Trello vs. Smartsheet
Trello and Smartsheet are popular task management tools, but they suit different ways of working. Trello organizes tasks as cards on visual boards, making it a straightforward choice for tracking everyday work and collaborating with a team. Smartsheet uses a spreadsheet-style layout and offers broader project planning and reporting features for more structured workflows.
Users often compare the two for their collaboration tools, automation, integrations, and ability to manage projects as teams grow. This comparison looks at features, pricing, ease of use, and flexibility to help you choose the right fit.
Trello VS Smartsheet: Which tool is the most popular?
| Tool | Reviews | Average rating | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello | 42 | 3.43 | Most popular: it has more reviews and the higher average rating. |
| Smartsheet | 29 | 3.21 | Least popular: it has fewer reviews and the lower average rating. |
Trello leads on both review volume and average rating, while Smartsheet ranks lower on both measures.
Trello and Smartsheet: Quick Comparison Overview
| Category | Ahrefs | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Primary features | SEO research tools for backlink analysis, keyword research, site audits, rank tracking, and content research. | Broader digital-marketing suite covering SEO, competitor research, site audits, rank tracking, content marketing, local SEO, PPC, and social media. |
| Target audience | SEO specialists, content teams, and agencies focused on organic search and link building. | In-house marketing teams, agencies, and businesses managing several digital-marketing channels. |
| Main advantages | Strong backlink and competitor research, with a focused toolkit for finding SEO and content opportunities. | Wider range of marketing tools in one platform, especially useful for combining SEO with paid, local, and social campaigns. |
| Core value proposition | Make organic-search research and link-building workflows more effective. | Manage and measure a broader digital-marketing program from one platform. |
| Ideal use cases | Analyzing competitors’ backlinks, researching keywords and content gaps, auditing a site, and tracking organic rankings. | Coordinating SEO with PPC, local visibility, content, and social efforts; conducting cross-channel competitor research. |
Sources: Ahrefs features · Semrush features
Feature availability varies by plan and may change.
Most liked vs most disliked features of Trello and Smartsheet
| Product | Overall user sentiment | What users appreciate | Main concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello | Generally positive, especially among individuals and smaller teams seeking a visual, flexible task manager. | Boards and cards make work easy to organize; customization and collaboration support varied workflows. Users also value the generous free plan and ongoing product improvements. | The Atlassian login experience can be frustrating. Free-plan limits on automation and fewer advanced features may hold back larger teams. Some users also raise privacy concerns or prefer competitors’ pricing and offline access. |
| Smartsheet | Mostly positive among users who want an accessible, centralized way to organize and track projects, though adoption can take effort. | Users praise collaboration, task assignments, dependencies, file sharing, and project tracking. Its approachable design and perceived value are also positives. | New users may need more guidance, and some report a learning curve or difficulty fitting Smartsheet into existing workflows. Users also want a more capable free profile and smarter integrations. |
Key Features of Trello vs Smartsheet
Trello
| Key feature | How it benefits users | What’s distinctive |
|---|---|---|
| Boards, lists, and cards | Organizes work visually by stage—such as “To do,” “Doing,” and “Done.” Cards can hold owners, due dates, checklists, labels, comments, and files, keeping task details together. | Trello’s simple, drag-and-drop Kanban board is its signature way to manage work. |
| Automation with Butler | Automates routine actions, such as moving a card when a checklist is complete or sending reminders about due dates. This can reduce manual updates. | Butler brings rule-based automation directly into Trello boards. |
| Views beyond the board | Views such as Calendar, Timeline, Table, Dashboard, or Map can help teams see schedules, workloads, or locations in different ways. | Teams can use different visualizations while keeping their work connected to Trello cards. Availability can depend on plan. |
| Power-Ups and integrations | Connects Trello with other tools and adds capabilities to boards, helping teams work across their existing apps. | The Power-Up model lets teams extend boards with add-ons rather than changing their core workflow. |
| Templates and collaboration tools | Templates help users start common workflows faster; comments, mentions, and shared boards support coordination. | Trello’s reusable board templates make it easy to copy a visual workflow for a new project or team. |
Source: Trello Features
Smartsheet
| Key feature | How it benefits users | What’s distinctive |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple work views | Grid, Gantt, card, and calendar views let users choose how to plan and track tasks. Gantt charts are especially useful for seeing schedules and task relationships. | Its spreadsheet-like grid will feel familiar to people who plan work in rows and columns, while other views provide different project perspectives. |
| Automated workflows | Rules can send alerts, request updates or approvals, and trigger actions when information changes—helping teams keep work moving. | Automation is designed to work with the structured data in sheets and workflows. |
| Forms | Forms collect requests, updates, or other information and add submissions to a sheet, reducing manual data entry. | A form can provide a simpler intake experience for people who don’t need to work directly in the underlying sheet. |
| Dashboards and reports | Summarize information from sheets so teams and stakeholders can monitor progress, status, and key metrics. | Dashboards and reports can bring information from multiple work items into a higher-level view. |
| Collaboration and proofing | Comments, file sharing, and review tools help teams discuss work and manage feedback alongside project information. | Proofing supports review of creative assets and documents within the work-management process. |
| Integrations and connected work | Connects Smartsheet with other business tools, helping teams coordinate work across systems. | The platform combines spreadsheet-style project tracking with broader workflow and reporting capabilities. |
Source: Smartsheet Platform Features
In short: Trello is distinctive for straightforward visual task management and extensible boards. Smartsheet is a strong fit for teams that want spreadsheet-style planning alongside more structured scheduling, data collection, automation, and reporting. Specific views and capabilities may vary by subscription plan.
Trello vs Smartsheet Pricing Comparison
| Brand and tier | Monthly billing | Annual billing | Main differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello Free | $0 | $0 | Up to 10 collaborators per Workspace and 10 boards per Workspace. Includes unlimited cards, basic automation, and file attachments up to 10 MB. |
| Trello Standard | $6 per user/month | $5 per user/month, billed annually | Adds unlimited boards, advanced checklists, custom fields, larger attachments (up to 250 MB), and higher automation limits. |
| Trello Premium | $12.50 per user/month | $10 per user/month, billed annually | Adds views such as Calendar, Timeline, Table, Dashboard, and Map; plus additional administration, security, and workspace features. |
| Trello Enterprise | No monthly rate listed | Starts at $17.50 per user/month, billed annually; pricing is based on 50 users | Adds organization-wide controls, enhanced security and permissions, and centralized administration. Intended for larger organizations; contact Trello for a quote. |
| Smartsheet Pro | $12 per member/month | $9 per member/month, billed annually | Core work-management features, including sheets, forms, reports, and dashboards. Supports up to 10 members and includes basic automation and file storage limits. |
| Smartsheet Business | $24 per member/month | $19 per member/month, billed annually | Adds more advanced collaboration, administration, and workflow capabilities, along with higher storage and automation limits. Requires at least 3 members; viewers and guests can collaborate without a paid member seat. |
| Smartsheet Enterprise | Custom quote | Custom quote | Adds enterprise-scale administration, security, governance, and integrations. Features and pricing are tailored to the organization. |
| Smartsheet Advanced Work Management | Custom quote | Custom quote | Adds advanced work-management capabilities and services for organizations with broader or more complex needs. Contact Smartsheet for plan details and pricing. |
Trials and discounts: Trello offers a 14-day Premium trial; its Free tier is available on an ongoing basis. Smartsheet offers a 30-day free trial. Paying annually lowers the listed per-user/member rate: Trello Standard is about 17% less than monthly billing, Premium about 20% less; Smartsheet Pro about 25% less, Business about 21% less. No standard published monthly or annual rate is shown for either brand’s enterprise-level plans.
Prices are in USD and exclude any applicable taxes. Trello prices are per user; Smartsheet prices are per member. Rates and plan details can change.
Sources: Trello pricing · Smartsheet pricing
Support Options Comparison: Trello vs Smartsheet
| Support option | Trello | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | The contact page does not advertise live chat; it directs users to Trello’s support resources. | The support page links to support channels. Live chat availability may depend on the customer’s plan or support entitlement. |
| Phone support | No phone support is listed on the contact page. | Phone support may be available to customers with eligible support plans; it is not presented as a universal option for every user. |
| Documentation | The Trello Help Center provides how-to articles and product guidance. | Smartsheet’s Help & Learning resources provide product documentation and instructions. |
| Additional resources | Trello offers community resources for questions and peer advice. | Smartsheet offers a broader set of learning resources, including tutorials, webinars, and community support. |
Overall: Trello’s listed support is centered on online help and community resources. Smartsheet also provides self-service learning materials and may offer direct support by chat or phone, depending on the customer’s support eligibility.
Unique Features of Trello Vs Smartsheet
| Brand | Less-common feature | Added value | Why it may be a deciding factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello (features) | Inbox and Planner: capture tasks into Trello, then schedule cards alongside calendar commitments. | Connects task collection and day-to-day scheduling, helping people turn incoming requests into planned work without relying only on board updates. | A good fit for individuals or small teams who want a lightweight way to manage both incoming tasks and their calendars. |
| Trello (features) | Power-Ups and board-level extensions: add integrations and extra capabilities to boards as needed. | Teams can adapt a simple board to different workflows without adopting a more complex system for everyone. | Useful when a team values Trello’s visual simplicity but needs selected integrations or specialized features. |
| Smartsheet (platform features) | Control Center: standardize and provision projects from templates, with portfolio-level rollups. | Helps organizations launch repeatable projects consistently and monitor them across a portfolio. | A key consideration for organizations running many similar projects that need consistent processes and oversight. |
| Smartsheet (platform features) | Dynamic View: share tailored views of work without giving users access to the entire underlying sheet. | Teams can expose only the information and actions relevant to a person or group, while keeping other sheet data restricted. | Valuable when projects involve clients, vendors, or internal groups with different access needs. |
| Smartsheet (platform features) | WorkApps: create role-based, no-code applications from Smartsheet assets such as sheets, reports, and dashboards. | Gives different audiences a simpler, purpose-built way to interact with project information without building a custom application. | May appeal to teams that need tailored interfaces for different roles but want to avoid software development. |
| Smartsheet (platform features) | Data-management tools: capabilities such as Data Shuttle and DataMesh help move or connect data across systems and sheets. | Reduces manual re-entry and helps keep project information aligned across sources. | More important when Smartsheet must work with operational data or established business systems—not just a standalone task list. |
| Smartsheet (platform features) | Proofing: review and annotate creative content as part of a workflow. | Keeps feedback and approval activity connected to the work rather than scattered across separate email threads or tools. | A potential advantage for teams with formal review cycles, such as marketing or creative production. |
These capabilities are less common in basic task-management tools, though some larger work-management platforms offer similar functions. Smartsheet’s standouts are its portfolio controls, data handling, and access management; Trello’s are its lightweight capture-and-scheduling flow and adaptable board ecosystem.
Most frequently asked questions about Trello vs Smartsheet
Which is easier to learn and use: Smartsheet or Trello?
Trello is generally the easier starting point. Its boards, lists, and cards make task status visible with little setup, a simplicity reviewers often praise. Smartsheet’s spreadsheet-like interface feels familiar to some users, but reviewers also describe more features and configuration to learn. These are recurring themes in [Trello reviews on G2](https://www.g2.com/products/trello/reviews) and [Smartsheet reviews on G2](https://www.g2.com/products/smartsheet/reviews).
Which tool is better for managing complex projects?
Smartsheet is usually the stronger fit for projects with dependencies, schedules, multiple workstreams, or formal processes. Its grid-based sheets and project-management features can support more structured planning. Trello can manage complex work too, but reviewers commonly find it most natural when tasks can be organized as cards moving through a workflow. See the project-management feedback in [Smartsheet reviews on Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/p/79104/Smartsheet/) and [Trello reviews on Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/p/211559/Trello/).
Which is better for Kanban task management?
Trello is the more direct choice for Kanban. Its board-and-card layout is central to the product, so teams can quickly create columns for stages such as “To do,” “Doing,” and “Done.” Smartsheet offers board-style views as part of a broader set of work views, which may suit teams that also need spreadsheet-style planning. Reviewers’ comments about Trello’s intuitive visual workflow are reflected in [G2’s Trello reviews](https://www.g2.com/products/trello/reviews).
Which tool has better collaboration features?
Both support team collaboration, including shared work, assignments, and comments. Trello’s cards make it easy for teammates to follow a task’s discussion and status. Smartsheet is often favored when collaboration needs to span structured project plans, sheets, or reports. Reviewers on both products value visibility into work, while feedback also suggests that the best choice depends on whether the team collaborates mainly around cards or more detailed project data ([G2: Trello](https://www.g2.com/products/trello/reviews); [G2: Smartsheet](https://www.g2.com/products/smartsheet/reviews)).
Which offers better automation?
Smartsheet is generally better suited to teams that want automation tied to structured workflows, such as notifications, approvals, or changes in project data. Trello offers automation through Butler, which reviewers appreciate for reducing repetitive board actions. The right fit depends on how elaborate the rules need to be: Trello works well for board-based routines, while Smartsheet is often considered for broader process automation. See user feedback on [Smartsheet](https://www.g2.com/products/smartsheet/reviews) and [Trello](https://www.g2.com/products/trello/reviews) on G2.
Which has better reporting and project visibility?
Smartsheet is typically the better choice when managers need structured reports, dashboards, or a consolidated view across projects. Reviewers often highlight its ability to organize and present project information, though some note that setting up and maintaining that structure takes effort. Trello makes the status of work on an individual board easy to scan, but teams may need add-ons or integrations for more advanced reporting. These patterns appear in [Smartsheet’s Capterra feedback](https://www.capterra.com/p/79104/Smartsheet/) and [Trello’s Capterra feedback](https://www.capterra.com/p/211559/Trello/).
Which tool offers more flexibility and ways to view work?
Smartsheet generally offers more options for representing work, making it a better match for teams that switch between detailed planning, grids, reports, and other structured views. Trello’s strength is a simpler, consistent board experience; extra views and capabilities may depend on the plan or Power-Ups in use. Reviewers tend to value Smartsheet’s breadth but sometimes find it more involved, while Trello users often value its straightforward layout ([G2: Smartsheet](https://www.g2.com/products/smartsheet/reviews); [G2: Trello](https://www.g2.com/products/trello/reviews)).
Which integrates better with other business tools?
Both products connect with commonly used workplace tools, but the best option depends on the apps and workflows a team already uses. Trello reviewers often discuss integrations and Power-Ups as a way to extend boards. Smartsheet is commonly evaluated for connecting project information with broader business workflows and reporting. Check each product’s current integration directory before deciding, since availability can depend on the plan. Reviewers discuss integrations in [Trello’s G2 reviews](https://www.g2.com/products/trello/reviews) and [Smartsheet’s G2 reviews](https://www.g2.com/products/smartsheet/reviews).
Which is better value for money?
There is no universal winner. Trello can be a cost-effective choice for teams that need straightforward task boards, particularly if its included features are sufficient. Smartsheet may offer better value when a team will use its advanced planning, reporting, and workflow capabilities—but reviewers also note that broader functionality and paid plans can add cost. Compare the current plan limits and required features rather than price alone; user feedback is available on [Capterra’s Trello page](https://www.capterra.com/p/211559/Trello/) and [Smartsheet page](https://www.capterra.com/p/79104/Smartsheet/).
Should a small team or a large organization choose Smartsheet or Trello?
Trello is often a good fit for individuals and small teams that want to get organized quickly with minimal process overhead. Smartsheet is more likely to suit larger or cross-functional teams that need standardized plans, detailed reporting, or coordinated work across projects. Reviews also point to a trade-off: Trello’s simplicity can feel limiting for more formal project controls, while Smartsheet’s breadth can feel like more than a small team needs ([G2: Trello](https://www.g2.com/products/trello/reviews); [G2: Smartsheet](https://www.g2.com/products/smartsheet/reviews)).
