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Introduction

Smartsheet and ClickUp are two names you will likely come across if you are looking for a project management software. Users often compare the two because of their similar features. However, they each have features that make them unique. In this article, I will discuss with you the similarities and differences between Smartsheet and ClickUp to give you a better idea of what these project management software can do for you and your company.

My goal is to provide you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision between Smartsheet and ClickUp if you are looking for project management software for your company.

Smartsheet VS ClickUp Intro Graphic
Smartsheet vs ClickUp Compared in an Honest Review Featured Image

Expert Summary: Smartsheet vs ClickUp

Smartsheet and ClickUp are project management software that can also take care of the work management, resource management, and task management needs of your company. Smartsheet and ClickUp users can access collaboration tools such as file sharing, idea management, and dependency tracking that can streamline workflow and encourage productivity. Smartsheet and ClickUp have mobile app versions that work on iOS and Android mobile devices so users can receive notifications, view and edit schedules, and access crucial data when they are away from their workstations.

Smartsheet would be best for companies that deal with a large volume of data because of its reporting and analytics capabilities.

ClickUp would be best for startups, small businesses, and freelancers because of its free forever plan.

Side by Side Comparison Of Smartsheet and ClickUp

Smartsheet Review Screenshot 9
Configure and manage your entire Smartsheet Account from the main admin center. Get a detailed view of the number of seats being used, authentication codes, and branding from just one screen.

Smartsheet is a SaaS project management software that is based on a traditional “spreadsheet” approach to managing tasks and dependencies, but with added functionality around resource planning, time tracking, and workflow automations. Smartsheet stands out from other project management software thanks to its customer resource management (CRM) capabilities as well as robust budget tracking features. Smartsheet also supports the integration of over 70 third-party tools such as Asana, Slack, Salesforce, Jira, and Microsoft Teams so users can customize the program to meet their business needs.

Smartsheet doesn’t have a free plan.

Price:

Pricing plan from $7/user/month (billed annually)

Trial:

Freemium version available

ClickUp Reporting Screenshot
ClickUp's reporting tools are unique because you can create up to seven custom dashboards.

ClickUp is a cloud-based project management software that also acts as a resource management, work management, project planning, and collaboration tool. ClickUp provides users with access to a wide array of third-party apps they can integrate into the system including Asana, Trello, Dropbox, Slack, Salesforce, and Microsoft Teams to ensure that users have all the tools they need in their daily operations. ClickUp stands out

ClickUp has a free forever plan with unlimited users but limited uses of certain charts, maps, and functions.

Smartsheet Vs ClickUp Feature Comparison

Smartsheet vs ClickUp Comparison Criteria

What are the things that I considered in creating this comparison article? Here are the criteria I used to compare Smartsheet and ClickUp:

  • Feature list

    What do you get, and what do you not get?
  • Use cases

    What are the most effective use cases for this feature set?
  • Ease of use

    Is it easy to learn and master?
  • Integrations

    Is it easy to connect with other tools?
  • Customer support

    Can you get help easily and quickly?
  • Price

    How appropriate is the price for the tool?

Differences Between Smartsheet and ClickUp

Smartsheet offers instructor-led training as an add-on for all plans so users can get onboarding assistance while this feature is only available for ClickUp enterprise plan subscribers.

Smartsheet has a native pivot app allowing users to generate roll-up sheets and charts using report data. This feature is not native to ClickUp.

Smartsheet has an EMR/EHR feature providing users with a centralized location where they can store patients’ records, test results, and a list of medications to ensure continuous treatment plans. ClickUp doesn’t have this feature.

Smartsheet has a 30-day free trial period giving users more time to study the program and its features while ClickUp’s free trial period is just for 14 days.

Smartsheet business and enterprise plans include unlimited guests with editing rights while the unlimited guests of ClickUp’s business and enterprise plans only have viewing rights.

Price:

Pricing plan from $7/user/month (billed annually)

Trial:

Freemium version available

ClickUp has a free forever plan with an unlimited number of users and 100MB of storage while Smartsheet doesn’t have a free plan.

ClickUp supports social media integration so users can manage social media accounts within the program whereas Smartsheet users need to use a separate social media app.

ClickUp has a native messaging functionality that subscribers can use to instantly connect with other team members for improved connectivity and connectivity while Smartsheet doesn’t have a native messaging app.

ClickUp has gamification that stimulates the competitive nature of team members to boost productivity while Smartsheet doesn’t have this feature.

ClickUp has native email integration enabling users to send and receive emails without having to install a third-party application. Smartsheet users need to install a separate email application.

Similarities Between Smartsheet vs ClickUp

  • Smartsheet and ClickUp have a mobile app that works on iOS and Android mobile devices so users can continue working using their iPhone or Android phones.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp have a knowledge base with FAQs, tutorials, and articles that users can consult if they want to learn more about the project management tool.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp use Kanban boards and Gantt charts to provide users with a visualization of their progress so they can ensure that they meet due dates.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp support tracking dependencies so users can manage interrelated tasks and promote ownership among team members.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp allow the customization of dashboards so users can choose which items and information will appear on their dashboards for prioritization.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp have business process automation capabilities helping users ensure that tasks and systems run smoothly to avoid errors and maximize resources and manpower
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp provide customer support via email, chat, and phone support so users can receive assistance if they encounter issues with the program.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp can save time with the help of customizable templates that they can alter to suit the requirements of their clients or the project they are working on.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp have time tracking capabilities so managers can check in real-time what their members are doing and how much time they are spending on a task.
  • Smartsheet and ClickUp have reporting functionality that helps users generate accurate reports quickly by using up-to-date business intelligence and data pulled from the system.

Best Use Cases for Smartsheet vs ClickUp

  • Project Management

    Use Smartsheet to plan, track, schedule, and report on your project from conception to completion.
  • IT & OPs

    Use Smartsheet to organize request tickets, manage resources, track issues, and prioritize your backlog.
  • Marketing

    Use Smartsheet to communicate cross-departmental needs, unify brand standards, and approve visuals.
  • Construction

    Use Smartsheet to visualize schedules, plot milestones, communicate deadlines, and navigate task dependencies.
  • Content Management

    Use Smartsheet to streamline content management and save time by automating internal and client-facing processes.
  • Healthcare

    Use Smartsheet for workforce planning in a manner consistent with HIPAA, GxP, CCPA, and GDPR requirements.
  • Financial Management

    Use Smartsheet to automate audit processes, track strategic initiatives, and manage your project portfolio.
  • Sales Teams

    Use Smartsheet to build customize sales-oriented dashboards that track financials, goals, and initiatives.
  • Agile Teams

    ClickUp’s features are perfect for agile teams to create customized funnels and manage sprints, build Scrum charts, and track issues.
  • Remote Work

    ClickUp is cloud-based, so remote teams can use it to collaborate on documents and work on tasks no matter where they are.
  • Human Resources

    ClickUp’s document storage and management, as well as inbuilt performance tracking, make it ideal for HR teams.
  • Design Teams

    ClickUp has collaboration features like comment sharing and file proofing, which are essential for design teams—especially in a remote environment.
  • Finance Departments

    ClickUp allows teams to manage accounts, track project budgets, and tie financial goals into project progress.
  • Product Development

    ClickUp has sprint and backlog templates that development teams can use to manage product launches.
  • Sales Teams

    ClickUp allows sales teams to track leads and prospects and collaborate on deals.
  • Marketing Agencies

    ClickUp makes it easier for creative agencies to collaborate with clients and get approval for assets.
  • Healthcare

    Use ClickUp’s HIPAA compliant enterprise-grade plan for healthcare projects and team management.

Smartsheet vs ClickUp Pricing Comparison

This side-by-side price comparison shows Smartsheet’s price compared to ClickUp.

Smartsheet Pricing

Smartsheet Pricing Screenshot
Screenshot of Smartsheet pricing from their landing page

ClickUp Pricing

ClickUp Pricing Screenshot
A breakdown of ClickUp’s pricing

Alternatives to Smartsheet and ClickUp

Other Smartsheet and ClickUp Software Comparisons

If you’re still looking at the options for professional services automation software, check out our comparison with other tools.

The Takeaway

In summary, Smartsheet is best for companies that deal with a large volume of data because it has a native pivot app and reporting feature that makes report generation a breeze. ClickUp is best for ad agencies and marketers because it allows social media integration so users don’t have to switch to another program to complete their tasks.

Related List of Tools: Smartsheet Competitors And Alternatives

By Ben Aston

I’m Ben Aston, a digital project manager and founder of thedpm.com. I've been in the industry for more than 20 years working in the UK at London’s top digital agencies including Dare, Wunderman, Lowe and DDB. I’ve delivered everything from film to CMS', games to advertising and eCRM to eCommerce sites. I’ve been fortunate enough to work across a wide range of great clients; automotive brands including Land Rover, Volkswagen and Honda; Utility brands including BT, British Gas and Exxon, FMCG brands such as Unilever, and consumer electronics brands including Sony. I'm a Certified Scrum Master, PRINCE2 Practitioner and productivity nut!