Smartsheet vs Bonsai (2024 Comparison)
Smartsheet offers a comprehensive suite of project management tools, ideal for teams needing robust collaboration and scalability. Its advanced features make it a top choice for managing complex workflows.
- Comprehensive project management features
- Robust collaboration tools
- Scalable for large teams
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited invoicing capabilities
- Higher cost for small teams
Free plan?
NoStarting price
$9 per month per user
Bonsai provides freelancers with an all-in-one platform for managing contracts, invoicing, and time tracking. Its user-friendly interface and responsive support make it a valuable tool for freelancers.
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent invoicing features
- Responsive customer support
- Limited project management features
- Less scalable for large teams
- Fewer integrations
Free plan?
YesStarting price
$9 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, making it easy for users to adapt quickly. With Smartsheet, you can streamline processes, improve collaboration, and gain real-time visibility into projects. It helps businesses of all sizes to enhance productivity and efficiency by providing tools for project management, task tracking, and resource allocation.
What is Bonsai?
Bonsai is a comprehensive freelancing platform designed to simplify the business side of freelancing. It offers tools for contract creation, invoicing, time tracking, and project management, all in one place. Bonsai helps freelancers manage their workflow efficiently, ensuring they get paid on time and stay organized. With its user-friendly interface and automation features, Bonsai allows freelancers to focus more on their creative work and less on administrative tasks.
Pros and Cons of Smartsheet vs Bonsai
Pros & Cons of Smartsheet
- Smartsheet offers a wide range of project management tools, making it ideal for managing complex projects and workflows. Its features include Gantt charts, resource management, and real-time updates, providing teams with the tools they need to succeed.
- With Smartsheet, teams can collaborate seamlessly, thanks to its real-time updates and shared sheets. These features enhance communication and ensure everyone is on the same page, making it easier to work together effectively.
- Smartsheet is designed to scale with your business, accommodating growing teams and complex projects. Its robust infrastructure ensures that it can handle the demands of large organizations, making it a reliable choice for businesses planning to expand.
- New users may find Smartsheet's interface challenging to navigate initially. While its spreadsheet-like design is familiar, the advanced features can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with project management tools.
- Smartsheet's invoicing features are not as comprehensive as some other tools, which may require users to seek additional integrations or software for complete invoicing solutions.
Pros & Cons of Bonsai
- Bonsai's interface is designed with freelancers in mind, offering a straightforward and intuitive experience. This makes it easy for users to navigate and manage their tasks efficiently, without the need for extensive training.
- Bonsai excels in invoicing, providing customizable templates and automated reminders to ensure freelancers get paid on time. Its invoicing capabilities are tailored to the needs of freelancers, making it a valuable tool for managing finances.
- Bonsai is praised for its responsive and helpful customer support team, which is crucial for freelancers who need quick assistance. This ensures that users can resolve issues promptly and continue working without disruptions.
- While Bonsai offers basic project management tools, it lacks the advanced features found in more comprehensive platforms. This may be a limitation for users managing complex projects or larger teams.
- Bonsai is designed primarily for individual freelancers or small teams, which may limit its scalability for larger organizations. Users planning to expand their operations may need to consider additional tools or platforms.
Smartsheet vs Bonsai: At A Glance
Value to Price
Smartsheet offers a robust set of features that justify its pricing, especially for larger teams needing comprehensive project management tools. Bonsai, on the other hand, provides excellent value for freelancers with its all-in-one platform, making it a cost-effective choice for individual users. If you're a freelancer, Bonsai's pricing aligns well with its offerings.
Ease of Use
Smartsheet's spreadsheet-like interface can be intuitive for those familiar with Excel, but it may require a learning curve for new users. Bonsai shines in this area with its straightforward and user-friendly design, making it easy for freelancers to navigate and manage their tasks efficiently. If ease of use is your priority, Bonsai is the better choice.
Functionality
Smartsheet excels in functionality with its advanced project management capabilities, suitable for complex workflows and team collaboration. Bonsai, while not as feature-rich in project management, offers essential tools for freelancers, such as contract management and invoicing. If you need comprehensive project management, Smartsheet is the way to go.
Scalability
Smartsheet is designed to scale with your business, accommodating growing teams and complex projects. Bonsai is more suited for individual freelancers or small teams, offering scalability within its niche. If you're planning to scale your operations, Smartsheet provides the necessary infrastructure.
Integrations
Smartsheet integrates with a wide range of third-party applications, enhancing its functionality and adaptability. Bonsai also offers integrations, but they are more focused on tools relevant to freelancers. If you require extensive integrations, Smartsheet is the better option.
Customer Support
Smartsheet provides reliable customer support, though some users report longer response times. Bonsai is praised for its responsive and helpful support team, which is crucial for freelancers who need quick assistance. If customer support is a priority, Bonsai stands out.
Security
Smartsheet offers robust security features, ensuring data protection for businesses handling sensitive information. Bonsai also provides security measures, but they are more tailored to individual users. If security is a major concern, Smartsheet's enterprise-level security is advantageous.
Overall Rating
Both Smartsheet and Bonsai are excellent tools in their respective domains. Smartsheet is ideal for businesses needing comprehensive project management, while Bonsai is perfect for freelancers seeking an all-in-one solution. Your choice depends on your specific needs and use case.
Smartsheet vs Bonsai: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features
Project Management
Smartsheet is a powerhouse when it comes to project management, offering a wide array of tools to manage complex projects and workflows. Its spreadsheet-like interface is familiar, yet it provides advanced features like Gantt charts and resource management. Bonsai, while not as feature-rich in this area, offers basic project management tools suitable for freelancers. If you're managing large projects, Smartsheet is the better choice.
Time Tracking
Bonsai excels in time tracking, providing freelancers with an easy-to-use tool to log hours and track billable time. Smartsheet offers time tracking as part of its broader project management suite, but it may not be as intuitive for freelancers. If time tracking is a priority, Bonsai offers a more streamlined experience.
Invoicing
Bonsai stands out in invoicing, offering customizable templates and automated reminders to ensure freelancers get paid on time. Smartsheet's invoicing capabilities are more limited and may require additional integrations. If invoicing is a critical feature for you, Bonsai is the clear winner.
Collaboration Tools
Smartsheet offers robust collaboration tools, allowing teams to work together seamlessly on projects. Its real-time updates and shared sheets enhance team communication. Bonsai also provides collaboration features, but they are more tailored to individual freelancers working with clients. If team collaboration is essential, Smartsheet is the better option.
Contract Management
Bonsai excels in contract management, providing freelancers with templates and e-signature capabilities to streamline the contract process. Smartsheet offers basic contract management features but may require additional tools for comprehensive management. If contract management is a priority, Bonsai is the superior choice.
Automation
Smartsheet offers powerful automation features, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows. Bonsai also provides automation, but it is more focused on automating freelance-specific tasks like invoicing and reminders. If you need extensive automation capabilities, Smartsheet is the better option.
Pricing Comparison of Smartsheet and Bonsai
To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve outlined the pricing plans and essential features of Smartsheet and Bonsai. This comparison will highlight the best option for managing your projects and freelancing tasks.
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.
Bonsai Pricing Plans
- Comprehensive CRM to manage client relationships effectively.
- Access to a service library for streamlined operations.
- Available on iOS and Android apps for on-the-go management.
- Unlimited clients to expand your business reach.
- Access to all templates for various business needs.
- Forms and questionnaires for client feedback and data collection.
- Scheduling tools to manage appointments and meetings.
- Expense and income tracking for financial management.
- Gantt view for detailed project timelines and planning.
- Custom fields and properties for tailored project management.
- Client portal for seamless client interactions and communications.
- Profit and productivity reports for business performance analysis.
- Request and staffing management for efficient team operations.
- Timesheet locking to ensure accurate time tracking.
- Add markup to expenses for better cost management.
- Hubspot integration for seamless CRM operations.
Our Rating Methodology
We thoroughly evaluate each project management and freelancing tool, focusing on key aspects like functionality, ease of use, and customer support. By analyzing user reviews and conducting hands-on testing, we ensure our recommendations are accurate and reliable. Each factor is weighted by importance to deliver a comprehensive final rating, helping you make informed decisions.
Smartsheet or Bonsai: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?
Choose Smartsheet If You Need ...
- Comprehensive project management
If you are a business looking for a comprehensive project management solution, Smartsheet is the ideal choice. Its advanced features and scalability make it perfect for managing complex workflows and large teams.
- Robust collaboration tools
If you need robust collaboration tools to enhance team communication, Smartsheet offers real-time updates and shared sheets, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working together effectively.
Choose Bonsai If You Need ...
- User-friendly interface
If you are a freelancer seeking a user-friendly platform, Bonsai's intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and manage tasks efficiently, allowing you to focus on your creative work.
- Excellent invoicing features
If invoicing is a critical aspect of your freelancing business, Bonsai provides customizable templates and automated reminders, ensuring you get paid on time and manage your finances effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for project management, Smartsheet or Bonsai?
Is Bonsai suitable for large teams?
Does Smartsheet offer invoicing capabilities?
How does Bonsai's customer support compare to Smartsheet's?
Can Smartsheet integrate with other tools?
Is Bonsai easy to use for beginners?
Martin Lunendonk
Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.
