Smartsheet vs Todoist — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Smartsheet and Todoist to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Todoist takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for individuals who want the best personal task manager with beautiful design and natural language input.. Smartsheet (4.1) is the better pick if you need operations and pmo teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Smartsheet | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(198) | ★★★★ 4.5(389) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $9/user/mo (Pro) | $5/mo (Pro) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web, ios, android, mac, windows, linux |
| Learning Curve | medium | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Operations and PMO teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features. | Individuals who want the best personal task manager with beautiful design and natural language input. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Smartsheet | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Spreadsheet-based interface | — | |
| Gantt charts and dependencies | — | |
| Automated workflows | — | |
| Dashboards and reporting | — | |
| Resource management | — | |
| Proofing and approvals | — | |
| Natural language task input | — | |
| Projects, sections, and labels | — | |
| Smart filters and views | — | |
| Reminders (Pro) | — | |
| Karma gamification | — | |
| Templates | — |
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
Todoist
Pros
- ✓Natural language input is the fastest way to capture tasks
- ✓Beautiful, consistent design across every platform
- ✓Pro at $5/mo is exceptional value
Cons
- ✕Not a project management tool — no Gantt charts, timelines, or reporting
- ✕Free tier limit of 5 projects is restrictive
- ✕Business plan is basic compared to dedicated team PM tools
The Bottom Line
Both Smartsheet and Todoist are solid tools in the Project Management space. Todoist edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for individuals who want the best personal task manager with beautiful design and natural language input.. However, if you prioritize operations and pmo teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features., Smartsheet is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.