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Construction · head to head

ArchiCAD vs Smartsheet Construction

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Smartsheet Construction logo

Smartsheet Construction

Construction

Work management platform for construction teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Smartsheet Construction has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; Smartsheet Construction automation engine uses logic-based if-then rules rather than adaptive AI, cannot predict outcomes or understand content
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Smartsheet Construction covers Project scheduling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and Smartsheet Construction actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and Smartsheet Construction differ
AttributeArchiCADSmartsheet Construction
Starting price$177/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOSWeb, iOS, Android
Founded19822005

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ArchiCAD

  • BIM modeling
  • Design tools
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts

Only in Smartsheet Construction

  • Project scheduling
  • Resource management
  • Collaboration
  • Reporting
  • Automation
  • Procore
  • Microsoft 365
  • Google Workspace

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ArchiCAD

  • Architectural design with BIM capabilitiesnot Smartsheet Construction
  • Real-time team collaboration via BIMcloudnot Smartsheet Construction
  • Automated documentation generation from design changesnot Smartsheet Construction
  • Mixed Windows and macOS team environmentsnot Smartsheet Construction

Smartsheet Construction

  • Project trackingnot ArchiCAD
  • Resource planningnot ArchiCAD
  • Team collaborationnot ArchiCAD
  • Reportingnot ArchiCAD

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ArchiCAD

  • Available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support
  • Subscription-only licensing model with no perpetual licence option
  • Studio tier does not include MEP Designer - requires Collaborate tier at $208/month

Smartsheet Construction

  • Automation engine uses logic-based if-then rules rather than adaptive AI, cannot predict outcomes or understand content
  • Essential features locked behind expensive add-ons or Enterprise plan tiers
  • Business plan requires minimum 3 seats, raising costs for smaller teams
  • Limited in-platform communication with only @messages in task cards versus robust chat in competitors
  • Dependency management capabilities are limited for complex project interdependencies
  • Spreadsheet-focused design less suitable for agile and cross-functional teams

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month
  • Archicad Studio$177/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • BIMx Pro
    • BIMcloud Basic
  • Archicad Collaborate$208/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • MEP Designer
    • BIMx Pro

Smartsheet Construction

Free
  • Pro$9/month
    • Gantt charts
    • Portfolio management
  • Business$19/month
    • Automation
    • Advanced integrations

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want design tools.
ArchiCAD review

Choose Smartsheet Construction if

  • You need project scheduling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want resource management.
Smartsheet Construction review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or Smartsheet Construction better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Smartsheet Construction at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or Smartsheet Construction?
Smartsheet Construction has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $177/month for ArchiCAD and Free for Smartsheet Construction.
Does ArchiCAD or Smartsheet Construction run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. Smartsheet Construction runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Smartsheet Construction for free?
Yes. Smartsheet Construction has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month.
What is ArchiCAD best used for?
ArchiCAD is most often used for architectural design with bim capabilities, real-time team collaboration via bimcloud, automated documentation generation from design changes, mixed windows and macos team environments. Of those, architectural design with bim capabilities and real-time team collaboration via bimcloud are not what Smartsheet Construction is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that Smartsheet Construction cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. Smartsheet Construction covers Project scheduling, Resource management, Collaboration, Reporting.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ArchiCAD: What is the cost of Archicad's subscription plans?

Archicad Studio starts at $177/month or $2,123 upfront annually. Archicad Collaborate, the most popular tier, is $208/month or $2,497 upfront annually. Both include local and cloud teamworking capabilities.

Source
Smartsheet Construction: What does Smartsheet cost?

Smartsheet offers Pro at $9/user/month (billed annually at $108), Business at $19/user/month (annually $228), and custom Enterprise pricing. Annual billing provides significant discounts (25% for Pro, 21% for Business).

Source
ArchiCAD: What is the difference between Archicad Studio and Archicad Collaborate?

Studio includes architectural modeling and BIMcloud Basic for local teamwork. Collaborate adds MEP Designer for MEP modeling and BIMcloud SaaS for cloud-based global teamwork, and costs $31 more per month.

Source
Smartsheet Construction: Does Smartsheet offer a free tier?

Smartsheet offers a limited free plan supporting one licensed user with 2 sheets and 500 MB storage, including grid, Gantt, card, and calendar views. A 30-day free trial is also available.

Source
ArchiCAD: Is Archicad free for students?

Yes, Archicad offers free educational licenses for students, educators, and academic institutions. Archicad Studio is available free for 30 days as a trial.

Source
Smartsheet Construction: What platforms does Smartsheet support?

Smartsheet is a 100% SaaS web application compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux browsers. Mobile apps are available for iOS (15+) and Android (10+), though mobile app has limitations for creating automated workflows and building filters.

Source
Smartsheet Construction: Does Smartsheet integrate with other tools?

Yes, Smartsheet has 175+ integrations including two-way connectors for Slack, Jira, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Power BI, Outlook, and more. Some integrations are included in Business plans while others are paid add-ons.

Source
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