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 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:
Rows
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need spreadsheets features specifically
- • Connects spreadsheets directly to business tools for real-time data.
- • Automates data import and workflows.
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 |  Rows |  Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $15/moPlus | $9/moPro |
Best For | Spreadsheets | Project Management |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Rows or Smartsheet?
Choose Rows if
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
- Spreadsheet with superpowers
- Data integrations
- Good for 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 | Rows | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 25 reviews | ★4.4/5 27,013 reviews |
| Categories | SpreadsheetsData & Databases | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Rows
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
Strengths
- +Spreadsheet with superpowers
- +Data integrations
- +Good for analysis
- +Active development
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Limited vs Excel
- -Row limits
- -Feature gaps
- -Better for specific uses
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: 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.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Rows has a free tier. Smartsheet is paid only.
Go with: Rows
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Rows
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Rows
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Rows is freemium. Smartsheet is paid. Rows lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Rows is a spreadsheets tool. Smartsheet is in project management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Rows
- 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
Rows is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rows or Smartsheet better?
Rows is rated in our evaluation. Rows is freemium and Smartsheet is paid.
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 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.