Wrike vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Wrike 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: Wrike 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:
Wrike
Enterprise work management platform
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want powerful project management
- • You want good for enterprises
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 | Wrike | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9/moPro |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Wrike or Smartsheet?
Choose Wrike if
Enterprise work management platform
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want powerful project management
- You want good for enterprises
Choose Smartsheet if
Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows
- You want spreadsheet-like PM
- You want good for Excel users
| Feature | Wrike | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 7,577 reviews | ★4.1/5 26,330 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Wrike
Enterprise work management platform
Wrike's pricing starts fairly competitively with the Team plan at $9.8/user/month, offering good value for basic project management.
Watch out
Custom fields locked behind $24.8 tier
Strengths
- +Powerful project management
- +Good for enterprises
- +Custom workflows
- +Resource management
- +Good reporting
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Complex for small teams
- -Learning curve
- -UI can be overwhelming
- -Per-user pricing
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: Wrike vs Smartsheet
| Plan | Wrike | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $9 Pro |
| Tier 2 | $9.8 user/month Team | $24 Business |
| Tier 3 | $24.8 user/month Business | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | Custom contact sales Enterprise | Custom Advanced Work Management |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Wrike pricing and Smartsheet pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Wrike has a free tier. Smartsheet is paid only.
Go with: Wrike
Want the highest-rated option?
Wrike: 4.3/5 (7,577 reviews). Smartsheet: 4.1/5 (26,330 reviews).
Go with: Wrike
Value user reviews?
Wrike: 7,577 reviews (4.3/5). Smartsheet: 26,330 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Smartsheet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Wrike is freemium. Smartsheet is paid. Wrike lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Wrike is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Wrike
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartsheet
- Larger review base (26,330 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Wrike wins this matchup. Jira is our overall Project Management pick. Jira is our free Project Management pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wrike or Smartsheet better?
Wrike is rated in our evaluation. Wrike is freemium and Smartsheet is paid.
What are Wrike and Smartsheet used for?
Wrike: Enterprise work management platform. Smartsheet: Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows.
What does Wrike cost vs Smartsheet?
Wrike is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartsheet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.