SurePayroll vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
SurePayroll is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Try SurePayroll →Read our full SurePayroll review →SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
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.
Pros
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
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
SurePayroll vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | SurePayroll | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither SurePayroll nor Smartsheet is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SurePayroll and Smartsheet?
SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, SurePayroll or Smartsheet?
Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation