Smartsheet vs Keap
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Keap is our recommended pick for most teams — service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Try Keap →Read our full Keap 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.
Keap
Keap is a CRM and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses and solopreneurs. It combines contact management, email marketing, invoicing, and appointment scheduling in one platform. Keap is ideal for service-based small businesses that want to automate their client follow-up and lead nurturing.
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 covering CRM, marketing, and payments
- ✓Strong automation for small service businesses
- ✓Good for automating client follow-up and lead nurturing
- ✓Dedicated small business focus
Cons
- ✗Expensive for what you get compared to alternatives
- ✗Steep learning curve for the automation builder
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
Smartsheet vs Keap: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | Project Management | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | $249/mo |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Keap
- →Small service businesses automating follow-up with leads
- →Coaches and consultants managing client pipelines
- →Businesses wanting CRM with built-in email marketing
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Keap is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex sales workflows
- ✗B2B SaaS companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Teams needing advanced reporting and analytics
Integrations
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Keap 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 Keap?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Keap?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one