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Retain vs eResource Scheduler vs Epicflow vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Retain

4.6(43 reviews)

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…

eResource Scheduler

4.1(24 reviews)

Starting at $1.6 /user/month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

eResource Scheduler is enterprise resource scheduling software built for leaders who want clarity without complexity. It replaces outdated spreadsheets with a live view of schedules, capacity, availability, timesheets, a…

Epicflow

4.8(27 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

EpicFlow is software designed for Resource Management (Project and Portfolio Management) in the Enterprise. EpicFlow helps to manage projects, portfolios and resources and team members collaboratively. Traditional MS Pro…

Smartsheet

4.6(2,444 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…

Retain leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 43 reviews.

Retain vs eResource Scheduler vs Epicflow vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureRetaineResource SchedulerEpicflowSmartsheet
Rating4.6 / 54.1 / 54.8 / 54.6 / 5
Reviews4324272,444
Starting priceContact for pricing$1.6 /user/monthContact for pricing$9 /month
Free trial No Yes No Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryResource Management SoftwareResource Management SoftwareResource Management SoftwareProject Management Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - WindowsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - Windows, Mobile - iOS, Browser Based (Cloud)SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnline24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyUSUS

Key differences between Retain and eResource Scheduler

  • Pricing: eResource Scheduler starts at $1.6 /user/month. Retain pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Free trial: eResource Scheduler offers a free trial; Retain does not.
  • User satisfaction: Retain scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
  • Deployment: Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; eResource Scheduler supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - Windows, Mobile - iOS, Browser Based (Cloud).

Compare Retain vs eResource Scheduler vs Epicflow 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.

Retain - Resource Management Software
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eResource Scheduler - Resource Management Software
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Epicflow - Resource Management Software
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Retain

Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.

Choose if
  • 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.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a startup or very small business with minimal resource management needs.
  • You need standalone timekeeping or payroll software without complex integrations.

eResource Scheduler

Best for efficient resource scheduling and time tracking in mid-sized to large teams.

Choose if
  • You need to reduce manual effort in resource appointment scheduling
  • Your projects involve both simple and complex work process planning
  • You want an affordable client/server solution for time and expense management
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a freelancer or very small team under 10 employees
  • You require highly customizable or industry-specific resource management features

Epicflow

Best for enterprise resource and portfolio management with MS Project integration.

Choose if
  • You need real-time visibility into project progress for informed decisions.
  • You require intelligent resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects.
  • You want early warnings on bottlenecks to proactively manage risks.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a very small business with fewer than 50 employees.
  • You seek simple task management without portfolio-level resource allocation.

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.

Retain: Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management. eResource Scheduler: Best for efficient resource scheduling and time tracking in mid-sized to large teams.

Description

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

eResource Scheduler is enterprise resource scheduling software built for leaders who want clarity without complexity. It replaces outdated spreadsheets with a live view of schedules, ... Read More about eResource Scheduler

EpicFlow is software designed for Resource Management (Project and Portfolio Management) in the Enterprise. EpicFlow helps to manage projects, portfolios and resources and team members ... Read More about Epicflow

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

  • Not Available
  • Starts from $1.6
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $9 , yearly

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

Not Available

Not Available

Not Available

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.6

(43)

4.1

(24)

4.8

(27)

4.57

(2444)

Best Company Size

Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises
51-500 employees500+ employees
50-500 employeesMedium Business
50-500 employees501-5,000 employees
Get pricing help
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

Retain

No key benefits available yet.

Epicflow

  • Enhanced Project Visibility: With Epicflow, managers can easily track project progress in real-time, allowing for informed decision-making and timely adjustments to keep teams aligned and projects on track.
  • Resource Optimization: Epicflow intelligently allocates resources across multiple projects, ensuring that your team’s capacity is maximized. This means less downtime and more productivity—who wouldn’t want that?
  • Proactive Risk Management: By providing early warnings on potential bottlenecks, Epicflow empowers administrators to address issues before they escalate, safeguarding project timelines and budgets.

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

Retain

No best-fit guidance available yet.

Epicflow

  • 50-500 employees
  • Industries: Project Management, IT Services, Software Development, Consulting, Manufacturing
  • Job Titles: Project Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Managers, Team Leaders, Portfolio Managers

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

Retain

No alternatives guidance available yet.

Epicflow

  • Users might seek alternatives to Epicflow if they require a more intuitive user interface, as some find Epicflow's design less user-friendly, making it difficult for teams to adapt quickly.
  • Organizations with specific project management methodologies may look for alternatives that offer tailored features or integrations better suited to their unique workflows and processes.
  • Companies with budget constraints may consider other options that provide similar functionality at a lower cost, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently while still achieving project management goals.

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

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How do Retain, eResource Scheduler, Epicflow and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

12 Features

12 Features

10 Features

21 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Retain, eResource Scheduler, Epicflow 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

          • Not Available
          • $1.6
          • Not Available
          • $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

          Pricing information not available

          eResource Scheduler 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
          • 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)
          • 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
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online

          API Support

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

          Security & Compliance

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

          SOC 2

          HIPAA

          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ISO 27001

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          Data Encryption

          Audit Logs

          Data Residency

          🇺🇸 US

          Retain vs eResource Scheduler vs Epicflow User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          4.6

          (based on 43 reviews)

          Rating Distribution

          0

          0

          0

          0

          0

          0

          1

          0

          0

          0

          2

          0

          0

          0

          0

          1840

          427

          95

          34

          18

          Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

          Buyer sentiment

          Users generally rate Retain highly for its integration capabilities and compliance features, though detailed user feedback is limited.

          What buyers like

          • Integration with multiple enterprise systems
          • Regulatory compliance support
          • Productivity improvement

          Common complaints

          • Lack of pricing transparency
          • Complex setup process

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment with appreciation for scheduling efficiency but limited detailed user feedback available.

          What buyers like

          • Time-saving in resource scheduling
          • Support for complex workflows
          • Affordability

          Common complaints

          • Lack of detailed user reviews
          • Pricing transparency

          Buyer sentiment

          Buyers generally express high satisfaction with Epicflow’s resource optimization and project visibility features.

          What buyers like

          • Project visibility
          • Resource optimization
          • Risk management

          Common complaints

          • Pricing transparency
          • Learning curve

          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

          • Strong integration capabilities with timekeeping, payroll, ERP, and talent acquisition systems

          • Helps ensure regulatory compliance across workflows

          • Improves productivity by optimizing resource allocation

          • Pricing is quotation-based, which may limit upfront cost transparency

          • Limited publicly available information on specific features and use cases

          • Reduces time and effort in resource appointment scheduling

          • Supports both simple and complex work process planning

          • Affordable pricing model for client/server deployment

          • Limited publicly available pricing information

          • Lack of detailed user reviews and feature breakdown

          • Real-time project progress visibility enabling informed decision-making

          • Intelligent resource allocation across multiple projects maximizing team capacity

          • Early warnings on potential bottlenecks for proactive risk management

          • Pricing is quotation-based with no public pricing transparency

          • May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with MS Project-like tools

          • 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

          Capgemini

          Capgemini

          Amgen

          Amgen

          Bank Of America

          Bank Of America

          No Customers information available.

          No Customers information available.

          Pfizer

          Pfizer

          Whirlpool

          Whirlpool

          Western Digital

          Western Digital

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          No screenshots available.

          Resource Requirements in the Scheduling Chart | eResource Scheduler

          7 Screenshots

          Dashboard

          1 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          1 Videos

          video-0

          1 Videos

          video-0

          1 Videos

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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, Retain or eResource Scheduler?
          Retain edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.1). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Retain and eResource Scheduler offer a free trial?
          eResource Scheduler offers a free trial. Retain does not.
          What is the starting price of Retain vs eResource Scheduler?
          Retain starts at Contact for pricing. eResource Scheduler starts at $1.6 /user/month.
          What are the top alternatives to Retain?
          Top alternatives to Retain include Smartsheet, MRMcentral, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, eResource Scheduler, Resource Guru.
          What are the top alternatives to eResource Scheduler?
          Top alternatives to eResource Scheduler include Smartsheet, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, Retain, Resource Guru.

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