Zoho Projects vs ActiveCollab vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet Comparison
Zoho Projects
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…
ActiveCollab
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
ActiveCollab is a web based project management software designed to make managing small business teams as simple as possible. The intuitive interface makes it easy to delegate tasks and kept track of projects. Features s…
Quickbase
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…
Smartsheet
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 leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 538 reviews.
Zoho Projects vs ActiveCollab vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — at a glance
| Feature | Zoho Projects | ActiveCollab | Quickbase | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Reviews | 538 | 477 | — | 8,464 |
| Starting price | $4 /user/month | Contact for pricing | $35 /user/month | $9 /month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Project Management Software | Project Management Software | Project Management Software | Project Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online | Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Online, Business Hours | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001 | SOC 2 | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | Global | Global | Global | US |
Key differences between Zoho Projects and ActiveCollab
- Pricing: Zoho Projects starts at $4 /user/month. ActiveCollab pricing is not publicly listed.
- User satisfaction: Zoho Projects scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
- Deployment: Zoho Projects supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; ActiveCollab supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.
Compare Zoho Projects vs ActiveCollab vs Quickbase vs Smartsheet — and walk away knowing which one fits.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
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.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert | Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
Best for building custom no-code workflows in medium to large enterprises.
- 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.
- You are a freelancer or very small team needing simple task management.
- You prefer out-of-the-box project management without customization or complexity.
Best for teams needing customizable, spreadsheet-style project management with automation.
- 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.
- 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 typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. ActiveCollab 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 | 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 | ActiveCollab is a web based project management software designed to make managing small business teams as simple as possible. The intuitive interface makes it easy to delegate tasks and ... Read More about ActiveCollab | 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 | 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 |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||||
Best Company Size | 10 to 500 employees | 1–50 Employees | 50-1,000 employeesMedium to Large Enterprises | 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.
Key strengths
- Streamlined Collaboration: With Zoho Projects, teams can easily collaborate in real-time, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page. I’ve seen firsthand how shared documents and discussions foster a more productive environment.
- Enhanced Task Management: Managers will appreciate the intuitive task management features that allow for easy assignment, prioritization, and tracking of tasks. It’s like having a virtual assistant that keeps your team organized and accountable.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Zoho Projects offers robust reporting tools that provide valuable insights into project progress and resource allocation. This allows executives to make informed decisions based on real-time data, ultimately driving project success.
- User-Friendly Interface: ActiveCollab is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for teams to get started with project management without a steep learning curve.
- Integrated Time Tracking and Invoicing: The platform includes built-in time tracking and invoicing features, allowing users to manage project timelines and billing seamlessly within the same tool.
- Cloud-Based Accessibility: Being cloud-based, ActiveCollab provides teams with the flexibility to access project information from anywhere, facilitating remote work and collaboration.
- Empower Your Team: Quickbase allows teams to build custom applications without needing extensive coding skills, enabling them to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. I’ve seen firsthand how this democratizes app development, letting everyone contribute.
- Rapid Deployment: With Quickbase, you can quickly create and deploy applications tailored to your business needs. This means you can respond to changing market conditions or internal requirements faster than ever before, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition.
- Seamless Integration: The platform integrates effortlessly with existing tools and systems, allowing your organization to maintain its current infrastructure while enhancing capabilities. This flexibility ensures that users can leverage their favorite tools without disruption.
- 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.
Best fit
- 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
- 1–50 Employees
- Marketing, Advertising, Consulting, Design, IT Services
- Project Managers, Account Managers, Team Leads, Freelancers, Consultants
- 50 to 1,000 employees
- SaaS, Consulting, Fintech, and Revtech
- Project Managers, Business Analysts, Operations Managers, and IT Administrators
- 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.
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- 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.
- ActiveCollab restricts task assignments to a single user, lacking the ability to assign tasks to multiple team members simultaneously. This limitation can hinder collaboration, especially in complex projects requiring input from various team members.
- While ActiveCollab offers reporting features, they are primarily text-based and lack advanced visual analytics. Users seeking comprehensive, visual reports with charts and graphs may find these capabilities insufficient.
- The platform offers limited dashboard customization, which may not suit users who prefer a more personalized project management experience.
- Users may seek alternatives to Quickbase due to its pricing structure, which some find to be on the higher side compared to other low-code platforms that offer similar functionalities at a more competitive rate.
- Organizations requiring advanced features or integrations might explore alternatives that provide more robust capabilities, particularly in areas like data analytics or third-party software connectivity.
- Teams looking for a more user-friendly interface may consider other options, especially if they find Quickbase's learning curve steep for non-technical users or new team members.
- 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.
Software Demo
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How do Zoho Projects, ActiveCollab, Quickbase and Smartsheet Compare on Features?
Total Features | 37 Features | 38 Features | 10 Features | 21 Features |
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Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Zoho Projects, ActiveCollab, Quickbase 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.
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Other Details
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
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HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | — |
ISO 27001 | ✓ Yes | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | — |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🌐 Global |
Zoho Projects vs ActiveCollab vs Quickbase User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | No reviews available for the product | |||
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Rating Distribution | No reviews available for this product | |||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is positive across 303 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is positive across 116 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights Quickbase's flexibility and automation, though some users note usability challenges. What buyers like
Common complaints
| 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
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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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 |
| Negative 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 |
List of Customers
Customers |  Airbus  NFI  MVA |  Nike  Cisco  Honda |  Amazon  P and G  Fresenius |  Pfizer  Whirlpool  Western Digital |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  12 Screenshots |  5 Screenshots |
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Videos |  2 Videos |  3 Videos |
Alternatives
Alternatives |
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Related Blogs and Articles for Project Management Software
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, Zoho Projects or ActiveCollab?
- Zoho Projects edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 4.2). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Zoho Projects and ActiveCollab offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Zoho Projects and ActiveCollab offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Zoho Projects vs ActiveCollab?
- Zoho Projects starts at $4 /user/month. ActiveCollab starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to Zoho Projects?
- Top alternatives to Zoho Projects include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Basecamp.
- What are the top alternatives to ActiveCollab?
- Top alternatives to ActiveCollab include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Time Track Bill.