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 pick for spreadsheets 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:
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need spreadsheets features specifically
- • Industry-standard spreadsheet
- • Most powerful analysis features
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 |  Microsoft Excel |  Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9/moPro |
Best For | Spreadsheets | Project Management |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Microsoft Excel or Smartsheet?
Choose Microsoft Excel if
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
- Industry standard
- Most powerful features
- Excellent for complex analysis
- Your work is spreadsheets-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 spreadsheets-shaped
| Feature | Microsoft Excel | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 3,043 reviews | ★4.4/5 27,013 reviews |
| Categories | SpreadsheetsProductivity | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Strengths
- +Industry standard
- +Most powerful features
- +Excellent for complex analysis
- +VBA automation
- +Universal compatibility
Weaknesses
- -Requires Microsoft 365 subscription
- -Can be complex for beginners
- -Large file sizes
- -Performance with big datasets
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: 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.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Excel has a free tier. Smartsheet is paid only.
Go with: Microsoft Excel
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Excel: 4.7/5 (3,043 reviews). Smartsheet: 4.4/5 (27,013 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft Excel
Value user reviews?
Microsoft Excel: 3,043 reviews (4.7/5). Smartsheet: 27,013 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Smartsheet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft Excel is freemium. Smartsheet is paid. Microsoft Excel lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheets tool. Smartsheet is in project management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft Excel is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Excel
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Larger review base (27,013 reviews)
- Better fit for project management
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Excel is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Excel or Smartsheet better?
Microsoft Excel is rated in our evaluation. Microsoft Excel is freemium and Smartsheet is paid.
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 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.