Jira vs Backlog vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet Comparison
Jira
Starting at $7.53 /user/month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Jira is every team's tool for project management, making it easy to track progress, priorities, and workload, while staying connected across teams. The platform helps plan, track, and launch world-class products. From si…
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…
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…
Jira leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 17,380 reviews.
Jira vs Backlog vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — at a glance
| Feature | Jira | Backlog | Quickbase | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Reviews | 17,380 | 164 | — | 8,464 |
| Starting price | $7.53 /user/month | $29.16 /Month | $35 /user/month | $9 /month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Product 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, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | 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 | 24/7 (Live rep), Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Online, Business Hours | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 | GDPR | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | Global | US | Global | US |
Key differences between Jira and Backlog
- Pricing: Jira starts at $7.53 /user/month, while Backlog starts at $29.16 /Month.
- Target audience: Jira is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Backlog targets Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises.
- User satisfaction: Jira scores higher with a 4.4-star average.
- Deployment: Jira supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Backlog supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.
Compare Jira vs Backlog 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 Product 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
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for Agile teams needing customizable, robust project management.
- You manage SaaS product development or consulting projects with Agile methods.
- Your team requires highly configurable workflows and detailed real-time reporting.
- You need strong integration capabilities with popular development and collaboration tools.
- Your team prefers simple, minimal project management without complexity.
- You require extensive third-party app integrations beyond Jira Marketplace limits.
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.
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.
Jira: Best for Agile teams needing customizable, robust project management. Backlog: Best for small to mid-sized teams needing simple, Scrum-based project management.
Description | Jira is every team's tool for project management, making it easy to track progress, priorities, and workload, while staying connected across teams. The platform helps plan, track, and ... Read More about Jira | 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 | 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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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||||
Best Company Size | 50-500 employees501-5,000 employees | 50-500 employeesSmall to medium businesses | 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
- Streamlined Project Management: With Jira, teams can effortlessly plan, track, and manage projects in one centralized platform. You'll find that it enhances collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Customizable Workflows: Jira offers the flexibility to tailor workflows according to your team's unique processes. This adaptability means you can optimize productivity without compromising your established practices.
- Real-Time Reporting & Analytics: Managers will appreciate Jira’s powerful reporting features, providing valuable insights into project progress and team performance. These metrics enable informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Streamlined Project Management: Backlog simplifies the entire project management process, allowing teams to effortlessly track tasks, manage timelines, and prioritize work. This means you can focus on what truly matters—delivering results.
- Enhanced Collaboration: With Backlog, collaboration among team members becomes seamless. Real-time updates and comments ensure everyone is on the same page, fostering a more engaged and productive team environment.
- Robust Reporting Tools: Managers can benefit from Backlog's powerful reporting features, which provide valuable insights into project progress and team performance. These analytics help in making informed decisions that drive success.
- Empower Your Team: Quickbase allows teams to build custom applications without needing extensive coding skills, enabling them to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. I’ve seen firsthand how this democratizes app development, letting everyone contribute.
- Rapid Deployment: With Quickbase, you can quickly create and deploy applications tailored to your business needs. This means you can respond to changing market conditions or internal requirements faster than ever before, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition.
- Seamless Integration: The platform integrates effortlessly with existing tools and systems, allowing your organization to maintain its current infrastructure while enhancing capabilities. This flexibility ensures that users can leverage their favorite tools without disruption.
- 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 5,000 employees
- SaaS, Consulting, Fintech, Martech, and Revtech
- Project Managers, Software Developers, Agile Coaches, Product Owners, and QA Engineers
- 50 to 500 employees
- Martech, SaaS, Consulting, and Revtech
- Product Managers, Project Managers, Software Developers, and Agile Coaches
- 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 Jira due to its complexity, particularly for smaller teams or projects that require a more straightforward, user-friendly interface without the steep learning curve associated with Jira's extensive features.
- Budget constraints can drive users to consider alternatives, as some options offer similar functionalities at a lower cost, making them more accessible for startups or smaller organizations with limited resources.
- Teams might look for solutions that better integrate with their existing tools and workflows, as Jira's integration capabilities can sometimes be limited or cumbersome compared to other platforms designed for seamless connectivity.
- 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.
- Users may seek alternatives to Quickbase due to its pricing structure, which some find to be on the higher side compared to other low-code platforms that offer similar functionalities at a more competitive rate.
- Organizations requiring advanced features or integrations might explore alternatives that provide more robust capabilities, particularly in areas like data analytics or third-party software connectivity.
- Teams looking for a more user-friendly interface may consider other options, especially if they find Quickbase's learning curve steep for non-technical users or new team members.
- 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 Jira, Backlog, Quickbase and Smartsheet Compare on Features?
Total Features | 41 Features | 37 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 Jira, Backlog, 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 | ✓ Yes | — |
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HIPAA | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | ✓ Yes | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🇺🇸 US |
Jira vs Backlog 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, users highly value Jira for its powerful Agile support, customization, and integration, though some find it complex initially. What buyers like
Common complaints
| 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 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 |  Cisco  ebay  Square |  Adobe  Omron  Softbank robotics |  Amazon  P and G  Fresenius |  Pfizer  Whirlpool  Western Digital |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  6 Screenshots |  8 Screenshots |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  5 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, Jira or Backlog?
- Jira edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Jira and Backlog offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Jira and Backlog offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Jira vs Backlog?
- Jira starts at $7.53 /user/month. Backlog starts at $29.16 /Month.
- What are the top alternatives to Jira?
- Top alternatives to Jira include Trello, Confluence, Asana, SwiftKanban, Kanbanize.
- What are the top alternatives to Backlog?
- Top alternatives to Backlog include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Wrike.