Paymo vs Smartsheet: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Paymo 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Paymo
Affordable time tracking, project management, and invoicing software for client projects.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.9/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need project management features specifically
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
| At a Glance |  Paymo | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Project Management | Productivity |
Rating | 79/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Paymo | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 79 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 74 |
| Categories | Project ManagementFinance | ProductivityProject Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Paymo and Smartsheet solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Paymo positions itself as "affordable time tracking, project management, and invoicing software for client projects." while Smartsheetfocuses on "spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Paymo
Paymo makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 79/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Smartsheet
Smartsheet is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Paymo lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Paymo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Paymo handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Paymo
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Smartsheet takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Smartsheet
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Paymo, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Paymo higher (79/100). But the community has upvoted Smartsheet more (74 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Paymo Does Better
- Higher overall score (79/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Smartsheet If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Paymo (79/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Paymo scores higher in our analysis, but Smartsheet might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paymo or Smartsheet better?
Based on our analysis, Paymo scores higher with 79/100. Paymo isfreemium while Smartsheet is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Paymo to Smartsheet easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Paymo and Smartsheet offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Paymo is freemium with a free tier.Smartsheet is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.