Retain vs PDWare ResourceFirst vs Smartsheet Comparison
Retain
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…
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
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.
SpotSaaS Analysis
RetainPDWare ResourceFirstSmartsheet
The core difference lies in Retain's focus on integrated resource and compliance management for larger enterprises, while PDWare ResourceFirst caters to medium-sized businesses in specific industries like SaaS and project management. Ideal buyers for Retain are large enterprises needing regulatory compliance, whereas PDWare ResourceFirst is best suited for medium to large companies with project management needs.
- Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management - Seamless integration with timekeeping, payroll, ERP, and talent acquisition systems - Ideal for teams ensuring strict regulatory compliance across workflows - Suitable for medium to large businesses - Price not listed - Verdict emphasizes enterprise-level capabilities
- Targets companies with 50-500 employees - Best for industries like SaaS, Consulting, IT Services, Project Management, and Engineering - Typical users include Project Managers, Resource Managers, and HR Professionals - Focused on medium to large enterprises - Price not listed - Verdict highlights project management and resource allocation features
Retain vs PDWare ResourceFirst vs Smartsheet — at a glance
| Feature | Retain | PDWare ResourceFirst | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | — | 4.1 / 5 |
| Reviews | 43 | — | 8,464 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing | $9 /month |
| Free trial | No | No | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Resource Management Software | Resource Management Software | Project Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows | SaaS/Web/Cloud | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | — | — | Available |
| Support modes | Online | Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | — | — | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | US | US | US |
Key differences between Retain and PDWare ResourceFirst
- Deployment: Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; PDWare ResourceFirst supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
Compare Retain vs PDWare ResourceFirst 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 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.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert | Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.
- 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.
- You are a startup or very small business with minimal resource management needs.
- You need standalone timekeeping or payroll software without complex integrations.
Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
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.
Retain 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 | 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 | 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 |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | Not Available | Not Available | 9.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | |||
Best Company Size | Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises | 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.
Key strengths
No key benefits available yet.
- 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.
- 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
No best-fit guidance available yet.
- 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.
- 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
No alternatives guidance available yet.
- 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.
- 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, PDWare ResourceFirst and Smartsheet Compare on Features?
Total Features | 12 Features | 10 Features | 21 Features |
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Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Retain, 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.
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Pricing Page | Pricing information not available | Pricing information not available |  |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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API Support |
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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 | — | — |
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HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
GDPR | — | — |
ISO 27001 | — | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | — | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | — | — |
Data Encryption | — | — |
Audit Logs | — | — |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🇺🇸 US |
Retain vs PDWare ResourceFirst User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | 4.6 (based on 43 reviews) | 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 Users generally rate Retain highly for its integration capabilities and compliance features, though detailed user feedback is limited. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Insufficient public user feedback to determine overall sentiment. 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 |
List of Customers
Customers |  Capgemini  Amgen  Bank Of America | No Customers information available. |  Pfizer  Whirlpool  Western Digital |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots | No screenshots available. |  2 Screenshots |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  4 Videos |
Alternatives
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, Retain or PDWare ResourceFirst?
- Retain edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Retain and PDWare ResourceFirst offer a free trial?
- Neither Retain nor PDWare ResourceFirst currently lists a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Retain vs PDWare ResourceFirst?
- Retain starts at Contact for pricing. PDWare ResourceFirst starts at Contact for pricing.
- 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 PDWare ResourceFirst?
- Top alternatives to PDWare ResourceFirst include Smartsheet, Celoxis, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, Journyx PX.