Smartsheet vs Paycom
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.
Paycom
Paycom is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform known for its employee self-service features. Its signature Beti technology lets employees verify their own payroll before processing, reducing errors significantly.
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
- ✓Innovative employee-driven payroll verification
- ✓Strong self-service features
- ✓All-in-one HR and payroll
- ✓Good compliance tools
- ✓Dedicated support model
Cons
- ✗Pricing not transparent
- ✗Can be expensive for small businesses
- ✗Implementation takes time
- ✗Some users report pushy sales process
Smartsheet vs Paycom: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Paycom |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with strong employee self-service |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Paycom Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓HR management
- ✓talent management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits
- ✓analytics and reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Paycom if mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one hr and payroll platform with strong employee self-service.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with strong employee self-service
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Paycom 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 Paycom?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Paycom is best for mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one hr and payroll platform with strong employee self-service.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Paycom?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Paycom if mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one hr and payroll platform with strong employee self-service.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Paycom cost?
Visit Paycom website for current pricing.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Paycom?
Mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with strong employee self-service