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Epicflow vs Retain vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Epicflow

4.8(27 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

EpicFlow is software designed for Resource Management (Project and Portfolio Management) in the Enterprise. EpicFlow helps to manage projects, portfolios and resources and team members collaboratively. Traditional MS Pro…

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…

Epicflow leads on user satisfaction with a 4.8-star rating across 27 reviews.

SpotSaaS Analysis

EpicflowRetainSmartsheet

The core difference lies in Epicflow's focus on project and resource management with MS Project integration, while Retain emphasizes integrated resource and compliance management across various business systems. Epicflow is ideal for medium-sized businesses in project-driven industries, whereas Retain suits larger enterprises needing robust compliance features.

- Best for enterprise resource and portfolio management - Integrates with MS Project - Targets medium-sized businesses (50-500 employees) - Ideal for project, resource, and operations managers - Provides real-time visibility into project progress - Supports intelligent resource allocation across projects

- Best for integrated resource and compliance management - Seamless integration with timekeeping and payroll systems - Suitable for medium to large enterprises - Ensures regulatory compliance across workflows - Supports ERP and talent acquisition system integration - Ideal for teams needing comprehensive compliance solutions

Epicflow vs Retain vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureEpicflowRetainSmartsheet
Rating4.8 / 54.6 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews27438,464
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
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineOnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyUSUS

Key differences between Epicflow and Retain

  • User satisfaction: Epicflow scores higher with a 4.8-star average.
  • Deployment: Epicflow supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows.

Compare Epicflow 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.

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

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Epicflow

Best for enterprise resource and portfolio management with MS Project integration.

Choose if
  • You need real-time visibility into project progress for informed decisions.
  • You require intelligent resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects.
  • You want early warnings on bottlenecks to proactively manage risks.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a very small business with fewer than 50 employees.
  • You seek simple task management without portfolio-level resource allocation.

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.

Epicflow: Best for enterprise resource and portfolio management with MS Project integration. Retain: Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.

Description

EpicFlow is software designed for Resource Management (Project and Portfolio Management) in the Enterprise. EpicFlow helps to manage projects, portfolios and resources and team members ... Read More about Epicflow

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

4.8

(27)

4.6

(43)

Best Company Size

50-500 employeesMedium Business
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

Epicflow

  • Enhanced Project Visibility: With Epicflow, managers can easily track project progress in real-time, allowing for informed decision-making and timely adjustments to keep teams aligned and projects on track.
  • Resource Optimization: Epicflow intelligently allocates resources across multiple projects, ensuring that your team’s capacity is maximized. This means less downtime and more productivity—who wouldn’t want that?
  • Proactive Risk Management: By providing early warnings on potential bottlenecks, Epicflow empowers administrators to address issues before they escalate, safeguarding project timelines and budgets.

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

Epicflow

  • 50-500 employees
  • Industries: Project Management, IT Services, Software Development, Consulting, Manufacturing
  • Job Titles: Project Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Managers, Team Leaders, Portfolio Managers

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

Epicflow

  • Users might seek alternatives to Epicflow if they require a more intuitive user interface, as some find Epicflow's design less user-friendly, making it difficult for teams to adapt quickly.
  • Organizations with specific project management methodologies may look for alternatives that offer tailored features or integrations better suited to their unique workflows and processes.
  • Companies with budget constraints may consider other options that provide similar functionality at a lower cost, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently while still achieving project management goals.

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 Epicflow, 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

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Epicflow, 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

        • 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

        GDPR

        ISO 27001

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        Data Encryption

        Audit Logs

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US

        Epicflow vs Retain User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        4.6

        (based on 43 reviews)

        Rating Distribution

        2

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        1840

        427

        95

        34

        18

        Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

        Buyer sentiment

        Buyers generally express high satisfaction with Epicflow’s resource optimization and project visibility features.

        What buyers like

        • Project visibility
        • Resource optimization
        • Risk management

        Common complaints

        • Pricing transparency
        • Learning curve

        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

        • Real-time project progress visibility enabling informed decision-making

        • Intelligent resource allocation across multiple projects maximizing team capacity

        • Early warnings on potential bottlenecks for proactive risk management

        • Pricing is quotation-based with no public pricing transparency

        • May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with MS Project-like tools

        • 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

        Dashboard

        1 Screenshots

        No screenshots available.

        Videos

        video-0

        1 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, Epicflow or Retain?
        Epicflow edges out the other on user ratings (4.8 vs 4.6). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do Epicflow and Retain offer a free trial?
        Neither Epicflow nor Retain currently lists a free trial.
        What is the starting price of Epicflow vs Retain?
        Epicflow starts at Contact for pricing. Retain starts at Contact for pricing.
        What are the top alternatives to Epicflow?
        Top alternatives to Epicflow include Smartsheet, RationalPlan, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, eResource Scheduler.
        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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