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Airtable vs Smartsheet

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Airtable logo

Airtable

Project Management

Try Airtable
VS
Smartsheet logo

Smartsheet

Project Management

Try Smartsheet

A
About Airtable

Airtable is a flexible platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database, letting teams build custom applications and workflows without writing code. It supports multiple views including grid, kanban, calendar, gallery, and Gantt charts, making it easy to visualize data however you need. The platform is popular with teams across marketing, product development, operations, and creative production who need more structure than a spreadsheet but less rigidity than traditional project management tools. Its real strength lies in relational data linking and customizable fields, though it can become complex and expensive as teams scale up.

B
About Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a work management platform built around a familiar spreadsheet-like interface that makes it accessible for teams transitioning from Excel-based workflows. It combines project management, collaboration, and automation capabilities, allowing users to manage tasks, track progress, and build automated workflows without coding. The platform is widely used across industries from IT and marketing to construction and healthcare, scaling from small teams to large enterprises. Its strength lies in its flexibility — users can view work as grids, Gantt charts, card views, or calendars — though this flexibility means it can take time to set up properly for complex use cases.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
Airtable
Smartsheet
Price
Free — From $12/user/mo
From $7/user/mo
Category
Project Management
Project Management
Rating
4.0 (124)
4.4 (84)
Free Plan
Yes
No
Integrations
8+ apps
8+ apps
Founded
2012
2005

Feature Comparison

Feature
Airtable
Smartsheet
Customizable project templates
Real-time collaboration and commenting
Rich field types including attachments
Automated workflows with triggers
Calendar and timeline views
Integration with third-party apps
Data linking across tables
Real-time collaboration on tasks
Automated workflow notifications
Gantt chart visualization
Resource management and allocation

Choose Airtable

Airtable is a flexible project management tool that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database.

Try Airtable Free

Read full review

Choose Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a collaborative project management tool that streamlines team workflows.

Try Smartsheet Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

Ease of Use
8.0
7.0
Features
9.0
8.0
Pricing
7.0
7.0
Support
8.0
8.0
Integrations
9.0
9.0
Overall
8.2
7.8
AirtableSmartsheet

Our Verdict

AirtableWinner

You need a user-friendly database-like tool that supports project management for creative teams.

Easier to get started
More features
Smartsheet

Your team needs structured workflows and you're on a moderate budget of $7/user/mo.

Airtable vs Smartsheet: The Bottom Line

Both Airtable and Smartsheet are strong project management tools, but they serve different needs. Smartsheet has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.0). On pricing, Airtable is more affordable starting at $0/mo.

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for Airtable and Smartsheet, explore Airtable alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airtable or Smartsheet better?

It depends on your needs. Airtable (4.0★) is free to start, while Smartsheet (4.4★) is from $7/mo. Smartsheet has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Airtable to Smartsheet?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Smartsheet has a migration guide or import tool specifically for Airtable users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, Airtable or Smartsheet?

Airtable starts at $0/mo, which is cheaper than Smartsheet at $7/mo. Airtable also offers a free plan.

What are the main differences between Airtable and Smartsheet?

Airtable focuses on customizable project templates and real-time collaboration and commenting, while Smartsheet emphasizes real-time collaboration on tasks and customizable project templates. Both are in the Project Management category but serve slightly different use cases.