Smartsheet vs ClickUp: Which Is Better and a Modern Alternative
Jennifer Taylor
Product Demand Generation Specialist
Aug 5, 2026
Jennifer Taylor
Aug 5, 2026
19 min read
Selecting the right project management tool is crucial for maximizing your team's productivity and efficiency. Smartsheet vs ClickUp are two leading platforms in this domain, each offering a distinct array of features designed to accommodate various project management styles and needs. Smartsheet is recognized for its robust spreadsheet-like interface and impressive project tracking capabilities, while ClickUp is favored for its flexibility and ability to integrate with diverse workflows. In this article, we will conduct a detailed comparison of Smartsheet and ClickUp, highlighting their key features, advantages, and limitations, as well as discussing Lark as a valuable alternative for streamlined project management solutions.​
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Understanding project management tools
​​Project management tools are essential for teams aiming to streamline processes, improve collaboration, and deliver projects on time. They provide a centralized platform where team members can plan, execute, and monitor projects efficiently. Given the variety of project management tools available today, it's crucial to understand what each tool offers and how it aligns with your team's specific needs.​
Smartsheet is designed for teams that are accustomed to spreadsheet functionalities but require more advanced project management capabilities. It allows for extensive task tracking, visual project management tools, and reporting, making it an excellent choice for teams handling complex projects.​
ClickUp, on the other hand, is an all-in-one project management solution that combines task management, goal setting, and collaboration tools within a single platform. It is particularly appealing to teams looking for a flexible and customizable interface that accommodates various workflows.​
By comparing these two platforms, we can better understand their features, benefits, and which might be the best fit for your unique project management needs.​
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Smartsheet vs ClickUp: General overview
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Smartsheet overview
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Image source: smartsheet.com​
Smartsheet is a versatile work management tool that uses a spreadsheet-like interface to organize and track project data. It allows users to create detailed project plans, set tasks, and monitor progress through various visual tools such as Gantt charts, calendars, and dashboards. Smartsheet is particularly well-suited for larger organizations that require robust reporting capabilities and structured project management processes.​
Key features of Smartsheet:​
- Gantt charts: Provides a visual timeline for project schedules.​
- Collaboration tools: Enables real-time collaboration among team members, including comments and file attachments.​
- Custom dashboards: Users can create tailored dashboards to visualize project metrics and progress.​
- Reporting: Advanced reporting capabilities to track project performance and resource allocation.​
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ClickUp overview
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Image source: clickup.com​
ClickUp is marketed as an all-in-one project management tool that integrates various functionalities, offering flexibility in how teams can manage their workflows. It provides multiple views, such as task lists, boards, and timelines, allowing teams to choose the most effective way to visualize their projects. ClickUp appeals to teams of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, by providing essential features without overwhelming users.​
Key features of ClickUp:​
- Multiple view options: Users can switch between lists, boards, and Gantt styles.​
- Task management: Includes subtasks, checklists, due dates, and priorities.​
- Integrations: Connects with a wide range of applications to streamline workflows.​
- Time tracking: Built-in time tracking for monitoring task duration and reporting.​
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Smartsheet vs ClickUp: Feature-by-feature comparison
​​To provide a clearer comparison, the following table summarizes the key features of Smartsheet and ClickUp:​
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​This analysis delves into key functional areas, providing a more nuanced understanding of how each platform approaches project management.​
Task management and organization​
Both Smartsheet and ClickUp are robust in terms of task management; however, they approach organization differently.​
- Smartsheet utilizes a grid layout resembling traditional spreadsheets, enabling users to manage tasks, set dependencies, and view project timelines effectively. Users can assign tasks, set due dates, and create detailed checklists, all within a single sheet. The overarching organization through rows and columns suits teams that prefer a structured, controlled environment for their projects. Gantt charts facilitate clear visual representations of project timelines and milestones, making it easier to see how tasks interconnect and influence one another.​
- ClickUp, in contrast, stands out with its versatile task management capabilities and various view options. Users can transform lists into boards (similar to Kanban), timelines, or calendars, depending on their project requirements. The ability to customize task statuses, priorities, and subtasks within a single task empowers teams to adapt their project management style quickly. This flexibility caters to various methodologies, such as Agile, Scrum, or traditional waterfall, accommodating both simple and complex project workflows.​
Collaboration tools are critical in today's remote work environment, and both platforms offer different strengths in this area.​
- Smartsheet fosters collaboration through its real-time commenting feature and attachments, allowing team members to discuss specific tasks or project elements directly within the sheet. Additionally, users can receive notifications about changes or comments, ensuring everyone stays informed. While collaboration features are effective, Smartsheet's core strength remains in project tracking, which can sometimes overshadow its collaborative tools.​
- ClickUp incorporates a more integrated approach to communication, combining task management with team messaging and comments. Its collaboration tools go beyond basic commenting, allowing users to tag teammates, create discussions, and have streamlined conversations directly related to tasks. This makes ClickUp not only a project management tool but also a communication hub, facilitating greater teamwork and project collaboration.​
Reporting and analytics​
Effective reporting and data analysis are crucial for driving informed decision-making, and here both platforms offer distinct approaches.​
- Smartsheet excels in advanced reporting capabilities. Users can create comprehensive reports that draw from multiple sheets and projects, generating insights into performance, resource allocation, and timeline adherence. The platform's dashboard functionality allows teams to visualize metrics in real time, providing a high-level overview of project health and enabling managers to identify bottlenecks swiftly.​
- In comparison, ClickUp's reporting features, while useful, are more straightforward. The platform offers basic reporting tools to track progress and visualize tasks, but it may lack the depth and flexibility found in Smartsheet's reporting environment. While users can create dashboards in ClickUp to monitor key performance indicators, the overall reporting capabilities may not satisfy organizations that require extensive data analysis.​
Integrations and flexibility​
The ability to integrate with other tools can greatly enhance a project management platform's effectiveness.​
- Smartsheet supports a wide range of integrations, including popular platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and various CRM software. This compatibility allows teams to connect Smartsheet seamlessly with existing workflows and applications, though some organizations may find the limitations in integration depth a drawback when seeking specific features.​
For more Google Workspace's information, you can refer to Google Workspace Pricing and Google Workspace alternatives.​
- ClickUp, by contrast, offers extensive integration possibilities, allowing users to connect with numerous tools, including Slack, Zoom, and GitHub. This makes ClickUp a more versatile option for teams looking to unify multiple aspects of their operations under one roof. Its API also enables technical users to create custom integrations, enhancing flexibility and connection with a broader range of software solutions.​
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Pros and cons of Smartsheet
​​Pros:​
- Familiarity with spreadsheets: Smartsheet's spreadsheet-like layout can be an easy transition for users already familiar with Excel, making onboarding simpler.​
- Powerful project tracking: The tool excels in tracking complex projects with features such as Gantt charts and resource management.​
- Comprehensive reporting: Offers advanced dashboards and reporting that can provide insights into project performance and team productivity.​
- Collaboration features: Real-time collaboration and commenting capabilities enrich communication among team members.​
Cons:​
- Costly for larger teams: The pricing can add up quickly, especially for larger teams that need multiple users accessing the tool.​
- Learning curve: While familiar for spreadsheet users, the comprehensive features may still present a learning curve for new users not used to complex project management tools.​
- Limited customization: Compared to ClickUp, Smartsheet has fewer customization options for workflows and project views.​
- Dependence on internet: Requires internet access to utilize its full capabilities, which might not be ideal for offline work.​
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Pros and cons of ClickUp
​​Pros:​
- Highly customizable: Users can tailor ClickUp to meet their specific workflow needs, allowing for a personalized experience.​
- All-in-one solution: ClickUp combines multiple project management features in one platform, reducing the need for multiple tools.​
- Multiple view formats: The ability to view tasks in various formats (lists, boards, Gantt charts) helps accommodate different project management styles.​
- Affordable pricing: The availability of a free version and competitive pricing for advanced tiers makes it accessible for many teams.​
Cons:​
- Overwhelming features for new users: The wealth of features can be daunting for users who are new to project management tools, potentially leading to confusion during initial setup.​
- Performance issues: Some users have reported lag or slow performance when using numerous features simultaneously.​
- Limited advanced reporting: While it has decent reporting capabilities, ClickUp may not match the depth found in Smartsheet for more complex reporting needs.​
- Integrations can be limited: While it does offer integrations with popular tools, some users may find certain essential integrations missing.​
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Smartsheet vs ClickUp: Pricing and plans
​​In the realm of project management tools, the choice often boils down to two popular contenders: Smartsheet and ClickUp. As teams strive to increase productivity and improve collaboration, understanding the pricing structures and plans of these platforms becomes essential. ​
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Smartsheet pricing plans
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Image source: smartsheet.com​
As of the latest information available, Smartsheet offers the following pricing tiers:​
- Pro plan: $9 per user/month (billed annually)​
- Focused on individuals and teams who need basic functionality.​
- Includes features like grid, card, and calendar views, plus integrations.​
- Business plan: $19 per user/month (billed annually)​
- Best suited for small to medium teams.​
- All individual plan features plus advanced collaboration and reporting capabilities, resource management, and API access.​
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing based on organizational needs.​
- Designed for large organizations with complex project management requirements.​
- Offers advanced security features, user management, and the ability to create custom applications.​
- Premier & enterprise solutions: Additional pricing options are available for organizations needing tailored solutions with dedicated support and advanced features.​
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ClickUp pricing plans
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Image source: smartsheet.com​
ClickUp's pricing structure is more dynamic, allowing users flexibility based on their needs:​
- Free plan: $0​
- Ideal for individuals or small teams.​
- Offers essential features, including task management, time tracking, and integrations.​
- Unlimited plan: $7 per user/month (billed annually)​
- Perfect for growing teams needing unlimited integrations and dashboards.​
- Includes features like unlimited integrations, timelines, and more advanced reporting.​
- Business plan: $12 per user/month (billed annually)​
- Suitable for teams that need more robust features such as timelines, goals, and custom fields.​
- This plan also includes advanced features like priority support.​
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing based on requirements.​
- Designed for large teams with complex needs.​
- Offers advanced security, custom branding, and dedicated onboarding.​
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Price comparison table
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Smartsheet vs ClickUp: User testimonials and reviews
​​Understanding user experiences can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. Here's what users are saying about Smartsheet and ClickUp:​
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Smartsheet user testimonials
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ClickUp user testimonials
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A modern alternative to Smartsheet vs ClickUp: Lark
​​Overview​
As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of project management and collaboration, finding a versatile tool that accommodates various workflows is essential. Lark emerges as a compelling alternative to Smartsheet and ClickUp, boasting a suite of built-in features designed to enhance productivity, streamline communication, and facilitate teamwork. Below, we explore Lark's key functionalities that position it as an effective solution for modern organizations.​
Key features​
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Lark Base acts as a central hub for project resources, offering businesses the capability to store and manage various types of data, documents, and assets.​
Key functionalities:​
- Secure storage: Lark Base provides secure cloud storage for storing documents and project-related files, ensuring that team members can access essential resources anytime and from anywhere.​
- Data organization and retrieval: Users can categorize and organize files within Lark Base, making it easy to locate documents quickly. The search functionality ensures that even in a vast dataset, users can find what they need without unnecessary delays.​
- Collaboration on resources: Lark Base allows for collaborative editing and feedback on stored documents. This ensures that all team members are working with the most current versions of important documents.​
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Lark Messenger serves as a robust communication tool that enables teams to communicate in real-time, share files, and create dedicated channels for organized discussions. This built-in feature not only facilitates quick information exchange but also minimizes the need to switch between different messaging platforms, which can disrupt workflow.​
Key functionalities:​
- Channels and groups: Users can create channels for specific projects or topics, making it easy to keep discussions focused and relevant. This organizational structure helps teams avoid information overload and stay aligned on project objectives.​
- File sharing: The ability to share documents, images, and other files directly through messenger enhances collaboration. Team members can exchange important resources instantly without the need for separate email threads.​
- Connection with other Lark features: As a built-in tool, Lark Messenger seamlessly connects with other functionalities within Lark, allowing users to effortlessly transition from discussing a project in Messenger to editing a document in Lark Docs or managing tasks in Lark Tasks.​
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Lark Docs offers a collaborative document-editing environment where multiple users can edit, comment, and review documents simultaneously. This real-time collaboration significantly enhances workflow efficiency and reduces the delays associated with traditional document editing methods that rely on email attachments.​
Key functionalities:​
- Simultaneous editing: Team members can work on the same document at the same time, fostering a collaborative approach to content creation. This feature is particularly useful for brainstorming sessions, project planning, and drafting proposals.​
- Comments and feedback: Users can leave comments directly within documents, making it easy to provide feedback and engage in discussions about specific sections. This eliminates the confusion often associated with version tracking and feedback loops.​
- Version history: Lark Docs maintains a detailed version history, allowing teams to track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary. This provides an added layer of security and accountability in collaborative environments.​
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Lark Meetings provides a comprehensive solution for hosting video conferences without leaving the platform. This built-in feature is essential for remote collaboration, making it easy for teams to connect face-to-face, regardless of their physical locations.​
Key functionalities:​
- High-quality video and audio: Lark Meetings offers stable video and audio quality, ensuring that discussions remain clear and effective. This is critical for productive meetings, especially in remote work settings.​
- Screen sharing: During meetings, users can share their screens to present information, walk through documents, or demonstrate software applications. This feature enhances collaborative problem-solving and decision-making.​
Best for​
Lark is best suited for teams and organizations looking for a comprehensive solution combining communication, project management, and document collaboration. It appeals to both small startups and larger enterprises seeking to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.​
Limitations​
- Learning curve: Although user-friendly, new users may require time to adapt to the integrated functionalities.​
- Starter plan: Free forever plan with 11 powerful tools for up to 20 users, 100GB storage, 1,000 automation runs, AI translations, and more. No credit card needed.​
- Basic plan: $6/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. Includes everything in Starter plus unlimited message history, 5TB storage, 1,000 automation runs, and more. Some users may need to contact sales to purchase.​
- Pro plan: $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. Includes everything in Basic plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15TB storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more. ​
- Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing. Supports unlimited users and includes advanced automation, security, compliance, and management features.​
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Starter
Pro
Enterprise
Starter
For small teams with simple communication needs
$0
/ user / month
20 users max
18 months message history
1-on-1 video meetings
100 GB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
1000 Base automation runs/month
2000 rows per table in Base
Pro
For companies with comprehensive collaboration and management needs
$12
/ user / month
500 users max
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
50k Base automation runs/month
20k rows per table in Base
Enterprise
For large companies with advanced security and organizational management needs
Get a personalized demo and pricing
Unlimited users
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage + 30 GB storage/user
Lark Docs & Mail
500k Base automation runs/month
50k Base automation runs/month
Single sign-on (SSO)
Pro
For companies with comprehensive collaboration and management needs
$12
/ user / month
500 users max
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
50k Base automation runs/month
20k rows per table in Base
Try Lark's savings calculator: Switching to Lark's Pro plan can lead to significant cost savings— for example, a 100-employee company using Slack, Google Workspace, and Airtable could save approximately $19,800 annually by consolidating their tools with Lark.​
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Which tool to choose?
​​Selecting the right tool will depend on your organization's unique requirements. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between Smartsheet, ClickUp, and Lark:​
- Team size:​
- For larger teams with complex projects, Smartsheet is suitable due to its advanced project tracking features.​
- ClickUp is ideal for medium-sized teams that value customization and flexibility.​
- Lark is great for teams looking for an integrated solution that combines messaging and task management.​
- Budget:​
- Review the pricing plans to determine which tool fits your budget. Lark offers the most cost-effective options with its free plan and lower-tier subscriptions.​
- Smartsheet may be more costly but offers robust features for enterprises.​
- Project complexity:​
- If your projects require detailed planning and resource management, Smartsheet's Gantt charts offer significant advantages.​
- ClickUp is ideal for teams needing a simplified, visual overview of tasks and progress.​
- Lark offers a balanced approach with collaborative tools that support detailed project management while maintaining ease of use, making it suitable for teams needing both depth and simplicity in their project workflows.​
- Collaboration needs:​
- Lark excels in communication and collaboration, making it an excellent choice for remote teams.​
- If task and project tracking are your primary concerns, focus on Smartsheet or ClickUp.​
- Future growth:​
- Lark's flexibility and cost-effectiveness position it well for growing teams, while ClickUp is a good option for startups that value adaptability. ​
- Smartsheet can efficiently manage the complexities associated with larger organizations as they grow.​
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Conclusion
​​The choice between Smartsheet and ClickUp, along with considering Lark as an alternative, heavily depends on your team's specific needs and project requirements. Smartsheet offers powerful project management features ideal for larger organizations, while ClickUp provides flexibility and customization suited for teams of various sizes. Lark, as a modern alternative, creates an integrated experience that streamlines communication and collaboration.​
Ultimately, by weighing the pricing, key features, user testimonials, and your organization's specific use cases, you can confidently select the tool that best aligns with your project management needs. Whether it's the in-depth project tracking of Smartsheet, the customizable workflow of ClickUp, or the all-in-one nature of Lark, each tool offers distinct advantages that can contribute to your team's success.​
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FAQs
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Is Smartsheet better than ClickUp?
​​It depends on your team's needs. Smartsheet excels in structured project tracking and reporting, while ClickUp offers more flexibility and customization. Evaluate your priorities—Smartsheet for complexity or ClickUp for versatility.​
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Is there anything better than ClickUp?
​​While ClickUp is highly versatile, alternatives like Lark provide a comprehensive solution, integrating communication, document collaboration, and task management in one platform. Teams seeking seamless collaboration might find Lark to be a strong competitor.​
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What are the weaknesses of Smartsheet?
​​Smartsheet can be costly for larger teams and has a steep learning curve for new users. Additionally, it may offer less flexibility in customization compared to ClickUp, potentially limiting innovative workflow adaptations.​
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What is the best alternative to Smartsheet?
​​Lark is an excellent alternative to Smartsheet. It combines project management, real-time communication, collaborative document editing, and task tracking in a single platform, providing a streamlined experience for teams looking to enhance productivity.​
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How does Lark improve team collaboration?
​​Lark enhances team collaboration through integrated tools like Lark Messenger for real-time communication, Lark Docs for collaborative editing, and Lark Meetings for virtual discussions, all within one cohesive platform, making project management more efficient and unified.​
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Related reading
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Table of contents
Start using Lark today
Manage all your work in one place
Boost team efficiency by 10x
Save up to 70% on software costs
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