Rippling ATS vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling ATS
Rippling Recruiting is the applicant tracking module within the Rippling platform. It connects recruiting directly to onboarding, payroll, and IT provisioning so that when a candidate is hired, their entire employee setup happens automatically. Rippling ATS is ideal for companies already using Rippling for HR who want a seamlessly integrated recruiting experience.
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 connection from hiring to onboarding to payroll — zero manual handoff
- ✓Automatically provisions IT accounts and equipment when a candidate is hired
- ✓Deep integration with the full Rippling platform
- ✓Eliminates duplicate data entry across HR systems
Cons
- ✗Only valuable if you use the full Rippling platform
- ✗Requires custom pricing quote
- ✗Less feature-rich as a standalone ATS compared to dedicated tools like Greenhouse
- ✗Overkill for companies not using Rippling
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
Rippling ATS vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling ATS | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling ATS Features
- ✓Job posting
- ✓candidate pipeline
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓automated onboarding trigger
- ✓payroll integration
- ✓IT provisioning
- ✓analytics
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither Rippling ATS 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 Rippling ATS and Smartsheet?
Rippling ATS is best for companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Rippling ATS or Smartsheet?
Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Rippling ATS cost?
Rippling ATS starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Rippling ATS?
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation