Smartsheet vs Grist: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Smartsheet and Grist 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: Smartsheet wins this matchup. Our overall Spreadsheets pick is Microsoft Excel. Our free Spreadsheets pick is Google Sheets. Pick Grist if you need spreadsheets.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You want spreadsheet-like PM
- • You want good for Excel users
Grist
The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want open-source and self-hostable for full data ownership and control
- • You want combines spreadsheet familiarity with database power
| At a Glance | Smartsheet | Grist |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9/moPro | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Project Management | Spreadsheets |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Smartsheet or Grist?
Choose Smartsheet if
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
- You want spreadsheet-like PM
- You want good for Excel users
- Your work is project management-shaped, not spreadsheets-shaped
Choose Grist if
The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want open-source and self-hostable for full data ownership and control
- You want combines spreadsheet familiarity with database power
- Your work is spreadsheets-shaped, not project management-shaped
| Feature | Smartsheet | Grist |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 26,330 reviews | ★4.9/5 7 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementProductivity | SpreadsheetsDatabase Builders |
In-Depth Analysis
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
- +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
Grist
The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control.
Grist offers a generous Free tier with significant functionality, making it highly accessible.
Strengths
- +Open-source and self-hostable for full data ownership and control
- +Combines spreadsheet familiarity with database power
- +Highly customizable with Python in formulas and custom widgets
- +Granular access control enhances security and collaboration
- +AI assistant streamlines data analysis and formula creation
Weaknesses
- -May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with relational databases
- -Building complex custom solutions might require some technical understanding
Key features
Pricing: Smartsheet vs Grist
| Plan | Smartsheet | Grist |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $9 Pro | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $24 Business | $10 / user / mo Pro |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | $30 / user / mo Business |
| Tier 4 | Custom Advanced Work Management | Contact us Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $0 Community edition (Grist Core) |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $30 / user / mo Enterprise Lite |
| Tier 7 | N/A | Contact us Enterprise (Self-hosted) |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Smartsheet pricing and Grist pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Grist has a free tier. Smartsheet is paid only.
Go with: Grist
Want the highest-rated option?
Smartsheet: 4.1/5 (26,330 reviews). Grist: 4.9/5 (7 reviews).
Go with: Grist
Value user reviews?
Smartsheet: 26,330 reviews (4.1/5). Grist: 7 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Smartsheet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Smartsheet is paid. Grist is freemium. Grist lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Smartsheet is a project management tool. Grist is in spreadsheets. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Grist is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Smartsheet
- Larger review base (26,330 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Grist
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.1/5
- Better fit for spreadsheets
The Bottom Line
Smartsheet wins this matchup. Our overall Spreadsheets pick is Microsoft Excel. Our free Spreadsheets pick is Google Sheets. Grist has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smartsheet or Grist better?
Smartsheet is rated in our evaluation. Smartsheet is paid and Grist is freemium.
What are Smartsheet and Grist used for?
Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows. Grist: The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control..
What does Smartsheet cost vs Grist?
Smartsheet is a paid tool. Grist is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.