What is the difference between ClickUp and Smartsheet?

ClickUp is best for Teams that want one tool to replace many, while Smartsheet is best for Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-style project management. ClickUp starts at $7/user/mo and Smartsheet starts at $7/user/mo.

Is ClickUp or Smartsheet cheaper?

ClickUp starts at $7/user/mo with a free tier. Smartsheet starts at $7/user/mo.

Is there a free alternative to Smartsheet?

Yes, ClickUp offers a free tier (Free tier with 100MB storage).

ClickUp vs Smartsheet

ClickUp is all-in-one productivity platform combining project management, docs, goals, and whiteboards, while Smartsheet is enterprise work management platform with spreadsheet interface, automations, and dashboards. ClickUp is built for teams that want one tool to replace many, whereas Smartsheet targets enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-style project management.

At a glance

	ClickUp	Smartsheet
Best for	Teams that want one tool to replace many	Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-style project management
Starting price	$7/user/mo	$7/user/mo
Free tier	✓	—
Open source	—	—
Free tier available	✓	—
Open source	—	—
Automations	—	✓
Custom Views	✓	—
Dashboards	—	✓
Docs	✓	—
Goals	✓	—
Resource Mgmt	—	✓
Spreadsheet UI	—	✓
Time Tracking	✓	—
Whiteboards	✓	—

ClickUp

Strengths

Feature-rich — replaces multiple tools
Generous free tier
Highly customizable views and workflows
Good value for money

Weaknesses

Overwhelming number of features — steep learning curve
Can feel slow and buggy
Trying to do too much means nothing is best-in-class
UI can be cluttered

Try ClickUp → Full review

Smartsheet

Strengths

Spreadsheet-style interface is familiar to anyone who has used Excel
Built-in automations handle repetitive tasks like status changes and assignments
Affordable at $7/user/mo — one of the lower-priced options in the project management category
Established product with 20+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

No free plan — you need to pay $7/user/mo from day one to use it
Enterprise-focused design means the interface can feel heavy for smaller teams
Migrating existing projects from another tool can be time-consuming
Overkill for freelancers or small teams who need something lightweight

Try Smartsheet → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: ClickUp starts at $7/user/mo. Smartsheet starts at $7/user/mo.

Feature gaps: ClickUp offers Custom Views, Docs and Goals that Smartsheet lacks. Smartsheet brings Automations, Dashboards and Resource Mgmt that ClickUp does not have.

Team fit: ClickUp is geared toward any size teams, while Smartsheet is aimed at enterprise teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Where each tool shines: ClickUp's biggest strengths are: feature-rich — replaces multiple tools. generous free tier. Smartsheet's biggest strengths are: spreadsheet-style interface is familiar to anyone who has used excel. built-in automations handle repetitive tasks like status changes and assignments.

Watch out for: With ClickUp, users commonly note that overwhelming number of features — steep learning curve. With Smartsheet, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay $7/user/mo from day one to use it.

Choose ClickUp if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want one tool to replace many
You specifically need Custom Views and Docs
You care about generous free tier
Your team size fits the any size profile ClickUp is designed for
The free tier works for you: free tier with 100mb storage

Choose Smartsheet if...

You need a tool built for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-style project management
You specifically need Automations and Dashboards
You care about built-in automations handle repetitive tasks like status changes and assignments
Your team size fits the enterprise profile Smartsheet is designed for