Smartsheet vs Paymo
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.
Paymo
Paymo is a project management and time tracking tool built for freelancers and small agencies. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling in one platform.
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 time tracking and invoicing
- ✓Good resource scheduling
- ✓Ideal for client-facing work
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Clean interface
Cons
- ✗Not suited for large enterprise teams
- ✗Limited automation
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
Smartsheet vs Paymo: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Paymo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
How Smartsheet and Paymo Are Similar
- •Both are Project Management platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Paymo 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 Paymo?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Paymo?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo website for current pricing.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing