Smartsheet vs Airtable (2024 Comparison)
Smartsheet offers advanced project management features and robust automation capabilities, making it ideal for managing complex projects efficiently.
- Advanced project management features
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
- Robust automation capabilities
- Steep learning curve
- Interface can feel cluttered
Free plan?
NoStarting price
$9 per month per user
Airtable provides a user-friendly interface and excellent collaboration tools, making it perfect for teams looking to streamline their workflows.
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent collaboration tools
- Wide range of integrations
- Limited automation capabilities
- Basic reporting features
Free plan?
YesStarting price
$20 per month per userWhat is Smartsheet?
Smartsheet is a dynamic work management platform that empowers teams to plan, capture, manage, automate, and report on work at scale. It offers a familiar spreadsheet interface combined with powerful project management features, making it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their workflows. With Smartsheet, you can easily track project progress, collaborate with team members, and integrate with other tools to enhance productivity. Whether you're managing a simple task list or a complex project, Smartsheet provides the flexibility and scalability needed to meet your business needs.
What is Airtable?
Airtable is a versatile and user-friendly platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database. It allows users to organize and manage data in a highly customizable way, making it perfect for teams looking to streamline their workflows. With Airtable, you can create custom applications, track projects, and collaborate with team members in real-time. Its intuitive interface and robust features make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes, helping them to stay organized and efficient in their daily operations.
Pros and Cons of Smartsheet vs Airtable
Pros & Cons of Smartsheet
- Smartsheet offers a comprehensive suite of project management features, including Gantt charts, resource management, and task automation, making it ideal for managing complex projects efficiently.
- With Smartsheet, you can generate detailed reports and gain valuable insights into your projects, helping you make informed decisions and optimize your workflows.
- Smartsheet's automation features allow you to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, saving you time and effort in managing your projects.
- Smartsheet's extensive features and capabilities can be overwhelming for new users, requiring time and effort to fully understand and utilize the platform.
- The interface of Smartsheet can appear cluttered, especially for users who are not familiar with its layout, potentially hindering productivity.
Pros & Cons of Airtable
- Airtable's intuitive interface makes it easy for users to navigate and manage their data, even for those with limited technical expertise.
- Airtable offers robust collaboration features, allowing teams to work together seamlessly and efficiently, enhancing productivity and communication.
- Airtable integrates with numerous popular tools, enabling you to connect your existing tech stack and streamline your workflows effortlessly.
- While Airtable offers automation features, they are not as extensive as those of other platforms, potentially limiting efficiency for complex workflows.
- Airtable's reporting capabilities are relatively basic, which may not meet the needs of users requiring advanced analytics and insights.
Smartsheet vs Airtable: At A Glance
Value to Price
When it comes to value for money, Smartsheet offers a robust set of features that justify its pricing, especially for larger teams needing comprehensive project management tools. Airtable, on the other hand, provides excellent value with its flexible pricing plans and powerful database capabilities, making it a great choice for smaller teams or those on a budget. If you're looking for a cost-effective solution with extensive customization options, Airtable might be the better choice.
Ease of Use
Airtable shines in ease of use with its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible even for non-technical users. Smartsheet, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and capabilities. If you prioritize a user-friendly experience and quick setup, Airtable is likely the better option for you.
Functionality
Smartsheet excels in functionality, offering advanced project management features such as Gantt charts, resource management, and automation. Airtable, while versatile, focuses more on data organization and collaboration. If your primary need is comprehensive project management, Smartsheet is the superior choice.
Scalability
Both Smartsheet and Airtable offer scalable solutions, but Smartsheet is particularly well-suited for larger organizations with complex project management needs. Airtable is ideal for smaller teams or startups looking for a flexible and scalable solution. If your organization is growing rapidly and requires robust scalability, Smartsheet is the better option.
Integrations
Airtable offers a wide range of integrations with popular tools, making it easy to connect with your existing tech stack. Smartsheet also provides numerous integrations, but its focus is more on enterprise-level solutions. If seamless integration with various tools is a priority, Airtable is the more suitable choice.
Customer Support
Both Smartsheet and Airtable offer reliable customer support, but Smartsheet provides more comprehensive support options, including dedicated account managers for enterprise clients. Airtable's support is efficient but may not be as extensive. If you require robust customer support, Smartsheet is the better option.
Security
Security is a priority for both Smartsheet and Airtable, with both platforms offering robust security features to protect your data. Smartsheet provides additional enterprise-grade security options, making it a better choice for organizations with stringent security requirements. If security is a top concern, Smartsheet is the preferred option.
Overall Rating
Overall, both Smartsheet and Airtable are excellent tools, each with its strengths. Smartsheet is ideal for larger teams needing advanced project management features, while Airtable is perfect for smaller teams seeking a flexible and user-friendly solution. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
Smartsheet vs Airtable: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features
Customizable Templates
Smartsheet offers a wide range of customizable templates that cater to various industries and project types. This feature allows you to quickly set up projects and workflows tailored to your specific needs. Airtable also provides customizable templates, but its focus is more on data organization and collaboration. If you need a tool with extensive template options for diverse projects, Smartsheet is the better choice.
Collaboration Tools
Airtable excels in collaboration tools, offering real-time collaboration features that make it easy for teams to work together seamlessly. Smartsheet also provides robust collaboration tools, but its focus is more on project management. If your primary need is a tool that enhances team collaboration, Airtable is the superior choice.
Automation Capabilities
Smartsheet stands out with its advanced automation capabilities, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows. Airtable offers automation features as well, but they are not as extensive as Smartsheet's. If automation is a key priority for your team, Smartsheet is the better option.
Mobile Access
Both Smartsheet and Airtable offer mobile access, allowing you to manage projects and collaborate with team members on the go. Airtable's mobile app is particularly user-friendly and intuitive, making it a great choice for teams that need to work remotely. If mobile access is a priority, Airtable is the more suitable choice.
Reporting and Analytics
Smartsheet provides comprehensive reporting and analytics features, enabling you to gain valuable insights into your projects and make data-driven decisions. Airtable also offers reporting capabilities, but they are not as advanced as Smartsheet's. If you require robust reporting and analytics, Smartsheet is the superior choice.
User Permissions
Smartsheet offers advanced user permissions, allowing you to control access and manage user roles effectively. Airtable provides user permissions as well, but they are not as granular as Smartsheet's. If you need a tool with detailed user permission settings, Smartsheet is the better option.
Pricing Comparison of Smartsheet and Airtable
To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve outlined the pricing plans and essential features of Smartsheet and Airtable. This comparison will highlight the best option for managing your projects and workflows.
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.
Airtable Pricing Plans
- Ideal for very small teams or lightweight needs.
- No cost involved for getting started.
- Access to key building blocks for applications.
- Unlimited read-only collaborators and form submissions.
- Charged per user with edit permissions.
- Annual billing cycle for cost efficiency.
- Prorated charges for users added mid-month.
- No charges for read-only collaborators.
- Flexibility for departments and large enterprises.
- Administrative features for better management.
- Annual billing for cost management.
- Prorated charges for new users.
- Unlimited organizational units and workspaces.
- Enhanced security and governance features.
- Contact sales for detailed pricing.
- Prorated charges for new collaborators.
Our Rating Methodology
We thoroughly test each project management tool, evaluating key features like ease of use, functionality, and scalability. We also analyze user reviews to ensure our recommendations fit your needs. Each of the seven evaluation factors is weighted by importance to provide an accurate final rating, helping you avoid poor-quality tools and make informed decisions.
Smartsheet or Airtable: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?
Choose Smartsheet If You Need ...
- Advanced project management features
If you need a tool with advanced project management features, Smartsheet is the better choice. Its comprehensive suite of features, including Gantt charts and resource management, makes it ideal for managing complex projects efficiently.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
If you require robust reporting and analytics capabilities, Smartsheet is the superior option. Its detailed reports and insights help you make informed decisions and optimize your workflows effectively.
Choose Airtable If You Need ...
- User-friendly interface
If you prioritize a user-friendly interface, Airtable is the better choice. Its intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and manage their data, even for those with limited technical expertise.
- Excellent collaboration tools
If your primary need is a tool that enhances team collaboration, Airtable is the superior choice. Its robust collaboration features allow teams to work together seamlessly and efficiently, enhancing productivity and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for project management, Smartsheet or Airtable?
Which tool offers better collaboration features, Smartsheet or Airtable?
Which tool is more user-friendly, Smartsheet or Airtable?
Which tool offers better automation capabilities, Smartsheet or Airtable?
Which tool is more cost-effective, Smartsheet or Airtable?
Which tool offers better reporting and analytics, Smartsheet or Airtable?
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.
