Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet
A detailed comparison of Microsoft Project and Smartsheet to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
Microsoft Project
Enterprise project management software with Gantt charts.
Smartsheet
Platform for managing work through a spreadsheet-like interface.
💰 Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | ✗ No | ✓ 1 user, 2 sheets |
| Lowest Paid | $10/user/mo | $9/user/mo |
| Enterprise | $55/user/mo | Custom pricing |
⚡ Feature Comparison
| Feature | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Gantt charts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Resource management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Portfolio management | ✓ | — |
| Timeline view | ✓ | — |
| Task dependencies | ✓ | — |
| Budget tracking | ✓ | — |
| Risk management | ✓ | — |
| Reports | ✓ | ✓ |
| SharePoint integration | ✓ | — |
| Power BI | ✓ | — |
| Spreadsheet interface | — | ✓ |
| Automations | — | ✓ |
| Dashboards | — | ✓ |
| Forms | — | ✓ |
| Proofing | — | ✓ |
| API access | — | ✓ |
| Connectors | — | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✗ |
| Rating | ⭐ 3.9 | ⭐ 4.1 |
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Project
Pros
- ✓ Comprehensive features
- ✓ Industry standard
- ✓ Powerful scheduling
- ✓ Microsoft integration
Cons
- ✗ Very expensive
- ✗ Complex interface
- ✗ Steep learning curve
- ✗ Outdated UX
Smartsheet
Pros
- ✓ Familiar spreadsheet UI
- ✓ Powerful automation
- ✓ Great for data-heavy projects
- ✓ Strong integrations
Cons
- ✗ Expensive for full features
- ✗ Can be slow
- ✗ Complex formula syntax
- ✗ Limited mobile app
🏆 The Verdict
Choose Microsoft Project if: You need enterprise project managers. Microsoft Project excels with its comprehensive features and industry standard.
Choose Smartsheet if: You need teams comfortable with spreadsheets. Smartsheet stands out with its familiar spreadsheet ui and powerful automation.
Best free option: Smartsheet offers a free tier (1 user, 2 sheets).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Project better than Smartsheet?
It depends on your needs. Microsoft Project is better for enterprise project managers, while Smartsheet is better for teams comfortable with spreadsheets. Both are excellent tools rated 3.9 and 4.1 respectively.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Project or Smartsheet?
Microsoft Project starts at $10/user/mo while Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Smartsheet also has a free tier.
Can I switch from Microsoft Project to Smartsheet?
Most tools offer import/export features to help you migrate. We recommend trying Smartsheet's free tier before fully committing to a switch.
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