LiquidPlanner vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between LiquidPlanner 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: Smartsheet wins this matchup. Our overall Project Management pick is Jira. Our free Project Management pick is MantisBT. Pick LiquidPlanner if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
LiquidPlanner
The all-in-one project management platform that uses predictive scheduling to dynamically adapt to change.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want provides highly accurate project finish dates through predictive scheduling
- • You want automatically adapts to changes, reducing manual re-planning efforts
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 | LiquidPlanner | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9/moPro |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose LiquidPlanner or Smartsheet?
Choose LiquidPlanner if
The all-in-one project management platform that uses predictive scheduling to dynamically adapt to change.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want provides highly accurate project finish dates through predictive scheduling
- You want automatically adapts to changes, reducing manual re-planning efforts
Choose Smartsheet if
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
- You want spreadsheet-like PM
- You want good for Excel users
| Feature | LiquidPlanner | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★3.9/5 923 reviews | ★4.1/5 26,330 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
LiquidPlanner
The all-in-one project management platform that uses predictive scheduling to dynamically adapt to change.
Strengths
- +Provides highly accurate project finish dates through predictive scheduling
- +Automatically adapts to changes, reducing manual re-planning efforts
- +Enhances team communication and collaboration with integrated tools
- +Offers deep insights into resource capacity and project performance
- +Reduces uncertainty and improves decision-making for complex portfolios
Weaknesses
- -No explicit pricing tiers or free trial information readily available on the main pages
- -The EAP features are not yet fully released as part of the core product
- -Requires integration with other tools like Jira for full EAP functionality
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: LiquidPlanner vs Smartsheet
| Plan | LiquidPlanner | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $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 LiquidPlanner pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LiquidPlanner has a free tier. Smartsheet is paid only.
Go with: LiquidPlanner
Want the highest-rated option?
LiquidPlanner: 3.9/5 (923 reviews). Smartsheet: 4.1/5 (26,330 reviews).
Go with: Smartsheet
Value user reviews?
LiquidPlanner: 923 reviews (3.9/5). Smartsheet: 26,330 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Smartsheet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LiquidPlanner is freemium. Smartsheet is paid. LiquidPlanner lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Smartsheet is rated higher: 4.1/5 vs 3.9/5.
Key Takeaways
Smartsheet
- Higher user rating: 4.1/5 vs 3.9/5
- Larger review base (26,330 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
LiquidPlanner
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Smartsheet wins this matchup. Our overall Project Management pick is Jira. Our free Project Management pick is MantisBT. LiquidPlanner has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LiquidPlanner or Smartsheet better?
Smartsheet is rated in our evaluation. LiquidPlanner is freemium and Smartsheet is paid.
What are LiquidPlanner and Smartsheet used for?
LiquidPlanner: The all-in-one project management platform that uses predictive scheduling to dynamically adapt to change.. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does LiquidPlanner cost vs Smartsheet?
LiquidPlanner is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.