Microsoft Excel vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Excel 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: Microsoft Excel is our overall 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:
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You want spreadsheet-like PM
| At a Glance | Microsoft Excel | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $9/mo Pro |
Category | Spreadsheets Productivity | Project Management Productivity |
Rating | 4.8/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.7 22,705 reviews | 4.1/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.5 · SourceForge 2.3 26,330 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | n/a | Business tier requires 3+ members minimum |
Choose Microsoft Excel or Smartsheet?
Choose Microsoft Excel if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want industry standard
- You want most powerful features
- You work in spreadsheets, not project management
Choose Smartsheet if
- You want spreadsheet-like PM
- You want good for Excel users
- You work in project management, not spreadsheets
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel's pricing is fair, offering a generous free online version and affordable subscription options.
Strengths
- Pro: Industry standard
- Pro: Most powerful features
- Pro: Excellent for complex analysis
- Pro: VBA automation
- Pro: Universal compatibility
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires Microsoft 365 subscription
- Con: Can be complex for beginners
- Con: Large file sizes
- Con: Performance with big datasets
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: Microsoft Excel vs Smartsheet
| Plan | Microsoft Excel | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Excel Online | $9 Pro |
| Tier 2 | $6.99 month Microsoft 365 Personal | $24 Business |
| Tier 3 | $12.99 month Microsoft 365 Family | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Advanced Work Management |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft Excel pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Excel
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.1/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Larger review base (26,330 reviews)
- Better fit for project management
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Excel or Smartsheet better in 2026?
Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick. Pick Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets workflows (main strength: industry standard). Pick Smartsheet for project management workflows (main strength: spreadsheet-like PM).
What are Microsoft Excel and Smartsheet used for?
Microsoft Excel: Industry-standard spreadsheet software. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does Microsoft Excel cost vs Smartsheet?
Microsoft Excel's paid plans start at Free (Microsoft 365 Personal). Smartsheet's paid plans start at $9/mo (Pro).
What's the main difference between Microsoft Excel and Smartsheet?
Microsoft Excel's main strength: industry standard. Smartsheet's main strength: spreadsheet-like PM.