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Retain vs Silverbucket vs Smartsheet Comparison

Last updated:

Retain

4.6(43 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Retain is a resource management platform for operations and HR teams that need to coordinate workforce planning across timekeeping, payroll, talent acquisition, and ERP systems. It centralizes scheduling and capacity dat…

Silverbucket

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Introducing Silverbucket, the ultimate resource planning solution for project-based businesses. With the tagline "Resource Planning Tool for Project Business," this cloud-based service is designed to cater to all organiz…

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.

Spotsaas Analysis

RetainSilverbucketSmartsheet

The core difference between Retain and Silverbucket is that Retain is tailored for larger enterprises seeking comprehensive integration and compliance management, while Silverbucket is designed for mid-sized companies in consulting and project management focusing on resource allocation. Ideal buyers for Retain are large enterprises with complex regulatory needs, whereas Silverbucket suits medium-sized businesses looking for effective resource management tools.

- Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management - Ideal for medium to large businesses - Seamless integration with various systems - Focus on regulatory compliance across workflows - Not specified pricing - Suitable for complex organizational structures

- Targeted at companies with 50-500 employees - Best for consulting and professional services industries - Designed for project and resource management - Ideal for project managers and resource managers - Not specified pricing - Focus on effective resource allocation and management

Retain vs Silverbucket vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureRetainSilverbucketSmartsheet
Rating4.6 / 54.6 / 5
Reviews432,444
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing$9 /month
Free trial No Yes Yes
Free version No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryResource Management SoftwareResource Management SoftwareProject Management Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - WindowsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnlineOnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsGDPRSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyUSGlobalUS

Key differences between Retain and Silverbucket

  • Free trial: Silverbucket offers a free trial; Retain does not.
  • Deployment: Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; Silverbucket supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Compare Retain vs Silverbucket 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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Silverbucket - 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.

Silverbucket

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

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 typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. Silverbucket 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 platform for operations and HR teams that need to coordinate workforce planning across timekeeping, payroll, talent acquisition, and ERP systems. It ... Read More about Retain

Introducing Silverbucket, the ultimate resource planning solution for project-based businesses. With the tagline "Resource Planning Tool for Project Business," this cloud-based service is ... Read More about Silverbucket

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
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $9 , yearly

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

Not Available

Not Available

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.6

(43)

4.57

(2444)

Best Company Size

Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises
50-500 employees.
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

Retain

No key benefits available yet.

Silverbucket

  • Streamlined Resource Allocation: Silverbucket allows managers to allocate resources efficiently by providing real-time visibility into project demands and team capacities. This means you can make informed decisions that improve productivity and reduce bottlenecks.
  • Project Visibility: Silverbucket's dashboard lets administrators track project progress and resource usage at a glance. This transparency helps executives stay aligned with project goals and timelines, supporting better strategic planning.
  • Data-Driven Insights: By using advanced analytics, Silverbucket transforms raw data into actionable insights. This not only helps your decision-making process but also helps identify trends and potential areas for improvement within your organization.

Smartsheet

  • With Smartsheet, teams can collaborate in real-time, keeping everyone aligned. This builds transparency and accountability within projects, making it easier for managers to track progress.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Smartsheet offers customizable dashboards that let you visualize project data at a glance. This feature helps executives 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.

Silverbucket

  • 50-500 employees.
  • Industries: Consulting, Professional Services, Project Management, Resource Management.
  • Job Titles: Project Managers, Resource Managers, Operations Managers, HR Managers, Team Leaders.

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.

Silverbucket

  • Pricing lacks flexibility for teams under 50 — startups often switch to Gusto or Rippling for per-employee models
  • Missing integrations with Slack, Zapier, or specific accounting software that existing workflows depend on
  • Support response times exceed 24 hours and onboarding lacks structured training — teams switch to platforms with dedicated success managers

Smartsheet

  • Pricing exceeds $25/month per user for most teams — competitors like Monday.com and Asana offer similar features at $10–15/month
  • Lacks native construction and software development templates — teams in these industries typically layer in specialized tools like Procore or Jira
  • Steep learning curve requires 4–6 weeks of training for new users — alternatives like Trello and ClickUp have faster onboarding

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Retain, Silverbucket and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

12 Features

10 Features

21 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Retain, Silverbucket 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
        • Not Available
        • $9 , yearly

        Pricing Plans

        • 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

        Silverbucket pricing
        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

        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)

        Modes of support

        • 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
        Get help choosing
        Get help choosing

        Security & Compliance

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

        SOC 2

        HIPAA

        ✗ No
        ✗ No

        GDPR

        ✓ Yes

        ISO 27001

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        Data Encryption

        ✓ Yes

        Audit Logs

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US
        🌐 Global

        Retain vs Silverbucket User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        4.6

        (based on 43 reviews)

        No reviews available for the product

        Rating Distribution

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        10

        5

        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

        What buyers like

        • Automated resource management
        • Cloud-based accessibility
        • Project-focused design

        Common complaints

        • Limited customization options
        • May require training
        • Subscription costs can add up

        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

        • **Streamlined Resource Allocation**: Silverbucket empowers managers to allocate resources efficiently by providing real-time visibility into project demands and team capacities. This means you can make informed decisions that enhance productivity and reduce bottlenecks.

        • **Enhanced Project Visibility**: With a user-friendly dashboard, Silverbucket allows administrators to track project progress and resource usage at a glance. This transparency helps executives stay aligned with project goals and timelines, fostering better strategic planning.

        • **Data-Driven Insights**: By leveraging advanced analytics, Silverbucket transforms raw data into actionable insights. This not only aids your decision-making process but also helps identify trends and potential areas for improvement within your organization.

        • Customization may be limited.

        • Training may be needed for effective use.

        • 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

        Used Retain, Silverbucket, or Smartsheet? Tell buyers what actually differs.

        List of Customers

        Customers

        Capgemini

        Capgemini

        Amgen

        Amgen

        Bank Of America

        Bank Of America

        CGI

        CGI

        Ramboll

        Ramboll

        ANDRITZ

        ANDRITZ

        Pfizer

        Pfizer

        Whirlpool

        Whirlpool

        Western Digital

        Western Digital

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        No screenshots available.

        Resource Planning Allocation

        3 Screenshots

        Videos

        video-0

        1 Videos

        video-0

        5 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 Silverbucket?
        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 Silverbucket offer a free trial?
        Silverbucket offers a free trial. Retain does not.
        What is the starting price of Retain vs Silverbucket?
        Retain starts at Contact for pricing. Silverbucket 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 Silverbucket?
        Top alternatives to Silverbucket include Smartsheet, MRMcentral, RationalPlan, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management.