Microsoft Project vs. Smartsheet

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Microsoft Project
Score 7.5 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft Project is a project management software. It provides core PM functionality, including agile workflow support and resource management. Project can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise.
$10
per user/per month
Smartsheet
Score 8.0 out of 10
N/A
Smartsheet is an online project management and collaboration tool. It includes automated alerts, instantaneous updating and sharing across team members, resource management, nested tasks organized in a hierarchy, a Gantt chart view, exportable and automated reports, and integration with email.
$14
per month
Pricing
Microsoft ProjectSmartsheet
Editions & Modules
Project Plan 1
$10
per user/per month
Project Plan 3
$30
per user/per month
Project Plan 5
$55
per user/per month
Individual
$14
per month
Business
$25
Per User / Per Month
Enterprise
Contact Sales
Premier
Contact Sales
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Microsoft ProjectSmartsheet
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Microsoft ProjectSmartsheet
Considered Both Products
Microsoft Project
Chose Microsoft Project
All of these tools have their strengths but none, I found, was an all-in-one solution like MS Project. I did find that project resources enjoyed working with Smartsheet for its simplicity but as a project manager, I found that MS project an overall winner.
Chose Microsoft Project
We compared MS Project to QuickBase and Smartsheet. We found that Smartsheet was a simple to use project management tool, which would fit our needs by allowing our end users the ability to create and track their own initiatives, with a minimal learning curve. Smartsheet also …
Chose Microsoft Project
Smartsheet came from behind covering some of the gaps in Microsoft Project and started to become more and more popular. And for good reason, it combines the main features of project management from both Project and Project Server. It provides good user experience and it is …
Chose Microsoft Project
Initially, I tried using Smartsheet and then Wrike, all for Gantt Chart availability and task management. They don't come close to the flexibility or depth of features that Microsoft Project provides.

Wrike does have better collaboration amongst team members and provides an …
Chose Microsoft Project
At the end of the day, Microsoft Project still is best in class overall. It isn't as specialized as some tools like Trello or JIRA, but especially with new integration with Planner and native support for Agile project management templates it becomes a lot closer. Microsoft …
Chose Microsoft Project
MS Project is most familiar to our users, so the learning curve is easiest. However, MS Project doesn't allow our teams to collaborate nor does it track actual vs. planned effort (time reporting). Hence it's not the only tool we use. We typically plan with MS Project and use it …
Chose Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project was the most expensive project management software that we utilized aside from the costs associated with developing and in-house service. Microsoft Project provide a wealth of features for managing a large scale project like planning all of the tasks …
Chose Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project had the strongest integrations and Gantt chart qualities. As a team that uses Outlook, Skype, DevOps and the Office Suite, it became clear that Project suited our needs best. Additionally, testing found that the user interface and security features pleased …
Chose Microsoft Project
While many of the above tools are extremely well-versed, Microsoft Project's largest advantage comes from it being related to the largest business productivity company in the world. Project does have its sharing limitations - but regardless, offers one of the most robust tools …
Chose Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project (online version) gives you the chance to do native collaboration using other Microsoft Tools and gather around with all the resources available in your company to set up communications standards, commitments and quality assurance guidelines, and most of all to …
Smartsheet
Chose Smartsheet
I have preferred Smartsheet to Microsoft Project because it is more intuitive to use and better lends itself to collaboration. It also is more convenient to use because of the fact that it is accessible through the web.
In my experience with managing relatively small scale …
Chose Smartsheet
This product is a great alternative to Microsoft Project, and better in many ways. Easier to use and more flexible. We also use JIRA for IT projects and while I see the similarities. I think for Agile or Waterfall, JIRA may have the edge as it was designed specifically for …
Chose Smartsheet
  • MS Project: Desktop standalone mostly, no online collaboration with other users, other functions are great.
  • IRA: Too complicated with too many options and functions with apps, not easy to have a whole picture of projects. It's too difficult of a web UI to enter or update data …
Chose Smartsheet
This item is an extraordinary option to Microsoft Project, and better from numerous points of view. Simpler to utilize and increasingly adaptable. We likewise use JIRA for IT anticipates and keeping in mind that I see the similitudes. I think for Agile or Waterfall, JIRA may …
Chose Smartsheet
Depending on your use of the software Smartsheet may be the perfect choice for you. If you use a Mac forget about MS Project because it does not support Mac. If you need for real-time collaboration Smartsheet excels at that. Smartsheet also supports sheets way beyond project …
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet has all the basic features of MS Project with a superior collaboration tool. Being cloud-based, it gives user's access from anywhere anytime. Individual engineers and project managers are able to assign tasks and provide updates, improving communication. Project …
Chose Smartsheet
We used the SmartSheet free trial and were deeply impressed. Microsoft Excel sitting on a mail server and database with automatic Gantt Charts was our dream. We could track expected vs. actual time to complete a task, view bottlenecks, and identify time savings visually. Base…
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet is way more comfortable to use and understand. Much better at collaboration. Smartsheet users can get up and running a lot more quickly with little training needed. On the other hand, Microsoft Project is an advanced tool with a deep set of features. It requires …
Chose Smartsheet
We used Smartsheet primarily because a customer was already using the tool. We typically use Microsoft Project since most of our customers and team are familiar with the tool.
Chose Smartsheet
We selected Smartsheet because we needed something between Excel and MS Project. We have a group of staff members who were not Project Managers by trade, but yet managed teams and staff who are supporting smaller efforts with task management. They were looking for a simple tool …
Chose Smartsheet
Price and ease of collaboration was the deciding factor and since we made this decision quite awhile ago, Microsoft Project's collaboration features were not there yet, making Smartsheet the clear winner. Many of our Project Manager were comfortable working with Microsoft …
Chose Smartsheet
Definitely a lot more intuitive and a lot less clunky and confusing. When I have to introduce Smartsheet to other team members who have experience with MS Project they are overwhelmed with how easy it is and feel a lot more engaged when developing their own workbooks
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet enable users to build the more custom solutions that can include workflows, reports, dashboards, sheet data, reminders, etc. It allows to create the most complete reports and have available thousand of already built solutions on the Solution Center. Also, has the …
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a dedicated project management tool that is built on spread sheet principles. When compared to Microsoft's own offering, Smartsheet came out on top in some areas like dedicated project management features vs having to build custom features to Microsoft 365. …
Chose Smartsheet
Before utilizing Smartsheet we utilized a combination of Quip and an in-house developed task management tool. Even though we did not utilize Smartsheet for all of our project management needs it did provide a useful structure for planning a schedule for routine tasks and …
Chose Smartsheet
All the products seemed to perform the project and task management function adequately. The following factors were the keys to our selection:
  1. Ease of use - so similar to Excel everyone can figure it out.
  2. Flexible architecture lends itself to many different use cases beyond …
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet was the most cost-effective option we found, and least complex. It's simple to get used to and onboard colleagues too. Functionalities are similar to Excel, and sheets can be uploaded from prior Excel files. Overall it seemed to be the best option, and this proved to …
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a unique data and project management collaboration tool that sets itself apart from its competitors. Teams have the ability to create extremely customized dashboards that have data flowing to and from multiple worksheets and workspaces. Smartsheet has the ability …
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet offers the best blend of features from its direct and indirect competitors. It is intuitive and collaborative, like Asana. It provides entry-level features from DevOps in regards to Agile, it offers traceability and integrations better than both Teams and Liquid …
Chose Smartsheet
With built-in templates, Smartsheet makes it easier to start with project management. This tool is very useful for collaboration, project management, and communication. If you can use MS Excel, you can easily master this software. Tableau needs more training to master and …
Chose Smartsheet
Smartsheet is so much easier to use than any other product. Because of how much it resembles and Excel spreadsheet, end users can pick it up and begin using it with very little to no training. The cost is also significantly less than the alternatives. Being a cloud solution …
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
Microsoft ProjectSmartsheet
Project Management
Comparison of Project Management features of Product A and Product B
Microsoft Project
8.0
107 Ratings
6% above category average
Smartsheet
7.7
124 Ratings
3% above category average
Task Management9.0106 Ratings8.4121 Ratings
Resource Management6.9103 Ratings8.8103 Ratings
Gantt Charts10.0103 Ratings8.1104 Ratings
Scheduling9.9105 Ratings8.5106 Ratings
Workflow Automation8.582 Ratings8.295 Ratings
Team Collaboration7.795 Ratings8.4117 Ratings
Support for Agile Methodology7.679 Ratings8.377 Ratings
Support for Waterfall Methodology8.279 Ratings5.675 Ratings
Document Management7.276 Ratings6.596 Ratings
Email integration6.081 Ratings7.995 Ratings
Mobile Access7.966 Ratings7.491 Ratings
Timesheet Tracking8.472 Ratings6.158 Ratings
Change request and Case Management8.462 Ratings8.064 Ratings
Budget and Expense Management6.382 Ratings8.070 Ratings
Professional Services Automation
Comparison of Professional Services Automation features of Product A and Product B
Microsoft Project
7.0
76 Ratings
6% below category average
Smartsheet
6.5
62 Ratings
13% below category average
Quotes/estimates7.053 Ratings5.540 Ratings
Invoicing7.044 Ratings6.033 Ratings
Project & financial reporting6.973 Ratings7.056 Ratings
Integration with accounting software6.949 Ratings7.530 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Microsoft ProjectSmartsheet
Small Businesses
FunctionFox
FunctionFox
Score 8.3 out of 10
FunctionFox
FunctionFox
Score 8.3 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
SAP Ruum
SAP Ruum
Score 9.0 out of 10
SAP Ruum
SAP Ruum
Score 9.0 out of 10
Enterprises
Quickbase
Quickbase
Score 9.2 out of 10
Quickbase
Quickbase
Score 9.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Microsoft ProjectSmartsheet
Likelihood to Recommend
6.5
(107 ratings)
8.6
(142 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(3 ratings)
10.0
(23 ratings)
Usability
8.0
(5 ratings)
8.6
(12 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
8.2
(34 ratings)
8.1
(45 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.0
(1 ratings)
Implementation Rating
5.0
(1 ratings)
10.0
(6 ratings)
User Testimonials
Microsoft ProjectSmartsheet
Likelihood to Recommend
Microsoft
Microsoft Project Online is suited to Turnkey Projects where more Collaboration is required in Project Progress monitoring, risk assessment and conveying, issue recording and tracking. It is less appropriate when ERP Suites other than MS Dynamics are used, i.e when Enterprises need to integrate Finance / Accounting with It and having straight project management workflow
Read full review
Smartsheet
For teams and users who are very familiar with Excel and its mode of operation, Smartsheet will feel like a walkover. If you have a number of users who use Excel or Google Sheets for their personal project management then you will find this tool to be very useful and somewhat familiar.
Teams that may be used to other project management suites or styles would find Smartsheet a bit challenging to adapt to, as formulas and formatting can be challenging to adapt to.
Read full review
Pros
Microsoft
  • I love the Gantt Chart that Microsoft Project offers me, because it provides me with a view from various aspects, it provides me with exact details about the fulfillment of tasks over a period of time, it also allows me to make comparisons with the necessary data and the fulfilled data. by the employees, in order to know exactly if the project's expectations have been met.
  • I love the Gantt Chart that Microsoft Project offers me, because it provides me with a view from various aspects, it provides me with exact details about the fulfillment of tasks over a period of time, it also allows me to make comparisons with the necessary data and the fulfilled data by the employees, in order to know exactly if the project's expectations have been met.
  • The alert system for the fulfillment and delay of assignments is perfect. Microsoft Project allows me to configure the task system, I can assign the necessary tasks to fulfill the project, and the software alerts me immediately if the managers are fulfilling the assignments.
Read full review
Smartsheet
  • The easy to use dashboard has enabled us get comprehensive view of projects across the entire business.
  • It has streamlined internal communication with ease of sharing information across different teams.
  • Smartsheet automates our workflows, enhances collaboration and ensures there are no data silos.
  • I like that it saves time for us and ensures we spend less time switching between apps.
Read full review
Cons
Microsoft
  • Seems overly complicated for users sometimes in using Project and its functionalities
  • Hard to share files for those folks who do not have MS Project, and then have to print out for them
  • Can be confusing since it looks and feels like MS Excel
Read full review
Smartsheet
  • Smartsheet set up is similar to Excel, yet when you upload an Excel file, things like conditional formatting are lost. Smartsheet has its own conditional formatting, and you have to reinstate the rules. It would be great if those would apply automatically once a file is uploaded
  • Some Smartsheet management and access rules can take some tweaking to work properly. This may be a case of offering more info to admins so they can apply these better and with more efficiency
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Microsoft
I like using Microsoft Project. It simplifies building a schedule
Read full review
Smartsheet
It definitely meets our needs as far as organizing and archiving our tasks and files. As we train more staff to view it, I see opportunities for more improvement, which I am sure this program can handle. I look forward to seeing continued improvement from Smartsheet on their capabilities and functionality.
Read full review
Usability
Microsoft
Microsoft Project was for many years the reference tool when you were talking about project management software, even if it has some gaps. However, in the last several years, other tools emerged and covered those gaps and are getting more and more users. Microsoft needs to keep up with the trends as they did with adding Project Server. However, that needs a significant rework.
Read full review
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is very easy to learn. However, while I have been able to pick it easily, Microsoft Excel and Project super users that I have trained on Smartsheet get bogged down in the differences and can find it frustrating. Explaining the differences ahead of time and why Smartsheet is being chosen instead of a different software seems to counteract those reactions
Read full review
Support Rating
Microsoft
Microsoft in recent years has transformed itself and gives a positive feeling when one interacts with the company. The company is focusing on its customers and willing to go extra mile to make customers happy.The company continues to invest in its products and bringing new features from time to time. Overall it is a positive feeling to be associated with such an iconic company.
Read full review
Smartsheet
I give this rating because it fills a niche in the market. MS Project scares many away from proper task management but there are limited tools our there, especially cloud-based that are mobile-friendly. Smartsheet fills this market gap, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. IT is not fair to compare it to MS Project, but fairer to see what gaps it fills.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
Microsoft
I wasn't part of it so I don't know
Read full review
Smartsheet
It's absolutely paramount to take a few minutes to actually play with the software. It's nearly impossible to do anything wrong or make a mistake which cannot be fixed easily. Under the help menu is Live Training option. After you familiarize yourself with the commands, watch the live training for some in depth understanding of how to make the software fit your needs perfectly.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Microsoft
While many of the above tools are extremely well-versed, Microsoft Project's largest advantage comes from it being related to the largest business productivity company in the world. Project does have its sharing limitations - but regardless, offers one of the most robust tools in the market today. Microsoft Project is built with large-scale projects in mind but is more than up to the task for smaller projects as well. However, there are options available (especially cloud-based options) that may be more fitting for higher-level projects that do not require going into the weeds.
Read full review
Smartsheet
Jira and Redmine are much more robust and technologically advanced project management solutions. I enjoy using either when managing a very large project. However, I prefer to use Smartsheet for my smaller to medium sized projects. As for Google Drive - I would say that Google sheets and Smartsheet are almost identical in my opinion when it comes to functionality. Personally I prefer to manage smaller projects via Google Drive, but it is a personal preference!
Read full review
Return on Investment
Microsoft
  • Project saved me, as the project manager, countless hours of digging through tickets and schedules to plan everything out. It also saved me time in adjusting the project triangle as needed, since it does so much automatically.
  • It is costly, and since it requires extensive training to master, it's not just the high licensing cost that you need to take into account.
  • The reporting features - even just printing out Gantt charts - makes it far easier to communicate with stakeholders. That means less time for PMs doing all of this manually, and it means less follow-up questions and delays moving forward.
Read full review
Smartsheet
  • This has really opened up collaboration across teams. A lot less working in silos.
  • It hasn't fully replaced any one tool so it means having to go to another place. Hopefully, we can eliminate a tool or two in the next six months.
Read full review
ScreenShots