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Trello vs Smartsheet

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

Trello logo

Trello

Project Management

Try Trello
VS
Smartsheet logo

Smartsheet

Project Management

Try Smartsheet

A
About Trello

Trello is a visual project management tool built around a kanban-style board system where users organize work into boards, lists, and cards. It's designed for teams and individuals who want a simple, intuitive way to track tasks and workflows without the complexity of traditional project management software. Owned by Atlassian, Trello works well for small to mid-sized teams, freelancers, and even personal task management. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to pick up, though larger teams with complex projects may find it lacking in advanced reporting and project tracking features.

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
Trello
Smartsheet
Price
Free — From $5/user/mo
From $7/user/mo
Category
Project Management
Project Management
Rating
4.7 (127)
4.4 (84)
Free Plan
Yes
No
Integrations
8+ apps
8+ apps
Founded
2011
2005

Feature Comparison

Feature
Trello
Smartsheet
Customizable boards and lists
Drag-and-drop task management
Collaboration with team members
Due date reminders and notifications
Power-ups for extended functionality
Checklists within tasks
Card attachments and comments
Real-time collaboration on tasks
Customizable project templates
Automated workflow notifications
Gantt chart visualization
Resource management and allocation
Integration with third-party apps

Choose Trello

Manage projects and tasks visually with Trello's flexible boards.

Try Trello 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
7.0
8.0
Pricing
8.0
7.0
Support
7.0
8.0
Integrations
8.0
9.0
Overall
7.6
7.8
TrelloSmartsheet

Our Verdict

Trello

Your small to medium team prefers a visual and flexible approach to project management.

Easier to get started
More affordable
SmartsheetWinner

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

More features
Better support
More integrations

Trello vs Smartsheet: The Bottom Line

Both Trello and Smartsheet are strong project management tools, but they serve different needs. Trello has a higher user rating (4.7 vs 4.4). On pricing, Trello is more affordable starting at $0/mo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trello or Smartsheet better?

It depends on your needs. Trello (4.7★) is free to start, while Smartsheet (4.4★) is from $7/mo. Trello has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Trello to Smartsheet?

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

Which is cheaper, Trello or Smartsheet?

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

What are the main differences between Trello and Smartsheet?

Trello focuses on customizable boards and lists and drag-and-drop task management, 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.