Smartsheet vs Freshsales
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.
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation tools.
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
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
Smartsheet vs Freshsales: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Freshsales 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 Freshsales?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Freshsales?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools