| Tempo Portfolio Manager | Smartsheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Timeline & Gantt | Project Management |
| Best for | Teams running several projects with shared people, whose work involves genuine estimate uncertainty | PMOs managing large, data-heavy programs who want a spreadsheet-like feel |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Paid plans from | No public pricing | €8 per member / month (Pro) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Team size | Mid-size, Large, Enterprise | Mid-size, Large, Enterprise |
| Approach | Predictive, priority-driven scheduling with ranged estimates and Monte Carlo forecasting | Spreadsheet-style grids with Gantt, automations, and dashboards |
| Learning curve | High | Medium |
| AI features | No | Yes |
| Integrations | Jira, Slack | Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce |
| Strengths |
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Tempo Portfolio Manager vs Smartsheet pricing
Tempo Portfolio Manager
Tempo Portfolio Manager doesn't publish its prices; the vendor shares pricing on request.
Smartsheet
- Pro€8 per member / monthBilled yearly, 1 to 10 members
- Business€17 per member / monthBilled yearly, 3+ members
- EnterpriseCustom contact sales10+ members
- Advanced Work ManagementCustom contact sales
Prices in EUR, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Smartsheet pricing →
Strengths and trade-offs
Tempo Portfolio Manager
Where it stands out
Its predictive, priority-based scheduling makes it attractive for teams tired of Gantt charts that assume perfect predictability.
Trade-off to know
It has a unique methodology that takes real time to learn compared to conventional Gantt tools.
Smartsheet
Where it stands out
Its familiar grid-based UI makes it attractive for teams that already think in spreadsheets but need more structure and automation.
Trade-off to know
There's no free plan, and the interface can feel less intuitive than newer, more visual alternatives.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Tempo Portfolio Manager if…
- Your project work genuinely involves uncertain estimates, and you're tired of Gantt charts that assume perfect predictability
- You're willing to learn a unique scheduling methodology in exchange for more realistic planning
Choose Smartsheet if…
- You or your PMO already think in spreadsheets and want that familiar grid with more automation and structure underneath
- You're managing large, data-heavy programs and don't need a free plan
FAQ
What is the main difference between Tempo Portfolio Manager and Smartsheet?
Tempo Portfolio Manager (formerly LiquidPlanner) and Smartsheet are both paid project management tools built for larger, program-level work rather than simple task lists. They differ sharply in mental model: Tempo Portfolio Manager replaces fixed-date scheduling with priority-based, uncertainty-aware planning, while Smartsheet keeps the familiar spreadsheet grid and adds enterprise-grade structure on top of it.
Do Tempo Portfolio Manager and Smartsheet have a free plan?
Neither offers a permanent free plan, but a trial is usually available.
How much do Tempo Portfolio Manager and Smartsheet cost?
Tempo Portfolio Manager doesn't publish its prices, while Smartsheet's start at €8 per member / month (Pro). Billing period, team size, and taxes affect the final price, so check each vendor's pricing page before deciding.
Who is each tool best suited for?
Tempo Portfolio Manager fits teams running several projects with shared people, whose work involves genuine estimate uncertainty. Smartsheet fits pMOs managing large, data-heavy programs who want a spreadsheet-like feel.