Confluence vs Smartsheet (2024 Comparison)
Confluence is a powerful collaboration platform that enhances team communication and productivity. With its robust features and seamless integration with Atlassian tools, it's an excellent choice for teams looking to improve collaboration.
- Robust collaboration features
- Highly customizable
- Seamless integration with Atlassian tools
- Limited project management features
- Steep learning curve for new users
Free plan?
YesStarting price
Smartsheet is a dynamic work management platform that empowers teams with advanced project management and automation features. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Advanced project management
- Powerful automation
- User-friendly interface
- Higher cost for advanced features
- Limited collaboration tools
Free plan?
NoStarting price
$9 per month per userWhat is Confluence?
Confluence is a collaborative workspace where teams can create, share, and discuss their work. It helps streamline communication and project management by providing a centralized platform for documentation, meeting notes, and project plans. With its intuitive interface, Confluence makes it easy for teams to collaborate in real-time, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Whether you're managing a small project or a large enterprise initiative, Confluence offers the flexibility and scalability to meet your needs.
What is Smartsheet?
Smartsheet is a dynamic work management platform that empowers teams to plan, track, automate, and report on work. It combines the familiar interface of a spreadsheet with powerful project management features, making it easy for users to manage complex projects. Smartsheet helps teams improve collaboration, streamline processes, and increase productivity by providing real-time visibility into work progress. Whether you're managing a marketing campaign or a construction project, Smartsheet offers the tools you need to succeed.
Pros and Cons of Confluence vs Smartsheet
Pros & Cons of Confluence
- Confluence offers a wide range of collaboration features, making it easy for teams to work together effectively. Its real-time editing and commenting capabilities enhance team communication and productivity.
- Confluence allows teams to customize the platform to meet their specific needs, providing flexibility and adaptability for various use cases.
- Confluence integrates seamlessly with other Atlassian products, such as Jira and Trello, providing a cohesive ecosystem for teams using multiple tools.
- While Confluence excels in collaboration, its project management features are limited compared to other tools, making it less suitable for teams managing complex projects.
- New users may find Confluence's interface challenging to navigate initially, requiring time and effort to become proficient with the platform.
Pros & Cons of Smartsheet
- Smartsheet offers advanced project management features, including planning, tracking, and automation, making it ideal for teams managing complex projects.
- Smartsheet's automation capabilities help teams streamline processes and increase productivity, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.
- Smartsheet's familiar spreadsheet-like interface makes it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate and use the platform effectively.
- Smartsheet's advanced features come at a higher cost, which may be a consideration for teams with limited budgets.
- While Smartsheet excels in project management, its collaboration tools are limited compared to other platforms, making it less suitable for teams prioritizing collaboration.
Confluence vs Smartsheet: At A Glance
Value to Price
Confluence offers a robust set of features at a competitive price, making it a great value for teams looking to enhance collaboration. Its pricing is flexible, catering to both small teams and large enterprises. Smartsheet, on the other hand, provides a slightly higher value with its extensive project management capabilities and automation features. If you're looking for a tool that offers more advanced project management features, Smartsheet might be the better choice.
Ease of Use
Confluence is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for teams to collaborate and share information. However, Smartsheet excels in ease of use with its familiar spreadsheet-like interface, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. If you prefer a tool that feels like a spreadsheet but offers more advanced features, Smartsheet is the way to go.
Functionality
Confluence provides a wide range of functionalities for documentation and collaboration, making it ideal for teams that need a centralized platform for their work. Smartsheet, however, offers more advanced project management features, including automation and reporting, which can be beneficial for teams managing complex projects. If your team requires advanced project management capabilities, Smartsheet is the better option.
Scalability
Both Confluence and Smartsheet are highly scalable, making them suitable for teams of all sizes. Confluence is particularly well-suited for growing teams that need a flexible platform for collaboration. Smartsheet, with its advanced project management features, is ideal for larger teams managing complex projects. If scalability is a priority, both tools are excellent choices, but Smartsheet offers more advanced features for larger teams.
Integrations
Confluence offers a wide range of integrations with other Atlassian products and third-party tools, making it easy to connect with your existing software stack. Smartsheet also provides numerous integrations, but its focus is more on project management tools. If you need a tool that integrates seamlessly with other Atlassian products, Confluence is the better choice.
Customer Support
Confluence offers reliable customer support, with a range of resources available to help users get the most out of the platform. Smartsheet provides excellent customer support, with a dedicated team available to assist users with any issues they may encounter. If customer support is a priority, Smartsheet offers a slightly better experience.
Security
Both Confluence and Smartsheet prioritize security, offering robust features to protect your data. Confluence provides enterprise-grade security features, making it a reliable choice for teams that need to protect sensitive information. Smartsheet also offers strong security features, with a focus on compliance and data protection. If security is a top concern, both tools are excellent choices, but Confluence offers more enterprise-grade features.
Confluence vs Smartsheet: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features
Collaboration Tools
Confluence excels in collaboration tools, offering a centralized platform for teams to create, share, and discuss their work. Its real-time editing and commenting features make it easy for teams to collaborate effectively. Smartsheet also offers collaboration tools, but its focus is more on project management. If you're looking for a tool that prioritizes collaboration, Confluence is the better choice.
Project Management
While Confluence offers basic project management features, Smartsheet stands out with its advanced project management capabilities. It provides tools for planning, tracking, and automating work, making it ideal for teams managing complex projects. If your team requires advanced project management features, Smartsheet is the way to go.
Automation
Smartsheet offers powerful automation features that help teams streamline processes and increase productivity. Confluence, on the other hand, offers limited automation capabilities. If automation is a priority for your team, Smartsheet is the better option.
Reporting
Smartsheet provides robust reporting features, allowing teams to gain real-time insights into work progress. Confluence offers basic reporting capabilities, but its focus is more on collaboration. If your team needs advanced reporting features, Smartsheet is the better choice.
Customization
Confluence offers a high level of customization, allowing teams to tailor the platform to their specific needs. Smartsheet also offers customization options, but its focus is more on project management. If customization is important to your team, Confluence is the better choice.
Mobile Access
Both Confluence and Smartsheet offer mobile access, allowing teams to stay connected and productive on the go. Smartsheet provides a slightly better mobile experience with its intuitive interface and advanced features. If mobile access is a priority, Smartsheet is the better option.
Pricing Comparison of Confluence and Smartsheet
We’ve compiled the pricing tables and highlighted the key features of both Confluence and Smartsheet to aid in your decision-making process. Let’s explore what each platform has to offer.
Confluence Pricing Plans
- Access to unlimited spaces and pages for collaboration.
- Basic analytics and insights for performance tracking.
- Community support for troubleshooting and guidance.
- Basic page versioning and archiving capabilities.
- Local business hours support for timely assistance.
- Advanced page insights and analytics for better decisions.
- Structured page tree organization for efficient navigation.
- Enhanced security features with domain verification.
- 99.9% uptime SLA with financially backed service credits.
- Advanced admin controls for better site management.
- Deeper analytics for comprehensive reporting.
- Temporary access to restricted pages for quick resolutions.
- 24/7 enterprise support with dedicated assistance.
- 99.95% uptime SLA for mission-critical operations.
- Advanced security with Atlassian Guard Premium.
- Multiple identity providers for enhanced security.
Smartsheet Pricing Plans
- Gantt, grid, board, and calendar view for versatile project management.
- Rich formulas to enhance data analysis and reporting.
- Unlimited sheets, forms, and reports for comprehensive data management.
- 250 automations per month to streamline workflows.
- Timeline view for detailed project tracking.
- Team workload tracking to optimize resource allocation.
- Admin capabilities for enhanced control and management.
- Unlimited automations for efficient process management.
- SAML-based SSO for secure access management.
- WorkApps for custom application development.
- Work Insights for comprehensive data analysis.
- Unlimited attachment storage for extensive data handling.
- Dynamic View for secure request management.
- Data Shuttle for seamless data integration.
- Salesforce and Jira connectors for enhanced integration.
- Premium Support for prioritized assistance.
Our Rating Methodology
We thoroughly evaluate each project management tool, focusing on key aspects like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user feedback and conducting in-depth testing, we ensure our recommendations align with your needs. Each factor is weighted to provide a comprehensive final rating, helping you make informed decisions.
Confluence or Smartsheet: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?
Choose Confluence If You Need ...
- Robust collaboration features
If you need a platform with robust collaboration features, Confluence is the ideal choice. Its real-time editing and commenting capabilities make it easy for teams to work together effectively.
- Seamless integration with Atlassian tools
If your team uses other Atlassian products, Confluence offers seamless integration, providing a cohesive ecosystem for teams using multiple tools.
Choose Smartsheet If You Need ...
- Advanced project management
If your team requires advanced project management features, Smartsheet is the better option. It offers tools for planning, tracking, and automating work, making it ideal for managing complex projects.
- Powerful automation
If automation is a priority for your team, Smartsheet's powerful automation capabilities help streamline processes and increase productivity, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for collaboration, Confluence or Smartsheet?
Which tool offers more advanced project management features?
How do Confluence and Smartsheet compare in terms of ease of use?
Which tool provides better integration options?
How do the security features of Confluence and Smartsheet compare?
Which tool is more cost-effective, Confluence or Smartsheet?
Anastasia Belyh
Anastasia Belyh is a senior tech writer with over 15 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business software. Having worked in investment banking, management consulting, and founded multiple companies, her in-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise make her software reviews authoritative, trustworthy, and highly practical for business decision-makers.
