Smartsheet vs Xero
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.
Xero
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular with small businesses and accountants worldwide. It is known for its clean interface, strong bank reconciliation tools, and excellent integration ecosystem. Xero is particularly popular in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, and is considered the main alternative to QuickBooks for cloud-based accounting.
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
- ✓Beautiful and intuitive interface — one of the cleanest in accounting software
- ✓Unlimited users on all plans — no per-seat pricing
- ✓Excellent bank reconciliation with smart matching
- ✓Strong ecosystem of 1000+ integrations
Cons
- ✗Payroll requires a separate add-on in most regions
- ✗Inventory management is basic compared to QuickBooks
- ✗Reporting is less comprehensive than QuickBooks on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support is primarily online with no phone support
Smartsheet vs Xero: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | $15/mo |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Xero Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense claims
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓inventory
- ✓project tracking
- ✓integrations
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Xero 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 Xero?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Xero is best for small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Xero?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Xero cost?
Xero starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Xero?
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks