Float Resource Management vs Retain vs Smartsheet Comparison
Float Resource Management
Starting at $6 /user/month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Float is a leading resource management platform designed to help professional service organizations efficiently allocate, scope, and track client work to enhance profitability. It provides real-time visibility into team…
Retain
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
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.
Float Resource Management vs Retain vs Smartsheet — at a glance
| Feature | Float Resource Management | Retain | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | — | 4.6 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Reviews | — | 43 | 8,464 |
| Starting price | $6 /user/month | Contact for pricing | $9 /month |
| Free trial | Yes | No | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Resource Management Software | Resource Management Software | Project Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | — | Available |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep) | Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | — | — | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | — | US | US |
Key differences between Float Resource Management and Retain
- Pricing: Float Resource Management starts at $6 /user/month. Retain pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Float Resource Management offers a free trial; Retain does not.
- Deployment: Float Resource Management supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows.
Compare Float Resource Management vs Retain 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 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.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert | Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
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Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for professional services needing real-time, simple resource allocation and forecasting.
- You manage a medium to large professional services team (50-500 employees).
- You need real-time visibility into team workloads for dynamic resource allocation.
- You want centralized time-off management combined with automated time tracking.
- You are a very small team or startup with fewer than 10 employees.
- You require highly customizable or complex enterprise resource planning features.
Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.
- 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.
- You are a startup or very small business with minimal resource management needs.
- You need standalone timekeeping or payroll software without complex integrations.
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.
Float Resource Management: Best for professional services needing real-time, simple resource allocation and forecasting. Retain: Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.
Description | Float is a leading resource management platform designed to help professional service organizations efficiently allocate, scope, and track client work to enhance profitability. It provides ... Read More about Float Resource Management | 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 |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | Not Available | Not Available | 9.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | |||
Best Company Size | 50-500 employeesMedium to large businesses | 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.
Key strengths
- Streamlined Resource Allocation: With Float Resource Management, managers can easily visualize and allocate resources across projects, ensuring that every team member is optimally utilized. This reduces bottlenecks and enhances overall productivity.
- Real-Time Insights: Executives benefit from real-time data that allows for informed decision-making. The platform provides up-to-date analytics on resource availability and project progress, empowering leaders to adapt quickly to changing demands.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Float fosters a collaborative environment where administrators can seamlessly communicate with teams. By centralizing resource management, everyone stays aligned on priorities and deadlines, leading to improved teamwork and outcomes.
No key benefits available yet.
- 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
- 50 to 500 employees
- Consulting, SaaS, Marketing Technology (Martech), and Project Management
- Project Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Directors, and Team Leads
No best-fit guidance available yet.
- 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 Float Resource Management due to the need for more customizable features that cater specifically to unique project requirements and team dynamics, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.
- Organizations facing budget constraints might explore more cost-effective resource management tools that offer essential functionalities without compromising quality, ensuring better alignment with financial goals.
- Teams that prioritize integration with existing software ecosystems might look for alternatives that seamlessly connect with their current tools, improving workflow and reducing the learning curve associated with new systems.
No alternatives guidance available yet.
- 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
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How do Float Resource Management, Retain and Smartsheet Compare on Features?
Total Features | 33 Features | 12 Features | 21 Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Float Resource Management, 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.
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Pricing Page |  | Pricing information not available |  |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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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 | — | — |
ISO 27001 | — | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | — | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | — | — |
Data Encryption | — | — |
Audit Logs | — | — |
Data Residency | — | 🇺🇸 US |
Float Resource Management vs Retain User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | No reviews available for the product | 4.6 (based on 43 reviews) | |
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Rating Distribution | No reviews available for this product | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall buyer sentiment is positive regarding ease of use and real-time resource visibility, though detailed user feedback is limited. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Users generally rate Retain highly for its integration capabilities and compliance features, though detailed user feedback is limited. 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 |
List of Customers
Customers |  Atlassian  BuzzFeed  Tilt |  Capgemini  Amgen  Bank Of America |  Pfizer  Whirlpool  Western Digital |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  3 Screenshots | No screenshots available. |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  1 Videos |
Alternatives
Alternatives |
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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, Float Resource Management or Retain?
- Retain edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Float Resource Management and Retain offer a free trial?
- Float Resource Management offers a free trial. Retain does not.
- What is the starting price of Float Resource Management vs Retain?
- Float Resource Management starts at $6 /user/month. Retain starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to Float Resource Management?
- Top alternatives to Float Resource Management include Smartsheet, Hub Planner, Kelloo, Journyx PX, Silverbucket.
- What are the top alternatives to Retain?
- Top alternatives to Retain include Smartsheet, MRMcentral, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, eResource Scheduler, Resource Guru.