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Dreamler vs Retain vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Dreamler

4.2(4 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Dreamler is an interactive visual planning solution crafted to make real those dreams and bold visions. By reverse-mapping the activities that need to take place to reach the pre-set goals of a project, teams can remain…

Retain

4.6(43 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Retain is a resource management tool that empowers teams to optimize workflow, increase productivity and ensure adherence to regulations. Integrate multiple systems such as employee timekeeping, payroll, talent acquisiti…

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…

Retain leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 43 reviews.

SpotSaaS Analysis

DreamlerRetainSmartsheet

The core difference lies in Dreamler's focus on visual project planning for mid-sized teams, while Retain emphasizes integrated resource and compliance management for larger enterprises. Ideal buyers for Dreamler are project managers and consultants in mid-sized organizations, whereas Retain is suited for enterprises needing comprehensive compliance solutions.

- Best for visual, goal-driven project planning - Ideal for mid-sized teams (50 to 500 employees) - Supports sectors like Martech, SaaS, and Education - Facilitates real-time updates and agile collaboration - Simplifies complex project management tasks - Targets project managers and strategy consultants

- Best for integrated resource and compliance management - Ideal for medium to large enterprises - Ensures seamless integration with various systems - Focuses on regulatory compliance across workflows - Supports timekeeping, payroll, and ERP integration - Targets organizations needing strict compliance management

Dreamler vs Retain vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureDreamlerRetainSmartsheet
Rating4.2 / 54.6 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews4438,464
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing$9 /month
Free trial No No Yes
Free version No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryResource Management SoftwareResource Management SoftwareProject Management Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - WindowsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailable
Support modesOnlineOnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsGDPRSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyUSUS

Key differences between Dreamler and Retain

  • User satisfaction: Retain scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
  • Deployment: Dreamler supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows.

Compare Dreamler vs Retain 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 Resource 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.

Dreamler - Resource Management Software
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Retain - Resource Management Software
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Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Dreamler

Best for visual, goal-driven project planning in mid-sized teams.

Choose if
  • You need intuitive visual planning that simplifies complex projects.
  • Your team benefits from real-time updates and agile collaboration.
  • You want a streamlined tool for marketing, SaaS, or consulting projects.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require highly customizable or complex resource management workflows.
  • You are a very small team or startup with fewer than 10 employees.

Retain

Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.

Choose if
  • You require seamless integration with timekeeping, payroll, ERP, and talent acquisition systems.
  • Your team must ensure strict regulatory compliance across workflows.
  • You want to optimize resource allocation to boost productivity across departments.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a startup or very small business with minimal resource management needs.
  • You need standalone timekeeping or payroll software without complex integrations.

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.

Dreamler: Best for visual, goal-driven project planning in mid-sized teams. Retain: Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.

Description

Dreamler is an interactive visual planning solution crafted to make real those dreams and bold visions. By reverse-mapping the activities that need to take place to reach the pre-set goals ... Read More about Dreamler

Retain is a resource management tool that empowers teams to optimize workflow, increase productivity and ensure adherence to regulations. Integrate multiple systems such as employee ... Read More about Retain

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

  • Not Available
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $9 , yearly

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

Not Available

Not Available

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.2

(4)

4.6

(43)

Best Company Size

50 to 500 employeesMedium to large enterprises
Medium BusinessLarge 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

Dreamler

  • Streamlined Collaboration: With Dreamler, teams can easily visualize and share their ideas, ensuring everyone is on the same page. I’ve seen how it fosters a collaborative environment, making brainstorming sessions more productive.
  • Enhanced Project Clarity: Dreamler’s intuitive interface allows users to break down complex projects into manageable tasks. As a manager, you’ll appreciate the clarity this brings to project timelines and responsibilities.
  • Real-time Updates: Stay informed with real-time notifications and updates. I find that this feature helps keep teams agile, adapting quickly to changes without losing momentum.

Retain

No key benefits available yet.

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

Dreamler

  • 50 to 500 employees
  • Martech, SaaS, Consulting, Education, and Non-Profit sectors
  • Project Managers, Product Owners, Business Analysts, and Strategy Consultants

Retain

No best-fit guidance available yet.

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

Dreamler

  • Users may seek alternatives to Dreamler if they require more robust collaboration features, as some projects benefit from tools that facilitate real-time teamwork and communication among multiple stakeholders.
  • Individuals or teams on a tight budget might explore other options, as Dreamler’s pricing structure may not align with their financial constraints, prompting a search for more cost-effective solutions.
  • Those looking for enhanced integration capabilities with existing software or platforms might consider alternatives, especially if their workflow relies heavily on specific tools that Dreamler does not support.

Retain

No alternatives guidance available yet.

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.

Software Demo

Demo

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Share your priorities, budget, and team needs, and we’ll help you narrow the options and understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors.

How do Dreamler, Retain and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

10 Features

12 Features

21 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Dreamler, Retain 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

        • Not Available
        • Not Available
        • $9 , yearly

        Pricing Plans

        • Not Available
        • 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

        Pricing information not available

        Pricing information not available

        Smartsheet pricing

        Other Details

        Organization Types supported

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

        Platforms Supported

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

        API Support

        • Not Available
        • Not Available
        • Available
        Get help choosing
        Get help choosing

        Security & Compliance

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

        SOC 2

        HIPAA

        ✗ No
        ✗ No

        GDPR

        ✓ Yes

        ISO 27001

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        Data Encryption

        Audit Logs

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US

        Dreamler vs Retain User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        4.2

        (based on 4 reviews)

        4.6

        (based on 43 reviews)

        Rating Distribution

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        1840

        427

        95

        34

        18

        Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

        Buyer sentiment

        Users appreciate Dreamler's clarity in project visualization and real-time collaboration but note limited public feedback and pricing transparency.

        What buyers like

        • Ease of use
        • Real-time updates
        • Collaboration enhancement

        Common complaints

        • Pricing opacity
        • Limited advanced features

        Buyer sentiment

        Users generally rate Retain highly for its integration capabilities and compliance features, though detailed user feedback is limited.

        What buyers like

        • Integration with multiple enterprise systems
        • Regulatory compliance support
        • Productivity improvement

        Common complaints

        • Lack of pricing transparency
        • Complex setup process

        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 visual planning that breaks down complex projects into manageable tasks

        • Real-time updates and notifications that keep teams agile and informed

        • Facilitates streamlined collaboration and improved communication across teams

        • Pricing is quotation-based with no public pricing transparency

        • Limited rating and review data available (only 4 ratings)

        • Strong integration capabilities with timekeeping, payroll, ERP, and talent acquisition systems

        • Helps ensure regulatory compliance across workflows

        • Improves productivity by optimizing resource allocation

        • Pricing is quotation-based, which may limit upfront cost transparency

        • Limited publicly available information on specific features and use cases

        • 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

        List of Customers

        Customers

        No Customers information available.

        Capgemini

        Capgemini

        Amgen

        Amgen

        Bank Of America

        Bank Of America

        Pfizer

        Pfizer

        Whirlpool

        Whirlpool

        Western Digital

        Western Digital

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        Designing the Project Visualization UI

        4 Screenshots

        No screenshots available.

        Videos

        video-0

        3 Videos

        video-0

        1 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, Dreamler or Retain?
        Retain edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.2). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do Dreamler and Retain offer a free trial?
        Neither Dreamler nor Retain currently lists a free trial.
        What is the starting price of Dreamler vs Retain?
        Dreamler starts at Contact for pricing. Retain starts at Contact for pricing.
        What are the top alternatives to Dreamler?
        Top alternatives to Dreamler include Smartsheet, Aha!, RationalPlan, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management.
        What are the top alternatives to Retain?
        Top alternatives to Retain include Smartsheet, MRMcentral, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, eResource Scheduler, Resource Guru.

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