Smartsheet vs Ashby
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Ashby
Ashby is a modern all-in-one recruiting platform built for high-growth companies. It combines ATS, CRM, scheduling, and analytics in a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple recruiting tools. Ashby is loved by tech startups and scale-ups for its powerful analytics and modern interface that helps recruiting teams make data-driven hiring decisions.
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
Pros
- ✓All-in-one platform eliminates need for separate recruiting CRM and scheduling tools
- ✓Exceptional analytics — best-in-class reporting for recruiting teams
- ✓Modern and fast interface loved by recruiting ops teams
- ✓Strong integrations with developer tools
Cons
- ✗Expensive — pricing requires custom quote and targets growth-stage companies
- ✗Overkill for small teams making fewer than 20 hires per year
- ✗Requires dedicated recruiting ops resources to get full value
- ✗Less widely known than Greenhouse or Lever
Smartsheet vs Ashby: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Ashby |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Ashby Features
- ✓ATS
- ✓CRM
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓analytics and reporting
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓automation
- ✓integrations
- ✓career page
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Ashby is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Smartsheet and Ashby?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Ashby is best for high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Ashby?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Ashby cost?
Ashby starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Ashby?
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics