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 wins this matchup. Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick. Microsoft Excel is our free Spreadsheets pick. Pick Smartsheet if you need project management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Google Sheets
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Smartsheet requires payment)
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You want spreadsheet-like PM
| At a Glance | Google Sheets | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | $9/mo Pro |
Category | Productivity Spreadsheets | Project Management Productivity |
Rating | 3.7/5 Capterra 4.8 · SourceForge 2.4 997 reviews | 4.1/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.5 · SourceForge 2.3 26,330 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | Storage limits on free tier can be hit quickly. | Business tier requires 3+ members minimum |
Choose Google Sheets or Smartsheet?
Choose Google Sheets if
- You want a fully free tool (Smartsheet requires payment)
- You want free and powerful
- You want great collaboration
- You work in productivity, not project management
Choose Smartsheet if
- You want spreadsheet-like PM
- You want good for Excel users
- You work in project management, not productivity
In-Depth Analysis
Google Sheets
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
Google Sheets itself is free, which is incredibly generous and makes it accessible to everyone.
Watch out
Storage limits on free tier can be hit quickly.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and powerful
- Pro: Great collaboration
- Pro: Good formulas
- Pro: Apps Script for automation
- Pro: Integrates well
Weaknesses
- Con: Performance with large sheets
- Con: Privacy concerns
- Con: Less features than Excel
- Con: Offline mode limited
- Con: Some formatting issues
Key features
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Smartsheet's pricing is on the higher side, especially for smaller teams, with the Pro tier at $9/member/month and Business at $24/member/month.
Watch out
Business tier requires 3+ members minimum
Strengths
- Pro: Spreadsheet-like PM
- Pro: Good for Excel users
- Pro: Automation features
- Pro: Enterprise ready
- Pro: Good templates
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Can be confusing
- Con: Less flexible than others
- Con: Mobile app limited
- Con: 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.
Key Takeaways
Google Sheets
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Higher user rating: 4.1/5 vs 3.7/5
- Larger review base (26,330 reviews)
- Better fit for project management
The Bottom Line
Google Sheets wins this matchup. Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick. Microsoft Excel is our free Spreadsheets pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Sheets or Smartsheet better in 2026?
Google Sheets wins this matchup. Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick. Microsoft Excel is our free Spreadsheets pick. Pick Google Sheets for productivity workflows (main strength: free and powerful). Pick Smartsheet for project management workflows (main strength: spreadsheet-like PM).
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's paid plans start at Free (Business Starter). Smartsheet's paid plans start at $9/mo (Pro).
What's the main difference between Google Sheets and Smartsheet?
Google Sheets's main strength: free and powerful. Smartsheet's main strength: spreadsheet-like PM.