12 Best Smartsheet Alternatives to Improve Project Workflow
Smartsheet is a popular project management tool that helps teams organize tasks and workflows. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global project management software market could reach $20,469.8 million by 2030, as more companies look for tools to improve productivity. While Smartsheet is extensively used, many firms choose alternatives that are easier to use, less expensive, or have unique capabilities.
Here are the 12 Smartsheet competitors you can consider using. Whether you want a free option or a solution with advanced features, there’s a tool here to meet your team’s needs.
1. Asana
Asana is one of the most popular Smartsheet competitors. It emphasizes task management and team communication to keep teams organized and productive. With Asana, you can manage projects through Kanban boards, lists, timelines, and calendar views, giving teams multiple ways to visualize their work.
Key Features:
- Task dependencies
- Custom workflows
- Integration with popular tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Zoom
This application is ideal for teams seeking a task-oriented platform with robust collaboration options to improve workflow and productivity.
2. Trello
Trello is a simple and intuitive tool based on Kanban boards, making it easy to manage tasks visually. It’s best suited for smaller projects or personal use, but it also offers Power-Ups to extend its functionality for bigger teams.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Customizable boards
- Integration with popular apps like Google Drive and Slack
This Smartsheet alternative is ideal for teams that prefer a visual and straightforward project management approach.
3. Monday.com
Monday.com is a highly flexible project management tool that enables teams to create workflows that are tailored to their specific procedures. It supports various views, including timeline, calendar, and Gantt chart, making it flexible for different project types.
Key Features:
- Custom dashboards
- Workflow automation
- Integration with tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom
This tool is a good fit for teams wanting to create custom workflows and manage multiple projects efficiently.
4. Wrike
Wrike offers powerful project management features, including real-time collaboration and advanced reporting. It’s designed for mid-sized to large teams that need detailed task tracking and analytics. Wrike’s customizable dashboards and automation options help streamline complex workflows.
Key Features:
- Real-time collaboration
- Custom workflows
- Advanced analytics and reporting
This tool is proficient for organizations that require comprehensive project planning and performance monitoring. Though you can consider this as a free Smartsheet alternative, it only offers free up to 5 members, and you need to pay for professional and business plans.
5. ClickUp
ClickUp is comprehensive productivity software that includes task management, document collaboration, and time tracking capabilities. As one of the tools like Smartsheet, it combines multiple tools in one app, making it easier for teams to manage projects without switching between platforms.
Key Features:
- Custom views (list, board, calendar)
- Built-in time tracking
- Goal-setting and reminders
This tool is perfect for teams seeking a feature-rich project management solution at an affordable price.
6. Airtable
Airtable combines the features of a database with the ease of a spreadsheet. It’s ideal for teams managing large amounts of data but wanting something more user-friendly than a traditional database. Airtable’s multiple view options make it highly flexible.
Key Features:
- Customizable templates
- Integration with over 1,000 apps
- Multiple views (grid, calendar, Kanban)
This tool is qualified for teams that need a versatile solution for organizing data-heavy projects.
7. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is part of the larger Zoho suite, which makes it easy to integrate with other Zoho tools like Zoho CRM. It provides basic project management capabilities such as Gantt charts, task dependencies, and time tracking, making it an excellent choice for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Key Features:
- Built-in time tracking
- Task automation
- Budget management tools
This too perfectly serves small businesses looking for an affordable yet powerful project management solution.
8. Basecamp
Basecamp focuses on simplicity and team communication rather than advanced project
management features. It offers message boards, to-do lists, and group chat to help teams collaborate effectively without overwhelming them with options.
Key Features:
- Message boards
- To-do lists and schedules
- Group chat and file sharing
Adding to the list of software like Smartsheet, this solution is appropriate for teams who value communication and simplicity over complicated project management capabilities.
9. Notion
Notion integrates project management, note-taking, and database functionality in a single platform. It is highly flexible, allowing teams to design their own workflows and interact on documents in real time.
Key Features:
- Custom databases
- Collaboration in real-time
- Document sharing and version control
This tool is versatile for teams needing an all-in-one workspace for managing projects and knowledge.
10. TeamGantt
TeamGantt focuses on visual project planning with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop Gantt chart interface. It is great for teams that use Gantt charts for planning and tracking progress. Built-in time tracking makes it easier to manage deadlines.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop Gantt charts
- Task dependencies
- Built-in time tracking
This tool is ideal for teams that need a dedicated Gantt chart solution for managing schedules and deadlines.
11. Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a powerful solution intended for large businesses with sophisticated project management requirements. It supports comprehensive scheduling, resource management, and connection with Microsoft’s portfolio of applications. However, it has a steeper learning curve than some of the other tools on this list.
Key Features:
- Detailed scheduling tools
- Resource management
- Integration with Microsoft Office suite
This tool is best for large organizations already using Microsoft’s ecosystem.
12. Smartsuite
Smartsuite is a newer alternative with a modern, user-friendly interface. It offers workflow automation, multiple view options, and collaborative editing, making it similar to Smartsheet but with added flexibility.
Key Features:
- Workflow automation
- Kanban, Gantt, and timeline views
- Document collaboration
This tool is suitable for teams looking for a flexible and modern project management solution.
In general, it can be said that the growing variety of Smartsheet competitors reflects how project management needs are evolving. Businesses no longer accept universally applicable solutions. Instead, they seek tools that align with their workflows, priorities, and budgets. This shift highlights a broader trend—flexibility and customization now matter just as much as core features. The appropriate technology does more than just manage activities; it also empowers teams to work their way, making adaptability the true key to long-term success.
