Backlog vs Pivotal Tracker vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet Comparison
Backlog
Starting at $29.16 /Month
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
Backlog is a project management software that helps teams work better together. By combining the power and simplicity of Scrum, Backlog lets you focus on what's important - your work, not your processes. All while levera…
Pivotal Tracker
Starting at $6.50 /User/Month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
The Pivotal Tracker platform is the first agile project management software that isn't a pain to use. It's designed as a beautiful web application that facilitates communication, collaboration, and visibility. See the st…
Quickbase
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
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…
Backlog leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 164 reviews.
Backlog vs Pivotal Tracker vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — at a glance
| Feature | Backlog | Pivotal Tracker | Quickbase | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Reviews | 164 | 303 | — | 2,444 |
| Starting price | $29.16 /Month | $6.50 /User/Month | $35 /user/month | $9 /month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No | No |
| Best for | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Project Management Software | Project Management Software | Project Management Software | Project Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep), Online | Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Online, Business Hours | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | — | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | US | — | Global | US |
Key differences between Backlog and Pivotal Tracker
- Pricing: Backlog starts at $29.16 /Month, while Pivotal Tracker starts at $6.50 /User/Month.
- Target audience: Backlog is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while Pivotal Tracker targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
- User satisfaction: Backlog scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
- Deployment: Backlog supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Pivotal Tracker supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.
Compare Backlog vs Pivotal Tracker vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — and walk away knowing which one fits.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
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.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
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Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for small to mid-sized teams needing simple, Scrum-based project management.
- You want an intuitive interface requiring minimal training for quick team adoption.
- Your team values integration with tools like Bitbucket Server, Slack, and Google Hangouts.
- You need efficient task assignment, prioritization, and flexible customization options.
- Your projects require advanced multi-level task dependencies and complex workflows.
- You need detailed, customizable reporting and extensive time tracking capabilities.
Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
Best for building custom no-code workflows in medium to large enterprises.
- 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.
- You are a freelancer or very small team needing simple task management.
- You prefer out-of-the-box project management without customization or complexity.
Best for teams needing customizable, spreadsheet-style project management with automation.
- 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.
- 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.
Backlog typically suits Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises. Pivotal Tracker tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | Backlog is a project management software that helps teams work better together. By combining the power and simplicity of Scrum, Backlog lets you focus on what's important - your work, not ... Read More about Backlog | The Pivotal Tracker platform is the first agile project management software that isn't a pain to use. It's designed as a beautiful web application that facilitates communication, ... Read More about Pivotal Tracker | 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 |
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SpotScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||||
Best Company Size | 50-500 employeesSmall to medium businesses | 5 to 100 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.
Key strengths
- Project Management: Backlog simplifies the project management process, letting teams easily track tasks, manage timelines, and prioritize work. This means you can focus on what matters—delivering results.
- Backlog improves team collaboration through real-time updates and comments that keep everyone informed and aligned, creating a more engaged and productive team environment.
- Reporting Tools: Managers can use Backlog's reporting features to track project progress and team performance. These analytics support better decision-making.
- Agile-Focused Project Management: Pivotal Tracker supports Agile methodologies with sprint planning, backlog management, and real-time collaboration, making it ideal for software development teams.
- Intuitive User Interface: The platform offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, letting teams quickly onboard and manage projects without a steep learning curve.
- Reliable Integrations: Pivotal Tracker integrates smoothly with popular tools like GitHub, Slack, and various CI/CD pipelines, improving workflow efficiency and collaboration.
- Give Your Team a Voice: Quickbase lets teams build custom applications without needing extensive coding skills, helping them simplify workflows and improve productivity. I've seen firsthand how this puts app development in reach for everyone, letting all team members contribute.
- Rapid Deployment: With Quickbase, you can quickly create and deploy applications designed for your business needs. This lets you respond to changing market conditions or internal requirements faster than competitors.
- Smooth Integration: The platform integrates easily with existing tools and systems, letting your organization keep its current infrastructure while improving capabilities. This flexibility lets users use their favorite tools without disruption.
- With Smartsheet, teams can collaborate in real-time, keeping everyone aligned. This builds transparency and accountability within projects, making it easier for managers to track progress.
- Customizable Dashboards: Smartsheet offers customizable dashboards that let you visualize project data at a glance. This feature helps executives 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
- 50 to 500 employees
- Martech, SaaS, Consulting, and Revtech
- Product Managers, Project Managers, Software Developers, and Agile Coaches
- 5 to 100 Employees.
- Software Development, Information Technology, Startups, Digital Agencies, Product Management.
- Software Developers, Product Managers, Scrum Masters, QA Engineers, Technical Leads.
- 50 to 1,000 employees
- SaaS, Consulting, Fintech, and Revtech
- Project Managers, Business Analysts, Operations Managers, and IT Administrators
- 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.
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Users may seek alternatives to Backlog if they require more advanced project management features, such as resource allocation or budgeting tools, which may not be adequately supported in Backlog's current offerings.
- Teams working in industries with specific compliance or regulatory needs might look for solutions that provide tailored features or integrations that align better with their unique workflows and requirements.
- Companies that prioritize integration with other software applications may consider alternatives if Backlog's compatibility with essential tools and platforms is limited, hindering their overall productivity.
- Some users find Pivotal Tracker's customization options limited, especially when adapting to unique team workflows or specific project requirements.
- While the interface is straightforward, some users feel it appears dated and lacks modern design elements, which can affect the overall user experience.
- Reports of slow loading times and lag, particularly when accessing stories or attachments, have led some teams to seek more responsive alternatives.
- Pricing runs 2–3x higher than Airtable or Monday.com for comparable low-code features
- Lacks native data analytics and requires custom integrations or third-party tools like Tableau for reporting
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users — most teams hire a Quickbase specialist or consultant to manage builds
- Pricing exceeds $25/month per user for most teams — competitors like Monday.com and Asana offer similar features at $10–15/month
- Lacks native construction and software development templates — teams in these industries typically layer in specialized tools like Procore or Jira
- Steep learning curve requires 4–6 weeks of training for new users — alternatives like Trello and ClickUp have faster onboarding
Software Demo
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How do Backlog, Pivotal Tracker, Quickbase and Smartsheet Compare on Features?
Total Features | 37 Features | 11 Features | 10 Features | 21 Features |
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Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Backlog, Pivotal Tracker, 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.
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Other Details
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | — | — |
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HIPAA | ✗ No | — |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | — |
ISO 27001 | — | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | — |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | — |
Backlog vs Pivotal Tracker vs Quickbase User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | No reviews available for the product | |||
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Rating Distribution | No reviews available for this product | |||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and effective task management, tempered by concerns over limited advanced features and reporting capabilities. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is positive across 110 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights Quickbase's flexibility and automation, though some users note usability challenges. What buyers like
Common complaints
| 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
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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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 |  Adobe  Omron  Softbank robotics |  Groupon  BBC  Berkley |  Amazon  P and G  Fresenius |  Pfizer  Whirlpool  Western Digital |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  8 Screenshots |  4 Screenshots |
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Videos |  5 Videos |  2 Videos |
Alternatives
Alternatives |
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Related Blogs and Articles for Project Management Software
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, Backlog or Pivotal Tracker?
- Backlog edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 4.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Backlog and Pivotal Tracker offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Backlog and Pivotal Tracker offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Backlog vs Pivotal Tracker?
- Backlog starts at $29.16 /Month. Pivotal Tracker starts at $6.50 /User/Month.
- What are the top alternatives to Backlog?
- Top alternatives to Backlog include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Wrike.
- What are the top alternatives to Pivotal Tracker?
- Top alternatives to Pivotal Tracker include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Wrike.