Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet
Compare Microsoft Project and Smartsheet on starting price, seat minimums, free plans, timelines, automations, integrations, and reporting. There is no universal winner — choose by job-cluster fit.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft 365 project / Planner ladder for Gantt, resources and portfolios — Planner Plan 1 from ~$10/user/mo.
Best for
- • M365 standardised PMOs
- • Traditional resource scheduling
Starting from $10.00/user/mo
No free plan
VS
Our verdict
Smartsheet is the stronger overall fit. Choose based on which criteria matter most for your team.
Microsoft Project is better for
- ✓ Integrations
Smartsheet is better for
- ✓ Automations
- ✓ Ease of use
- ✓ Automation & workflows
- ✓ Reporting
Tie
- • Timeline / Gantt
- • Work planning depth
- • Collaboration
Choose Microsoft Project if: M365 standardised PMOs
Choose Smartsheet if: Spreadsheet-native portfolios
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-style work management with Gantt, portfolios and automation — Pro from $9/member/mo annual.
Best for
- • Spreadsheet-native portfolios
- • Cross-stack grid PM
Starting from $9.00/user/mo
No free plan
Feature comparison
Grouped feature support from verified product research for Microsoft Project and Smartsheet.
Work planning
| Feature | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task boards & work views | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Timeline / Gantt | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Workload & resource management | Moderate | Strong | Smartsheet |
| Time tracking | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
Execution
| Feature | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automations & workflows | Moderate | Strong | Smartsheet |
| Docs & collaboration | Moderate | Strong | Smartsheet |
| AI assistance | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
Platform
| Feature | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrations ecosystem | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Reporting & dashboards | Strong | Strong | Tie |
Adjacent productivity
| Feature | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document / PDF productivity | Limited | Limited | Tie |
| Remote access / screen share | Limited | Limited | Tie |
| Desktop workspace organizer | Limited | Limited | Tie |
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.