Forecast vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Forecast 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.
Bottom line: Forecast is our overall pick for project management workflows. Pick Smartsheet if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Forecast
Unify project management, resource planning, and financials with AI for profitable growth.
Best for you if:
- • Unifies project management, resource planning, and financials in one AI-powered platform.
- • Provides real-time visibility, margin control, and scalable operations for agencies and consultancies.
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • Smartsheet is a work management platform with spreadsheet-like interface
- • It provides project management, automation, and collaboration features
| At a Glance |  Forecast |  Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $9/moPro |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Forecast or Smartsheet?
Choose Forecast if
Unify project management, resource planning, and financials with AI for profitable growth.
- Resource planning
- AI scheduling
- Good for agencies
Choose Smartsheet if
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
- Spreadsheet-like PM
- Good for Excel users
- Automation features
| Feature | Forecast | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 98 reviews | ★4.4/5 27,013 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementResource Planning | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Forecast
Unify project management, resource planning, and financials with AI for profitable growth.
Strengths
- +Resource planning
- +AI scheduling
- +Good for agencies
- +Time tracking
- +Project management
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Learning curve
- -Per-seat pricing
- -Complex setup
- -Enterprise focus
Key features
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Strengths
- +Spreadsheet-like PM
- +Good for Excel users
- +Automation features
- +Enterprise ready
- +Good templates
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Can be confusing
- -Less flexible than others
- -Mobile app limited
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Forecast vs Smartsheet
| Plan | Forecast | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Custom Custom | $9 Pro |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $24 Business |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Advanced Work Management |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Forecast pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Forecast
Want the highest-rated option?
Forecast: 4.3/5 (98 reviews). Smartsheet: 4.4/5 (27,013 reviews).
Go with: Smartsheet
Value user reviews?
Forecast: 98 reviews (4.3/5). Smartsheet: 27,013 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Smartsheet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Smartsheet is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Forecast
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (27,013 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Forecast is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forecast or Smartsheet better?
Forecast is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Forecast and Smartsheet used for?
Forecast: Unify project management, resource planning, and financials with AI for profitable growth.. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does Forecast cost vs Smartsheet?
Forecast is a paid tool. Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.