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Retain vs Tempus Resource 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…

Tempus Resource

4.7(3 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Tempus Resource from ProSymmetry is a resource management tool for IT, engineering, and audit departments. It includes resource analysis, planning tools, and capacity forecasting to help enterprises allocate and track re…

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…

Tempus Resource leads on user satisfaction with a 4.7-star rating across 3 reviews.

Spotsaas Analysis

RetainTempus ResourceSmartsheet

The core difference lies in Retain's focus on integrated resource and compliance management, making it ideal for enterprises with stringent regulatory needs, while Tempus Resource emphasizes intelligent resource optimization for data-driven decision-making. Retain is best suited for medium to large enterprises requiring seamless system integration, whereas Tempus Resource targets project and resource managers in mid-to-large companies seeking real-time insights for effective resource allocation.

- Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management - Ideal for medium to large businesses - Focus on seamless integration with various systems - Ensures strict regulatory compliance across workflows - Suitable for teams with complex compliance needs - Price not listed

- Best for enterprises needing intelligent, data-driven resource optimization - Ideal for companies with 50 to 5,000 employees - Focus on resource allocation across IT and engineering departments - Provides real-time insights for optimizing skills and workloads - Targets project managers and resource managers - Price not listed

Retain vs Tempus Resource vs Smartsheet — at a glance

FeatureRetainTempus ResourceSmartsheet
Rating4.6 / 54.7 / 54.6 / 5
Reviews4332,444
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
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyUSUSUS

Key differences between Retain and Tempus Resource

  • Free trial: Tempus Resource offers a free trial; Retain does not.
  • User satisfaction: Tempus Resource scores higher with a 4.7-star average.
  • Deployment: Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; Tempus Resource supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Compare Retain vs Tempus Resource 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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Tempus Resource - 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.

Tempus Resource

Best for enterprises needing intelligent, data-driven resource optimization and planning.

Choose if
  • You manage resource allocation across IT, engineering, or audit departments in mid-to-large companies.
  • You require real-time insights to optimize skills and workloads effectively.
  • You need enhanced collaboration tools to improve cross-team communication and coordination.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a very small business with fewer than 50 employees.
  • You need transparent, out-of-the-box pricing and self-serve purchasing options.

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. Tempus Resource: Best for enterprises needing intelligent, data-driven resource optimization and planning.

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

Tempus Resource from ProSymmetry is a resource management tool for IT, engineering, and audit departments. It includes resource analysis, planning tools, and capacity forecasting to help ... Read More about Tempus Resource

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
  • Free Trial available

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

Not Available

Not Available

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.6

(43)

4.7

(3)

4.57

(2444)

Best Company Size

Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises
50 to 500 employees501 to 5,000 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.

Tempus Resource

  • Intelligent Resource Optimization: Tempus Resource lets your team allocate resources effectively, so every project is staffed with the right skills at the right time. You'll find it easier to manage workloads and improve productivity.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Using real-time analytics, Tempus Resource gives you actionable insights into resource utilization. This means you can make informed decisions that improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.
  • Improved Collaboration: The platform allows easy communication among team members, improving coordination across projects. As a manager, you'll appreciate how it breaks down silos and builds collaboration.

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.

Tempus Resource

  • 50 to 5,000 employees
  • Consulting, SaaS, Project Management, Financial Services, and IT Services
  • Project Managers, Resource Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Operations Directors

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.

Tempus Resource

  • Users may seek alternatives to Tempus Resource due to budget constraints, as some organizations might find other resource management tools more cost-effective while still meeting their essential needs.
  • The need for enhanced customization options could drive users to explore alternatives, especially if their projects require tailored features that Tempus Resource does not fully support.
  • Organizations looking for a more user-friendly interface might consider other solutions that offer intuitive designs and better onboarding experiences, making it easier for teams to adopt and utilize effectively.

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, Tempus Resource and Smartsheet Compare on Features?

Total Features

12 Features

12 Features

21 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Retain, Tempus Resource 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

        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

        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

        GDPR

        ISO 27001

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        Data Encryption

        Audit Logs

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US
        🇺🇸 US

        Retain vs Tempus Resource User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        4.6

        (based on 43 reviews)

        Rating Distribution

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        0

        1

        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 highlights the platform’s intelligent resource optimization and data-driven insights, though limited review volume tempers confidence.

        What buyers like

        • Resource optimization
        • Data-driven insights
        • Collaboration enhancement

        Common complaints

        • Pricing transparency
        • Limited user feedback

        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

        • Intelligent resource optimization enabling effective allocation of skills and workloads

        • Real-time, data-driven insights for informed decision-making and efficiency improvements

        • Enhanced collaboration features that improve communication and coordination across teams

        • Pricing is quotation based and not publicly disclosed, which may complicate budgeting

        • Limited publicly available user feedback due to low rating count (3 reviews)

        • 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, Tempus Resource, or Smartsheet? Tell buyers what actually differs.

        List of Customers

        Customers

        Capgemini

        Capgemini

        Amgen

        Amgen

        Bank Of America

        Bank Of America

        EY

        EY

        Deloitte

        Deloitte

        RBC

        RBC

        Pfizer

        Pfizer

        Whirlpool

        Whirlpool

        Western Digital

        Western Digital

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        No screenshots available.

        No screenshots available.

        Videos

        video-0

        1 Videos

        video-0

        4 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 Tempus Resource?
        Tempus Resource edges out the other on user ratings (4.7 vs 4.6). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do Retain and Tempus Resource offer a free trial?
        Tempus Resource offers a free trial. Retain does not.
        What is the starting price of Retain vs Tempus Resource?
        Retain starts at Contact for pricing. Tempus Resource 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 Tempus Resource?
        Top alternatives to Tempus Resource include Smartsheet, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, Retain, eResource Scheduler.