Smartsheet vs Deel
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Deel is our recommended pick for most teams — companies hiring internationally or managing global contractors.
Try Deel →Read our full Deel review →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.
Deel
Deel is a global payroll and contractor management platform that enables companies to hire anyone, anywhere. It handles compliance, local contracts, tax forms, and payments in 150+ countries. Deel is the go-to solution for companies building international teams without setting up local entities.
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
- ✓Hire and pay employees or contractors in 150+ countries compliantly
- ✓Fast onboarding — new hires can be set up in minutes
- ✓Handles local tax forms, contracts, and compliance automatically
- ✓Equity management tools for global teams
Cons
- ✗Expensive for large teams with many international employees
- ✗HR features beyond payroll and compliance are limited
- ✗Customer support response times can vary by region
Smartsheet vs Deel: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Deel |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.7/5 ★ |
| Category | Project Management | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | $49/contractor/mo |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Companies hiring internationally or managing global contractors |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Deel Features
- ✓International payroll
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓compliance
- ✓equity management
Pricing Comparison
Deel
PaidStarts at $49/contractor/mo
Contractors: $49/contractor/mo · EOR: $599/employee/mo · Global Payroll: custom
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Deel
- →Companies hiring international contractors
- →Startups building remote-first global teams
- →Businesses expanding into new countries without local entities
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Deel is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies hiring only domestic US employees
- ✗Small businesses with simple payroll needs
- ✗Teams that only need basic HR without global compliance
Integrations
Deel
QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, Workday, Slack, Greenhouse, Lever, NetSuite, Rippling
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Deel if companies hiring internationally or managing global contractors.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Companies hiring internationally or managing global contractors
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Deel 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 Deel?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Deel is best for companies hiring internationally or managing global contractors.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Deel?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Deel if companies hiring internationally or managing global contractors.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Deel cost?
Deel starts at $49/contractor/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Deel?
Companies hiring internationally or managing global contractors