Ashby vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Ashby
Ashby is a modern all-in-one recruiting platform built for high-growth companies. It combines ATS, CRM, scheduling, and analytics in a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple recruiting tools. Ashby is loved by tech startups and scale-ups for its powerful analytics and modern interface that helps recruiting teams make data-driven hiring decisions.
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
- ✓All-in-one platform eliminates need for separate recruiting CRM and scheduling tools
- ✓Exceptional analytics — best-in-class reporting for recruiting teams
- ✓Modern and fast interface loved by recruiting ops teams
- ✓Strong integrations with developer tools
Cons
- ✗Expensive — pricing requires custom quote and targets growth-stage companies
- ✗Overkill for small teams making fewer than 20 hires per year
- ✗Requires dedicated recruiting ops resources to get full value
- ✗Less widely known than Greenhouse or Lever
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
Ashby vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Ashby | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Ashby Features
- ✓ATS
- ✓CRM
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓analytics and reporting
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓automation
- ✓integrations
- ✓career page
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither Ashby nor Smartsheet is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Ashby and Smartsheet?
Ashby is best for high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Ashby or Smartsheet?
Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Ashby cost?
Ashby starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Ashby?
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation