Homebase Payroll vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Homebase Payroll is our recommended pick for most teams — restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Try Homebase Payroll →Read our full Homebase Payroll review →Homebase Payroll
Homebase Payroll is a payroll solution built specifically for hourly and shift-based workers. It integrates directly with Homebase's scheduling and time tracking tools, automatically converting tracked hours into payroll. Homebase is popular with restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses with large hourly workforces.
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 hourly and shift-based workers
- ✓Automatic sync from time tracking to payroll eliminates manual data entry
- ✓Strong mobile app for employees to clock in and manage schedules
- ✓Built-in scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for salaried employee payroll
- ✗Limited features for businesses outside of hourly workforce management
- ✗Pricing can add up with multiple add-ons
- ✗Not ideal for companies with complex benefits needs
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
Homebase Payroll vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Homebase Payroll | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Homebase Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓time tracking integration
- ✓scheduling integration
- ✓tip management
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓mobile app
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Homebase Payroll
- →Restaurants and retail businesses paying hourly workers
- →Small businesses combining scheduling and payroll
- →Companies wanting time tracking integrated with payroll
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Homebase Payroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with salaried professional employees
- ✗Businesses needing complex benefits administration
- ✗Teams requiring advanced HR management
Integrations
Homebase Payroll
QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed
Our Take
Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither Homebase Payroll nor Smartsheet is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Homebase Payroll and Smartsheet?
Homebase Payroll is best for restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Homebase Payroll or Smartsheet?
Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Homebase Payroll cost?
Homebase Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Homebase Payroll?
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation