Smartsheet vs ClickUp: A data-backed comparison
Explore how Smartsheet and ClickUp compare in features, pricing, adoption trends, and ideal use cases to help you find the best fit for your team.
Smartsheet vs. ClickUp at a glance
Both Smartsheet and ClickUp are popular project management tools, but they cater to different types of projects and workflows.
Smartsheet is better for teams that need structured workflows, automation, and detailed reporting, making it a great choice for managing large projects.
ClickUp, on the other hand, is more flexible and customizable, allowing teams to organize tasks in different ways and collaborate easily. If you need strong data tracking and automation, Smartsheet is a better fit. If you want an all-in-one tool with multiple project views and team features, ClickUp is the way to go.
Metrics | Smartsheet | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
Relative cost | 22% lower cost than category average | 34% lower cost than category average |
Adoption trend | 15% QoQ adoption growth | 14% QoQ adoption growth |
Primary user segment | – | 39% of users are SMB |
Best for | Organizations of all sizes that need collaborative project management and scalable workflow solutions that can grow with their business. | Teams heavily reliant on multiple tools and requiring extensive integrations. |
Smartsheet overview
Smartsheet is a project management and work collaboration platform that combines a familiar spreadsheet interface with advanced workflow automation and reporting. It is widely used in industries like IT, construction, and finance to manage large-scale projects, track budgets, and allocate resources efficiently.
With multiple project views, including grid, Gantt charts, and card views, Smartsheet supports detailed project planning and approval workflows, making it well-suited for teams with structured, data-driven processes.
Smartsheet key features
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Customizable project views | Grid, Gantt, and card views support flexible project tracking. |
Workflow automation | No-code templates streamline repetitive tasks and complex workflows. |
Enterprise reporting | Custom dashboards provide deep analytics and real-time project insights. |
Resource management | Built-in timesheets and resource tracking for project planning. |
Secure collaboration | Access controls and integrations with Microsoft 365 and Salesforce support enterprise use. |
Data connectivity | Syncs with external systems like ServiceNow, Jira, and Google Sheets. |
ClickUp overview
ClickUp is an all-in-one project management platform designed for teams needing flexibility and customization. It supports multiple project views, including lists, boards, Gantt charts, and calendar views, making it adaptable to different workflow preferences.
ClickUp is popular among startups, remote teams, and creative professionals due to its extensive feature set, including task dependencies, automation, goal tracking, and real-time collaboration.
ClickUp key features
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Multiple Views | Offers List, Board, Gantt, Calendar, Box, and Mind Map views for flexible project visualization |
Automation | Enables custom workflows with a wide range of triggers and actions for complex process automation in financial operations |
Goals Tracking | Allows teams to set, track, and achieve financial objectives within the platform, aligning work with organizational targets. |
Time Tracking | Integrated time tracking helps monitor time spent on tasks for billing and resource management |
Integrations | Supports integrations with QuickBooks, Stripe, and thousands of apps via Zapier |
Pros and cons
Tool | Pros | Cons |
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Smartsheet |
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ClickUp |
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Use case scenarios
Smartsheet excels for spreadsheet-centric organizations requiring structured data management, while ClickUp delivers versatile collaboration with extensive customization options.
When Smartsheet is the better choice
- Teams transitioning from spreadsheets who need more project management capabilities
- Large enterprises managing complex, multi-departmental projects
- Organizations requiring robust reporting and dashboard capabilities
- Teams needing advanced workflow automation with spreadsheet functionality
- Companies handling extensive data sets that traditional spreadsheets can't manage
- Environments where real-time collaboration on structured data is essential
When ClickUp is the better choice
- Teams seeking an all-in-one collaboration platform with diverse view options
- Organizations requiring flexibility across different departments and project types
- Teams preferring visual workflow management with customizable interfaces
- Projects requiring integrated document collaboration alongside task management
- Small to mid-sized teams wanting extensive features without enterprise complexity
- Companies seeking intuitive goal tracking and progress visualization
Other project management tools to consider
- Notion: Combines note-taking, databases, and project management into a flexible workspace. Ideal for teams looking for a highly customizable tool to manage documents and tasks in one place.
- Trello: Uses a simple Kanban board system to help teams organize tasks visually. Best for teams that need an intuitive and lightweight project management tool.
- Monday.com: Provides a highly customizable project management solution with automation and integrations. Suitable for teams that want a balance of flexibility and structure in their workflows.
- Asana: Designed for teams managing complex projects with multiple dependencies. Offers structured task management with timeline views and advanced reporting features.
- Basecamp: Focuses on simplicity and team collaboration with built-in messaging, task tracking, and file sharing. Best for small to mid-sized teams that prioritize communication.
- Wrike: Offers robust reporting and analytics with advanced project tracking features. Ideal for teams needing detailed insights and structured workflows.
- Jira: Built for software development teams, offering agile boards, sprint tracking, and issue management. Best suited for teams using Scrum or Kanban methodologies.
- Zoho Projects: Part of the Zoho ecosystem, offering integrated task tracking, time management, and collaboration tools. A great choice for businesses that require a connected system for managing operations.
- Airtable: Combines spreadsheet-like functionality with task tracking and database management. Ideal for creative teams that need a customizable and visually appealing workflow.
- Microsoft Project: A powerful tool designed for enterprise-level project planning and resource management. Best suited for organizations managing complex projects with detailed timelines and budget tracking.