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Hub Planner vs PDWare ResourceFirst vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Hub Planner

4.2(134 reviews)

Starting at $7 per resource / per month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Hub Planner's all-in-one tool allows businesses to simply manage daily workflows. Our resource management software helps you plan, schedule, and track employee time off, with Vacation & Annual Leave forms and real-time a…

PDWare ResourceFirst

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

PDWare ResourceFirst is a user-friendly resource management software that helps align priorities with valuable resources. With a focus on resource planning, it allows organizations to efficiently allocate and consume res…

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…

Hub Planner leads on user satisfaction with a 4.2-star rating across 134 reviews.

SpotSaaS Analysis

Hub PlannerPDWare ResourceFirstSmartsheet

The core difference lies in Hub Planner's focus on streamlined resource and leave management, making it ideal for medium businesses, while PDWare ResourceFirst caters to a broader range of medium to large enterprises with a focus on resource management across various industries. Ideal buyers for Hub Planner are project and resource managers in consulting and marketing, whereas PDWare ResourceFirst suits professionals in IT services and engineering needing comprehensive resource management solutions.

- Best for medium businesses with 50-500 employees - Streamlined resource and leave management features - Ideal for consulting, SaaS, and project management industries - Suitable for project, resource, and operations managers - Integrated vacation and leave tracking - Affordable pricing at $7

- Targets medium to large enterprises with 50-500 employees - Focuses on resource management across diverse industries - Suitable for project, resource, and portfolio managers - Ideal for IT services, consulting, and engineering sectors - Comprehensive resource allocation features - Pricing information not listed

Hub Planner vs PDWare ResourceFirst vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureHub PlannerPDWare ResourceFirstSmartsheet
Rating4.2 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews1348,464
Starting price$7 per resource / per month Contact for pricing$9 /month
Free trial Yes 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/CloudSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineOnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsGDPRSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyGlobalUSUS

Key differences between Hub Planner and PDWare ResourceFirst

  • Pricing: Hub Planner starts at $7 per resource / per month . PDWare ResourceFirst pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Free trial: Hub Planner offers a free trial; PDWare ResourceFirst does not.
  • Deployment: Hub Planner supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; PDWare ResourceFirst supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Compare Hub Planner vs PDWare ResourceFirst 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.

Hub Planner - Resource Management Software
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Talk to an expert
PDWare ResourceFirst - Resource Management Software
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Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Hub Planner

Best for medium businesses needing streamlined resource and leave management.

Choose if
  • You manage teams of 50-500 employees requiring simple, effective resource allocation.
  • You want integrated vacation and annual leave tracking with approval forms.
  • You need real-time dashboards for proactive project and workload monitoring.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a very small team under 10 employees seeking lightweight tools.
  • You require highly customized enterprise workflows or advanced process automation.

PDWare ResourceFirst

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

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.

Hub Planner typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. PDWare ResourceFirst 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

Hub Planner's all-in-one tool allows businesses to simply manage daily workflows. Our resource management software helps you plan, schedule, and track employee time off, with Vacation & ... Read More about Hub Planner

PDWare ResourceFirst is a user-friendly resource management software that helps align priorities with valuable resources. With a focus on resource planning, it allows organizations to ... Read More about PDWare ResourceFirst

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 $7
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $9 , yearly

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

Not Available

Not Available

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

Best Company Size

50 to 500 employeesMedium Business
50-500 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

Hub Planner

  • Streamlined Resource Management: Hub Planner allows managers to effortlessly allocate and track resources, ensuring that team members are optimally utilized and workloads are balanced, which in turn boosts productivity across projects.
  • Real-Time Insights: With its intuitive dashboard, Hub Planner provides real-time data on project progress and resource availability. You can quickly spot potential bottlenecks or over-allocations, enabling proactive decision-making.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: By fostering clear communication among teams, Hub Planner helps everyone stay aligned on project goals. You'll find that collaboration becomes more fluid, reducing misunderstandings and improving overall team morale.

PDWare ResourceFirst

  • Optimized Resource Allocation: PDWare ResourceFirst empowers managers to allocate resources effectively, ensuring that the right people are working on the right projects at the right time. This not only maximizes productivity but also enhances team morale.
  • Real-Time Insights: With its intuitive dashboard, users gain access to real-time data and analytics. Executives can make informed decisions quickly, while administrators can track project progress and resource utilization effortlessly.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: ResourceFirst fosters a collaborative environment by integrating seamlessly with popular project management tools. This means teams can easily share updates and insights, leading to improved communication and project outcomes.

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

Hub Planner

  • 50 to 500 employees
  • Consulting, SaaS, Marketing Technology (Martech), and Project Management
  • roles such as Project Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Managers, and Team Leaders

PDWare ResourceFirst

  • 50-500 employees.
  • Industries include SaaS, Consulting, IT Services, Project Management, and Engineering.
  • Typical users are Project Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Managers, Portfolio Managers, and HR Professionals.

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

Hub Planner

  • Users may seek alternatives to Hub Planner if they find its pricing structure to be prohibitive, especially for smaller teams or startups with limited budgets looking for cost-effective project management tools.
  • Some teams might require specific features that Hub Planner lacks, such as advanced reporting capabilities or integration with niche software that is crucial for their workflow and operational efficiency.
  • Organizations with unique project management methodologies may prefer solutions that offer more customization options than Hub Planner, enabling them to tailor the software to their specific needs and processes.

PDWare ResourceFirst

  • Users may seek alternatives due to the need for more user-friendly interfaces, as some teams prefer solutions that require minimal training and enhance overall user experience for quick adoption.
  • Organizations might look for cost-effective options, especially if they have budget constraints or require scalable solutions that can grow with their project management needs without incurring hefty fees.
  • Integration capabilities are crucial; users often explore alternatives that offer seamless connectivity with existing tools and software, ensuring a smoother workflow and enhanced productivity across teams.

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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How do Hub Planner, PDWare ResourceFirst and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

20 Features

10 Features

21 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Hub Planner, PDWare ResourceFirst 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

        • $7
        • Not Available
        • $9 , yearly

        Pricing Plans

        • Plug & Play

          $7

          per resource / per month

          • Flexibility to scale with the feature set that suits your team.

          • What’s Included

          • Resource Scheduler

          Show more +

        • Premium

          $18

          per resource / per month

          • A superior all round package of resource management features.

          • What’s Included

          • Everything from Plug & Play

          Show more +

        • Business Leader

          $54

          per resource / per month *

          • Large Enterprise teams with big capacity requirements.

          • What’s Included

          • Everything in Premium

          Show more +

        • 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

        Hub Planner pricing

        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
        ✗ No

        GDPR

        ✓ Yes

        ISO 27001

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        ✓ Yes

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        Data Encryption

        ✓ Yes

        Audit Logs

        Data Residency

        🌐 Global
        🇺🇸 US

        Hub Planner vs PDWare ResourceFirst User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        No reviews available for the product

        Rating Distribution

        12

        12

        1

        0

        0

        No reviews available for this product

        1840

        427

        95

        34

        18

        Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

        Buyer sentiment

        Users generally appreciate Hub Planner for its ease of resource management and real-time insights, though some desire more pricing transparency and advanced customization.

        What buyers like

        • Ease of resource allocation
        • Real-time project and resource visibility
        • Enhanced team collaboration

        Common complaints

        • Pricing transparency
        • Limited advanced customization

        Buyer sentiment

        Insufficient public user feedback to determine overall sentiment.

        What buyers like

        • Resource allocation effectiveness
        • Real-time insights
        • Collaboration features

        Common complaints

        • Lack of pricing transparency
        • Absence of trial or free plan

        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

        • Effortless resource allocation and workload balancing

        • Real-time dashboard insights for proactive management

        • Improved team collaboration and communication

        • Limited information on advanced customization options

        • No publicly available starting price may complicate budgeting

        • Effective resource allocation aligned with project priorities

        • Real-time dashboard providing comprehensive resource availability insights

        • Seamless integration with popular project management tools enhancing collaboration

        • Pricing is quotation-based with no public pricing transparency

        • No available free trial or free plan to evaluate the software before purchase

        • 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

        Adidas

        Adidas

        Ogilvy

        Ogilvy

        Motorola

        Motorola

        No Customers information available.

        Pfizer

        Pfizer

        Whirlpool

        Whirlpool

        Western Digital

        Western Digital

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        Hub Planner screenshot

        7 Screenshots

        Assignments

        2 Screenshots

        Videos

        video-0

        1 Videos

        video-0

        4 Videos

        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, Hub Planner or PDWare ResourceFirst?
        Hub Planner edges out the other on user ratings (4.2 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do Hub Planner and PDWare ResourceFirst offer a free trial?
        Hub Planner offers a free trial. PDWare ResourceFirst does not.
        What is the starting price of Hub Planner vs PDWare ResourceFirst?
        Hub Planner starts at $7 per resource / per month . PDWare ResourceFirst starts at Contact for pricing.
        What are the top alternatives to Hub Planner?
        Top alternatives to Hub Planner include Smartsheet, Teamdeck, MRMcentral, Projectworks, eResource Scheduler.
        What are the top alternatives to PDWare ResourceFirst?
        Top alternatives to PDWare ResourceFirst include Smartsheet, Celoxis, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, Journyx PX.

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