Bullhorn vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
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
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
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
Bullhorn vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Bullhorn | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither Bullhorn 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 Bullhorn and Smartsheet?
Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Bullhorn or Smartsheet?
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation