Airtable vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Airtable
Airtable is a flexible database and project management platform that combines the power of a relational database with the simplicity of a spreadsheet. It allows teams to build custom workflows, track projects, and manage data in highly visual and customizable ways. Airtable is popular with operations, marketing, and product teams that need more than a simple task manager.
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with powerful project management and collaboration features. It is widely used by enterprise teams for project tracking, resource management, and automated workflows. Smartsheet is particularly popular with teams comfortable with Excel who need more collaboration and automation capabilities.
Pros
- ✓Extremely flexible — can be adapted to almost any workflow or use case
- ✓Powerful relational database features go beyond simple task management
- ✓Strong automation capabilities
- ✓Large template library to get started quickly
Cons
- ✗Can require significant setup time to build effective bases
- ✗Pricing can get expensive with larger teams and advanced features
- ✗Learning curve for users unfamiliar with database concepts
- ✗Performance can slow with very large databases
Pros
- ✓Familiar spreadsheet interface reduces learning curve for Excel users
- ✓Powerful automation and workflow capabilities
- ✓Strong enterprise security and compliance features
- ✓Excellent for managing large portfolios of projects
Cons
- ✗Pricing is higher than many competitors
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗No free plan — 30-day trial only
- ✗Less intuitive for teams unfamiliar with spreadsheet-style tools
Airtable vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Airtable | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Operations and marketing teams wanting a flexible database-powered project management tool | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Airtable Features
- ✓Database-style project management
- ✓grid view
- ✓kanban
- ✓gallery
- ✓calendar
- ✓automations
- ✓interfaces
- ✓forms
- ✓API access
- ✓integrations
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Airtable if operations and marketing teams wanting a flexible database-powered project management tool. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Operations and marketing teams wanting a flexible database-powered project management tool
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
How Airtable and Smartsheet Are Similar
- •Both are Project Management platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Airtable nor Smartsheet is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Airtable and Smartsheet?
Airtable is best for operations and marketing teams wanting a flexible database-powered project management tool. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Airtable or Smartsheet?
Choose Airtable if operations and marketing teams wanting a flexible database-powered project management tool. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Airtable cost?
Airtable starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Airtable?
Operations and marketing teams wanting a flexible database-powered project management tool
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation