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Smartsheet vs RescueTime Comparison

Last updated:

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…

RescueTime

4.1(93 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

RescueTime is the simplest way to track what you spend your time on. It records all the websites, programs and applications you use, and how much time you spend on each. Then it gives you an actionable report that shows…

Smartsheet leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 2,444 reviews.

Smartsheet vs RescueTime — at a glance

FeatureSmartsheetRescueTime
Rating4.6 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews2,44493
Starting price$9 /monthContact for pricing
Free trial Yes Yes
Free version No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryProject Management SoftwareTime Tracking Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001GDPR
Data residencyUSUS

Key differences between Smartsheet and RescueTime

  • Pricing: Smartsheet starts at $9 /month. RescueTime pricing is not publicly listed.
  • User satisfaction: Smartsheet scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
  • Deployment: Smartsheet supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; RescueTime supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Smartsheet vs RescueTime — find the better fit before you commit.

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.

RescueTime

Best for effortless automatic time tracking and productivity reporting across devices.

Choose if
  • You want simple, low-effort tracking of website and app usage without manual input.
  • Your team consists of project managers, developers, or marketers in small to mid-sized companies.
  • You need customizable productivity labels and detailed weekly reports to analyze time use.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your organization requires comprehensive mobile tracking on iOS devices due to platform limitations.
  • You need advanced time blocking or app blocking features without paying for premium upgrades.

Smartsheet: Best for teams needing customizable, spreadsheet-style project management with automation. RescueTime: Best for effortless automatic time tracking and productivity reporting across devices.

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

RescueTime is the simplest way to track what you spend your time on. It records all the websites, programs and applications you use, and how much time you spend on each. Then it gives you ... Read More about RescueTime

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $9 , yearly
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • Free Trial available

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

9.8/10

9.3/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.57

(2444)

4.1

(93)

Best Company Size

50-500 employees501-5,000 employees
10-500 employeesFreelancers
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

  • 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.

RescueTime

  • Enhance Productivity: RescueTime provides comprehensive insights into how time is spent across various tasks and applications, allowing teams to identify distractions and optimize workflows effectively. Managers can use this data to guide their teams toward more focused work habits.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: With its detailed reports and analytics, RescueTime enables administrators to make informed decisions about resource allocation and project management. By understanding where time is invested, you can strategically plan for better efficiency across the board.
  • Goal Setting & Tracking: Users can set personalized productivity goals and receive alerts when they stray from their intended focus. This feature not only fosters accountability but also empowers employees to take ownership of their time management.
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.

RescueTime

  • 10 to 500 employees
  • SaaS, Consulting, Martech, and Revtech
  • roles such as Project Managers, Software Developers, Marketing Specialists, and Freelancers
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

Smartsheet

  • 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.

RescueTime

  • Users may seek alternatives to RescueTime if they require more customizable tracking options, as some tools offer tailored reporting features that better align with individual or organizational needs for productivity analysis.
  • Individuals looking for a more user-friendly interface might consider alternatives, especially if they find RescueTime's dashboard overwhelming or not intuitive enough for their daily usage and productivity goals.
  • Privacy concerns can lead users to explore other solutions; some may prefer tools that emphasize data security and give users greater control over their personal information and tracking preferences.

Software Demo

Demo

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Step 1 of 4

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How do Smartsheet and RescueTime Compare on Features?

Total Features

21 Features

7 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Compare Smartsheet and RescueTime 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
      • Not Available

      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

      Pricing Page

      Smartsheet pricing

      Pricing information not available

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • 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)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • 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
      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes
      ✗ No

      Data Residency

      🇺🇸 US
      🇺🇸 US

      Smartsheet User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      1840

      427

      95

      34

      18

      55

      33

      6

      1

      2

      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

      Users generally appreciate RescueTime's ease of use and automatic tracking but note limitations in iOS support and interface design.

      What buyers like

      • Ease of use
      • Automatic time tracking
      • Detailed productivity reports

      Common complaints

      • Limited iOS functionality
      • Outdated user interface

      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

      • Automatic and discreet time tracking across devices

      • Customizable categorization of productive vs. unproductive activities

      • Comprehensive weekly email summaries and detailed reports

      • Premium features like app blocking and deeper tracking require paid upgrade

      • Inconsistent categorization for multi-use websites such as LinkedIn and Facebook

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      Pfizer

      Pfizer

      Whirlpool

      Whirlpool

      Western Digital

      Western Digital

      No Customers information available.

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      Select proven solutions

      7 Screenshots

      No screenshots available.

      Videos

      video-0

      4 Videos

      video-0

      4 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Smartsheet and RescueTime in 2026

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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 RescueTime?
      Smartsheet edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.1). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Smartsheet and RescueTime offer a free trial?
      Yes, both Smartsheet and RescueTime offer a free trial.
      What is the starting price of Smartsheet vs RescueTime?
      Smartsheet starts at $9 /month. RescueTime starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to Smartsheet?
      Top alternatives to Smartsheet include Quickbase , ClickUp, Jira, Microsoft PPM, Trello.
      What are the top alternatives to RescueTime?
      Top alternatives to RescueTime include Toggl Track, TrackingTime, StaffTimerApp, Clockify, TimeTrack.

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