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Smartsheet vs Zoho Projects vs Quickbase vs ClickUp 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…

Zoho Projects

4.3(538 reviews)

Starting at $4 /user/month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Zoho Projects is a versatile project management platform designed to help teams track their time and manage work seamlessly from any location. With an intuitive interface, it allows users to view projects and timelines i…

Quickbase

4.2

Starting at $35 /user/month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Quickbase is a no-code project management platform that empowers teams to build, automate, and optimize workflows without complex coding. Designed for businesses of all sizes, it enables users to create custom applicatio…

ClickUp

4.4(8,714 reviews)

Starting at $7 /User/Month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

ClickUp is a versatile cloud-based project management platform designed to cater to both individual project needs and the complex demands of enterprise-level teams. Offering a customizable planning experience, it allows…

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

Spotsaas Analysis

SmartsheetZoho ProjectsQuickbase

The core difference lies in the scalability and customization options, with Smartsheet catering to larger teams needing advanced project management features, while Zoho Projects is designed for smaller teams seeking a cost-effective solution. Ideal buyers for Smartsheet are mid-sized to large companies requiring flexible workflows, whereas Zoho Projects is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for basic project management tools.

- Best for customizable, spreadsheet-style project management - Ideal for teams of 50-5,000 employees - Offers strong project management features like Gantt charts - Suitable for diverse industries including IT and Consulting - Focuses on flexible workflows for complex projects - Price starts at $9

- Designed for small to medium-sized teams of 10-500 employees - Offers a cost-effective project management solution - Suitable for industries like SaaS and IT - Ideal for users like Team Leaders and Software Developers - Provides basic project management functionalities - Price starts at $4

Smartsheet vs Zoho Projects vs Quickbase vs ClickUp — at a glance

FeatureSmartsheetZoho ProjectsQuickbase ClickUp
Rating4.6 / 54.3 / 54.2 / 54.4 / 5
Reviews2,4445388,714
Starting price$9 /month$4 /user/month$35 /user/month$7 /User/Month
Free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free version No No No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryProject Management SoftwareProject Management SoftwareProject Management SoftwareCollaboration Software
Integrations1+ apps
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep), Online, Business Hours24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR
Data residencyUSGlobalGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Smartsheet and Zoho Projects

  • Pricing: Smartsheet starts at $9 /month, while Zoho Projects starts at $4 /user/month.
  • Target audience: Smartsheet is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while Zoho Projects targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • 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; Zoho Projects supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Compare Smartsheet vs Zoho Projects vs Quickbase  vs ClickUp — 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.

Zoho Projects

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Quickbase

Best for building custom no-code workflows in medium to large enterprises.

Choose if
  • You need to rapidly create tailored project management apps without coding.
  • Your team requires strong workflow automation to reduce manual tasks.
  • You want seamless integration with tools like Salesforce and Slack.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a freelancer or very small team needing simple task management.
  • You prefer out-of-the-box project management without customization or complexity.

ClickUp

Best for customizable, all-in-one project management in mid-to-large teams.

Choose if
  • You need highly customizable workflows adaptable to diverse project methods.
  • Your team values an intuitive interface that streamlines task and workflow management.
  • You want a single platform consolidating tasks, docs, goals, and chat.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your team lacks technical expertise and may struggle with a steep learning curve.
  • You require extensive third-party app integrations and marketplace connectors.

Smartsheet typically suits Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises. Zoho Projects 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

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

Zoho Projects is a versatile project management platform designed to help teams track their time and manage work seamlessly from any location. With an intuitive interface, it allows users ... Read More about Zoho Projects

Quickbase is a no-code project management platform that empowers teams to build, automate, and optimize workflows without complex coding. Designed for businesses of all sizes, it enables ... Read More about Quickbase

ClickUp is a versatile cloud-based project management platform designed to cater to both individual project needs and the complex demands of enterprise-level teams. Offering a customizable ... Read More about ClickUp

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $9 , yearly
  • Starts from $4 , yearly
  • Starts from $35 , yearly
  • Starts from $7 , yearly

Free Trial Availability

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

9.8/10

8.9/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.57

(2444)

4.2

Best Company Size

50-500 employees501-5,000 employees
10 to 500 employees
50-1,000 employeesMedium to Large Enterprises
50-500 employeesLarge enterprises
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

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.

Zoho Projects

  • Smooth Collaboration: With Zoho Projects, teams can collaborate in real-time, keeping everyone informed. Shared documents and discussions build a more productive environment.
  • Task Management: Managers can assign, prioritize, and track tasks through intuitive features that keep teams organized and accountable.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Zoho Projects offers reliable reporting tools that provide useful insights into project progress and resource allocation. This allows executives to make informed decisions based on real-time data, ultimately driving project success.

Quickbase

  • Give Your Team a Voice: Quickbase lets teams build custom applications without needing extensive coding skills, helping them simplify workflows and improve productivity. I've seen firsthand how this puts app development in reach for everyone, letting all team members contribute.
  • Rapid Deployment: With Quickbase, you can quickly create and deploy applications designed for your business needs. This lets you respond to changing market conditions or internal requirements faster than competitors.
  • Smooth Integration: The platform integrates easily with existing tools and systems, letting your organization keep its current infrastructure while improving capabilities. This flexibility lets users use their favorite tools without disruption.

ClickUp

  • Streamlined Project Management: ClickUp offers an intuitive platform that simplifies project management, allowing teams to easily collaborate, set priorities, and track progress. As a manager, you’ll find that this clarity boosts productivity across your organization.
  • Customizable Workflows: ClickUp's flexible features let you design workflows for your specific needs. Whether you're an administrator looking to speed up processes or an executive wanting a bird's-eye view of operations, this adaptability keeps everyone aligned.
  • All-in-One Tool: Say goodbye to juggling multiple applications. ClickUp brings together tasks, docs, goals, and chat in one smooth experience. This means less time switching between tools and more time focusing on what truly matters—driving results.
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.

Zoho Projects

  • 10 to 500 employees
  • SaaS, Consulting, Marketing Technology (Martech), Project Management, and Information Technology (IT)
  • Project Managers, Team Leaders, Software Developers, Business Analysts, and Operations Managers

Quickbase

  • 50 to 1,000 employees
  • SaaS, Consulting, Fintech, and Revtech
  • Project Managers, Business Analysts, Operations Managers, and IT Administrators

ClickUp

  • 50 to 500 employees
  • Martech, SaaS, Consulting, Fintech, Project Management, and Creative Agencies
  • Project Managers, Product Managers, Marketing Coordinators, Team Leaders, and Operations Managers
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

Zoho Projects

  • Users may seek alternatives due to a preference for more intuitive user interfaces that enhance ease of navigation and reduce the learning curve, especially for teams with varying levels of tech-savviness.
  • Some businesses might require more advanced reporting and analytics features that provide deeper insights into project performance, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation.
  • Organizations with specific industry needs may look for solutions tailored to their workflows, as Zoho Projects may not fully address unique requirements for sectors like construction or software development.

Quickbase

  • Pricing runs 2–3x higher than Airtable or Monday.com for comparable low-code features
  • Lacks native data analytics and requires custom integrations or third-party tools like Tableau for reporting
  • Steep learning curve for non-technical users — most teams hire a Quickbase specialist or consultant to manage builds

ClickUp

  • Simpler interfaces appeal to teams with low technical expertise — Asana and Monday.com both score higher on ease-of-use reviews
  • Overwhelming feature set drives migration to Trello, Jira, or Notion for teams needing focused workflows without configuration overhead
  • Lower-cost alternatives like Asana ($10.99/user/month) and Monday.com ($8/user/month) compete on price; ClickUp starts at $7/user/month but requires paid add-ons for core features

Software Demo

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How do Smartsheet, Zoho Projects, Quickbase and ClickUp Compare on Features?

Total Features

21 Features

37 Features

10 Features

44 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Smartsheet, Zoho Projects, Quickbase and ClickUp 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
          • $4 , yearly
          • $35 , yearly
          • $7 , yearly

          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
          • Free

            Free

            • Up to 5 users

            • 3 Projects

            • Subtasks

            Show more +

          • Premium

            $5

            /user/month

            • Free Features +

            • Unlimited projects

            • Project Templates

            Show more +

          • Enterprise

            $10

            /user/month

            • Premium Features +

            • Zia Search

            • Zia Translation

            Show more +

          • Not Available
          • Free

            Free

            • 100MB Storage

            • Unlimited Tasks

            • Unlimited Free Plan Members

            Show more +

          • Unlimited

            $10

            /user/month

            • Includes features of Free plan, plus

            • Unlimited Storage

            • Unlimited Integrations

            Show more +

          • Business

            $19

            /user/month

            • Includes features of Unlimited plan, plus

            • Google SSO

            • Unlimited Teams

            Show more +

          • Browse all pricing plans

          Pricing Page

          Smartsheet pricing
          Zoho Projects pricing
          Quickbase  pricing
          ClickUp pricing

          Other Details

          Organization Types supported

          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals
          • Freelancers
          • Large Enterprises
          • Medium Business
          • Small Business
          • Individuals

          Platforms Supported

          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Browser Based (Cloud)
          • Mobile - Android
          • Mobile - iOS
          • Installed - Windows
          • Installed - Mac
          • 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
          • 24/7 (Live rep)
          • Business Hours
          • Online

          API Support

          • Available
          • Available
          • Available
          • Available
          Get help choosing
          Get help choosing

          Security & Compliance

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

          SOC 2

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          HIPAA

          ✓ Yes
          ✗ No

          GDPR

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          ISO 27001

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Single Sign-On (SSO)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Data Encryption

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Audit Logs

          ✓ Yes
          ✓ Yes

          Data Residency

          🇺🇸 US
          🌐 Global

          Smartsheet vs Zoho Projects vs Quickbase User Reviews & Rating Comparison

          User Ratings

          No reviews available for the product

          Rating Distribution

          1840

          427

          95

          34

          18

          213

          70

          11

          4

          5

          No reviews available for this product

          2702

          171

          6

          5

          5

          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

          Buyer sentiment is positive across 303 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

          What buyers like

          • Covers project and business management in one ecosystem, reducing the need for multiple platforms.
          • Integrates across Zoho apps to support team collaboration.
          • Dashboards, workflows, and settings are customizable for diverse project needs.

          Common complaints

          • Limited third-party app integrations, restricting flexibility for users heavily reliant on external tools.
          • Some features and configuration options can be overwhelming for onboarding new users or non-technical staff.
          • Occasional minor UI/UX glitches that could disrupt the user experience.

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlights Quickbase's flexibility and automation, though some users note usability challenges.

          What buyers like

          • Ease of use
          • Workflow automation
          • Integration capabilities

          Common complaints

          • Usability issues
          • Functionality limitations

          Buyer sentiment

          Overall positive sentiment highlighting versatility, customization, and strong customer support, tempered by concerns over initial learning difficulty and limited marketplace options.

          What buyers like

          • Customizability
          • Ease of use
          • Customer support

          Common complaints

          • Steep learning curve
          • Limited marketplace integrations

          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

          • Offers a comprehensive suite of tools for project and business management, all in one ecosystem, reducing the need for multiple platforms.

          • Seamless integration between Zoho apps, enhancing workflow efficiency and team collaboration.

          • Highly customizable dashboards, workflows, and settings to fit diverse project or business needs.

          • Limited third-party app integrations, restricting flexibility for users heavily reliant on external tools.

          • Some features and configuration options can be overwhelming for onboarding new users or non-technical staff.

          • No-code drag-and-drop app building enabling rapid custom workflow creation

          • Seamless integration with major tools like Salesforce, Slack, and cloud storage

          • Strong workflow automation capabilities reducing manual processes

          • Usability and functionality could be improved according to user feedback

          • Pricing details are not publicly transparent, requiring sales engagement

          • Highly customizable workflows adaptable to diverse project management methods

          • Intuitive and user-friendly interface for efficient task and workflow management

          • Responsive customer support that prioritizes user feedback

          • Steep learning curve for new users without technical expertise

          • Limited visibility and availability of additional apps and connectors in marketplace

          Positive Reviews

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          No reviews available for the product

          Used Smartsheet, Zoho Projects, Quickbase , or ClickUp? Tell buyers what actually differs.

          Integrations

          Integration with other apps

          No Integration information available.

          No Integration information available.

          No Integration information available.

          List of Customers

          Customers

          Pfizer

          Pfizer

          Whirlpool

          Whirlpool

          Western Digital

          Western Digital

          Airbus

          Airbus

          NFI

          NFI

          MVA

          MVA

          Amazon

          Amazon

          P and G

          P and G

          Fresenius

          Fresenius

          Samsung

          Samsung

          IBM

          IBM

          Booking.com

          Booking.com

          Media and Screenshots

          Screenshots

          Select proven solutions

          7 Screenshots

          Blueprint

          12 Screenshots

          Videos

          video-0

          4 Videos

          video-0

          2 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 Zoho Projects?
          Smartsheet edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
          Do Smartsheet and Zoho Projects offer a free trial?
          Yes, both Smartsheet and Zoho Projects offer a free trial.
          What is the starting price of Smartsheet vs Zoho Projects?
          Smartsheet starts at $9 /month. Zoho Projects starts at $4 /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 Zoho Projects?
          Top alternatives to Zoho Projects include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Basecamp.