Retain vs Resource Guru 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…
Resource Guru
Starting at $2.50 /User/Month
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
Resource Guru is an online resource manager designed to help manage knowledge, people, time, equipment and facilities. It's centralized database has features that are very similar to a web CMS platform but designed speci…
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…
SpotSaaS Analysis
RetainResource GuruSmartsheet
The core difference between Retain and Resource Guru lies in Retain's focus on integrated resource and compliance management for enterprises, while Resource Guru emphasizes streamlined resource allocation for medium to large teams. Retain is ideal for organizations that require strict regulatory compliance and integration with various systems, whereas Resource Guru suits teams needing an intuitive interface for managing resources efficiently.
- Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management - Ideal for medium to large businesses - Requires seamless integration with payroll and ERP systems - Ensures strict regulatory compliance across workflows - Price not listed - Suitable for organizations with complex compliance needs
- Best for medium to large teams needing streamlined resource allocation - Ideal for organizations with 10 to 500 employees - Focuses on consulting, creative agencies, and project management - Offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface - Priced at $2.50 per user - Suitable for roles like Project Managers and Resource Managers
Retain vs Resource Guru vs Smartsheet — at a glance
| Feature | Retain | Resource Guru | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Reviews | 43 | 683 | 8,464 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | $2.50 /User/Month | $9 /month |
| Free trial | No | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium 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 | Available |
| Support modes | Online | Business Hours, Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | — | GDPR | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | US | Global | US |
Key differences between Retain and Resource Guru
- Pricing: Resource Guru starts at $2.50 /User/Month. Retain pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Resource Guru offers a free trial; Retain does not.
- Target audience: Retain is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Resource Guru targets Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises.
- Deployment: Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; Resource Guru supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
Compare Retain vs Resource Guru 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.
Best for medium to large teams needing streamlined resource allocation.
- You manage resources across people, equipment, and facilities in medium-large organizations
- You want an intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces training time
- You need real-time visibility into resource availability and workload
- You are a freelancer or very small team under 10 employees
- You require highly customizable workflows or complex enterprise-level features
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: Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management. Resource Guru: Best for medium to large teams needing streamlined resource allocation.
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 | Resource Guru is an online resource manager designed to help manage knowledge, people, time, equipment and facilities. It's centralized database has features that are very similar to a web ... Read More about Resource Guru | 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 | 10-500 employeesMedium to Large Organizations | 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.
- Streamlined Resource Management: Resource Guru empowers managers to efficiently allocate team members and resources, ensuring that everyone is working on the right projects at the right time. It's a game changer for optimizing productivity.
- Intuitive Interface: With its user-friendly design, both administrators and team members can quickly navigate the platform. This means less time training and more time focusing on what truly matters—delivering results.
- Real-Time Insights: You’ll appreciate how Resource Guru provides real-time visibility into resource availability and workload. This allows for informed decision-making, helping you avoid bottlenecks before they become a problem.
- 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.
- 10 to 500 employees
- Consulting, Creative Agencies, Marketing Technology (Martech), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Project Management
- roles such as Project Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Managers, and Team Leads
- 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 if they require more robust reporting features, as Resource Guru's analytics might not meet the advanced data insights needed for complex project management scenarios.
- Organizations with larger teams might find that Resource Guru's user limits do not accommodate their growing workforce, prompting a search for more scalable solutions.
- Companies looking for tighter integration with other software tools may find that Resource Guru lacks compatibility, leading them to explore alternatives that offer seamless connectivity with their existing tech stack.
- 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, Resource Guru and Smartsheet Compare on Features?
Total Features | 12 Features | 13 Features | 21 Features |
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Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Retain, Resource Guru 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 |  |  |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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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 | — | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | — | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | — | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | — | — |
Data Encryption | — | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | — | — |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🌐 Global |
Retain vs Resource Guru User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | 4.6 (based on 43 reviews) | ||
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Rating Distribution | |||
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 Users generally praise Resource Guru for its ease of use, effective resource allocation, and real-time insights, though some note limitations for smaller teams and complex enterprise needs. 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. | No screenshots available. |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  2 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 Resource Guru?
- Retain and Resource Guru are closely matched with equal user ratings of 4.6. The right choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific Resource Management Software needs.
- Do Retain and Resource Guru offer a free trial?
- Resource Guru offers a free trial. Retain does not.
- What is the starting price of Retain vs Resource Guru?
- Retain starts at Contact for pricing. Resource Guru starts at $2.50 /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 Resource Guru?
- Top alternatives to Resource Guru include Smartsheet, Float, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, eResource Scheduler, Schedule it.