Rows vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Rows 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: Rows wins this matchup. Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick. Microsoft Excel is our free 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:
Rows
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
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 | Rows | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $9/mo Pro |
Category | Spreadsheets Data & Databases | Project Management Productivity |
Rating | 4.9/5 G2 4.9 24 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 Rows or Smartsheet?
Choose Rows if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want spreadsheet with superpowers
- You want data integrations
- 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
Rows
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
Rows' pricing is generally fair, especially with a robust free tier.
Strengths
- Pro: Spreadsheet with superpowers
- Pro: Data integrations
- Pro: Good for analysis
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Limited vs Excel
- Con: Row limits
- Con: Feature gaps
- Con: Better for specific uses
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: Rows vs Smartsheet
| Plan | Rows | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $9 Pro |
| Tier 2 | $15 Plus | $24 Business |
| Tier 3 | $22 Pro | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Advanced Work Management |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Rows pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Key Takeaways
Rows
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 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
Rows wins this matchup. Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick. Microsoft Excel is our free Spreadsheets pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rows or Smartsheet better in 2026?
Rows wins this matchup. Microsoft Excel is our overall Spreadsheets pick. Microsoft Excel is our free Spreadsheets pick. Pick Rows for spreadsheets workflows (main strength: spreadsheet with superpowers). Pick Smartsheet for project management workflows (main strength: spreadsheet-like PM).
What are Rows and Smartsheet used for?
Rows: The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does Rows cost vs Smartsheet?
Rows's paid plans start at Free (Plus). Smartsheet's paid plans start at $9/mo (Pro).
What's the main difference between Rows and Smartsheet?
Rows's main strength: spreadsheet with superpowers. Smartsheet's main strength: spreadsheet-like PM.