Smartsheet vs BambooHR
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.
BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR software platform focused on employee data management, onboarding, and performance tracking. It is widely used by small to mid-size companies for its intuitive interface and strong reporting tools. BambooHR excels at centralizing employee records and streamlining HR workflows.
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
- ✓Clean, intuitive interface that HR teams love
- ✓Excellent onboarding tools with e-signatures and task management
- ✓Strong analytics and customizable reporting
- ✓Good mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- ✗Payroll is a US-only add-on that costs extra
- ✗Limited functionality for international teams
- ✗Performance management module is basic compared to dedicated tools
Smartsheet vs BambooHR: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | $6/employee/mo |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
BambooHR Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓onboarding
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor BambooHR 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 BambooHR?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. BambooHR is best for small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Which is better, Smartsheet or BambooHR?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does BambooHR cost?
BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use BambooHR?
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR