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Is Smartsheet Worth It in 2026? Our Honest Verdict
Situational
Smartsheet: Smartsheet is the right choice for spreadsheet-native organizations that need project management without changing how they think.
Rating★ 4.1/5
Starting price$9/user/mo (Pro)
Best forOperations and PMO teams who think in sp
CategoryProject Management
Who Smartsheet Is Worth It For
- ✓Operations and PMO teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features.
- ✓Familiar spreadsheet interface minimizes learning curve for Excel users
- ✓Strong automation and cross-sheet formula capabilities
- ✓Excellent for operations and PMO workflows
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- ✕Not ideal for creative teams who prefer visual, card-based interfaces over grids.
- ✕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
Is Smartsheet Pricing Fair?
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | 30-day free trial |
| Starter | $9/user/mo (Pro) |
| Pro | $32/user/mo (Business) |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing |
Pricing verified March 2026.
How Smartsheet Compares
| Smartsheet | Things 3 | Linear | Sunsama | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $9/user/mo (Pro) | $9.99 (iPhone), $19.99 (iPad) | $8/user/mo (Basic) | $20/mo |
| Rating | ★ 4.1 | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.6 |
| Verdict | Situational | Situational | Recommended | Situational |
AICores Verdict on Smartsheet
Smartsheet is the right choice for spreadsheet-native organizations that need project management without changing how they think. If your team lives in Excel, Smartsheet is the path of least resistance. For everyone else, the grid-first approach feels limiting compared to modern visual tools.
AICores Editorial Review
Reviewed by AICores Editorial Team
Last updated: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smartsheet worth the money?▼
Smartsheet is the right choice for spreadsheet-native organizations that need project management without changing how they think. If your team lives in Excel, Smartsheet is the path of least resistance. For everyone else, the grid-first approach feels limiting compared to modern visual tools.
Is there a free version of Smartsheet?▼
Yes, Smartsheet offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $9/user/mo (Pro) and include additional features and capacity.
What are the best alternatives to Smartsheet?▼
Things 3, Linear, Sunsama are the top alternatives. Things 3 is best for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management. and has a 4.7 star rating.
Who should NOT use Smartsheet?▼
Smartsheet is not ideal for creative teams who prefer visual, card-based interfaces over grids.. Common drawbacks include: Spreadsheet paradigm limits visual project management options. No free tier — trial is the only way to evaluate.
Compare Smartsheet head-to-head
See how Smartsheet stacks up against the top alternatives.
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