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Smartsheet vs OnTheClock vs Homebase Comparison

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Smartsheet

4.6(2,318 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…

OnTheClock

4.8(32 reviews)

Starting at $2.95 /User/Month

  • Free Trial
  • Individuals
  • Freelancers / Consultants

OnTheClock keeps track of time worked as employees are away from a desk. It's employee time tracking software that integrates with your database, payroll and reporting applications. With OnTheClock you can watch in real…

Homebase

4.4(118 reviews)

Starting at $0 / location / month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Homebase is a comprehensive time-tracking software developed by experienced people managers to enhance team collaboration and efficiency. It simplifies employee time tracking, scheduling, and payroll management, reducing…

OnTheClock leads on user satisfaction with a 4.8-star rating across 32 reviews.

Smartsheet vs OnTheClock vs Homebase — at a glance

FeatureSmartsheetOnTheClockHomebase
Rating4.6 / 54.8 / 54.4 / 5
Reviews2,31832118
Starting price$9 /month$2.95 /User/Month$0 / location / month
Free trial Yes Yes Yes
Free version No No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessIndividuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Large EnterprisesLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryProject Management SoftwareTime Tracking SoftwareEmployee Scheduling Software
Integrations11+ apps
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Browser Based (Cloud)
APIAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001GDPRSOC 2
Data residencyUSUSUnited States, Canada

Key differences between Smartsheet and OnTheClock

  • Pricing: Smartsheet starts at $9 /month, while OnTheClock starts at $2.95 /User/Month.
  • Target audience: Smartsheet is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while OnTheClock targets Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants.
  • User satisfaction: OnTheClock scores higher with a 4.8-star average.
  • Deployment: Smartsheet supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; OnTheClock supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Compare Smartsheet vs OnTheClock vs Homebase — 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 Project 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.

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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

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.

OnTheClock

Best for real-time, mobile-friendly employee time tracking with payroll integration.

Choose if
  • You need simple, streamlined time tracking for 1-500 employees.
  • You want real-time GPS tracking and geofencing for accurate location-based clock-ins.
  • You require seamless payroll integration with Excel and QuickBooks exports.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your company has unreliable or weak internet connectivity affecting tracking accuracy.
  • You need highly customizable or complex multi-employee setup workflows.

Homebase

Best for simple, streamlined scheduling and payroll in small to mid-sized teams.

Choose if
  • You manage retail, hospitality, or food service teams with up to 500 employees.
  • You need an easy-to-use platform for shift scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integration.
  • You want built-in team communication tools like chat boards to improve collaboration.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your organization requires highly advanced schedule customization beyond basic features.
  • You have complex scheduling needs that demand a more intuitive and flexible interface.

Smartsheet: Best for teams needing customizable, spreadsheet-style project management with automation. OnTheClock: Best for real-time, mobile-friendly employee time tracking with payroll integration.

Description

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

OnTheClock keeps track of time worked as employees are away from a desk. It's employee time tracking software that integrates with your database, payroll and reporting applications. With ... Read More about OnTheClock

Homebase is a comprehensive time-tracking software developed by experienced people managers to enhance team collaboration and efficiency. It simplifies employee time tracking, scheduling, ... Read More about Homebase

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $9 , yearly
  • Starts from $2.95
  • Starts from $0 , monthly

Free Trial Availability

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

9.8/10

9.4/10

9.7/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.56

(2318)

4.78

(32)

4.41

(118)

Best Company Size

50-500 employees501-5,000 employees
1-50 employees51-500 employees
1-50 employees51-500 employees
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

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.

OnTheClock

  • Effortless Time Tracking: OnTheClock simplifies the process of tracking employee hours, allowing managers to focus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
  • Simplified Payroll Processing: With accurate time records automatically compiled, you can say goodbye to payroll discrepancies. This feature checks that your employees are paid accurately and on time, improving morale and trust.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed with both employees and administrators in mind, OnTheClock offers an intuitive interface that makes clocking in and out a breeze. You’ll appreciate how quickly your team adapts to it.

Homebase

  • Streamlined Communication: Homebase allows smooth communication among team members, letting managers send updates and receive feedback in real-time. Keeping everyone on the same page is easier.
  • Efficient Scheduling: With Homebase, scheduling shifts is easy. The intuitive interface lets you create schedules quickly, reducing the headache of manual planning. Your team will appreciate the clarity and predictability in their work hours.
  • Time Tracking Made Simple: Say goodbye to manual time sheets! Homebase offers reliable time tracking features that help you monitor employee hours accurately, maintain compliance, and simplify payroll processing.
Best fit

Best fit

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.

OnTheClock

  • 1 to 500 employees
  • SaaS, Consulting, Retail, Hospitality, and Healthcare
  • HR Managers, Payroll Administrators, Operations Managers, and Team Leaders

Homebase

  • 1 to 500 employees
  • Retail, Hospitality, Food Service, Healthcare, and Construction
  • Managers, Shift Leaders, HR Personnel, and Business Owners
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

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

OnTheClock

  • Users may seek alternatives if they find OnTheClock’s pricing structure to be less competitive compared to other time tracking solutions that offer similar features at a lower cost.
  • Some businesses might require more advanced reporting capabilities or integrations with other software that OnTheClock does not support, prompting a search for more comprehensive options.
  • Users experiencing frequent technical issues or unsatisfactory customer support may look for alternatives that provide more reliable performance and responsive assistance for their time tracking needs.

Homebase

  • Users may seek alternatives to Homebase if they require more advanced scheduling features or integrations with other software, as some businesses have unique operational needs that Homebase may not fully address.
  • Companies with larger teams or more complex workforce management requirements might find that Homebase lacks scalability, prompting them to explore solutions that better accommodate growth and diverse employee roles.
  • Businesses prioritizing robust reporting and analytics tools may look for alternatives, as Homebase’s reporting capabilities might not meet the depth of insight required for informed decision-making.

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How do Smartsheet, OnTheClock and Homebase Compare on Features?

Total Features

21 Features

10 Features

32 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Compare Smartsheet, OnTheClock and Homebase 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

        • $9 , yearly
        • $2.95
        • $0 , monthly

        Pricing Plans

        • 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
        • Not Available
        • Basic

          $0

          / location / month

          • Basic scheduling

          • Basic time tracking

          • Point-of-sale integration

          Show more +

        • Essentials

          $25

          /location/month

          • Everything in Basic and:

          • Advanced Scheduling

          • Advanced Time Tracking

          Show more +

        • Plus

          $60

          / location / month

          • Everything in Essentials and

          • Hiring

          • PTO & time-off controls

          Show more +

        • Browse all pricing plans

        Pricing Page

        Smartsheet pricing
        OnTheClock pricing
        Homebase 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
        • Installed - Mac
        • Mobile - Windows
        • Mobile - BlackBerry
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Mobile - Windows
        • Mobile - BlackBerry
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Mobile - Windows
        • Mobile - BlackBerry
        • 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

        • Available
        • Available
        • Available
        Get help choosing

        Security & Compliance

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

        SOC 2

        ✓ Yes

        HIPAA

        ✓ Yes
        ✗ No

        GDPR

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        ISO 27001

        ✓ Yes

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        ✓ Yes

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        ✓ Yes

        Data Encryption

        ✓ Yes

        Audit Logs

        ✓ Yes

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US
        🇺🇸 US

        Smartsheet vs OnTheClock User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        Rating Distribution

        1840

        427

        95

        34

        18

        25

        7

        0

        0

        0

        85

        35

        5

        3

        3

        Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

        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

        Buyer sentiment

        Overall positive user sentiment highlights ease of use and payroll integration, tempered by occasional technical issues and setup complexity.

        What buyers like

        • Ease of use
        • Mobile accessibility
        • Payroll integration

        Common complaints

        • Technical glitches
        • Setup complexity

        Buyer sentiment

        Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of scheduling, communication features, and payroll integration, tempered by some interface usability concerns.

        What buyers like

        • Ease of use
        • Streamlined scheduling
        • Effective team communication

        Common complaints

        • Limited free version features
        • Confusing interface for complex scheduling

        Pros and Cons

        • 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

        • User-friendly interface accessible to both employees and administrators

        • Mobile app with geofencing for convenient clock-in/out from specific locations

        • Efficient payroll integration with export to Excel and QuickBooks

        • Occasional technical issues such as slow load times and app glitches

        • Setup for multiple employees can be cumbersome initially

        • Streamlines scheduling processes with easy shift management

        • Centralized platform for time tracking, shift swapping, and covers

        • Facilitates team communication via chat boards and messaging

        • Limited customization options in the free version

        • App interface can be confusing for new users or complex schedules

        Positive Reviews

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        Used Smartsheet, OnTheClock, or Homebase? Tell buyers what actually differs.

        Integrations

        Integration with other apps

        No Integration information available.

        No Integration information available.

        List of Customers

        Customers

        Pfizer

        Pfizer

        Whirlpool

        Whirlpool

        Western Digital

        Western Digital

        Century 21

        Century 21

        Holiday Inn

        Holiday Inn

        Servpro

        Servpro

        Antique Taco

        Antique Taco

        Woodhouse

        Woodhouse

        Souvla

        Souvla

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        Select proven solutions

        7 Screenshots

        Time cards

        3 Screenshots

        Videos

        video-0

        4 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, Smartsheet or OnTheClock?
        OnTheClock edges out the other on user ratings (4.8 vs 4.6). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do Smartsheet and OnTheClock offer a free trial?
        Yes, both Smartsheet and OnTheClock offer a free trial.
        What is the starting price of Smartsheet vs OnTheClock?
        Smartsheet starts at $9 /month. OnTheClock starts at $2.95 /User/Month.
        What are the top alternatives to Smartsheet?
        Top alternatives to Smartsheet include Quickbase, ClickUp, Jira, Microsoft PPM, Trello.
        What are the top alternatives to OnTheClock?
        Top alternatives to OnTheClock include Homebase, OpenTimeClock, Time Clock Wizard, Timesheets.com, Timeclock 365.