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Asana vs Paymo vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Asana

4.3(17,902 reviews)

Starting at $6.92 /user/month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Asana is built for the way you work. It gives teams a single place to track work across projects and organize the full stream of activities—from brainstorming new ideas, to moving tasks forward, to updating colleagues ar…

Paymo

4.6(996 reviews)

Starting at $4.95 /User/Month

  • Free Trial
  • Individuals
  • Freelancers / Consultants

Paymo is a cloud-based project management software that helps manage projects of all sizes. This easy to use software can be used by companies of all sizes and individuals working on their own projects at home. Using the…

Quickbase

4.2

Starting at $35 /user/month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Quickbase is a no-code project management platform that empowers teams to build, automate, and optimize workflows without complex coding. Designed for businesses of all sizes, it enables users to create custom applicatio…

Smartsheet

4.1(8,464 reviews)

Starting at $9 /month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Smartsheet is a dynamic project management tool that simplifies tracking and planning for teams of all sizes. Offering a user-friendly interface, it’s designed to adapt to your unique workflows, whether you're managing s…

Paymo leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 996 reviews.

Asana vs Paymo vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureAsanaPaymoQuickbase Smartsheet
Rating4.3 / 54.6 / 54.2 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews17,9029968,464
Starting price$6.92 /user/month$4.95 /User/Month$35 /user/month$9 /month
Free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessIndividuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Large EnterprisesFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryProject Management SoftwareProject Management SoftwareProject Management SoftwareProject Management Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep), Online, Business HoursBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001GDPRSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyGlobalGlobalGlobalUS

Key differences between Asana and Paymo

  • Pricing: Asana starts at $6.92 /user/month, while Paymo starts at $4.95 /User/Month.
  • Target audience: Asana is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Paymo targets Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants.
  • User satisfaction: Paymo scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
  • Deployment: Asana supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Paymo supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Compare Asana vs Paymo vs Quickbase  vs Smartsheet — and walk away knowing which one fits.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Project Management Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Asana
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Paymo - Project Management Software
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Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Asana

Best for teams needing flexible, intuitive project and task management.

Choose if
  • You want a highly customizable workflow adaptable to diverse team needs.
  • Your team values strong collaboration tools like comments and real-time updates.
  • You need multiple project views including lists, boards, and timelines.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your organization requires advanced Agile reporting like BurnUps and sprint metrics.
  • You are a very large enterprise needing highly scalable, performance-optimized solutions.

Paymo

Best for freelancers and SMBs needing integrated project, time, and invoicing management.

Choose if
  • You are a freelancer or small to medium business seeking an easy-to-use all-in-one tool.
  • You want integrated time tracking combined with invoicing and budgeting in a single platform.
  • You value responsive customer support and a simple, streamlined workflow for project management.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your enterprise requires advanced AI-driven project insights and analytics.
  • You manage global teams needing extensive multilingual support and broad third-party integrations.

Quickbase

Best for building custom no-code workflows in medium to large enterprises.

Choose if
  • You need to rapidly create tailored project management apps without coding.
  • Your team requires strong workflow automation to reduce manual tasks.
  • You want seamless integration with tools like Salesforce and Slack.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a freelancer or very small team needing simple task management.
  • You prefer out-of-the-box project management without customization or complexity.

Smartsheet

Best for teams needing customizable, spreadsheet-style project management with automation.

Choose if
  • You require flexible workflows adaptable to complex project plans and diverse teams.
  • You want strong project management features like Gantt charts, dashboards, and resource tracking.
  • You value automation to reduce manual errors and save time in project execution.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your team needs extensive offline functionality due to unreliable internet access.
  • You prefer simple, ready-to-use workflows without investing time in customization or training.

Asana: Best for teams needing flexible, intuitive project and task management. Paymo: Best for freelancers and SMBs needing integrated project, time, and invoicing management.

Description

Asana is built for the way you work. It gives teams a single place to track work across projects and organize the full stream of activities—from brainstorming new ideas, to moving tasks ... Read More about Asana

Paymo is a cloud-based project management software that helps manage projects of all sizes. This easy to use software can be used by companies of all sizes and individuals working on their ... Read More about Paymo

Quickbase is a no-code project management platform that empowers teams to build, automate, and optimize workflows without complex coding. Designed for businesses of all sizes, it enables ... Read More about Quickbase

Smartsheet is a dynamic project management tool that simplifies tracking and planning for teams of all sizes. Offering a user-friendly interface, it’s designed to adapt to your unique ... Read More about Smartsheet

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $6.92 , monthly
  • Starts from $4.95 , Billed Yearly
  • Starts from $35 , yearly
  • Starts from $9 , yearly

Free Trial Availability

  • Free Trial available

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

9.7/10

9.0/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.2

Best Company Size

10-50 employees51-1000 employees
1-50 employees51-200 employees
50-1,000 employeesMedium to Large Enterprises
50-500 employees501-5,000 employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Where each option fits best

See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.

Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.

Strengths

Key strengths

Asana

  • Streamlined Project Management: Asana helps teams organize their tasks and projects in one central hub, making it easier for managers to track progress and ensure deadlines are met without the chaos of scattered communications.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: With features like task assignments, comments, and file attachments, Asana fosters a collaborative environment where team members can communicate effectively, leading to improved productivity and innovation.
  • Customizable Workflows: Whether you're managing marketing campaigns or software development sprints, Asana allows you to tailor workflows that suit your team's unique needs, ensuring everyone stays aligned on project goals.

Paymo

  • Comprehensive Project Management: Paymo offers a range of tools including task management, time tracking, invoicing, and budgeting, providing a holistic approach to project management.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Robust Collaboration Features: With real-time communication, guest access, and activity streams, Paymo facilitates effective team collaboration.

Quickbase

  • Empower Your Team: Quickbase allows teams to build custom applications without needing extensive coding skills, enabling them to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. I’ve seen firsthand how this democratizes app development, letting everyone contribute.
  • Rapid Deployment: With Quickbase, you can quickly create and deploy applications tailored to your business needs. This means you can respond to changing market conditions or internal requirements faster than ever before, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition.
  • Seamless Integration: The platform integrates effortlessly with existing tools and systems, allowing your organization to maintain its current infrastructure while enhancing capabilities. This flexibility ensures that users can leverage their favorite tools without disruption.

Smartsheet

  • Streamlined Collaboration: With Smartsheet, teams can easily collaborate in real-time, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. I’ve seen how this fosters transparency and accountability within projects, making it easier for managers to keep track of progress.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Smartsheet offers customizable dashboards that allow you to visualize project data at a glance. This feature empowers executives to make informed decisions quickly, as they can monitor key metrics without digging through extensive reports.
  • Automation Capabilities: By automating repetitive tasks, Smartsheet saves time and reduces errors. Administrators will appreciate how this feature allows them to focus on higher-value activities rather than getting bogged down with manual processes.
Best fit

Best fit

Asana

  • 10 to 1,000 employees
  • SaaS, Consulting, Marketing Technology (Martech), Project Management, and E-commerce
  • Project Managers, Marketing Coordinators, Product Managers, Team Leads, and Operations Managers

Paymo

  • 5–200 Employees
  • Professional Services, Design, Consulting, Marketing, IT Services, Education
  • Project Managers, Team Leads, Consultants, Designers, Operations Coordinators, Marketing Managers

Quickbase

  • 50 to 1,000 employees
  • SaaS, Consulting, Fintech, and Revtech
  • Project Managers, Business Analysts, Operations Managers, and IT Administrators

Smartsheet

  • 50-5,000 employees.
  • Industries include Project Management, IT Services, Marketing Technology (Martech), Financial Technology (Fintech), Consulting, and SaaS.
  • Typical users are Project Managers, Operations Managers, Marketing Coordinators, IT Directors, and Business Analysts.
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

Asana

  • Users may seek alternatives to Asana due to its pricing model, as some teams find it expensive compared to other project management tools that offer similar features at a lower cost.
  • Teams requiring more advanced reporting capabilities might explore alternatives, as Asana's reporting features can be limited for larger projects or organizations needing in-depth analytics.
  • Organizations with specific workflow needs may look for alternatives that offer greater customization options, allowing them to tailor the platform to fit unique project management requirements more effectively.

Paymo

  • Paymo's subtasks feature lacks the ability to assign different team members or set distinct due dates, limiting its effectiveness for complex task delegation.
  • Users have reported that the mobile application interface could be more intuitive, as navigating certain features feels slightly clunky compared to the desktop version.
  • Some users have experienced buffering and technical errors, which can disrupt workflow and reduce efficiency.

Quickbase

  • Users may seek alternatives to Quickbase due to its pricing structure, which some find to be on the higher side compared to other low-code platforms that offer similar functionalities at a more competitive rate.
  • Organizations requiring advanced features or integrations might explore alternatives that provide more robust capabilities, particularly in areas like data analytics or third-party software connectivity.
  • Teams looking for a more user-friendly interface may consider other options, especially if they find Quickbase's learning curve steep for non-technical users or new team members.

Smartsheet

  • Users may seek alternatives to Smartsheet due to budget constraints, as some organizations find more cost-effective project management solutions that fit their needs without compromising essential features.
  • Teams looking for specialized tools might consider alternatives that offer specific functionalities tailored for industries like construction or software development, which may not be as robust in Smartsheet.
  • Some users may desire a more intuitive user interface and simpler navigation, leading them to explore alternatives that prioritize ease of use and require less training for team members.

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How do Asana, Paymo, Quickbase and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

18 Features

15 Features

10 Features

21 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Asana, Paymo, Quickbase and Smartsheet on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

          Starting From

          • $6.92 , monthly
          • $4.95 , Billed Yearly
          • $35 , yearly
          • $9 , yearly

          Pricing Plans

          • Personal

            Free

            • Collaborate with up to 10 teammates

            • Unlimited tasks

            • Unlimited projects

            Show more +

          • Starter

            $8.5

            /user/month

            • Everything in Personal plus -

            • Collaborate with up to 500 teammates

            • Timeline view

            Show more +

          • Free

            • Projects

            • Clients (limited to 3)

            • Tasks (limited to 50)

            Show more +

          • Starter

            • Includes features of Free plan, plus

            • Unlimited Clients

            • Tasks (limited to 100)

            Show more +

          • Small Office

            • Includes features of Starter plan, plus

            • Unlimited Tasks

            • Unlimited Time Entries

            Show more +

          • Browse all pricing plans
          • Not Available
          • Pro

            $12

            /month

            • Unlimited free Viewers

            • Gantt, grid, board, and calendar view

            • Rich formulas

            Show more +

          • Business

            $24

            /month

            • Includes features of Pro plan, plus:

            • Unlimited free Guests

            • Timeline view

            Show more +

          • Enterprise

            Custom

            • Includes features of Business plan, plus

            • AI formulas, texts, and charts

            • SAML-based SSO

            Show more +

          • Browse all pricing plans

          Pricing Page

          Asana pricing
          Paymo pricing
          Quickbase  pricingSmartsheet pricing

          Other Details

          Organization Types supported

          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals

          Platforms Supported

          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)

          Modes of support

          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online

          API Support

          • Available
          • Available
          • Available
          • Available
          Get help choosing
          Get help choosing

          Security & Compliance

          Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

          SOC 2

          ✓ Yes

          HIPAA

          ✗ No
          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          ISO 27001

          ✓ Yes

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Data Encryption

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Audit Logs

          ✓ Yes

          Data Residency

          🌐 Global
          🌐 Global

          Asana vs Paymo vs Quickbase User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          No reviews available for the product

          Rating Distribution

          2066

          358

          85

          23

          30

          237

          48

          3

          0

          1

          No reviews available for this product

          1840

          427

          95

          34

          18

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use, collaboration features, and workflow customization, tempered by concerns over learning curve and pricing.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Collaboration capabilities
          • Workflow customization

          Common complaints

          • Steep learning curve
          • Premium pricing for advanced features

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall, users appreciate Paymo’s ease of use, comprehensive features, and responsive support, though some desire more advanced capabilities and better mobile experience.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Comprehensive feature set
          • Customer support

          Common complaints

          • Lack of advanced features
          • Mobile app and widget limitations

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights Quickbase's flexibility and automation, though some users note usability challenges.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Workflow automation
          • Integration capabilities

          Common complaints

          • Usability issues
          • Functionality limitations

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights Smartsheet’s flexibility, collaboration features, and powerful project management tools, tempered by concerns about learning curve and offline limitations.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Customizability
          • Automation capabilities

          Common complaints

          • Learning curve for advanced features
          • Limited offline functionality

          Pros and Cons

          • Intuitive and simple user interface enabling quick adoption

          • Robust task and project management features including timelines, recurring tasks, and milestones

          • Strong collaboration tools such as comments, file attachments, and real-time updates

          • Steep learning curve for new users due to feature richness

          • Key advanced features locked behind premium pricing, increasing cost for smaller teams

          • User-friendly interface that simplifies project management, time tracking, and invoicing

          • Comprehensive feature set including invoicing, milestones tracking, reporting, and billing with good customizability

          • Exceptional customer support with quick and helpful responses

          • Lacks advanced features such as AI-based project insights and deep third-party integrations

          • Desktop widgets and mobile apps are sometimes underutilized or considered secondary

          • No-code drag-and-drop app building enabling rapid custom workflow creation

          • Seamless integration with major tools like Salesforce, Slack, and cloud storage

          • Strong workflow automation capabilities reducing manual processes

          • Usability and functionality could be improved according to user feedback

          • Pricing details are not publicly transparent, requiring sales engagement

          • Customizable and user-friendly interface accessible to beginners and experienced users

          • Strong project management features including Gantt charts, dashboards, and resource tracking

          • Automated workflows that save time and reduce manual errors

          • Advanced features have a learning curve that can challenge new users

          • Limited offline functionality can hinder use in poor internet conditions

          Positive Reviews

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          List of Customers

          Customers

          Vodafone

          Vodafone

          Deloitte

          Deloitte

          Google

          Google

          Paymo_customers_0

          Paymo_customers_0

          Paymo_customers_1

          Paymo_customers_1

          Paymo_customers_2

          Paymo_customers_2

          Amazon

          Amazon

          P and G

          P and G

          Fresenius

          Fresenius

          Pfizer

          Pfizer

          Whirlpool

          Whirlpool

          Western Digital

          Western Digital

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          Company goal

          5 Screenshots

          3 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          3 Videos

          video-0

          4 Videos

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          Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

          Frequently asked questions

          Which is better, Asana or Paymo?
          Paymo edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Asana and Paymo offer a free trial?
          Yes, both Asana and Paymo offer a free trial.
          What is the starting price of Asana vs Paymo?
          Asana starts at $6.92 /user/month. Paymo starts at $4.95 /User/Month.
          What are the top alternatives to Asana?
          Top alternatives to Asana include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Basecamp.
          What are the top alternatives to Paymo?
          Top alternatives to Paymo include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Wrike, TeamGantt.

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