| Smartsheet | Airtable | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Project Management | Collaboration |
| Best for | PMOs managing large, data-heavy programs who want a spreadsheet-like feel | Teams that want to build a custom tracker — content calendar, CRM, lightweight PM — around their own data |
| Free plan | No | Yes (up to 5 editors) |
| Paid plans from | €8 per member / month (Pro) | $20 per seat / month (Team) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Team size | Mid-size, Large, Enterprise | Solo / Freelancer, Small team, Mid-size |
| Approach | Spreadsheet-style grids with Gantt, automations, and dashboards | Spreadsheet-database hybrid with grid, kanban, and calendar views |
| Learning curve | Medium | Medium |
| AI features | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce | Slack, Google Workspace, Zapier, Salesforce |
| Strengths |
|
|
Smartsheet vs Airtable pricing
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 →
Airtable
- Free$0Up to 5 editors
- Team$20 per seat / monthBilled annually, or $24 billed monthly
- Business$45 per seat / monthBilled annually, or $54 billed monthly
- Enterprise ScaleCustom contact sales
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Airtable pricing →
Strengths and trade-offs
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.
Airtable
Where it stands out
Its flexibility and multiple views (grid, kanban, calendar) make it attractive for teams that want a tool shaped to their exact process.
Trade-off to know
The free plan has record limits, and it isn't purpose-built for project management the way a dedicated PM tool is.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Smartsheet if…
- Your organization is managing large, data-heavy programs and wants a spreadsheet feel backed by real enterprise PM features
- You need enterprise-grade functionality and don't mind paying, since there's no free plan
Choose Airtable if…
- You want to build a custom tracker - content calendar, CRM, lightweight PM - around your own data rather than adopt a rigid PM structure
- You're a smaller team that wants multiple views (grid, kanban, calendar) and a free plan to start
FAQ
What is the main difference between Smartsheet and Airtable?
Smartsheet and Airtable both let teams work in a spreadsheet-like grid, but they're built for different scales and purposes. Smartsheet is a paid, enterprise-grade PM tool for PMOs running large programs, while Airtable is a freemium relational database that small and mid-size teams shape into their own custom trackers.
Do Smartsheet and Airtable have a free plan?
Airtable offers a free plan; Smartsheet doesn't, though a trial is usually available.
How much do Smartsheet and Airtable cost?
Smartsheet's paid plans start at €8 per member / month (Pro), while Airtable's start at $20 per seat / month (Team). 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?
Smartsheet fits pMOs managing large, data-heavy programs who want a spreadsheet-like feel. Airtable fits teams that want to build a custom tracker — content calendar, CRM, lightweight PM — around their own data.