Paycom vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Paycom
Paycom is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform known for its employee self-service features. Its signature Beti technology lets employees verify their own payroll before processing, reducing errors significantly.
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
- ✓Innovative employee-driven payroll verification
- ✓Strong self-service features
- ✓All-in-one HR and payroll
- ✓Good compliance tools
- ✓Dedicated support model
Cons
- ✗Pricing not transparent
- ✗Can be expensive for small businesses
- ✗Implementation takes time
- ✗Some users report pushy sales process
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
Paycom vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Paycom | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with strong employee self-service | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Paycom Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓HR management
- ✓talent management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits
- ✓analytics and reporting
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Paycom if mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one hr and payroll platform with strong employee self-service. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with strong employee self-service
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither Paycom 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 Paycom and Smartsheet?
Paycom is best for mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one hr and payroll platform with strong employee self-service. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Paycom or Smartsheet?
Choose Paycom if mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one hr and payroll platform with strong employee self-service. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Paycom cost?
Visit Paycom website for current pricing.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Paycom?
Mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with strong employee self-service
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation