ClickUp vs Smartsheet
Compare ClickUp and Smartsheet on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
ClickUp
All-in-one configurable Work OS (tasks, docs, dashboards, ClickUp Brain) — Unlimited from $7/user/mo annual.
Best for
- • Teams consolidating tasks+docs+dashboards
- • Budget-conscious Work OS buyers
- • Highly configurable ops teams
Starting from $7.00/user/mo
Free plan available
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between ClickUp and Smartsheet. Choose ClickUp when Teams consolidating tasks+docs+dashboards. Choose Smartsheet when Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
ClickUp is better for
- ✓ Free plan
- ✓ Automations
- ✓ Collaboration
- ✓ AI features
Smartsheet is better for
- ✓ Reporting
Tie
- • Ease of use
- • Timeline / Gantt
- • Integrations
Choose ClickUp if: Teams consolidating tasks+docs+dashboards
Choose Smartsheet if: Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-style work management with Gantt, portfolios and automation — Pro from $9/member/mo annual.
Best for
- • Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs
- • Ops teams needing Gantt + portfolios
- • Structured program reporting
Starting from $9.00/user/mo
No free plan
ClickUp vs Smartsheet at a glance
Criterion-level leaders from verified research.
Scorecard preview
Criterion leaders based on verified research — open the Scorecard tab for evidence detail.
- Starting pricingDepends
ClickUp
Smartsheet
- Seat / licence minimumDepends
ClickUp
Smartsheet
- Free planClickUp
ClickUp
Smartsheet
- Ease of useTie
ClickUp
Smartsheet
- Timeline / GanttTie
ClickUp
Smartsheet
Which project management is better for you?
Quick picks based on fit — not a universal ranking.
- → ClickUp
Best for free plan
ClickUp researches a free plan; Smartsheet does not research a free plan.
- → ClickUp
Best for automations
ClickUp leads on automations (9/10 vs 8/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
- → ClickUp
Best for collaboration
ClickUp leads on collaboration (8/10 vs 7/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
- → Smartsheet
Best for reporting
Smartsheet leads on reporting (8/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
The biggest differences
Where the products diverge most clearly on verified criteria.
Starting pricing
DependsClickUp
ClickUp researched starting price from $7/mo; a free plan is researched; Smartsheet researched starting price from $9/mo. Seat minimums and AI credits can change TCO.
Smartsheet
ClickUp researched starting price from $7/mo; a free plan is researched; Smartsheet researched starting price from $9/mo. Seat minimums and AI credits can change TCO.
Seat / licence minimum
DependsClickUp
Check paid seat floors for ClickUp and Smartsheet on current vendor packaging.
Smartsheet
Check paid seat floors for ClickUp and Smartsheet on current vendor packaging.
Timeline / Gantt
TieClickUp
ClickUp and Smartsheet are close on timeline gantt (9/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Smartsheet
ClickUp and Smartsheet are close on timeline gantt (9/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Automations
ClickUp winsClickUp
ClickUp leads on automations (9/10 vs 8/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Smartsheet
Trails ClickUp on this criterion
Integrations
TieClickUp
ClickUp and Smartsheet are close on integrations (8/10 vs 8/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Smartsheet
ClickUp and Smartsheet are close on integrations (8/10 vs 8/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Reporting
Smartsheet winsClickUp
Trails Smartsheet on this criterion
Smartsheet
Smartsheet leads on reporting (8/10 vs 9/10) from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments — not hands-on lab testing.
Which should you choose?
Choose ClickUp if
- Teams consolidating tasks+docs+dashboards
- Budget-conscious Work OS buyers
- Highly configurable ops teams
Choose Smartsheet if
- Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs
- Ops teams needing Gantt + portfolios
- Structured program reporting
Related comparisons
Alternatives to consider
Asana
Cross-functional work management with goals, workflows and AI Studio — Starter from $10.99/user/mo annual.
monday.com
Work OS / work management platform with boards, timelines, automations and AI credits — Basic from $9/seat/mo annual (3-seat minimum).
Hive
Work management platform with free plan (≤10 members) and Teams from $12/user/mo annual — strong monday.com peer.
Wrike
Enterprise/agency work management with proofing, intake and resourcing — Team from $10/user/mo annual.
How we compare
A short look at the comparison process. Full methodology
1
Collect
Collect official product information, pricing, and product evidence.
2
Normalize
Map evidence to the same category evaluation criteria for both products.
3
Compare
Evaluate both products against identical criteria — ties and depends are allowed.
4
Explain
Show why each product wins, loses, or ties, with evidence behind the outcome.
Still deciding between ClickUp and Smartsheet?
Use Best project management software for a shortlist matched to your priorities, or build another side-by-side comparison.
- Independent criterion outcomes
- No invented scores or prices
- Affiliate links never change winners
Some visit links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Comparison outcomes are never based on commission.