NEWJoin 1M+ SaaS Professionals|Get Weekly Insights, Trends & Expert PicksSubscribe Free →

Spotsaas logo

Microsoft PPM vs Project Insight vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Microsoft PPM

4.0(2,184 reviews)

Starting at $10 /User/Month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Microsoft Project is the market-leading project management software application, providing more powerful project management capabilities than other alternatives. It helps organizations of all sizes to improve resource al…

Project Insight

Starting at $9

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Project Insight is an acclaimed project and work management software that makes administering projects and tasks in one go a reality. It offers effective scheduling, budgeting, capacity planning, time and expense trackin…

Quickbase

4.2

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

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…

Microsoft PPM leads on user satisfaction with a 4.0-star rating across 2,184 reviews.

Microsoft PPM vs Project Insight vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureMicrosoft PPMProject InsightQuickbase Smartsheet
Rating4.0 / 54.2 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews2,1848,464
Starting price$10 /User/Month$9$35 /user/month$9 /month
Free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryProject Management SoftwareProject Management SoftwareProject Management SoftwareProject Management Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - WindowsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, OnlineOnline24/7 (Live rep), Online, Business HoursBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2SOC 2SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyGlobalGlobalGlobalUS

Key differences between Microsoft PPM and Project Insight

  • Pricing: Microsoft PPM starts at $10 /User/Month, while Project Insight starts at $9.
  • Target audience: Microsoft PPM is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while Project Insight targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • Deployment: Microsoft PPM supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; Project Insight supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Compare Microsoft PPM vs Project Insight vs Quickbase  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 Project 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.

Microsoft PPM - Project Management Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
Project Insight - Project Management Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Microsoft PPM

Best for

Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business

Project Insight

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Quickbase

Best for building custom no-code workflows in medium to large enterprises.

Choose if
  • 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.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a freelancer or very small team needing simple task management.
  • You prefer out-of-the-box project management without customization or complexity.

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.

Microsoft PPM typically suits Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises. Project Insight 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

Microsoft Project is the market-leading project management software application, providing more powerful project management capabilities than other alternatives. It helps organizations of ... Read More about Microsoft PPM

Project Insight is an acclaimed project and work management software that makes administering projects and tasks in one go a reality. It offers effective scheduling, budgeting, capacity ... Read More about Project Insight

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

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $10
  • Starts from $9
  • Starts from $35 , yearly
  • Starts from $9 , yearly

Free Trial Availability

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

8.5/10

7.7/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.2

Best Company Size

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.

Strengths

Key strengths

Quickbase

  • 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.

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

Quickbase

  • 50 to 1,000 employees
  • SaaS, Consulting, Fintech, and Revtech
  • Project Managers, Business Analysts, Operations Managers, and IT Administrators

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

Quickbase

  • 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.

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

Need a second opinion?

Get shortlist help from a software advisor

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 Microsoft PPM, Project Insight, Quickbase and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

14 Features

25 Features

10 Features

21 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Microsoft PPM, Project Insight, 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.

Pricing Option

          Starting From

          • $10
          • $9
          • $35 , yearly
          • $9 , yearly

          Pricing Plans

          • Not Available
          • FREE

            Free

            • Individuals and small teams

            • Total Users : 3

            • Custom Fields : 1

            Show more +

          • PRO

            • Individuals and small teams

            • Total Users : unlimited

            • Custom Fields : 5

            Show more +

          • BUSINESS

            • Individuals and small teams

            • Total Users : unlimited

            • Custom Fields : 15

            Show more +

          • Browse all pricing plans
          • 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

          Microsoft PPM pricing
          Project Insight pricing
          Quickbase  pricingSmartsheet pricing

          Other Details

          Organization Types supported

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

          Platforms Supported

          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • 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
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online

          API Support

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

          Security & Compliance

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

          SOC 2

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          HIPAA

          ✗ No
          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ISO 27001

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          ✓ Yes

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          ✓ Yes

          Data Encryption

          ✓ Yes

          Audit Logs

          ✓ Yes

          Data Residency

          🌐 Global
          🌐 Global

          Microsoft PPM vs Project Insight vs Quickbase User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          Rating Distribution

          619

          570

          178

          36

          16

          4

          5

          4

          2

          0

          No reviews available for this product

          1840

          427

          95

          34

          18

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyer sentiment is positive across 1419 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

          What buyers like

          • Highly customizable to meet specific project needs, with features like Gantt charts, resource management, and task dependencies.
          • Effective in managing timelines, tracking budgets, and monitoring milestones, offering detailed progress visibility.
          • Smooth integration with other Microsoft tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Microsoft 365, enhancing collaboration and data synchronization.

          Common complaints

          • Expensive licensing compared to freemium or open-source alternatives, often deterring smaller organizations or individuals.
          • Steep learning curve for new users, with some users requiring tutorials, courses, or mentorship to fully utilize its extensive features.
          • Outdated visual appeal and clunky user interface may hinder user experience when compared to modern tools.

          What buyers like

          • Automates repetitive project management tasks, reducing manual effort and maintenance issues.
          • Offers a user-friendly interface with a simple GUI, allowing diverse teams to adopt it easily.
          • Includes robust tracking features like time tracking, real-time portfolio management, and resource allocation visibility.

          Common complaints

          • Performance issues like glitches, slow functionality, and lag often hinder productivity.
          • The platform can feel unintuitive and requires time to become familiar, especially without prior experience.
          • Customizing and setting up certain features can be cumbersome or tedious for new users.

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights Quickbase's flexibility and automation, though some users note usability challenges.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Workflow automation
          • Integration capabilities

          Common complaints

          • Usability issues
          • Functionality limitations

          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

          • Microsoft Project provides powerful tools for detailed project planning.

          • Its integration with Microsoft Office enhances productivity for existing users.

          • The software's scalability makes it suitable for various organization sizes.

          • The learning curve may deter new users.

          • Costs can escalate with advanced features.

          • Offers both free and enterprise versions for flexibility.

          • Comprehensive tools for project management and billing.

          • User-friendly interface simplifies navigation.

          • Free version may lack essential features.

          • Complexity may deter new users.

          • No-code drag-and-drop app building enabling rapid custom workflow creation

          • Seamless integration with major tools like Salesforce, Slack, and cloud storage

          • Strong workflow automation capabilities reducing manual processes

          • Usability and functionality could be improved according to user feedback

          • Pricing details are not publicly transparent, requiring sales engagement

          • 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

          No reviews available for the product

          Negative 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

          Pegasus

          Pegasus

          ABANCA

          ABANCA

          A.C. Camargo Cancer Center

          A.C. Camargo Cancer Center

          Cisco

          Cisco

          Deloitte

          Deloitte

          Pioneer

          Pioneer

          Amazon

          Amazon

          P and G

          P and G

          Fresenius

          Fresenius

          Pfizer

          Pfizer

          Whirlpool

          Whirlpool

          Western Digital

          Western Digital

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          PPM Express

          2 Screenshots

          No screenshots available.

          Videos

          video-0

          4 Videos

          video-0

          3 Videos

          Expand your shortlist

          Add another option to compare side by side

          Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.

          Compare similar software options

          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, Microsoft PPM or Project Insight?
          Microsoft PPM edges out the other on user ratings (4.0 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Microsoft PPM and Project Insight offer a free trial?
          Yes, both Microsoft PPM and Project Insight offer a free trial.
          What is the starting price of Microsoft PPM vs Project Insight?
          Microsoft PPM starts at $10 /User/Month. Project Insight starts at $9.
          What are the top alternatives to Microsoft PPM?
          Top alternatives to Microsoft PPM include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Wrike, monday.com.
          What are the top alternatives to Project Insight?
          Top alternatives to Project Insight include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Wrike, TeamGantt.

          Grow your pipeline with buyers who are already looking for you

          254,000+ buyers use Spotsaas every month to evaluate and shortlist software. Get in front of them — for free, or with a managed growth plan built around your category.