Smartsheet vs Monday: Which Project Management Software Tool is Better?

Are you an entrepreneur looking for the perfect project management software to help streamline your workflow? Well, you’re in luck!

In this post, we’ll compare two of the most popular tools out there: Smartsheet and Monday. With many features and functionality, matching the right tool to fit your specific needs can be challenging. 

So, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of these two leading options for managing projects! And we’ll examine both tools in depth to explore their features and highlight their differences so you can decide on the right tool for you and your business.

Let’s get started! It’s time to review these top contenders and determine which is truly worthy of being crowned the winner in this Smartsheet vs Monday breakdown.

Brief Overview: Smartsheet vs Monday.com

First, I’ll give you a quick overview of Smartsheet and Monday:

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a dynamic tool offering extensive customization and integration capabilities. Its features include real-time collaboration, automated workflows, and diverse reporting options. Ideal for various business scales, Smartsheet enhances productivity with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive project-tracking functionalities.

Key Selling Points:

• Advanced project management with real-time collaboration
• Customizable templates for a variety of project types and portfolio management
• Extensive integration options, including Microsoft and Google suites
• Comprehensive data analytics and reporting tools
• Secure platform with enterprise-grade security features
• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality for ease of use

Monday

Monday.com is a work operating system that allows teams to confidently run projects and workflows. It’s a simple but intuitive tool for teams to shape workflows, adjust to shifting needs, create transparency, connect collaboratively, and stop doing manual grunt work.

Key Selling Points:

• Intuitive and user-friendly project management interface and portfolio management
• Highly customizable workflows to suit different team needs
• Seamless integration with popular tools and services
• Automation of routine tasks to increase efficiency using task dependencies
• Multiple view options for projects, such as Kanban and Gantt charts
• Robust collaboration features for team communication and file sharing

Quick Verdict: Smartsheet vs Monday

For businesses handling large-scale, intricate projects, Smartsheet is the go-to tool. Its strength lies in its ability to offer deep customization, extensive integration with other enterprise plan tools, and advanced features like automated workflows and detailed reporting.

These capabilities make it ideal for larger teams or organizations that require a robust platform to manage many tasks and data points effectively. Its security features and compliance standards make it a reliable choice for industries with stringent data security requirements.

Monday.com is best suited for teams prioritizing flexibility and ease of use in their project management tool. Its highly intuitive interface and customizable workflows facilitate agile project management, allowing teams to adapt quickly to changes.

Monday’s visual project tracking and robust collaboration features enhance team communication and efficiency using task dependencies. This platform is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses that need a versatile tool for managing various projects and workflows.

Product Overview: Smartsheet vs Monday.com

What is it?

Smartsheet is a comprehensive project management and collaboration tool to streamline business processes. It combines the best spreadsheets, project management tools, and collaboration software to provide a versatile platform for managing various projects and tasks.

Monday is an intuitive and flexible project management software that offers a highly visual approach to task and project management. It is tailored to enhance team collaboration and project tracking through customizable workflows and a user-friendly interface.

Who is it for?

Smartsheet is ideal for large organizations and teams dealing with complex projects requiring detailed planning and robust data management. It suits industries that must align various departments and collaborate on intricate projects.

Monday is designed for dynamic project managers and agile teams in small to medium-sized businesses. It’s particularly beneficial for those who need a versatile, easy-to-use tool that adapts quickly to changing project requirements and enhances team collaboration.

What makes it special?

Smartsheet stands out for its deep integration capabilities, advanced project tracking, and customizable features that cater to the detailed management of multifaceted projects. Its ability to handle complex data and automate workflows sets it apart.

Monday differentiates itself with its visually appealing interface, ease of customization, and a strong focus on team collaboration. Its simplicity in managing tasks and projects and the ability to adapt to various workflows make it unique.

What does it do?

Smartsheet functions as an all-in-one platform combining features of spreadsheets, project management, and collaboration tools. It allows for detailed task tracking, reporting, and automation, helping teams manage projects efficiently and effectively.

Monday is a highly flexible tool, offering multiple views for project tracking (like Kanban and Gantt charts), easy task allocation, and collaboration features, making every project management solution more accessible and visually engaging.

Quick Comparison: Smartsheet vs Monday

Key Features	Smartsheet	Monday
#1) Pricing	Winner
#2) Free Plan		Winner
#3) Design & Functionality	Tie	Tie
#4) Project Management		Winner
#5) Task Management	Tie	Tie
#6) Team Collaboration		Winner
#7) Integrations		Winner
#8) Customer Support		Winner
#9) Mobile App	Tie	Tie
#10) Resource Management	Winner
#11) Time Tracking	Tie	Tie
Overall		Winner

Feature Comparison: Smartsheet vs Monday.com

Let’s compare the features of these project management software tools so that you can make the right decision for you and your business.

#1) Pricing

For those looking to manage their projects with a budget in mind, Smartsheet offers various pricing tiers. The Pro Plan starts at $9 per user per month for you and up to nine more team members, with unlimited viewers. There are also Business Plan and Enterprise Plan available for larger teams or more complex project needs.

Monday.com also provides a range of pricing options to cater to different team sizes and project requirements. Its basic plan begins at $10 per monthly seat, allowing unlimited free viewers. Moreover, they offer Standard and Pro Plans and the customizable Enterprise Plan for more comprehensive features and larger teams.

Comparing the two, Monday.com has a slightly higher starting price but offers unlimited free viewers from the get-go. However, Smartsheet’s Pro Plan allows up to 10 team members with unlimited viewers, offering a more affordable solution for smaller teams.

Verdict: Smartsheet is the winner for pricing due to its more affordable starting price for smaller teams.

#2) Free Plan

Smartsheet’s free plan offers a straightforward start for project management, providing you with basic spreadsheet functions and limited collaboration tools. It’s ideal if you need simple task tracking and work in a small team.

In comparison, Monday.com’s free plan caters generously to your needs, offering a user-friendly interface with unlimited boards and basic task management features. It’s particularly beneficial if you seek a more dynamic approach to managing projects and collaborations, even at a no-cost level.

Considering the offerings, Monday.com’s free plan emerges as your better option. It provides a more comprehensive set of features and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for individual project management solutions or small team collaborations without any investment.

Verdict: For the free plan, Monday.com is the better choice.

#3) Design & Functionality

Smartsheet is an online work execution platform with flexibility and scalability. It offers spreadsheet-like functionality with powerful project management features, making it a solid choice if you are familiar with and prefer spreadsheet interfaces.

Monday.com allows you to design, customize, and create workspaces and workflows. Its interface is more visually focused than Smartsheet’s, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, especially for those less accustomed to spreadsheet-style interfaces.

Comparing the two, both platforms offer robust project management features, but they cater to different preferences in terms of design. If you lean towards a more visual and customizable interface, Monday.com is better for you. Conversely, if you favor spreadsheet-like functionality, Smartsheet appeals more to your liking.

Verdict: For design and functionality, it depends on personal preference. Monday.com offers a more visual and customizable interface, while Smartsheet provides a familiar, spreadsheet-like environment.

#4) Project Management Tool

Smartsheet offers a project management tool that mirrors a spreadsheet, allowing you to track and manage tasks efficiently. It is particularly effective if you are familiar with Excel and prefer a similar interface for managing projects, with the added benefit of collaboration features.

Monday.com, in contrast, provides a more visually engaging project management tool. Its interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, featuring customizable boards that support various methodologies like Kanban and Agile. This versatility makes it easier to adapt the tool to your project’s specific needs.

When comparing the two, Monday.com stands out for its versatility and ease of use in project management. Its intuitive design and flexibility to accommodate different project management styles make it more suitable for various project types and team sizes.

Verdict: For project management, Monday.com is the winner due to its ease of use, flexibility, and visual project management tools.

#5) Task Management

Smartsheet provides a robust task management system built around a spreadsheet interface. With it, you can assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Its task management system also includes alerts and reminders to keep you on top of your projects.

Monday.com takes a more visual approach to task management. It allows you to create customizable boards to assign tasks, track their status, and see who’s responsible for what. It also includes time tracking and automated notifications to streamline your workflow.

In terms of task management, both platforms offer powerful tools. However, if you prefer a more visual and intuitive interface, Monday.com is your better choice. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with a spreadsheet-style interface and require robust tracking features, Smartsheet is the right fit.

Verdict: For task management, it largely depends on personal preference. Monday.com offers a more visual and interactive experience, while Smartsheet provides comprehensive tracking features in a familiar spreadsheet format.

#6) Team Collaboration Features

Smartsheet offers a range of collaboration features, including file sharing, comments, and alerts. It allows you to create shared calendars and Gantt charts for effective project planning. With its flexible permission settings, you can control who can view or edit your sheets, ensuring data security.

Monday.com shines in its collaborative features as well. It enables you to communicate with your team directly on the platform, attach files, assign tasks, and set deadlines. Its visually intuitive platform makes it easy to see who is working on what and when they are due to complete their tasks.

When comparing the two, both offer robust collaboration features. However, Monday.com’s visual interface and integrated communication tools provide you and your team with a more seamless collaboration experience.

Verdict: Monday.com edges out with its visual interface and integrated communication tools for collaboration.

#7) Third-Party Apps & Integrations

Smartsheet offers integrations with various third-party applications, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and more. This allows you to streamline your workflow by connecting different tools you already use. Additionally, Smartsheet’s API enables you to create custom integrations to meet your specific needs.

Monday.com also excels in this department, offering over 200 integrations with popular tools like Slack, Zoom, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Furthermore, it provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing these integrations, making connecting and automating various aspects of your work easy.

Regarding third-party integrations, both platforms offer a robust suite of options. However, Monday.com’s more significant number of integrations and user-friendly interface for managing these connections is a more versatile choice.

Verdict: For integrations, Monday.com takes the lead with its extensive list of integrations and user-friendly management of these connections.

#8) Customer Support

Smartsheet provides a comprehensive customer support system, including email support, a help center, and various online resources. These resources are beneficial if you prefer self-service options and detailed guides to navigate challenges.

Monday.com’s customer support extends to a more interactive approach. It offers live chat support, a detailed knowledge base, and a community forum to get real-time help and share insights with other users. This interactive and responsive support system can be beneficial if you value immediate assistance and community engagement.

Regarding customer support, Monday.com stands out with its more immediate and interactive support options. The availability of live chat and a vibrant community forum can make a significant difference if you’re looking for quick responses and peer-to-peer support.

Verdict:  For customer support, Monday.com is the winner.

#9) Mobile Apps

Smartsheet’s mobile app brings the core functionalities of its platform to your mobile device. It offers a functional, spreadsheet-like interface, making it easy to manage tasks and view project progress on the go. This is particularly useful if you prefer a detailed, data-driven approach to project management.

Monday.com’s mobile app, conversely, emphasizes a user-friendly experience with a colorful and intuitive interface. It provides features like task management and notifications, all optimized for ease of use on mobile devices. This app is excellent if you value a visually engaging and straightforward approach to managing mobile projects.

In terms of mobile apps, it’s a tie between Smartsheet and Monday.com. While Smartsheet offers a more data-centric approach, Monday.com excels in user-friendliness and visual appeal, making both apps well-suited for different preferences and needs.

Verdict: For mobile apps, it’s a tie between the two tools for this Smartsheet vs Monday.com round.

#10) Resource Management

Smartsheet’s Resource Management feature gives you visibility into your team so you can effectively schedule work, monitor workloads, and forecast hiring needs. It lets you see and act on critical data about your team’s capacity and workload. With this tool, you can manage the entire lifecycle of your projects, including contracts and change orders, and allocate people across projects.

Monday.com’s Resource Management feature helps you track who is doing what and when. It allows you to assign tasks, manage workload distribution, and monitor team capacity in real-time. With visual and intuitive dashboards, you can easily see who’s overloaded and who can take on more work.

While both Smartsheet and Monday.com offer robust tools, Smartsheet comes out on top due to its ability to manage the entire lifecycle of projects, including contracts and change orders. This provides a more comprehensive solution for managing resources.

Verdict: Smartsheet vs Monday.com for managing resources? Smartsheet is the better choice.

#12) Time Tracking

Smartsheet’s time tracking feature offers accurate and intuitive tracking of work, vacation, and sick time. You can easily adjust hours as needed with pre-filled, one-click timesheets. The settings for time tracking are customizable, allowing precise and efficient monitoring in terms of hours and minutes. Moreover, it also provides an overview of each employee’s idle time and productive hours.

Monday.com has a built-in time-tracking feature that allows you to track the time spent on tasks. It provides an automatic timesheet that keeps your projects on time and within budget. The feature enables you to monitor how much time you spend on individual tasks or entire projects, helping you manage your workload more effectively.

Both Smartsheet and Monday.com offer efficient time-tracking features. Smartsheet’s time tracking stands out for its customizable settings and ability to track idle time and productive hours. Meanwhile, Monday.com’s automatic timesheet tool is excellent for keeping projects on time and within budget.

Verdict: For time tracking, it’s a tie between Smartsheet and Monday.com. The best project management software choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts on Smartsheet vs Monday.com

After hours of research and testing Smartsheet and Monday, both platforms have unique strengths, catering to different needs.

Smartsheet is a robust tool that aligns well with you if you prefer a spreadsheet-like interface and require detailed task and resource management. It’s particularly suitable for managing complex projects where detailed data tracking is vital.

However, Monday.com stands out as the more versatile and user-friendly option. Its intuitive interface, coupled with a wide range of features like task management, resource allocation, and time tracking, makes managing projects easier. Monday.com’s visually appealing layout, combined with its dynamic features, also enhances team collaboration and project monitoring.

Given its broader appeal and ease of use, I strongly recommend Monday.com. Monday is an all-encompassing and best project management software tool that balances functionality with user experience.

Whether you’re new to project management software solutions or looking to streamline your existing processes, Monday.com will exceed your expectations.

Get started free with Monday today for an incredible project management experience!