Smartsheet vs Trello
Compare Smartsheet and Trello on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
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
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between Smartsheet and Trello. Choose Smartsheet when Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs. Choose Trello when Small teams needing simple Kanban. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Smartsheet is better for
- ✓ Timeline / Gantt
- ✓ Automations
- ✓ AI features
- ✓ Reporting
Trello is better for
- ✓ Free plan
- ✓ Ease of use
- ✓ Value for money
Tie
- • Collaboration
- • Integrations
Choose Smartsheet if: Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs
Choose Trello if: Small teams needing simple Kanban
Trello
Lightweight Kanban boards (Atlassian) — Free; Standard from $5/user/mo annual.
Best for
- • Small teams needing simple Kanban
- • Personal/team board workflows
- • Atlassian-adjacent lightweight entry
Starting from $5.00/user/mo
Free plan available
Pros & cons
A balanced look at where each product shines — and where it falls short.
Smartsheet
Strengths in greenPros
- Stronger on timeline / gantt
- Stronger on automations
- Stronger on ai features
- Stronger on reporting
Cons
- Trails on free plan
- Trails on ease of use
- Trails on value for money
Best for
Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs
Trello
Trade-offs in redPros
- Stronger on free plan
- Stronger on ease of use
- Stronger on value for money
Cons
- Trails on timeline / gantt
- Trails on automations
- Trails on ai features
Best for
Small teams needing simple Kanban
Choose if…
Choose Smartsheet if
- Excel/spreadsheet-native PMOs
- Ops teams needing Gantt + portfolios
- Structured program reporting
Choose Trello if
- Small teams needing simple Kanban
- Personal/team board workflows
- Atlassian-adjacent lightweight entry
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