Bench vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Bench
Bench is a bookkeeping service that combines human bookkeepers with proprietary accounting software. Instead of doing your own bookkeeping, Bench assigns you a dedicated team of bookkeepers who handle everything for you. Bench is designed for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without having to learn accounting software themselves.
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
- ✓Hands-off bookkeeping — a real human does your books every month
- ✓No accounting knowledge required from the business owner
- ✓Clean and simple software interface
- ✓Tax-ready financials delivered monthly
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY accounting software
- ✗Less control over your own books
- ✗Tax filing costs extra
- ✗Not suitable for businesses that want to manage their own accounting
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
Bench vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Bench | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $299/mo | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Bench Features
- ✓Dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓monthly bookkeeping
- ✓financial statements
- ✓tax-ready financials
- ✓catch-up bookkeeping
- ✓tax filing add-on
- ✓Bench platform access
- ✓mobile app
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither Bench nor Smartsheet is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bench and Smartsheet?
Bench is best for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Bench or Smartsheet?
Choose Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Bench cost?
Bench starts at $299/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Bench?
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation