Smartsheet vs TriNet
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.
TriNet
TriNet is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides comprehensive HR, payroll, and benefits services to small and mid-size businesses. By acting as a co-employer, TriNet gives SMBs access to enterprise-grade benefits and HR expertise. TriNet is particularly strong in regulated industries like technology, financial services, and life sciences.
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
- ✓Access to premium benefits packages typically available only to large enterprises
- ✓Strong industry-specific HR expertise and compliance support
- ✓Dedicated HR advisors for each client
- ✓Comprehensive risk mitigation and employer liability protection
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to software-only alternatives
- ✗Long-term contracts with limited flexibility
- ✗Less suitable for companies that want full control over their HR processes
Smartsheet vs TriNet: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | TriNet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
TriNet Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓risk mitigation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor TriNet 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 TriNet?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. TriNet is best for smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
Which is better, Smartsheet or TriNet?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does TriNet cost?
TriNet starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use TriNet?
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing