11 Smartsheet alternatives to wake up project management in 2025
Are you using Smartsheet to manage your projects and getting a bit fed up with its spreadsheets? That's just what you need! We've put together a ranking of the software's best alternatives.
So, who's going to win the title of best project management tool? Jira? Clickup? Basecamp or monday.com?
📌 We've listed all the advantages, disadvantages, prices and features of each software for you.
All you have to do is choose the one that's right for you.
What is Smartsheet?
Smartsheet is cloud software dedicated to project management. Thanks to its advanced functionalities, it helps companies plan, organize, execute and track all stages of a project.
Smartsheet offers a spreadsheet-based interface to optimize the management of complex projects, with multiple views: grid, Kanban board, calendar, Gantt chart.
The tool also integrates :
- real-time collaboration,
- resource management,
- automated reporting.
Very rich options, but which can be a turn-off for employees used to less extensive navigation menus.
Smartsheet offers integration with over 100 third-party applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Slack.
💰 The software is available in 3 packages:
-
Pro: €8 per user per month.
-
Business: €17 per user per month.
-
Enterprise: customized pricing.
Smartsheet
Why consider an alternative to Smartsheet?
What makes Smartsheet unique in the Project Portfolio Management (PPM) ecosystem is that it takes the form of a spreadsheet, like Excel. What's in it for you? To enable the processing of large volumes of data and advanced customization of tasks and activities.
But where the tool gains in performance and flexibility, it loses in legibility. Its rigid interface and wide range of configurations can put off some employees, who are used to tools that are easier to handle.
Another disadvantage often cited when talking about Smartsheet is its price. Prices start at €8 per user per month (Pro version) and go up to €17 (Business version). We're right at the high end of the market.
👉 Relatively high prices, a steep learning curve and an unattractive interface, that's enough to make you want to switch, isn't it?
The top 11 Smartsheet alternatives comparison chart
Let's get down to business with our top Smartsheet alternatives. Who will take first place? Airtable? Asana? Jira? monday.com? To find out, take a look at our top 11 recommended alternatives to Smartsheet.
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| Smartsheet |  Airtable |  Asana |  ClickUp |  Google Workspace |  Jira |  monday.com |  Wrike |  Zoho Projects |  Basecamp |  Microsoft 365 |  ONLYOFFICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For companies with more than 50 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Smartsheet | Learn more about Airtable | Learn more about Asana | Learn more about ClickUp | Learn more about Google Workspace | Learn more about Jira | Learn more about monday.com | Learn more about Wrike | Learn more about Zoho Projects | Learn more about Basecamp | Learn more about Microsoft 365 | Learn more about ONLYOFFICE |
The 8 best alternatives to Smartsheet
1. Airtable
Airtable is an excellent alternative to Smartsheet. Why? Because it uses the same spreadsheet-style interface. What sets it apart, however, is its more intuitive way of creating projects. You start from a 100% blank base and simply add :
- tasks,
- tables,
- resources,
- collaborators...
In short! All the data you need to keep track of your projects.
For the rest (automation, customization, collaboration), the two applications remain neck and neck.
The only area where Smartsheet has the edge is in reporting and analysis, which are much more advanced.
👉 Discover the most intuitive spreadsheet project software on the market.
Airtable
2. Asana
Asana is a management dashboard that focuses on the clarity and legibility of projects.
It offers a full range of functionalities for :
- task tracking,
- organization
- internal collaboration.
It is particularly appreciated for its variety of display modes: list, Kanban board, timeline and calendar.
The only downside is that the management of external access to the project is not one of the tool's strong points.
But if you're looking for solid project management software, this is an option to consider.
👉 Gain clarity for project tracking with Asana.
Asana
3. ClickUp
ClickUp is ultra-complete, with :
- integrated document management,
- advanced automation rules,
- infinitely customizable dashboards,
- file exchange,
- intelligent notifications,
- real-time chat...
There's plenty to do!
If you're looking for a simpler alternative to Smartsheet, forget ClickUp. The tool is rather complex to get to grips with because of its many features.
A tool that does it all, but requires work to master all its workings.
👉 Test Clickup now to explore all its features.
ClickUp
4. Google Workspace
Google Workspace isn't project management software per se. It's a suite of collaborative tools developed by Google to optimize team productivity:
- With Google Sheets, you create personalized workflows and track your tasks simply, much like with Excel ;
- With Google Drive, you organize and share project-related files.
The big advantage of the suite is, of course, that it's free. But if you need to manage complex projects, you'll quickly be limited.
👉 Create your collaborative space with Google Workspace for free.
Google Workspace
5. Jira
Jira is the darling of tech teams and developers.
Its ticketing system is particularly appreciated for handling the various tasks involved in a project. It's simple to use, and keeps track of every action taken.
Perfect for keeping track of project progress, responsibilities and dependencies.
👉 Opt for Jira and its agile project management.
Jira
6. monday.com
monday.com focuses 100% on visualization and UX. With this software, everything is super-simple:
- rows represent tasks and projects,
- while the columns include attributes (status, person responsible, deadline).
Creation is intuitive and requires no prior training.
monday.com offers an attractive alternative to Smartsheet with its modern, colorful interface and simplified project tracking.
👉 Create projects easily with monday.com.
monday.com
7. Wrike
If you feel limited by Smartsheet's capabilities, Wrike may represent an excellent alternative.
Even if the tool seems to have a somewhat rigid interface at first, it proves particularly relevant for managing lots of tasks at once.
Wrike is packed with features and offers optimum flexibility. If you need to manage successive different projects, its customization capabilities will be a great help.
👉 Boost your multitasking projects with Wrike.
Wrike
8. Zoho Projects
The major advantage of Zoho Projects lies in its native integration with the Zoho suite (CRM, accounting, HR). You benefit from a complete set of tools dedicated to analyzing and optimizing your business performance.
Zoho Projects offers all the key features of a project dashboard:
- Gantt chart-based task scheduling,
- real-time tracking,
- and extensive automation.
A heavyweight tool that will appeal above all to IT and engineering teams.
👉 Exploit the full potential of the Zoho suite with its project management tool.
Zoho Projects
The 3 behemoths no longer in the limelight
Let's move on to the final podium of Smartsheet alternatives. The 3 must-haves that are truly a cut above the competition. 360° solutions to manage all your projects.
1. Basecamp
Basecamp is one of the veterans of project management, and despite its age (it was founded in 1999), it has managed to stay at the top! How did it achieve this feat? It's simple: it offers the essentials of project management without drowning teams in superfluous features.
The interface is uncluttered and intuitive. You don't need any previous experience in the field to get to grips with the tool.
The suite of tools includes :
- schedules,
- to-do lists,
- group discussion options,
- a file and document storage system, etc.
However, it's important to note that Basecamp takes a compartmentalized approach to collaboration. In concrete terms, you can't communicate or exchange files directly on a project page (as you can on Asana, for example). You gain in clarity, for sure, but you lose (a little) in reactivity.
👉 Simplify your project management processes with Basecamp.
Basecamp
2. Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is the benchmark for a classic approach to enterprise project management. Microsoft's renowned office suite provides your teams with absolutely everything they need to collaborate effectively on a variety of tasks.
With Microsoft Planner, you can manage small projects by creating and sharing to-do lists and files. It's as easy to use as it is enjoyable.
Microsoft Project goes even further, offering you all the features you need to manage your activities:
- Gantt chart,
- complete project roadmaps,
- various visualization formats (grid, timeline, table)...
...nothing is missing.
Share your progress with customers thanks to Microsoft Power BIand its interactive dashboards.
Communicate effectively with your team thanks to Teams and its meeting, discussion and document sharing system.
A resolutely classic project management tool, but super powerful.
👉 Take advantage of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and its project management tools.
Microsoft 365
3. Onlyoffice Workspace
OnlyOffice Workspace breaks away from traditional project management to offer an all-in-one digital workspace philosophy:
- document management,
- CRM,
- mail,
- calendar,
- projects.
Everything is connected to boost team productivity.
For project management specifically, the dedicated module offers a wide range of functions, including :
- hierarchical project management,
- Gantt chart progress tracking,
- time tracking.
You'll hardly find anything more complete.
👉Adopt a 360° approach to project management with OnlyOffice Workspace.
ONLYOFFICE
How to choose an alternative to Smartsheet?
Summary table of the best alternatives to Smartsheet
|
Tool |
Pricing |
Key features |
|---|---|---|
|
Airtable |
Free Team: €17.02 / license / month Business: €38.30 / license / month Enterprise Scale: customized pricing |
|
|
Asana |
Free Starter: €9.35 / user / month Advanced: €21.27 / user / month Enterprise: on request |
|
|
Basecamp |
Free Plus: €12.77 / user / month Pro unlimited: €254.48 / month |
|
|
ClickUp |
Free Unlimited: €8.51 / user / month Business: €10.21 / user / month Enterprise: customized pricing |
|
|
Google Workspace |
Free |
|
|
Jira |
Free Standard: €6.81 / user / month Premium: €11.92 / user / month Enterprise: Customized pricing |
|
|
monday.com |
Basic: €9 / user / month Standard : 12 € / user / month Pro: €19 / user / month Enterprise: customized pricing |
|
|
Microsoft 365 |
Basic: €5.60 / user / month Standard: €11.70 / user / month Premium: €20.60 / user / month |
|
|
OnlyOffice Workspace |
Enterprise: €2,200 / server (lifetime) Enterprise Plus: €3300 / server (lifetime) Enterprise Premium: €4450 / server (lifetime) |
|
|
Wrike |
Free Team: €10 / user / month Business: €25 / user / month |
|
|
Zoho Projects |
Free Team: €8.51 / user / month Business: €21.28 / user / month Enterprise: on request |
|
Our advice for an optimal choice
To choose the best alternative to Smartsheet, you need to ask yourself several essential questions. We've put together a short list to help you find the ultimate project management software.
What are your project management needs?
Always analyze your needs carefully before investing in project management software. You need to have a clear idea of :
- the volume of tasks to be included,
- the degree of customization required,
- the type of visualization you want,
- and the desired level of integration with other tools.
It's a complex stage, but essential if you're to invest in a dashboard that's right for your business.
What's your budget?
Take a close look at the prices offered and the associated functionalities, to guarantee a good return on your investment. To help you do this, we've included a comparison table earlier in the article, where you'll find all the key software offers and features. Nice, isn't it?
What's the key element that interests you?
What's the number 1 criterion for choosing your future project management software?
- Ease of use, to ensure an ultra-fast learning curve?
- richness of functionality to take task customization to an advanced level?
- Do you want to focus on communication, with fast, fluid exchanges?
Every program has its strengths and weaknesses. So it's up to you to choose what really counts.
Alternatives to Smartsheet in a nutshell
When it comes to project management software, there's something for everyone.
In our opinion, the best is Basecamp. The perfect balance between simplicity and performance.
After that, if you're looking for a more feature-rich solution, turn to Clickup, for example.
For simplicity, go for monday.com.
To make your final choice, don't hesitate to try out the free versions. Theory is good, but practice is better. The important thing is to choose a tool that will be adopted by the whole team. The best software in the world won't do you any good if nobody uses it.
Article translated from French