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SmartSuite vs Trello (2024 Comparison)

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Last Update

Nov 12, 2024

We earn a commission from partner links on Keevee. Commissions do not affect our editor's opinions or evaluations.

Excellent Value For Price
4.3

0

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SmartSuite

SmartSuite offers a comprehensive project management solution with advanced features like task management and time tracking, making it ideal for businesses seeking a robust tool.

  • Comprehensive task management features
  • Advanced time tracking capabilities
  • Highly customizable interface
  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • May be overkill for small teams

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$10 per month per user
Good Value For Price
4.1

0

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Trello

Trello provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of integrations, making it perfect for small teams and individuals looking for a simple, effective project management tool.

  • User-friendly interface
  • Wide range of integrations
  • Excellent mobile app
  • Limited reporting capabilities
  • No built-in time tracking

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$5 per month per user

What is SmartSuite?

SmartSuite is a comprehensive project management tool designed to streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration. It offers a wide range of features, including task management, time tracking, and reporting, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. With its intuitive interface and customizable dashboards, SmartSuite helps teams stay organized and focused on their goals, ultimately boosting productivity and efficiency.

What is Trello?

Trello is a versatile project management tool that helps users organize tasks and projects using boards, lists, and cards. It's particularly popular for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a favorite among small teams and individuals. Trello's visual approach to task management allows users to quickly see the status of their projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of deadlines, making it an essential tool for managing daily tasks and projects.

Pros and Cons of SmartSuite vs Trello

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Pros & Cons of SmartSuite

Comprehensive task management
  • SmartSuite offers a wide range of task management features, including task dependencies, priority settings, and customizable workflows, making it ideal for managing complex projects efficiently.
Advanced time tracking
  • With SmartSuite's time tracking capabilities, you can accurately monitor the time spent on tasks and projects, which is particularly useful for businesses that bill clients based on hours worked.
Highly customizable interface
  • SmartSuite allows you to tailor the platform to your specific needs with custom fields, personalized dashboards, and more, providing flexibility that enhances productivity.
Steep learning curve
  • SmartSuite's extensive features may require some time to learn, especially for new users, which could be a barrier for teams looking for a quick setup.
Overkill for small teams
  • For smaller teams or simpler projects, SmartSuite's advanced features might be more than necessary, making it less suitable for those with basic needs.
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Pros & Cons of Trello

User-friendly interface
  • Trello's intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to start using immediately, with minimal training required, making it a favorite among small teams and individuals.
Wide range of integrations
  • Trello offers a vast library of integrations with popular tools, allowing you to connect with your existing systems seamlessly and enhance your workflow.
Excellent mobile app
  • Trello's mobile app is user-friendly and allows you to manage tasks and collaborate with team members on the go, ensuring productivity from anywhere.
Limited reporting capabilities
  • Trello's reporting features are basic, which may not be sufficient for teams that rely on data-driven decision-making and require detailed insights.
No built-in time tracking
  • Trello lacks a built-in time tracking feature, which may require third-party integrations for teams that need to monitor time spent on tasks and projects.

SmartSuite vs Trello: At A Glance

Decision FactorSmartSuiteTrello
Value to Price
Excellent4.5
Good4.2
Ease of Use
Good4.2
Excellent4.5
Functionality
Excellent4.4
Good4.0
Scalability
Excellent4.3
Good4.1
Integrations
Good4.2
Excellent4.3
Customer Support
Good4.1
Good4.0
Security
Excellent4.3
Good4.2
Overall Rating
Excellent4.3
Good4.1

Value to Price

SmartSuite offers a robust set of features at a competitive price, making it a great value for businesses looking for comprehensive project management solutions. Trello, while slightly less feature-rich, provides excellent value for smaller teams or individuals who need a simple, effective tool. If you're looking for a more feature-packed solution, SmartSuite might be the better choice.

Ease of Use

Trello is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for anyone to pick up and start using immediately. SmartSuite, while also intuitive, offers more advanced features that may require a bit of a learning curve. If ease of use is your top priority, Trello is likely the better option.

Functionality

SmartSuite excels in functionality, offering a wide range of features that cater to various business needs. Trello, while functional, is more suited for basic task management. If you need a tool with advanced functionality, SmartSuite is the way to go.

Scalability

Both SmartSuite and Trello offer scalable solutions, but SmartSuite's advanced features make it more suitable for growing businesses. Trello is ideal for smaller teams or projects that don't require extensive scalability. If scalability is a concern, SmartSuite is the better choice.

Integrations

Trello offers a wide range of integrations with popular tools, making it easy to connect with your existing systems. SmartSuite also provides integrations, but Trello's extensive library gives it a slight edge. If integrations are crucial, Trello might be the better option.

Customer Support

SmartSuite offers reliable customer support, ensuring users can get help when needed. Trello's support is also commendable, but SmartSuite's personalized assistance gives it an advantage. If customer support is a priority, SmartSuite is the better choice.

Security

Both SmartSuite and Trello prioritize security, offering robust measures to protect user data. SmartSuite's advanced security features make it a slightly better option for businesses with stringent security requirements. If security is a top concern, SmartSuite is the way to go.

Overall Rating

SmartSuite and Trello both offer excellent project management solutions, but SmartSuite's advanced features and comprehensive support give it a slight edge overall. If you're looking for a more feature-rich tool, SmartSuite is the better choice.

SmartSuite vs Trello: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features

FeaturesSmartSuiteTrello
Task Management
Excellent4.5
Excellent4.3
Time Tracking
Excellent4.4
Good3.8
Reporting
Excellent4.3
Good3.9
Collaboration
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.5
Customization
Excellent4.5
Good4.2
Mobile App
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.4

Task Management

SmartSuite offers a comprehensive task management system that allows you to create, assign, and track tasks with ease. Its advanced features, such as task dependencies and priority settings, make it ideal for complex projects. Trello, on the other hand, provides a more straightforward approach with its board and card system, which is perfect for smaller teams or simpler projects. If you need a more robust task management solution, SmartSuite is the better choice.

Time Tracking

SmartSuite's time tracking feature is a standout, allowing you to monitor the time spent on tasks and projects accurately. This is particularly useful for businesses that bill clients based on hours worked. Trello lacks a built-in time tracking feature, which may require third-party integrations. If time tracking is essential for your workflow, SmartSuite is the superior option.

Reporting

SmartSuite excels in reporting, offering detailed insights into project progress and team performance. Its customizable reports allow you to focus on the metrics that matter most to your business. Trello's reporting capabilities are more limited, making it less suitable for data-driven decision-making. If reporting is a priority, SmartSuite is the better choice.

Collaboration

Both SmartSuite and Trello offer excellent collaboration features, allowing team members to communicate and work together effectively. Trello's simplicity makes it easy for teams to collaborate without a steep learning curve. SmartSuite, while slightly more complex, offers advanced collaboration tools that are beneficial for larger teams. If collaboration is key, Trello might be the more accessible option.

Customization

SmartSuite provides extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the platform to your specific needs. From custom fields to personalized dashboards, SmartSuite offers flexibility that Trello can't match. Trello does offer some customization, but it's more limited in scope. If customization is important, SmartSuite is the better choice.

Mobile App

Both SmartSuite and Trello offer mobile apps that allow you to manage tasks on the go. Trello's app is particularly user-friendly, making it easy to update tasks and collaborate with team members from anywhere. SmartSuite's app is also robust, offering access to all its features, but it may require a bit more navigation. If mobile accessibility is crucial, Trello's app might be the more convenient option.

Pricing Comparison of SmartSuite and Trello

We’ve compiled the pricing tables and highlighted the key features of both SmartSuite and Trello to aid in your decision-making process. Let’s explore what each platform has to offer.

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SmartSuite Pricing Plans

Free
For Individuals
$0

per user / month

Get Startedright_arrow
Free includes:
  • Create up to 5 solutions to manage workflows.
  • Store up to 1,200 records per solution.
  • 100MB of file storage for documents and media.
  • 14-day recycle bin to recover deleted data.
Team
For Small Businesses
$10

per month per user

Try For Freeright_arrow
Includes Free, plus:
  • Create unlimited solutions for diverse workflows.
  • Store up to 5,000 records per solution.
  • 50GB of file storage for extensive data needs.
  • 30-day recycle bin for extended data recovery.
Professional
For Departments
$25

per month per user

Try For Freeright_arrow
Includes Team, plus:
  • Store up to 50,000 records per solution.
  • 100GB of file storage for large-scale projects.
  • 45-day recycle bin for comprehensive data protection.
  • Priority support for quick issue resolution.
Enterprise
For Large Enterprises
$35

per month per user

Try For Freeright_arrow
Includes Professional, plus:
  • Store up to 250,000 records per solution.
  • 500GB of file storage for enterprise needs.
  • 60-day recycle bin for maximum data retention.
  • Dedicated customer success manager for personalized support.
Signature
For Custom Needs
Contact sales
Request Pricingright_arrow
Includes Enterprise, plus:
  • Flexible usage limits and features.
  • Enhanced support and security options.
  • Tailored solutions for unique workflow requirements.
  • Contact sales for personalized pricing and features.
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Trello Pricing Plans

Free
For Individuals
$0

per month

Get Startedright_arrow
Free includes:
  • Up to 10 boards per Workspace for organized project management.
  • Unlimited Power-Ups per board to enhance functionality.
  • Unlimited storage with a limit of 10MB per file.
  • 250 Workspace command runs per month for automation.
Standard
For Small Businesses
$5

per month per user

Try For Freeright_arrow
Includes Free, plus:
  • Advanced checklists for detailed task breakdowns.
  • Custom Fields to structure information on Trello cards.
  • Unlimited storage with a limit of 250MB per file.
  • 1,000 Workspace command runs per month for enhanced automation.
Premium
For Teams up to 100
$10

per month per user

Try For Freeright_arrow
Includes Standard, plus:
  • Unlimited Workspace command runs for extensive automation.
  • Atlassian Intelligence (AI) for enhanced productivity.
  • Admin and security features for better control.
  • Workspace-level templates for consistent project management.
Enterprise
For Large Enterprises
$17.5

per month per user

Request Pricingright_arrow
Includes Premium, plus:
  • Organization-wide permissions for enhanced security.
  • Public board management for broader collaboration.
  • Multi-board guests for flexible team collaboration.
  • Free SSO and user provisioning with Atlassian Access.

Our Rating Methodology

We thoroughly evaluate each project management tool, focusing on key aspects like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user reviews and conducting hands-on testing, we ensure our recommendations are reliable. Each factor is weighted by importance to deliver an accurate final rating, helping you make informed decisions.

Decision FactorScoring Weight
Value to Price
20%
20%
Ease of Use
20%
15%
Functionality
20%
25%
Scalability
20%
15%
Integrations
20%
10%
Customer Support
20%
10%
Security
20%
5%

SmartSuite or Trello: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?

Choose SmartSuite If You Need ...

  • Advanced project management features

    If you need a project management tool with advanced features like task dependencies, time tracking, and customizable workflows, SmartSuite is the ideal choice. Its comprehensive capabilities make it perfect for managing complex projects efficiently.

  • Highly customizable interface

    If you require a tool that can be tailored to your specific needs with custom fields and personalized dashboards, SmartSuite offers the flexibility you need. Its customization options enhance productivity and streamline workflows.

Choose Trello If You Need ...

  • Simple and intuitive interface

    If you're looking for a project management tool that's easy to use and requires minimal training, Trello's user-friendly interface is perfect. It's ideal for small teams and individuals who need a straightforward solution.

  • Wide range of integrations

    If you need a tool that can seamlessly connect with your existing systems, Trello's extensive library of integrations makes it the better choice. It enhances your workflow by allowing you to integrate with popular tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Author

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.