Table of Contents
Overview
Smartsheet is a work management tool that looks like Excel but does more than just spreadsheets.
It helps teams:
- Track projects
- Manage workflows
- Work together in one place
You use spreadsheet-style sheets, but with added features to handle complex work. The platform also uses AI to:
- Suggest next steps
- Speed up work
- Personalize how teams manage tasks
It’s great for teams that like spreadsheets but need stronger project tools.
However, it may feel too advanced for basic task tracking.
What Users like About Smartsheet
✅ Spreadsheet-style layout
✅ Familiar format for Excel users
✅ Good collaboration features
✅ Solid project tracking
What Users Dislike About Smartsheet
❌ Interface feels dated
❌ Can be confusing for beginners
❌ Limited integrations
❌ Pricey for small teams
What are the Most Useful Smartsheet Features?
Smartsheet comes with a range of tools designed to keep projects organized and teams on the same page.
1. Spreadsheet Interface
Smartsheet gives you a familiar layout that looks like Excel but offers more flexibility.
➤ Familiar rows and columns layout like Excel
➤ Easy data entry and organization
➤ Formulas and calculations built-in
➤ Sort and filter data easily
It’s a good starting point for users comfortable with spreadsheets.
2. Workflow Automation
You can automate routine tasks and save time.
➤ Automatic task assignments
➤ Email notifications when things change
➤ Move tasks between stages automatically
➤ Reduce manual work and errors
It helps reduce mistakes and speed up your workflow.
3. Multiple Project Views
Smartsheet gives you different ways to see your project progress.
➤ Grid view (spreadsheet style)
➤ Gantt charts for timelines
➤ Card view for visual boards
➤ Calendar view for scheduling
You can switch views based on how your team works best.
4. Real-Time Collaboration
Team members can work together from anywhere, anytime.
➤ Multiple people can work on same sheet
➤ Comments and discussions on tasks
➤ File attachments and sharing
➤ Tag team members
This keeps communication and teamwork simple and quick.
5. Advanced Reporting
Smartsheet helps you keep an eye on performance with detailed reports.
➤ Custom dashboards with charts
➤ Real-time project status updates
➤ Portfolio-level reporting
➤ Data export to other tools
You always know where your projects stand.
6. Resource Management
You can manage team workloads and plan better with built-in tools.
➤ Track team workloads
➤ Allocate people to projects
➤ See capacity and availability
➤ Balance work across team
This helps prevent burnout and keeps projects on track.
Know About User Experience
Check what users are saying in Smartsheet reviews. Explore real experiences before making your choice.

A Quick Look at Smartsheet Pricing Plans
Smartsheet offers different plans so teams can choose the one that fits their size, needs, and budget.
Here are its different pricing plans.
- Includes basic features for single users or very small teams. Limited sheets, reports, and storage. Good for personal projects or testing the platform
- Removes many restrictions, adds dashboards, automated workflows, and better collaboration tools. Suitable for growing teams managing multiple projects
- Includes advanced reporting, custom fields, security controls, and integrations. Designed for larger organizations needing governance and compliance
- Offers white-labeling, advanced permissions, premium support, and dedicated onboarding. Ideal for enterprises that require large-scale deployment and security
Smartsheet pricing is competitive, especially for teams who rely on grid-style project management. However, costs can rise for advanced features, automation, and large team deployments.
What’s Missing in Smartsheet?
Smartsheet is great for organizing projects with spreadsheets, grids, and dashboards. But, it doesn’t track how long tasks actually take, measure team productivity, or monitor remote work activity.
The features that make Smartsheet flexible for project planning also mean it lacks actionable insights on real work performance.
Workstatus as a Better Smartsheet Alternative:
✔️Combines Smartsheet’s project organization with automatic time tracking
✔️Shows exactly how long tasks and sheets take to complete
✔️Monitors team activity in real time without extra manual effort
✔️Provides workload insights to prevent burnout and overwork
✔️Adds productivity and performance data while keeping workflows simple
✔️Offers better value by integrating project management with workforce insights
💡 Get Everything Plan at $5.5 per user/month, Workstatus delivers more than Smartsheet by adding productivity monitoring, time tracking, and real-time insights at a lower cost.
How Do Users Rate Smartsheet on Review Sites?
⭐ Capterra: 4.5 / 5
⭐ G2: 4.4 / 5
Our Final Verdict
You can choose Smartsheet if you want flexible grids, dashboards, and spreadsheet-style project organization.
It works well for teams that mainly need to plan and track tasks without detailed productivity monitoring.
But if you want to know how long tasks actually take, monitor team workload, or track remote activity, Smartsheet’s focus on project planning can be limiting.
Workstatus is better when you need to:
✅ Track time automatically without manual input
✅ Monitor team capacity and prevent overwork
✅ Get insights into task completion and workflow efficiency
✅ Track remote team activity while keeping project management simple
Smartsheet is good for planning and organization, while Workstatus combines project management with real-time productivity insights and team tracking.
FAQs
Is Smartsheet better than Workstatus?
Smartsheet is good for organizing spreadsheets and project timelines, but it doesn’t track real-time productivity or automatically record hours. Workstatus gives clear insights into what your team is actually doing.
Why should I choose Workstatus over Smartsheet?
If you want accurate time tracking, employee monitoring, and productivity insights, Workstatus is a better fit. It provides visibility into daily work without extra manual effort.
Can I get detailed productivity reports in Workstatus?
Yes. Workstatus generates in-depth reports on work patterns, time spent, and task completion, giving managers actionable insights that Smartsheet alone can’t provide.
Does Workstatus track employee time better than Smartsheet?
Absolutely. Workstatus records time automatically, captures activity levels, and eliminates manual entry- something Smartsheet lacks. You can see exactly how time is spent across tasks and projects.
Does Workstatus integrate task management with time and productivity tracking?
Yes. Unlike Smartsheet, Workstatus combines task management, automatic time tracking, productivity insights, and reporting in one platform, giving teams the tools they actually need.