QuickBooks Payroll vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a full-service payroll solution deeply integrated with QuickBooks accounting. It automates tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits while syncing payroll data directly with your books.
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
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration
- ✓Automatic tax filing and payments
- ✓Easy to use for existing QuickBooks users
- ✓Good benefits administration
- ✓Same-day direct deposit available
Cons
- ✗Best value only for QuickBooks accounting users
- ✗Can be expensive standalone
- ✗Limited HR features on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support quality varies
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
QuickBooks Payroll vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | QuickBooks Payroll | 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 | Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
- ✓reporting
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither QuickBooks 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 QuickBooks Payroll and Smartsheet?
QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, QuickBooks Payroll or Smartsheet?
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?
Visit QuickBooks Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use QuickBooks Payroll?
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation