Smartsheet vs SugarCRM
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.
SugarCRM
SugarCRM is an open-source CRM platform that offers highly customizable sales, marketing, and customer service tools for mid-size and enterprise businesses. It gives companies full control over their CRM data and workflows, making it popular with businesses that have specific customization or data sovereignty requirements.
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
- ✓Highly customizable to fit complex business processes
- ✓Open-source option gives full data control
- ✓Strong sales and marketing automation
- ✓Good value for mid-market companies
Cons
- ✗Requires technical resources to implement and customize
- ✗Interface is less modern than competitors
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler CRM tools
Smartsheet vs SugarCRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | SugarCRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | $19/user/mo |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
SugarCRM Features
- ✓Sales automation
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓customer service management
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓API access
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor SugarCRM 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 SugarCRM?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. SugarCRM is best for mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
Which is better, Smartsheet or SugarCRM?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SugarCRM cost?
SugarCRM starts at $19/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use SugarCRM?
Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control