Smartsheet vs Trello — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Smartsheet and Trello to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Trello takes the lead with a 4.3 rating and is best for small teams and individuals who want simple, visual task tracking without complexity.. 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 | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(198) | ★★★★ 4.3(456) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $9/user/mo (Pro) | $6/user/mo (Standard) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web, ios, android, mac, windows |
| Learning Curve | medium | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Operations and PMO teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features. | Small teams and individuals who want simple, visual task tracking without complexity. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Smartsheet | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
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
Trello
Pros
- ✓Simplest project management tool — zero learning curve
- ✓Butler automation is surprisingly powerful for a "simple" tool
- ✓Generous free tier for individuals and small teams
Cons
- ✕Limited views — primarily kanban, everything else is an afterthought
- ✕Breaks down for complex projects with many dependencies
- ✕Premium features feel expensive for what is fundamentally a board tool
The Bottom Line
Both Smartsheet and Trello are solid tools in the Project Management space. Trello edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.3 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for small teams and individuals who want simple, visual task tracking without complexity.. 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.