Here are my reviews of each Smartsheet alternative. I’ve covered advantages and disadvantages, free trial information, and cost, as well as provided my expert opinion.I’ve used my 20+ years of experience in project management to test a variety of monday.com alternatives so you can find the right tool that will help you and your team better manage your projects and teams. Below, I cover strengths and key differences, pros and cons, and ideal use cases for each tool.
Why Wrike is a great Smartsheet alternative
Smartsheet doesn’t come with a free subscription option. Wrike not only has a free plan available, but also provides more-than-decent features within it, such as unlimited user numbers, task and subtask management, desktop and mobile app availability, and even a spreadsheet view so you won’t miss what you get from Smartsheet.
New Product Updates from Wrike
Wrike Improves Template Mapping and Dashboard Filters
Wrike expanded Template Mapping with workflow and custom item type mapping, and made the new filter experience the default for Dashboard chart widgets. These updates simplify workspace setup and provide a more consistent dashboard filtering experience. For more information, visit Wrike’s official site.
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Celoxis
Best Smartsheet alternative for project cost and performance analysis
Why Celoxis is a great Smartsheet alternative
Celoxis stands as a strong alternative to Smartsheet due to its comprehensive project cost and performance analysis capabilities. Unlike Smartsheet, Celoxis offers advanced features such sophisticated Earned Value Management for cost and performance analysis and in-depth resource tracking. These features make Celoxis particularly appealing for organizations seeking a more versatile and customizable project management solution. Additionally, Celoxis provides a user-friendly interface and the flexibility to adapt to unique workflow processes, making it a superior choice for businesses looking to elevate their project management capabilities beyond basic spreadsheet-style tools like Smartsheet.
Best Smartsheet alternative for a cheaper cost
Why monday.com is a great Smartsheet alternative
monday.com is the task management solution you need to make your agile team’s work a bit less burdensome. The interface is nothing like Smartsheet; it’s easy to use for anyone and requires minimal training. This makes it ideal if you’re considering switching and don’t have too much time to get used to a new platform. And it all comes at a considerably lower cost than Smartsheet, complete with a free plan if you want to give the tool an extended test run.
New Product Updates from monday AI Work Platform
monday.com Adds Managed Columns Across Boards
monday.com adds Managed Column to let teams standardize and reuse column labels across multiple boards from a single source of truth. The update helps organizations maintain consistency, clarity, and centralized control at scale. For more information, visit monday.com’s official site.
Best Smartsheet alternative for scaling marketing & agency teams
Screendragon and Smartsheet may have some functionalities in common with regard to creative workflow management, however, Screendragon differs by providing a lot more advanced features in the area of project, resource and workflow management. Typically, Screendragon is more suited to scaling agencies and marketing teams who may require more flexibility. It offers a seamlessly integrated platform so users can work in a more fluid way, rather than needing to jump between different modules and views or integrating with external tools as can often be the case with Smartsheet. Screendragon’s UX is very user-friendly, offering customization with personalized dashboards, project status views and permission levels.
New Product Updates from Screendragon
Screendragon Unveils New AI Hub
Screendragon introduced AI Hub, a new capability that lets teams build and manage AI agents directly within workflows. The update helps marketing teams automate tasks, maintain governance controls, and scale AI-driven operations more efficiently. For more information, visit Screendragon's official site.
Best Smartsheet Alternative for business plan management with strategy experts
Why AchieveIt is a great Smartsheet alternative
AchieveIt is a good Smartsheet alternative for several reasons. AchieveIt is specifically designed to help businesses manage strategic initiatives and goals, while Smartsheet is a more general project management tool. This means that AchieveIt offers a more focused set of features and functionalities for managing strategic planning and execution. They collect and visualize multiple business plans across your organization and then deliver the data visualizations that matter most to your inbox every morning. AchieveIt also offers strategy consultations with certified experts on planning and reporting goals, which makes it stand out from virtually every other item on this list.
Why Productive is a great Smartsheet alternative
Productive offers tools that specifically cater to project budgeting. Productive's financial management tools make it easier for businesses to manage their finances. The software has a built-in invoicing system that sends automatic invoices to clients and tracks payment schedules. Additionally, it offers features directed toward revenue forecasting, helping users plan and make informed decisions. However, the biggest advantage over Smartsheet is that it has a sales module built into the platform which helps you follow up on leads through your sales funnel and forecast potential sales revenue.
New Product Updates from Productive
Productive 5.0 Introduces AI Agents and Workflow Automation
Productive 5.0 introduces AI Agents, Skills, Connectors, an upgraded AI Assistant, and a new AI-powered Notetaker. These updates help teams automate workflows, manage tasks more efficiently, and connect AI across business operations and external tools. For more information, visit Productive’s official site.
Why actiTIME is a great Smartsheet alternative
I like its focus on detailed time tracking and reporting. The platform allows you to log time spent on tasks, set estimates, and compare actual hours to planned ones. This level of detail helps in understanding where time is being spent and identifying areas for improvement. Additionally, actiTIME offers customizable reports that can be grouped by various parameters, such as project or team member, providing insights into productivity and resource allocation.
New Product Updates from actiTIME
actiTIME Visual Hour Indicator and Time-Track Report Redesign
actiTIME adds a wave-style hour indicator to the Timesheet and Calendar views and refreshes the Time-Track report for smoother navigation and clearer visuals. For more information, visit actiTIME's official site.
For teams that need a flexible, privacy-focused project management tool, Zoho Projects provides a practical set of features to support project execution and collaboration. It’s especially well-suited to teams that rely on detailed task tracking and time logging, with tools that help manage timelines, workloads, and resources. Teams in IT, marketing, and similar fields can use Zoho Projects to stay organized while keeping communication and coordination centralized.
Why I Picked Zoho Projects
I chose Zoho Projects as a Smartsheet alternative because of its strong task management and built-in time tracking. Features like Gantt charts and customizable task views make it easy to see project timelines and update work as requirements change. Its integration with Zoho Sprints also supports agile workflows, which is useful for teams that need to adapt quickly. Together, these capabilities meet the needs of teams managing complex projects without losing accuracy or flexibility.
Zoho Projects Key Features
In addition to robust task management, Zoho Projects offers several key features that enhance its utility as a Smartsheet alternative.
- Issue Tracking: Track and manage project-related issues to ensure timely resolution and maintain project quality.
- Collaboration Tools: Utilize feeds, chat, forums, and document management to facilitate seamless team communication.
- Automation: Implement custom workflows, SLAs, and notifications to automate repetitive tasks and streamline processes.
- Budgeting Tools: Manage project budgets effectively with tools that offer cost management and budget forecasting.
Zoho Projects Integrations
Integrations include Google Calendar, Google Tasks, Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Slack, Dropbox, Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, Microsoft Teams, and Zapier.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Zoho ecosystem integrations available broadly
- Built-in time tracking for reporting
- Multiple task views including Gantt
Cons:
- Free plan limited users projects
- Limited third-party integrations versus competitors
New Product Updates from Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects Adds User Custom Fields and Layouts
Zoho Projects adds user custom fields to capture more user details and tailor the invite form, plus quicker access to the Users module via left navigation. For more information, visit Zoho Projects' official site.
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Why Kantata is a great Smartsheet alternative
Kantata is a strong alternative to Smartsheet for teams that need more than just task tracking. It’s built for professional services firms and supports the full lifecycle of project delivery, from planning and staffing to execution and reporting. With people-centric resourcing, you can also match the right talent to the right work, balance workloads, and prevent burnout. At the same time, integrated financials and business intelligence give you the visibility to keep projects profitable and clients happy.
New Product Updates from Kantata
Kantata Adds Expertise Agent and AI Workflow Capabilitiesfessional Services
Kantata has added Expertise Agent and new AI capabilities to automate project and resource management workflows. These updates help teams analyze risks, generate insights, and manage professional services operations faster. For more information, visit Kantata’s official site.
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Kintone
Organize your communication by topic, project, or even specific data point
Why Kintone is a great Smartsheet alternative
Kintone is an all-in-one project management platform that allows managers to track, prioritize, and review their team’s tasks for any given project workflow—no matter how complex. What sets Kintone apart from Smartsheet? You can organize your communication by topic, project, or even specific data point. It's got a simple and intuitive user interface. It offers a flexible structure for all your data. Customer support is included in all plans with a dedicated support rep. You can also secure your data with SSO, SAML, IP address restriction with no additional cost.
Other Smartsheet Alternatives
Here are some additional Smartsheet alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Parallax
For efficient project management through visual task tracking
- Ravetree
Smartsheet alternative for teams with billing and invoicing
- Visor
Smartsheet alternative for collaboration with unlimited viewer-only accounts
- Pneumatic Workflow
Smartsheet alternative for streamlining digital projects
- ClickUp
Intuitive Smartsheet alternative for startups and SMBs
- Rocketlane
Client & stakeholder portals with shared project views
- Scoro
For project management with built-in KPI tracking
- Hive
Internal chat and communication systems
- Workzone
For pre-built reports
- Accelo
Smartsheet alternative for billing and retainer management
About Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a spreadsheet-like project management tool. It has won a few awards on its way to becoming a favorite business app. It’s a nice option if you’re comfortable working in Excel but want a break from complicated formulas. Smartsheet performs all the calculations for you across multiple sheets. You can also add customized brand logos and set color themes for individual projects.
Additionally, it has useful project management features such as workflow automation and task visualization via Gantt, calendar and card views. Team members get instantly notified of critical changes, and the tool provides shared views, detail history, activity logs, automated alerts, reminders, and status reports to keep everyone aligned and informed.
The critical path feature also highlights all the tasks which directly impact your project completion date so you can keep an eye on important milestones. Smartsheet offers strong reporting features as well, such as editable summary reports that you can easily export to Excel.
Smartsheet integrations include Microsoft (Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Excel) and Google apps, as well as development essentials like Jira, and useful business apps like Salesforce, ServiceNow, Slack, Box, and Tableau. The platform is extensible through a REST API and webhooks.
This tool costs from $7/user/month, with a minimum of 3 users and a maximum of 25 users. They also offer a 30-day free trial.
Why Might You Need A Smartsheet Alternative?
Your team’s not enjoying the interface
Members who are used to collaborating via spreadsheets and database-like tools won’t have an issue with Smartsheet’s design, but others might find the UI clunky. For a more enjoyable experience, look for customizable and colorful project management tools that meet today’s standards for what software should look and feel like.
You need to invoice clients
Smartsheet has a budgeting option so you can track time, budgets, and expenses using their 10,000ft panel but there’s still no way to send invoices directly from the app. 10,000ft is also sold separately from Smartsheet as a premium add-on product.
You’re finding it too expensive
Smartsheet is indeed one of the more expensive project management solutions on the market. This is in part due to its extensive project management features and enterprise-level target market. However, you can find similar functionalities at a much lower cost.
How I Evaluate Smartsheet Alternatives
I split my evaluation into two layers: the baseline must-haves—grid views, multiple project views, automation—and differentiators like portfolio tools and pricing that determine real fit.
Core Functionality (Table Stakes For This List)
When I'm selecting tools for my list, I rank each one on a scale from 0 (does not offer the functionality) to 5 (excels in this area) for each core functionality listed below. Then, I calculate the tool's total score into a percentage. Each tool needs to achieve a minimum total score of 75% to be considered for inclusion.
- Grid/Spreadsheet View: I check whether the tool offers an editable, column-rich grid where teams can manage structured data the way they would in Excel or Smartsheet.
- Multiple Project Views: Each tool should let users toggle between Gantt, Kanban, calendar, and timeline views so different roles can see work the way they prefer.
- Task & Dependency Management: I look for subtasks, assignees, milestones, and dependency mapping—especially finish-to-start logic that keeps phased rollouts on track.
- Workflow Automation: Rule-based triggers matter here, like auto-assigning a QA reviewer when a task moves to "Ready for Review" or sending alerts on missed dates.
- Collaboration & Sharing: I evaluate real-time co-editing, commenting, file attachments, and granular sharing permissions for both internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Reporting & Dashboards: The tool should support cross-project dashboards with widgets, filters, and charts that give PMO leads a portfolio-level view without manual data pulls.
Once I have a list of tools that meet this criteria, I consider what sets each platform apart.
Differentiating Factors (What Sets Vendors Apart)
Here's how I compare and contrast different vendors:
Standout Features
Portfolio management is a big one—I look for tools that roll up project status, budgets, and timelines so PMO leads can track an entire program without jumping between sheets. Resource management matters just as much, especially when you need to balance workloads across a 20-person team running parallel sprints. I also evaluate AI features like auto-generated summaries or risk flagging, which can save hours of manual status reporting each week.
Beyond Features
Integration depth is one of the first things I check—if a tool can't sync with Jira, Slack, or your CRM, it creates data silos that defeat the purpose of centralizing work. Pricing structure matters too, particularly how vendors handle guest or external collaborator access, since that cost can balloon fast on client-facing projects. I also evaluate onboarding support, including migration paths from Smartsheet and whether the vendor offers templates or guided setup to reduce time-to-value for teams making the switch.
Key Features For A Viable Smartsheet Alternative
Time tracking
Basic time tracking options are available through their 10,000ft integration, which costs extra, so you might prefer a tool with native time tracking capabilities that include timesheets and time reporting.
Task and workflow management
In spite of Smartsheet looking like just another database, the tool does come with advanced task management and view options like a Gantt chart and Kanban board. In an alternative, consider solutions that let you add subtasks, task priorities, and dependencies to handle complex projects without overcrowding a spreadsheet.
A friendlier interface
Talk to your team to see what kind of UI they would prefer to replace the traditional spreadsheet-style appearance. You’ll want advanced features like custom fields, a design any user can personalize, and a variety of add-ons to make use of on top of your team’s workspace.
Custom reporting
Smartsheet boasts a strong real-time report builder feature. For teams working with lots of data or needing to provide proof of their work to clients, you’ll want an alternative that nails reporting too.
What's Next?
Here are more alternatives and competitors lists for other software you might be interested in.