Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading construction solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Microsoft Project if you need Gantt charts and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Smartsheet if you prioritize Grid, card, Gantt & calendar views and want a free tier to start. Smartsheet has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.2).
Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet: At a Glance
| Criteria | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Pricing | $10/month | Free |
| Pricing Model | per-user | per-user |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Api | Web, Ios, Android, Api |
| Category | Construction | Construction |
| Founded | 1975 | 2005 |
Feature Comparison: Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet
| Feature | Microsoft Project | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Gantt charts | ||
| Resource management | ||
| Budget tracking | ||
| Timeline views | ||
| Task dependencies | ||
| Critical path | ||
| Earned value analysis | ||
| Portfolio management | ||
| Microsoft Teams | ||
| SharePoint | ||
| Power BI | ||
| Excel | ||
| Outlook | ||
| OneDrive | ||
| Power Automate | ||
| Grid, card, Gantt & calendar views | ||
| Automated workflows | ||
| Forms & data collection | ||
| Dashboards & reporting | ||
| Proofing & approvals | ||
| Document generation | ||
| Integration platform | ||
| Microsoft Office 365 | ||
| Google Workspace | ||
| Slack | ||
| Salesforce | ||
| Jira | ||
| ServiceNow | ||
| Tableau |
Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet: Pricing Breakdown
Microsoft Project Pricing
Model: per-user
- Web-based project management
- Grid, board & timeline views
- Collaborate with Teams
- Coauthoring
- Everything in Plan 1
- Desktop client
- Resource management
- Portfolio management
- Everything in Plan 3
- Portfolio selection
- Enterprise resource planning
- Portfolio analytics
Smartsheet Pricing
Model: per-user
- 1 user and up to 2 editors
- Up to 2 sheets
- Basic features
- 500MB attachments
- Up to 10 users
- Unlimited sheets
- Automations
- Forms
- Unlimited users
- Unlimited automations
- Document builder
- Resource management
- Advanced security
- SAML-based SSO
- Phone support
- Success programs
Pros and Cons
Microsoft Project
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.2/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Web, Windows, Api)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Gantt charts functionality
- Strong Resource management functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Smartsheet
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 4 platforms (Web, Ios, Android, Api)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Grid, card, Gantt & calendar views functionality
- Strong Automated workflows functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet?
Choose Microsoft Project if you:
- Need Gantt charts
- Have a budget of $10/month+
- Work primarily on Web and Windows
- Value Resource management
Choose Smartsheet if you:
- Need Grid, card, Gantt & calendar views
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Web and Ios
- Value Automated workflows
Frequently Asked Questions: Microsoft Project vs Smartsheet
Is Microsoft Project better than Smartsheet?
It depends on your needs. Microsoft Project has a 4.2/5 user rating while Smartsheet has 4.4/5. Microsoft Project excels in Gantt charts and Resource management, while Smartsheet stands out with Grid, card, Gantt & calendar views and Automated workflows. Consider your budget ($10/month vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Project or Smartsheet?
Microsoft Project starts at $10/month. Smartsheet offers a free plan and starts at Free. Smartsheet has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use Microsoft Project and Smartsheet together?
While both are construction tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core construction needs.
What are the main differences between Microsoft Project and Smartsheet?
The key differences include: pricing model (per-user vs per-user), platform support (Web, Windows, Api vs Web, Ios, Android, Api), and feature focus. Microsoft Project emphasizes Gantt charts, Resource management, Budget tracking while Smartsheet focuses on Grid, card, Gantt & calendar views, Automated workflows, Forms & data collection. User ratings differ slightly: 4.2 vs 4.4 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Microsoft Project and Smartsheet.