TriNet vs Smartsheet
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
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
- ✓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
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
TriNet vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | TriNet | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
TriNet Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓risk mitigation
- ✓HR support
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Also Consider
If neither TriNet nor Smartsheet is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TriNet and Smartsheet?
TriNet is best for smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, TriNet or Smartsheet?
Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does TriNet cost?
TriNet starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use TriNet?
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation