Teamwork vs. Smartsheet: a data-backed comparison
Explore how Teamwork and Smartsheet compare in terms of features, pricing, adoption trends, and ideal use cases to help you determine which project management tool is the best fit for your team.
Teamwork vs. Smartsheet at a glance
Both Teamwork and Smartsheet offer strong project management capabilities, but they are different in their approaches to task management.
Teamwork is specifically for client work management, with a task-centric approach. Unlike technically complex alternatives, Teamwork focuses on making project execution accessible through intuitive task organization, transparent client collaboration features, and built-in time tracking to help manage project costs.
Metrics | Teamwork | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
Relative cost | 27% lower cost than category average | 22% lower cost than category average |
Adoption trend | 18% QoQ adoption growth | 15% QoQ adoption growth |
Primary user segment | – | – |
Best for | Teams managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders who need integrated time tracking, resource planning, and client collaboration in one platform. | Organizations of all sizes that need collaborative project management and scalable workflow solutions that can grow with their business. |
Teamwork overview
Teamwork is a client-focused project management tool designed for service-based teams managing both internal workflows and external stakeholders. Originally built for agencies, it combines task planning, execution, and client collaboration in one workspace.
Its interface is optimized to reduce communication friction and support cross-department collaboration, making it ideal for teams balancing deliverables across multiple client accounts.
Teamwork key features
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Client management | Includes built-in CRM tools to store client information, manage interactions, and grant project access. |
Task and project planning | Supports Gantt charts, task dependencies, and timelines to organize and manage projects from start to finish. |
Time tracking and invoicing | Tracks hours spent on tasks and generates invoices directly within the platform. |
Collaboration tools | Provides team chat, file sharing, and threaded discussions within project workspaces. |
Custom workflows | Offers customizable templates, task statuses, and reporting formats to suit different industries and teams. |
Resource and workload management | Displays team availability and task assignments across multiple projects |
Smartsheet overview
Smartsheet is a spreadsheet-style project management platform that blends data organization with collaboration, automation, and visual reporting. Built to ease the shift from Excel, it supports grid-based task tracking while adding tools like Gantt charts and dashboards.
It’s best suited for teams managing data-heavy projects that require detailed reporting, cross-project visibility, and structured workflows—especially in enterprise or technical environments.
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. |
Pros and cons
Tool | Pros | Cons |
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Teamwork |
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Smartsheet |
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Use case scenarios
Teamwork excels for client-service teams managing billable projects, while Smartsheet delivers powerful data handling and reporting for complex, enterprise-level operations
When Teamwork is the better choice
- Agencies, consultancies, and service firms managing external client relationships.
- Teams that need to streamline client approvals, feedback loops, and communication.
- Workflows requiring visibility for clients while keeping internal discussions private.
- Projects where time tracking, invoicing, and billable work management are priorities.
When Smartsheet is the better choice
- Enterprise teams handling data-heavy projects with complex reporting needs.
- Construction, engineering, or technical departments that rely on structured spreadsheets.
- Organizations managing large-scale initiatives across multiple teams or portfolios.
- Teams needing advanced automation, dashboards, and custom reporting at scale.
Other project management tools
- Asana: A comprehensive project management tool for teams seeking visual workflow management with an emphasis on reducing email communication, offering a more balanced learning curve than Smartsheet.
- Monday.com: A flexible project management platform providing highly customizable workflows through color-coded boards, making it ideal for visual thinkers needing flexibility without technical complexity.
- Trello: A straightforward project management tool that excels with its simple Kanban approach for teams wanting minimalist task management without the learning curve of more complex tools.
- Jira: A specialized project management solution designed specifically for software development teams using Agile methodologies, offering features for sprint planning and bug tracking within project workflows.
- Basecamp: A project management platform focused on straightforward project organization, communication, and documentation, making it ideal for remote teams prioritizing clarity over feature depth.
- Wrike: A versatile project management solution that balances customization with accessibility through its adaptable folder structure, particularly valuable for marketing teams needing approval workflows.
- Notion: A project management tool that combines task tracking with knowledge management, offering superior documentation capabilities for teams needing contextual information alongside project tasks.
- Zoho Projects: A dedicated project management solution that integrates seamlessly with the broader Zoho ecosystem, making it optimal for organizations already using Zoho applications.
- Microsoft Project: Provides advanced scheduling and resource management for organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem requiring detailed project planning.
- ClickUp: A highly adaptable project management platform offering exceptional customization capabilities for teams needing to design their ideal workflow rather than adapting to a prescribed system.
- Airtable: A project management tool that leverages database-like functionality for organizing project information, excelling for teams that manage projects with complex data relationships and custom fields.