Head-to-head comparison

Smartsheet vs Asana

Comparing Smartsheet and Asana to help you pick the right Spreadsheet Software for your needs.

Feature Smartsheet Asana
Pricing Paid Freemium
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Editorial rating ★ 4 / 5 ★ 4.2 / 5
Starting price $9/month per user $0
Community votes 14 467

Smartsheet Pros & Cons

  • Familiar grid interface significantly lowers the learning curve for spreadsheet-native teams used to Excel or Google Sheets
  • Built-in Gantt charts, dependencies, and automation go meaningfully beyond what Excel/Sheets offer natively for project tracking
  • Workflow automation on the Business tier can trigger notifications, approvals, and status updates based on cell changes, reducing manual follow-up
  • Multiple view types (grid, Gantt, calendar, card) let different team members interact with the same underlying data in their preferred format
  • Strong fit for hybrid teams managing both structured project tasks and more freeform tabular data tracking in one tool
  • No free tier, requiring payment from the start to evaluate the product beyond a trial
  • More expensive per user than general-purpose spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets, reflecting its added project management capability
  • Can feel like a hybrid compromise — neither as simple as a pure spreadsheet nor as visually intuitive as purpose-built project tools like Asana for some workflows
  • Advanced automation and resource management features require the higher-priced Business tier

Asana Pros & Cons

  • Multiple views (list, board, timeline, calendar) let different team members work how they prefer
  • Strong cross-functional positioning suits marketing, ops, and product teams, not just engineering
  • Workflow automation rules reduce manual status updates and task handoffs
  • Portfolios and goals features connect individual tasks to broader strategic objectives
  • Generous free tier for small teams supports real, ongoing use rather than just a trial
  • Can become overwhelming with too many projects and custom fields without disciplined governance
  • Less specialized than software-specific tools (Linear, Jira) for engineering-heavy workflows
  • Advanced reporting and goal-tracking features require higher-cost tiers
  • Per-user pricing scales significantly for larger cross-functional rollouts
  • Notification volume can become excessive without deliberate configuration

Verdict: Smartsheet vs Asana

Smartsheet and Asana both serve the Spreadsheet Software category well, but suit different priorities. Asana is the more budget-friendly option, Asana carries the stronger editorial rating (4.2 / 5), Asana supports more platforms (5 vs 3). Based on community engagement, Asana is currently the more widely adopted choice (467 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Smartsheet or Asana?
Asana is the more affordable option overall — it's offered as freemium, while Smartsheet is paid. Check each tool's current pricing plans for exact figures, since promotional rates and annual discounts can shift the comparison.
Is Smartsheet or Asana rated higher?
Asana has the higher editorial rating at 4.2 out of 5, compared to Smartsheet's 4 out of 5. This is Kreemhunt's own staff rating, not a public user aggregate — review the pros and cons below for specifics that matter to your use case.
Which platforms do Smartsheet and Asana support?
Smartsheet is available on Web, iOS, Android. Asana is available on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Asana covers more platforms overall, which matters if your team works across a wider range of devices and operating systems.
Can I switch from Smartsheet to Asana (or vice versa)?
Most spreadsheet software tools, including Smartsheet and Asana, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
Should I choose Smartsheet or Asana?
Smartsheet and Asana both serve the Spreadsheet Software category well, but suit different priorities. Asana is the more budget-friendly option, Asana carries the stronger editorial rating (4.2 / 5), Asana supports more platforms (5 vs 3). Based on community engagement, Asana is currently the more widely adopted choice (467 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.