Awork vs Smartsheet: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Awork and Smartsheet comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Awork
Joyful work management for happy teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need project management features specifically
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Project Management | Productivity |
Rating | 82/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Awork | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 74 |
| Categories | Project Management | ProductivityProject Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Awork and Smartsheet solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Awork positions itself as "joyful work management for happy teams" while Smartsheetfocuses on "spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Awork
Awork makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 82/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Smartsheet
Smartsheet is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Awork lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Awork
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Awork handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Awork
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Smartsheet takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Smartsheet
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Awork, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Awork higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Smartsheet more (74 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Awork Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Smartsheet If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Awork (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Awork scores higher in our analysis, but Smartsheet might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Awork or Smartsheet better?
Based on our analysis, Awork scores higher with 82/100. Awork isfreemium while Smartsheet is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Awork to Smartsheet easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Awork and Smartsheet offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Awork is freemium with a free tier.Smartsheet is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.