Hive vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hive 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: Hive wins this matchup. Our overall Project Management pick is Jira. Our free Project Management pick is MantisBT. 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:
Hive
The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want project management
- • You want multiple views
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You want spreadsheet-like PM
- • You want good for Excel users
| At a Glance | Hive | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9/moPro |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Hive or Smartsheet?
Choose Hive if
The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want project management
- You want multiple views
Choose Smartsheet if
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
- You want spreadsheet-like PM
- You want good for Excel users
| Feature | Hive | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 886 reviews | ★4.1/5 26,330 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Hive
The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.
Hive's pricing is fair, offering a generous Free tier for up to 10 users.
Strengths
- +Project management
- +Multiple views
- +Good integrations
- +Team collaboration
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Can be overwhelming
- -Mobile app basic
- -Support varies
- -Feature bloat
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
- +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: Hive vs Smartsheet
| Plan | Hive | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $9 Pro |
| Tier 2 | $12 /user/month Teams | $24 Business |
| Tier 3 | custom Enterprise | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Advanced Work Management |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hive pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Hive has a free tier. Smartsheet is paid only.
Go with: Hive
Want the highest-rated option?
Hive: 4.5/5 (886 reviews). Smartsheet: 4.1/5 (26,330 reviews).
Go with: Hive
Value user reviews?
Hive: 886 reviews (4.5/5). Smartsheet: 26,330 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Smartsheet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hive is freemium. Smartsheet is paid. Hive lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Hive is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Hive
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Larger review base (26,330 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Hive wins this matchup. Our overall Project Management pick is Jira. Our free Project Management pick is MantisBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hive or Smartsheet better?
Hive is rated in our evaluation. Hive is freemium and Smartsheet is paid.
What are Hive and Smartsheet used for?
Hive: The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does Hive cost vs Smartsheet?
Hive is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.