Hive vs Smartsheet — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Hive and Smartsheet to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Smartsheet takes the lead with a 4.1 rating and is best for operations and pmo teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features.. Hive (3.9) is the better pick if you need small teams wanting project management, email, and chat consolidated in one platform..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Hive | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 3.9(67) | ★★★★ 4.1(198) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | paid |
| Starter Price | $12/user/mo (Teams) | $9/user/mo (Pro) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android, mac, windows | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | medium | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small teams wanting project management, email, and chat consolidated in one platform. | Operations and PMO teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features. |
| Verdict | consider_alternatives | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Hive | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
Hive
Pros
- ✓All-in-one approach consolidates PM, email, and chat
- ✓HiveMind AI adds useful assistance within workflows
- ✓Generous free tier for up to 10 users
Cons
- ✕Each component is less polished than dedicated tools
- ✕Built-in email and chat rarely replace existing tools
- ✕Smaller ecosystem and community than leading alternatives
Smartsheet
Pros
- ✓Familiar spreadsheet interface minimizes learning curve for Excel users
- ✓Strong automation and cross-sheet formula capabilities
- ✓Excellent for operations and PMO workflows
Cons
- ✕Spreadsheet paradigm limits visual project management options
- ✕No free tier — trial is the only way to evaluate
- ✕Business plan at $32/user/mo is expensive
The Bottom Line
Both Hive and Smartsheet are solid tools in the Project Management space. Smartsheet edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.1 vs 3.9) and is the better choice for operations and pmo teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features.. However, if you prioritize small teams wanting project management, email, and chat consolidated in one platform., Hive is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.