Google Sheets vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Google Sheets 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: Google Sheets is our overall pick for productivity workflows. Pick Smartsheet if you need project management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Google Sheets
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need productivity features specifically
- • Free, web-based spreadsheet program.
- • Real-time collaboration and automatic saving.
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You need project management features specifically
- • Smartsheet is a work management platform with spreadsheet-like interface
- • It provides project management, automation, and collaboration features
| At a Glance |  Google Sheets |  Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $6/user/monthBusiness Starter | $9/moPro |
Best For | Productivity | Project Management |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Google Sheets or Smartsheet?
Choose Google Sheets if
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
- Free and powerful
- Great collaboration
- Good formulas
- You want a fully free tool (Smartsheet requires payment)
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not project management-shaped
Choose Smartsheet if
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
- Spreadsheet-like PM
- Good for Excel users
- Automation features
- Your work is project management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Google Sheets | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 13,172 reviews | ★4.4/5 27,013 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivitySpreadsheets | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Google Sheets
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
Strengths
- +Free and powerful
- +Great collaboration
- +Good formulas
- +Apps Script for automation
- +Integrates well
Weaknesses
- -Performance with large sheets
- -Privacy concerns
- -Less features than Excel
- -Offline mode limited
- -Some formatting issues
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: Google Sheets vs Smartsheet
| Plan | Google Sheets | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $9 Pro |
| Tier 2 | $6 user/month Business Starter | $24 Business |
| Tier 3 | $12 user/month Business Standard | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | $18 user/month Business Plus | Custom Advanced Work Management |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Google Sheets pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Google Sheets is free. Smartsheet is paid.
Go with: Google Sheets
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Google Sheets
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Google Sheets
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Google Sheets is free. Smartsheet is paid. Go with Google Sheets if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Google Sheets is a productivity tool. Smartsheet is in project management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Google Sheets
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Larger review base (27,013 reviews)
- Better fit for project management
The Bottom Line
Google Sheets is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Sheets or Smartsheet better?
Google Sheets is rated in our evaluation. Google Sheets is free and Smartsheet is paid.
What are Google Sheets and Smartsheet used for?
Google Sheets: Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does Google Sheets cost vs Smartsheet?
Google Sheets is completely free. Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.