Smartsheet vs Rippling
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.
Rippling
Rippling is a unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and finance in a single system. It can provision employee devices, manage app access, run payroll, and handle benefits — all from one dashboard. Rippling is especially powerful for fast-growing companies that need automation across departments.
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
- ✓Truly all-in-one platform covering HR, IT, and finance
- ✓Powerful workflow automation reduces manual admin work
- ✓Excellent for remote and distributed teams
- ✓Deep integration library with 500+ apps
Cons
- ✗Complex setup process that requires dedicated implementation time
- ✗Can be overwhelming for small teams that only need basic HR
- ✗Pricing is modular and can add up quickly
Smartsheet vs Rippling: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Rippling |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | $8/user/mo |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Rippling Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓device management
- ✓app provisioning
- ✓benefits
- ✓compliance
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Rippling 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 Rippling?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Rippling is best for mid-size companies needing hr and it together.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Rippling?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Rippling cost?
Rippling starts at $8/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Rippling?
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together