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

Spotsaas logo

Microsoft Project vs Makerkit vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Microsoft Project

4.1(3,603 reviews)

Starting at $10 /User/Month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Microsoft Project is the project management solution that helps teams easily collaborate, communicate and follow their project plan from start to finish. Microsoft Project also helps streamline business processes so that…

Makerkit

Starting at $9 /Month

  • Free Trial
  • Individuals
  • Freelancers / Consultants

Make is a web and app-based project management tool that helps groups gather, organize, prioritize and share tasks; plus allocate and control resources to deliver on time. Makerkit is designed for teams – at all levels!

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 Project leads on user satisfaction with a 4.1-star rating across 3,603 reviews.

Microsoft Project vs Makerkit vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureMicrosoft ProjectMakerkitQuickbase Smartsheet
Rating4.1 / 54.2 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews3,6038,464
Starting price$10 /User/Month$9 /Month$35 /user/month$9 /month
Free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessIndividuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Medium 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 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyGlobalGlobalGlobalUS

Key differences between Microsoft Project and Makerkit

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

Compare Microsoft Project vs Makerkit 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 Project - Project Management Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
Makerkit - Project Management Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Microsoft Project

Best for

Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business

Makerkit

Best for

Individuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Medium 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 Project typically suits Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises. Makerkit tends to fit Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Microsoft Project is the project management solution that helps teams easily collaborate, communicate and follow their project plan from start to finish. Microsoft Project also helps ... Read More about Microsoft Project

Make is a web and app-based project management tool that helps groups gather, organize, prioritize and share tasks; plus allocate and control resources to deliver on time. Makerkit is ... Read More about Makerkit

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? ↗

8.8/10

7.5/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.2

Best Company Size

50 to 500 employees
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

Microsoft Project

  • Advanced Project Scheduling and Planning: Microsoft Project offers detailed Gantt charts, task dependencies, and critical path analysis, enabling precise project scheduling and planning.
  • Comprehensive Resource Management: The platform provides tools for resource allocation, workload balancing, and cost tracking, ensuring efficient utilization of resources across projects.
  • Robust Reporting and Analytics: Microsoft Project includes built-in reporting features that facilitate data-driven decision-making and project performance analysis.

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

Microsoft Project

  • 50 to 500 employees
  • Construction, Engineering, IT Services, Manufacturing, Consulting
  • Project Managers, Program Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Directors, Portfolio Managers

Makerkit

No best-fit guidance available yet.

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

Microsoft Project

  • Teams seeking intuitive and user-friendly interfaces might opt for tools like Trello or Asana, which offer straightforward task management and collaboration features without the complexity of advanced project management functionalities.
  • Organizations practicing Agile methodologies may find tools like Jira or Monday.com more aligned with their workflow, as these platforms offer robust support for sprints, backlogs, and iterative development processes.
  • Teams emphasizing real-time collaboration and communication might prefer platforms like Slack or ClickUp, which integrate messaging, file sharing, and task management in a single interface.

Makerkit

No alternatives guidance available yet.

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

No software demo available

Makerkit has not given any software demo yet

If you're the owner of this profile, add your demo.Contact us

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 Project, Makerkit, Quickbase and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

15 Features

5 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 Project, Makerkit, 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
          • 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

          Microsoft Project pricing
          Makerkit 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

          • Available
          • Not 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

          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 Project vs Makerkit vs Quickbase User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          Rating Distribution

          660

          622

          186

          40

          18

          No reviews available for this product

          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 1526 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

          What buyers like

          • Customizable and flexible, allowing adaptation to various projects and needs, particularly complex ones.
          • Seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Excel, Word, and PowerBI, improving workflow and reporting.
          • Excellent for task tracking and timeline management, with features like Gantt charts and automated dependency setups.

          Common complaints

          • High subscription/license cost, with purchasing restrictions as it is no longer available outright.
          • Steep learning curve for beginners, with a need for extensive training or tutorials to master its features.
          • Complex for small or simple projects, making it more relevant for larger organizations.

          What buyers like

          • Web and app-based access
          • Task organization features
          • Resource allocation tools

          Common complaints

          • Limited reporting capabilities
          • May lack advanced features
          • Not suitable for very large teams

          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

          • Customizable and flexible, allowing adaptation to various projects and needs, particularly complex ones.

          • Seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Excel, Word, and PowerBI, improving workflow and reporting.

          • Excellent for task tracking and timeline management, with features like Gantt charts and automated dependency setups.

          • High subscription/license cost, with purchasing restrictions as it is no longer available outright.

          • Steep learning curve for beginners, with a need for extensive training or tutorials to master its features.

          • User-friendly interface enhances team collaboration.

          • Resource allocation tools help manage workloads effectively.

          • Web and app-based access supports remote work.

          • Reporting capabilities may be insufficient for some.

          • Advanced features are limited compared to competitors.

          • 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

          List of Customers

          Customers

          No Customers information available.

          No Customers information available.

          Amazon

          Amazon

          P and G

          P and G

          Fresenius

          Fresenius

          Pfizer

          Pfizer

          Whirlpool

          Whirlpool

          Western Digital

          Western Digital

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          No screenshots available.

          Makerkit screenshot

          3 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          1 Videos

          No videos available.

          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 Project or Makerkit?
          Microsoft Project edges out the other on user ratings (4.1 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Microsoft Project and Makerkit offer a free trial?
          Yes, both Microsoft Project and Makerkit offer a free trial.
          What is the starting price of Microsoft Project vs Makerkit?
          Microsoft Project starts at $10 /User/Month. Makerkit starts at $9 /Month.
          What are the top alternatives to Microsoft Project?
          Top alternatives to Microsoft Project include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Freshbooks, Jira.
          What are the top alternatives to Makerkit?
          Top alternatives to Makerkit include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Productroad, Backlogs.

          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.