Smartsheet vs Rippling Payroll
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 Payroll
Rippling Payroll is the payroll module within the Rippling platform, which combines HR, IT, and finance management in one system. It offers global payroll capabilities, automatic tax filing, and deep integrations with the rest of the Rippling suite. Rippling Payroll is ideal for companies that want payroll tightly connected to their broader HR and IT operations.
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
- ✓Deeply integrated with HR, IT, and finance in one platform
- ✓Global payroll available in 50+ countries
- ✓Automatic compliance updates for changing tax laws
- ✓Extremely powerful automation capabilities across all modules
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a custom quote and can be expensive for small teams
- ✗Requires buying into the full Rippling platform for best value
- ✗Can be complex to set up without dedicated HR resources
Smartsheet vs Rippling Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Rippling Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Rippling Payroll Features
- ✓Global payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓PEO services
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓time tracking
- ✓expense management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Rippling Payroll 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 Payroll?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Rippling Payroll is best for mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Rippling Payroll?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Rippling Payroll cost?
Rippling Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Rippling Payroll?
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management