Teamwork vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Teamwork 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: Teamwork wins this matchup. Jira is our overall Project Management pick. Jira is our free Project Management pick. Pick Smartsheet if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Teamwork
Project and resource management software for busy teams, integrating client management and automated forms.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want good project management
- • You want client portal
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
Best for you if:
- • You want spreadsheet-like PM
- • You want good for Excel users
| At a Glance | Smartsheet | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9/moPro |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Teamwork or Smartsheet?
Choose Teamwork if
Project and resource management software for busy teams, integrating client management and automated forms.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want good project management
- You want client portal
Choose Smartsheet if
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
- You want spreadsheet-like PM
- You want good for Excel users
| Feature | Teamwork | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 1,281 reviews | ★4.1/5 26,330 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementResource Planning | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Teamwork
Project and resource management software for busy teams, integrating client management and automated forms.
Teamwork's pricing is fair, offering a generous free tier and competitive per-user pricing.
Watch out
Free tier limited to 5 users, 2 projects.
Strengths
- +Good project management
- +Client portal
- +Time tracking
- +Fair pricing
- +Good for agencies
Weaknesses
- -UI dated
- -Less modern than competitors
- -Mobile apps basic
- -Learning curve
- -Limited free tier
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
- +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: Teamwork vs Smartsheet
| Plan | Teamwork | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Forever | $9 Pro |
| Tier 2 | $8.99 /user/month Starter | $24 Business |
| Tier 3 | $13.99 /user/month Deliver | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | $25.99 /user/month Grow | Custom Advanced Work Management |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Teamwork pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Teamwork has a free tier. Smartsheet is paid only.
Go with: Teamwork
Want the highest-rated option?
Teamwork: 4.4/5 (1,281 reviews). Smartsheet: 4.1/5 (26,330 reviews).
Go with: Teamwork
Value user reviews?
Teamwork: 1,281 reviews (4.4/5). Smartsheet: 26,330 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Smartsheet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Teamwork is freemium. Smartsheet is paid. Teamwork lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Teamwork is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Teamwork
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Larger review base (26,330 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Teamwork wins this matchup. Jira is our overall Project Management pick. Jira is our free Project Management pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Teamwork or Smartsheet better?
Teamwork is rated in our evaluation. Teamwork is freemium and Smartsheet is paid.
What are Teamwork and Smartsheet used for?
Teamwork: Project and resource management software for busy teams, integrating client management and automated forms.. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does Teamwork cost vs Smartsheet?
Teamwork is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.