No matter your industry, finding work efficiency is the primary job of a business leader. To support business leaders like you, Smartsheet has done a good job to date. It has helped several businesses seeking a comprehensive work management platform for a long time, but it's not perfect for everyone.
That’s the reason, the search for alternatives suitable for specific businesses, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses, never stops.
To fill this gap, a new tool is gradually emerging with its powerful yet user-friendly capabilities. Cone, the Work OS with an innovative approach to unifying proposals, time tracking, billing, project management, client management, and beyond, subtly positions itself as a better alternative.
Having said that, let's explore Smartsheet alternatives in this guide, including some free and paid work management solutions.
TL;DR - 10 Smartsheet Alternatives and Competitors
In case you prefer to skip to the point, here are the top small business management software choices. Throughout this blog, we'll explore each of these options thoroughly so that you can choose the perfect software for your small business needs.
- Cone: An all-in-one tool that brings together project management, finances, and client management.
- nTask: A comprehensive project management tool for tasks, issues, time tracking, and more.
- Zoho Projects: A project management platform enhancing productivity and collaboration across industries.
- ProofHub: A versatile project management tool for team collaboration, customization, and task management.
- Airtable: A platform combining the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database for custom apps.
- Google Sheets: An online spreadsheet application for real-time collaboration and data management.
- Basecamp: A project management and communication tool centralizing teamwork in one place.
- Monday: A Work OS platform for customizable products enhancing team alignment and productivity.
- ClickUp: An all-in-one project management platform centralizing work and enhancing collaboration.
- Microsoft Projects: A project management tool with robust planning, scheduling, and collaboration features.
What is Smartsheet?
Your team and you can use Smartsheet to plan work and finish projects faster. It lets you give out tasks, set up schedules, work together on files, and check how the project is progressing.
What is Smartsheet Used For?
Smartsheet helps businesses grow their projects from beginning to end. It's great for working together better, keeping track of everything, and managing tasks as they happen. Different types of businesses and jobs find it useful for organizing important stuff like welcoming and teaching new employees, handling marketing tasks, taking care of bills and payments, and keeping projects and plans in order.
How Much Does Smartsheet Cost?
Here are the pricing plans:
- Free- $0 per user/month
- Pro- $ 7 per user/month
- Business- $25 per user/month
Reasons to Make a Move from Smartsheet to Other Work
![Reasons to Make a Move from Smartsheet to Other Work](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa71b5eea5c85c9edb1_dtC5q2nvF7qss7VsXzMGraiRzWYBqxGbhWVvafCG9FFVaICqTilmnL66vHzAwDlW2POtgv7MSxfDQGIgQXLhSZqNCuYcaW6pY23vCncTMqBYA23RChj9uWdPZ5OUgZGvl4JZGpXIlibyIglofCcjDhU.webp)
Management Tools
No tool is perfect and the same is the case with Smartsheet, let’s explore some compelling reasons to make a move:
Risk of Data Overwriting
While using Smartsheet, It's easy for someone to accidentally change or delete information someone else has added on the same sheet. This makes it difficult to keep everything accurate.
Time Tracking Feature Availability
The time tracking features aren't available in Smartsheet
Pricing Structure
The Pro plan starts at $9 per user per month (up to ten users), while the Business plan starts at $32 per user per month (minimum of three users). If you want the cheapest Business plan, you'll have to pay $96 per month. Smartsheet also offers Enterprise plans with custom pricing.
Necessity for Separate Billing Software
Smartsheet does not integrate billing features, so businesses must invest in additional billing software to process invoices.
Managing User Access
Controlling who can do what in a sheet gets harder the more people you have working together. The interface is not that intuitive to make things simpler for the users..
Performance Slowdowns with Large Data
As sheets start to fill up with lots of data, they can begin to move slower. This means waiting longer for things to load or for actions to happen, which can be frustrating when you're trying to work efficiently.
Limits on Rows
There's only so much space in a sheet for data. When you hit the limit, you can't add more without starting a new sheet or deleting old information, which isn't always practical.
Switching to Other Tools for Large Projects
Sometimes, when a project gets big or complex, you might need to move everything to a different tool like Excel. This can be because you need more space, different features, or better performance.
Cost-Effective Alternative To Smartsheet
1. Cone
![Cone](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed39_W6-cU_QAFnBC6AR4jRGrbB5rUjYL1ZIpyEISwHTjnNpiAstfbMO8EvcX903x0M7TKNZUifw-_P7V7xM5qJrp4Ag58N_I4C4rJZvJCSnBRGJjhp5FdiBGB8FEfOl5gQtShoPH7S5n7uVPxB9tQ27_SeA.webp)
Cone's Work Management Software offers unparalleled integration, with an all-in-one solution designed to not only enhance efficiency but also significantly reduce operational costs and eliminate the need for juggling between multiple platforms.
It combines proposals or contracts, project management, time tracking, client requests, client portal, shared inbox or integrated e-mail, billing, and payments into one unified platform.
Top Features:
- Proposal Software Integration: Streamline the proposal process with customizable templates and e-signature capabilities to secure faster approvals.
- Time Tracking: Accurately track and bill for every minute spent on tasks and projects with intuitive time recording tools.
- Billing Functionality: Automate and simplify invoicing with versatile payment processing that accommodates different currencies and methods.
- Project Management: Manage projects efficiently from start to finish with task assignments, progress tracking, and resource planning.
- Client Portal: Offer clients a dedicated space to view updates, communicate, and collaborate, enhancing transparency and engagement.
- Streamlined Workflows and Automation: Reduce manual efforts with automated workflows for tasks like proposal generation and payment reminders, improving operational efficiency.
Pros
- With all necessary tools in one place, Cone significantly reduces the need for switching between different software, saving valuable time.
- By housing project management, billing, and proposal tools in one platform, Cone offers a streamlined solution for professional services firms.
- Cone’s integrated platform can lead to significant cost savings by eliminating the need for multiple software subscriptions.
For example: Businesses can save $45 per user/month by using Cone's integrated platform instead of separate subscriptions (totaling $60 per user/month) for time tracking, billing, project management, and client communication. This results in $5,400 in annual savings for a team of 10. - The client portal facilitates seamless document sharing, project updates, and communication, fostering transparency and trust.
Cons
New users may require some time to familiarize themselves with Cone’s comprehensive feature set and maximize its potential.
Best for
- Professional services firms seeking to streamline their work processes by consolidating various operational tools into one efficient platform.
- Consulting businesses looking for a unified solution to manage projects, time tracking, billing, and client communication seamlessly.
- Architecture and engineering firms aiming to enhance project management efficiency, from proposal creation to project delivery and invoicing.
- Marketing agencies desiring to improve team productivity, client engagement, and project tracking through an integrated work management system.
- IT consulting firms focused on reducing operational costs and improving service delivery through effective project management and client communication tools.
2. nTask
With nTask, you can manage tasks, projects, issues, risks, meetings, time tracking, and much more. nTask offers Kanban boards, Gantt charts, risk management tools, and integrated time tracking to meet the needs of teams of all sizes, from freelancers to large corporations.
Through its unified platform, it allows teams to collaborate and collaborate more effectively, resulting in faster and more efficient work delivery.
![nTask](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed66_AterjRJyRdkTlbjGxT6W1NpKzy2bOqGotaO1NgcA4bVgaxFvgavXX-o82SW6B__v8wSdarPnjWiXzIYJfNnl-f0lO_sf-IQsLIWVkpKO98V4bodh7jsKC6YAI27iSyYPIgBMXH7a4OX82c9H_A1tCS8.webp)
Top Features:
- Comprehensive Project Management: From planning to delivery, including tasks, projects, issues, risks, meetings, time tracking, and more.
- Tasks and To-Do Lists: Detailed task management with prioritization, scheduling, management, and tracking.
- Effortless Bug & Issue Tracking: Assign, prioritize, and fix bugs & issues with ease.
- Online Meeting Software: Productive team meetings with agenda planning, discussion points, and follow-up actions.
- Online Time Tracking and Employee Timesheets: Built-in timesheets for accurate time tracking and identification of bottlenecks.
- Smart Project Planning and Managing: With smart timelines, easy project management, and collaboration tools.
- Risk Management Tool: Define risks, their likelihood, status, and mitigation strategies.
- Dedicated Workspaces: Organize all information in one place with roles, permissions, and collaboration modules.
Pros:
- All-in-One Solution: Comprehensive toolset covering all aspects of project management.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and manage tasks, projects, and teams.
- Flexible and Scalable: Suitable for individual users to large enterprises with custom needs.
- Highly Customizable: Offers dedicated workspaces, roles, permissions, and collaboration tools tailored to team needs.
- Integration and Collaboration: Supports integration with popular apps and facilitates effective team communication.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: New users may require time to fully leverage the extensive features.
- Potential Overload: Smaller teams or projects might find the extensive features more than they need.
- Limited Free Plan: While offering a basic free plan, advanced features require paid subscriptions.
Best For:
Small to Large Businesses: Scalable solutions from individual freelancers to large enterprises.
Diverse Industries: Suitable for marketers, designers, NGOs, students, freelancers, and more.
Teams Needing Comprehensive Project Tools: Especially those requiring detailed project planning, risk management, and time tracking.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: Free Forever
- Premium Plan: $3/month (Billed Yearly)
- Business Plan: $8/month (Billed Yearly)
- Enterprise Plan: Custom Pricing
- Special Discount: Available for NGOs, Educational Institutes, and Early-Stage Startups, offering up to 50% off.
3. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is a comprehensive project management platform designed to enhance productivity and collaboration for dynamic teams. It supports end-to-end project management from planning and tracking to execution across various industries, including software development, construction, and marketing.
Its extensive features include task management, Gantt charts, issue tracking, and integration with numerous Zoho apps and third-party tools, making it an adaptable solution for managing complex projects.
![Zoho Projects](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed36_bxJNczuzS9kQo3GQJyAWA7vSBjHojgr6SbT4Pa06b_kEkREqE5EF82XK1c_PXB6dp4lfURAEzNy_SoKuIUOc9UNReeNb95Q4ikVeQiDxvoRh6vKmR-9BjUHN4aTi8upjsaQlbhlr2NUmNZPKfcEtc_0.webp)
Top Features:
- Task Management & Automation
- Blueprints for Workflow Automation
- Time Tracking & Detailed Reporting
- Issue Tracking & SLA Management
- Team Collaboration Tools
- Extensive Integrations & Marketplace
- Gantt Charts & Project Timesheets
Pros:
- Comprehensive Feature Set: Covers all aspects of project management.
- High Customizability: Tailor-made workflows, fields, and statuses.
- Robust Integration: Seamlessly works with other Zoho apps and external tools.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and manage projects.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Extensive features may require time to master.
- Performance: Users with large projects may experience slower load times.
Best For:
- Small to Large Enterprises: Scalable solutions fit for any team size.
- Various Industries: Versatile for IT, construction, marketing, education, and more.
- Teams Seeking Comprehensive Tools: Those who need an all-in-one platform for project management.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: For up to 3 usersPremium Plan: $3/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise Plan: $8/user/month (billed annually)
4. ProofHub
ProofHub is a versatile project management platform that offers a suite of tools for collaboration, customization, and task management, making it ideal for teams seeking a flexible and personalized work environment. Launched in 2012, this cloud-based solution boasts an intuitive UI, allowing teams to plan, organize, and collaborate effortlessly, ensuring on-time project delivery. Its white-labeling options enable companies to tailor the platform to their brand, enhancing team engagement and cohesion.
![ProofHub](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed71_4lZHMoFrJx_3mv7fv-XuYd4k-pWpWnrf_aXQm6TWf0XYNiuRrCw6B3cdz5kV2aRglD76-YIqzTwhQPPXRhC1MMdyf2nZiQZrDna3mUWfDShAPpIPmq2BbOi5ONXSdJbz2MD-mj7vmOHJ-JIFoDnBGp8.webp)
Top Features:
- Marketing: Plan, schedule, and execute marketing projects seamlessly.
- Sales: Devise effective sales strategies, maintain client relations, and analyze results.
- Creative & Design Teams: Visualize design plans, exchange creative ideas, and deliver desired results.
- Operations: Manage your team, optimize resources, and accelerate performance.
- Product Development: Streamline product development processes from conception to completion.
- Remote Work: Facilitate remote team connections, idea sharing, and delivery of high-quality results.
- Task Management: Centralize information, track and allocate tasks, prioritize key tasks, and more.
- Project Management: Plan, execute, track, and manage projects from start to finish.
- Agile Project Management: Track sprints, follow a roadmap, and visualize project deadlines.
Pros:
- Affordable for Large Teams: Offers a flat fee that includes unlimited users, making it cost-effective for big groups.
- Detailed Project Reports: Provides comprehensive reports that are highly customizable to suit business needs.
- In-App Collaboration: Enables teams to communicate and collaborate directly within the application.
- Mobile Apps: Offers iOS and Android apps, allowing users to manage projects on the go.
Cons:
- Limited Support: The support options available to users are very limited.
- Cost Prohibitive for Small Teams: Can be costly for individuals and small teams due to its pricing structure.
- Few Integrations: Offers a limited number of integrations with other tools and services.
- No Free Plan: Does not provide a free tier, which might be a barrier for some startups and small businesses.
Best for:
- Large Teams: Budget-friendly for managing large teams or organizations due to its flat-rate pricing model.
- Data Visualization: Access to multiple work views, like Gantt charts, helps in tracking progress and ensuring timely completion of projects.
- Collaboration: Various channels for team collaboration are available, making it ideal for managing workflows, brainstorming sessions, and project proofing.
Pricing:
- ULTIMATE CONTROL Plan: $89/month when billed annually.
- ESSENTIAL Plan: Price: $45/month when billed annually.
Free Smartsheet Alternative
5. Airtable
Airtable offers a next-generation app platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database. It's designed for anyone to build custom apps that suit their data organization and workflow needs. Embraced by over 450,000 companies, Airtable supports a wide array of business applications, from project management to CRM, with enterprise-grade deployment and a central management system. Its ease of use, AI components, and powerful integrations make complex data handling both accessible and scalable, catering to a diverse range of industries and use cases.
![Airtable](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed5c_NHxQvKkM8LgTfZdvOqg21u7EIHbl6XaB6svzM0NMiK_MumbK0o7_3WquHKe02LOBhk4SXxrblytwMEEOvS0Oyk8TWoPcReDlrOk1QY8W8ZATes9_9p8eNtjARs4mXBXZwg-5v7-mG-lrtLjwTmCygFM.webp)
Top Features:
- App Building: Enables teams to build custom business applications without the need for coding.
- AI: Transforms business workflows by integrating the capabilities of artificial intelligence.
- Connected Data: Allows the connection of data from various apps, workflows, and tools to establish a single source of truth.
- Governance and Scale: Provides central management for security, permissions, and data protection to support scalability.
Pros:
- No-Code App Building: Enables teams to create custom business apps without needing coding skills.
- AI Integration: Offers AI tools to enhance and automate business workflows.
- Relational Database: Manages connected data efficiently, allowing cross-referencing and data linking.
- Customization: Highly customizable views and fields to fit various use cases.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Supports synchronous collaboration across teams.
- Scalable Infrastructure: Suits a range of business sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
- Integration-Friendly: Connects with a multitude of other apps and services for extended functionality.
Cons:
- Complexity: Can be overwhelming for users not familiar with database concepts.
- Price: May be considered expensive for small teams when advanced features are needed.
- Learning Curve: New users might need time to learn how to fully utilize its powerful features.
- Limited Reporting: The reporting capabilities might not be as advanced as specialized reporting tools.
Best For:
- Small to Medium Businesses: Especially those that require a flexible platform to manage diverse workflows.
- Project Management: Teams that need to visualize project timelines, tasks, and collaborations.
- Creative Agencies: For managing creative workflows, content calendars, and design projects.
- Software Development: Can be used for bug tracking, sprint planning, and product roadmaps.
- Event Planning and HR: For organizing events and managing HR processes due to its relational database structure.
- Marketing Teams: Ideal for tracking campaigns, asset libraries, and marketing schedules.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Unlimited bases
- Team Plan:
- $20 per seat/month when billed annually
- $24 per seat/month when billed monthly
- Business Plan:
- $45 per seat/month when billed annually
- $54 per seat/month when billed monthly
- Enterprise Scale Plan: Custom pricing (contact sales)
6. Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a powerful online spreadsheet application that allows real-time collaboration and editing from any device. Part of Google Workspace, it offers assistive features like Smart Fill, built-in intelligence with formula suggestions, and seamless integration with other Google apps. It caters to a variety of data management needs without requiring local files, ensuring data is always current and secure.
![Google Sheets](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed6d_XokS4fjxOQVlm-O_am_NujIS74YtEHyPlKDBZoI76bMxzLfra_xzdDU_c5RYWUri9GwmSCK6ngHV9JuP1UdVLC-JW7LG-sOM6jLkyUqbc-O2LfyyeM2mkNnQwsS6aAFYpG2I5x5YUz_Va_wdKil9dxo.webp)
Top Features:
- Real-time collaboration and editing
- Smart Fill and formula suggestions
- Integration with Google Apps and Google Meet
- Compatibility with Microsoft Excel files
- Custom app and automation creation with AppSheet and Apps Script
- Version history and cell edit history
- Connect to BigQuery and other services for data analysis
Pros:
- Accessible from anywhere, on any device
- Robust real-time collaboration features
- Free to use with a Google account
- Extensive range of templates available
- Strong security measures and compliance standards
- Direct integration with other Google Workspace tools
Cons:
- May lack some advanced features of specialized data analysis tools
- Performance can lag with very large datasets
- Limited functionality when offline compared to desktop applications
Best For:
- Teams needing a collaborative platform for data management and analysis
- Individuals and organizations already using Google Workspace
- Educational purposes for teaching data organization and analysis
- Businesses seeking an easily accessible and versatile spreadsheet tool
Pricing:
- Free for personal use with a Google account
- Business Standard: USD 12 per user/month (with a 1-year commitment), includes 2 TB of storage per user
7. Basecamp
Basecamp is a streamlined project management and communication tool that brings everything your team needs to work together effectively in one place. Ideal for small to midsize businesses, it provides a simple interface with features like message boards, to-dos, schedules, file storage, and real-time group chat.
![Basecamp](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed41_9VmJtRD50Ye_gWWng5qbNcpGktKK9f1BfUEf21v8-s8CF3cyGZ30i9cFOfU61p6ZH3gaxEDaD-krX4c-_TsZDd95dZ99M-Z0YVbNdv6IlPlyv3pG-MBK7ju1Up__l2HteZ5ptp_KGLi6J89QCf41lKc.webp)
Top Features:
- Home Dashboard: Centralized project overview.
- Message Board: Replaces email for project communication.
- To-dos: Task management with deadlines and assignments.
- Docs & Files: Organized file sharing and discussion.
- Campfire: Real-time group chat.
- Schedule: Integrated project calendars.
- Card Table: Kanban-style task management.
- Check-in Questions: Automated status updates.
Pros:
- All-in-One Tool: Consolidates various aspects of project management.
- User-Friendly: Intuitive design that’s easy to learn and use.
- Client Access: Offers innovative ways for client interaction.
- Flat Pricing: Simple pricing structure, especially beneficial for large teams.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Some users may find customization options lacking.
- Fewer Integrations: Not as many third-party integrations as some competitors.
- Basic Reporting: Reporting features may not be as advanced as other tools.
Best For:
- Small to Medium Businesses: Especially those looking for a straightforward, centralized platform for project management.
- Teams Prioritizing Communication: Great for teams that want to centralize communication and reduce email reliance.
- Companies Seeking Flat-Rate Pricing: Budget-friendly for organizations with many users.
Pricing:
Month-to-month, pay-as-you-go- $15/user per month
Paid Apps Similar To Smartsheet
8. Monday
Monday is an adaptable Work OS that serves as a centralized platform for all work types, supporting diverse teams with customizable products. It's geared towards enhancing team alignment, efficiency, and productivity with an array of features to tailor any workflow, ranging from project management to CRM to software development. Trusted by many, it streamlines processes, fosters collaboration, and provides tools for comprehensive work management.
![Monday](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed31_Tenie38Ika8KM3jNGIYistrz6vM9OBpP6coy7Fob2AMxP4u16I08XrnyaYik9hM2xQ7c8ON0PchdtY6lI8jXVEk56_wuzFPofq9bQsoo5aUKdRZeKzAixTjaLC12tHO08Fc_yXjkp7J5HUVM5bTpL-4.webp)
Top Features:
- Visual Boards: Organize work with customizable boards.
- Project Management: Track and manage all aspects of your projects.
- Resource Management: Efficiently allocate and manage resources.
- Sales Pipeline: Manage leads and opportunities within the CRM.
- Bug Tracking: Record, track, and manage software bugs.
- Sprint Management: Plan and review sprints for agile projects.
- Automation: Streamline processes with customizable automations.
- Integrations: Connect with other tools like email, CRM, and file storage.
- Custom Workflows: Create workflows that match your team’s methods.
- Dashboards: Get high-level overviews of work and project statuses.
- Docs & Files: Centralize documentation and file management.
- Gantt & Kanban Views: Visualize tasks and timelines effectively.
Pros:
- Customizable Workflows: Allows for highly personalized setup to match unique team needs.
- Integrations: Broad range of integrations with other tools enhances its flexibility.
- User Interface: Intuitive and visually appealing, facilitating ease of use.
- Automation: Automated processes help reduce manual workload.
- Collaboration Features: Encourages team communication and collaboration.
- Real-time Updates: Keeps everyone informed with the latest changes and progress.
- 24/7 Support: Offers round-the-clock support to resolve issues.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Some users may find it takes time to fully utilize all features.
- Pricing: Can be costly for larger teams or when premium features are needed.
- Overwhelming Options: The sheer number of features and customization can be overwhelming for some users.
- Performance: High levels of customization and large boards may affect the app's performance.
Best for:
- Teams of All Sizes: From small teams to enterprise-level, its scalability makes it suitable for various company sizes.
- Remote Work: Its collaborative tools are ideal for teams working remotely.
- Project Management: Well-suited for teams looking for a comprehensive project management solution.
- CRM and Sales: Businesses seeking to streamline their sales process and customer relationship management.
- Software Development: Offers specific tools for managing product lifecycles, making it ideal for development teams.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: $0, free forever
- Basic Plan: $9 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Standard Plan (Most Popular): $12 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Pro Plan: $19 per seat/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for organizations
9. ClickUp
ClickUp is an all-in-one project management platform designed to consolidate all types of work into a single application. It streamlines productivity and enhances collaboration by centralizing project communications, integrating whiteboards, and offering collaborative docs. With ClickUp, teams can cut costs by replacing multiple apps and tools with one comprehensive solution, fostering efficiency and improved team synergy.
![ClickUp](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed51_2UkqiXSBy1JrDik5ubkaogpDFLovsIn1j8Ik4qMn2LP-e_2x9llZj20ce8mW6E5CzMdgv3hozAYLnYMpxRTQxFJ0bU6ou69tZz99Z7zOsan7PhDdLerltwxhR_DmHu1phdpy3QSMMoAUlcMxJK0wGgQ.webp)
Pros:
- Centralized platform for various work types
- Enhances team collaboration with integrated communication tools
- Customizable dashboards for better project oversight
- Rich set of features including AI, docs, and time tracking
- Offers scalable solutions for different team sizes and needs
Cons:
- The multitude of features can be overwhelming for new users
- Initial setup and customization may require a learning curve
- Users have reported occasional bugs and glitches
Best For:
- Teams looking for an all-in-one solution to manage diverse projects
- Organizations aiming to reduce the number of different tools and apps
- Companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises
- Teams that require flexibility and customization in their project management software
Pricing:
- Free Plan: No cost, includes essential features for small teams or individual users
- Paid Plans: Vary based on the level of features and support needed; specific pricing tiers are available upon request or sign-up due to customization based on team size and requirements
10. Microsoft Projects
Microsoft Project is a versatile project management tool that accommodates various project sizes and complexities. It provides users with robust planning and scheduling features, with the flexibility to manage projects across different methodologies. The integration with Microsoft Teams enhances collaborative project management, and its cloud-based nature ensures accessibility and centralized data management for team members, irrespective of their location.
![Microsoft Projects](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6411a4497d16bc664d7d60f7/666abaa61b5eea5c85c9ed59_UjP-NYBuCbwXn2UC75B2vZ4q9fxd6csxxS7vG1Uz1EXvqTC9g6F66_xBtpjQX33LkQPv-WLXGTDG4ReG3gPeGePtGUq8UHz5sMqETC3WepHLbAnlGpVu2YAFwfaqwwgNzbtVRBzjLQl6vqi_gPDEzgE.webp)
Top Features:
- Project Planning and Scheduling: Utilize familiar scheduling tools to assign tasks, set milestones, and define project timelines using different views like Grid, Board, and Timeline (Gantt chart).
- Resource Management: Allocate resources efficiently, manage workload, and optimize assignments across projects.
- Collaboration and Communication: Seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Teams for file sharing, chats, meetings, and more, facilitating better team collaboration.
- Coauthoring: Enable simultaneous updates to tasks lists, schedules, and documents, promoting teamwork and ensuring up-to-date information.
- Reporting: Leverage pre-built reports to monitor progress on projects, resources, and portfolios, or customize reports to fit specific needs.
- Roadmap: Build visual, interactive roadmaps to aggregate project information across the organization for enhanced visibility and planning.
Pros:
- Comprehensive project management features
- Integration with the Microsoft 365 suite enhances collaboration
- Flexible for various project management methodologies
- Advanced scheduling and resource management capabilities
- Powerful reporting and business intelligence with Power BI integration
Cons:
- Can be complex and overwhelming for new users
- Pricier than some alternative project management tools
- May require training to utilize its full range of features
- Limited agility compared to some dedicated agile tools
Best For:
- Medium to large businesses needing detailed project planning and reporting
- Project managers who are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem
- Teams requiring a robust, enterprise-grade project management solution
- Organizations that need comprehensive resource and portfolio management
Pricing:
- Project Plan 1: $10 user/month
- Project Plan 3: $30 user/month
- Project Plan 5: $55 user/month
Mistakes to Avoid While Migrating from Smarsheet to Other Alternatives
When migrating from Smartsheet to other project management software alternatives, avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for a smooth transition. Here are key points to keep in mind to avoid mistakes:
- Comprehensive Data Review: Before migration, conduct a thorough review of all data within Smartsheet to ensure that all critical information, including tasks, files, and comments, is accounted for and correctly formatted for the new system.
- Understanding Feature Parity: Analyze the features of the new software in comparison to Smartsheet. Ensure that it meets or exceeds the functionalities you regularly use. Identify any gaps and plan how to address them.
- Export and Import Capabilities: Confirm the new platform's ability to import data from Smartsheet. Understand the format requirements for data import to avoid compatibility issues.
- Data Backup: Before initiating the migration process, back up all data in Smartsheet. This precaution ensures that no data is lost during the transition.
- Pilot Testing: Conduct a pilot migration with a small subset of your data. This test run helps identify potential issues in the migration process without risking your entire project's data.
- Custom Fields and Formulas: Pay special attention to custom fields and formulas used in Smartsheet. Ensure these can be recreated or adequately represented in the new platform to maintain data integrity.
- Timeline Adjustments: Review and adjust timelines and dependencies post-migration, as differences in software functionalities may affect project scheduling.
- Team Training: Provide comprehensive training for your team on the new platform. Ensure everyone is comfortable with its features and functionalities to minimize disruptions to workflow.
- Post-Migration Support: Plan for post-migration support. Monitor the transition closely and be prepared to address any issues or questions that arise.
- Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with your team to collect insights on the new platform's usability and address any concerns promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are There Any Open Source Projects That Compete with Smartsheet in Flexibility?
You might want to explore Odoo further for its flexibility and customization options. It's known for its open-source model and offers a range of business applications.
Which Smartsheet Alternatives Provide Superior Reporting and Analytics Tools?
It's Cascade's dashboards and reports that provide a comprehensive view of project data, allowing for detailed reviews and actionable insights.
Is there something similar to Smartsheet?
Unlike Smartsheet, cone integrates project management, time tracking, billing, and client communication into one seamless platform.
This software streamlines workflows, promotes transparency and efficiency, and is a great choice for professional services looking to reduce operating costs and enhance productivity.
How Do Google Sheets and Smartsheet Compare for Project Management?
It's easier to use, simple, and integrated with Google's ecosystem, so it's better than Smartsheet for project management. However, it might not have the advanced project management features and structure that Smartsheet does. It depends on your project and if you want to integrate it with other Google services.
What Are the Most User-Friendly Smartsheet Alternatives for Non-Technical Users?
When searching for user-friendly Smartsheet alternatives that cater well to non-technical users, Cone stands out as a promising option. It offers a unified platform integrating client engagement, task management, billing, and more. This focus on simplicity and integration will make it a particularly user-friendly choice for non-technical users who appreciate streamlined processes and a cohesive toolset.