Softwr

Construction · head to head

Smartsheet Construction vs Topcon MAGNET

Smartsheet Construction logo

Smartsheet Construction

Construction

Work management platform for construction teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Topcon MAGNET logo

Topcon MAGNET

Construction

Field, office and cloud software for surveying and civil construction, built around Topcon instruments

From
On request
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Smartsheet Construction has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Smartsheet Construction automation engine uses logic-based if-then rules rather than adaptive AI, cannot predict outcomes or understand content; Topcon MAGNET mAGNET is built around Topcon and Sokkia hardware, so a firm running mixed instrument brands will not get the field workflows it expects and is better served by manufacturer-independent field software.
  • They diverge on capability: Smartsheet Construction covers Project scheduling, Topcon MAGNET covers MAGNET Field.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Smartsheet Construction and Topcon MAGNET actually diverge.

Attributes where Smartsheet Construction and Topcon MAGNET differ
AttributeSmartsheet ConstructionTopcon MAGNET
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWindows, Android, Web
Founded2005Unknown

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 Smartsheet Construction

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

Only in Topcon MAGNET

  • MAGNET Field
  • MAGNET Office
  • MAGNET Enterprise
  • Machine control model preparation
  • Mass haul and earthwork
  • Point layout and stakeout
  • Live field to office link
  • Standard format exchange

What people use each for

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

Smartsheet Construction

  • Project trackingnot Topcon MAGNET
  • Resource planningnot Topcon MAGNET
  • Team collaborationnot Topcon MAGNET
  • Reportingnot Topcon MAGNET

Topcon MAGNET

  • A civil contractor running Topcon grade control that needs design models prepared and pushed to machines from one environmentnot Smartsheet Construction
  • A survey crew doing construction layout with Topcon total stations and wanting field data to reach the office without a memory cardnot Smartsheet Construction
  • An earthworks estimator producing takeoff quantities and mass haul plans from engineering drawingsnot Smartsheet Construction
  • A firm standardising on one manufacturer end to end to reduce the number of software packages its crews have to learnnot Smartsheet Construction

Where each one falls short

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

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

Topcon MAGNET

  • MAGNET is built around Topcon and Sokkia hardware, so a firm running mixed instrument brands will not get the field workflows it expects and is better served by manufacturer-independent field software.
  • Topcon does not publish a rate card and sells through dealers, so two customers can pay materially different prices for the same licences depending on region and negotiation.
  • Cloud connectivity through MAGNET Enterprise is commonly bundled for the first year and then charged, which surprises firms that budgeted only for the licence.
  • Office capability is spread across modules and disciplines rather than sold as one product, so getting from data collection to machine control model preparation can require more than one purchase.
  • The office desktop software is Windows only and the wider line has been reorganised more than once, so buyers should confirm which specific product name their dealer is quoting and how long it will be supported.

Pricing, plan by plan

Smartsheet Construction

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

Topcon MAGNET

On request
  • MAGNET Field$undefined/year
    • Data collector licence
    • Sold through Topcon dealers
    • Annual service plan renewals available
  • MAGNET Office$undefined/year
    • Desktop licence with modules by discipline
    • Includes cloud connectivity for a first year
    • Renewal quoted separately
  • MAGNET Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Cloud project storage and field to office exchange
    • Subscription renewed annually
    • Bundled initially with Office licences

Which should you pick?

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.

Choose Topcon MAGNET if

  • You need magnet field.
  • You work on Windows, Android, Web.
  • You also want magnet office.

Questions people ask

Is Smartsheet Construction or Topcon MAGNET better?
Neither clearly leads. Smartsheet Construction starts at Free and Topcon MAGNET at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Smartsheet Construction or Topcon MAGNET?
Smartsheet Construction has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Smartsheet Construction and On request for Topcon MAGNET.
Does Smartsheet Construction or Topcon MAGNET run on more platforms?
Smartsheet Construction runs on Web, iOS, Android. Topcon MAGNET runs on Windows, Android, Web.
Can I use Smartsheet Construction for free?
Yes. Smartsheet Construction has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Topcon MAGNET starts at On request.
What is Smartsheet Construction best used for?
Smartsheet Construction is most often used for project tracking, resource planning, team collaboration, reporting. Of those, project tracking and resource planning are not what Topcon MAGNET is typically brought in for.
What can Smartsheet Construction do that Topcon MAGNET cannot?
Smartsheet Construction covers Project scheduling, Resource management, Collaboration, Reporting. Topcon MAGNET covers MAGNET Field, MAGNET Office, MAGNET Enterprise, Machine control model preparation.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Topcon MAGNET: Does MAGNET work with Trimble or Leica instruments?

Not as a practical daily workflow. It exchanges standard file formats but the field software is designed for Topcon and Sokkia hardware.

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
Topcon MAGNET: Is pricing published?

No. MAGNET is sold through Topcon dealers with quotes varying by region and configuration.

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
Topcon MAGNET: Is the cloud service included?

Typically for a first year with a licence, then renewable as a paid subscription.

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
Topcon MAGNET: Can I get my data out at project closeout?

Yes, through LandXML, DXF and standard survey exchange formats, though field-specific configuration does not transfer to a competitor.

Share

Related pages

Other head to heads