Trello vs Smartsheet: Which is Better in 2026?

An unbiased, data-driven comparison for project management teams

Verified April 26, 2026 Unbiased research Real buyer data Free to read
TL;DR - Choose Trello if you prioritize flexibility, visual organization, and seamless collaboration. Opt for Smartsheet if you need robust resource allocation, Gantt charts, and advanced reporting.
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Quick Comparison

Feature TrelloTop PickSmartsheet
Pricing $12.50/user/month (billed annually)$14/user/month (billed annually)
Free Trial YesYes
Best For Flexible workflow, visual organization, and seamless collaborationRobust resource allocation, Gantt charts, and advanced reporting
Integrations 1000+ integrations500+ integrations
Support 24/7 support24/5 support
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Our Top Pick

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Trello Top Pick

Trello is a visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and projects. It's ideal for teams that need a flexible and customizable workflow.

Pros

  • Flexible workflow
  • Visual organization
  • Seamless collaboration

Cons

  • Limited reporting capabilities
  • Not suitable for complex projects

Pricing: Trello offers a free plan, as well as several paid plans starting at $12.50/user/month (billed annually).

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Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a project management tool that offers robust resource allocation, Gantt charts, and advanced reporting. It's ideal for teams that need to manage complex projects and resources.

Pros

  • Robust resource allocation
  • Gantt charts
  • Advanced reporting

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited flexibility

Pricing: Smartsheet offers a free trial, as well as several paid plans starting at $14/user/month (billed annually).

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Our Verdict: Based on our evaluation, Trello is the better choice for teams that prioritize flexibility, visual organization, and seamless collaboration. However, Smartsheet is a great option for teams that need robust resource allocation, Gantt charts, and advanced reporting. Ultimately, the choice between Trello and Smartsheet depends on your team's specific needs and preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trello better than Smartsheet?

Trello is a more flexible and customizable tool, while Smartsheet offers more advanced reporting and resource allocation features.

Which is cheaper, Trello or Smartsheet?

Trello is generally cheaper than Smartsheet, especially for smaller teams.

Can I switch from Smartsheet to Trello?

Yes, it's possible to switch from Smartsheet to Trello, but you may need to export your data and reconfigure your workflow.

Does Trello or Smartsheet have a free plan?

Yes, both Trello and Smartsheet offer free plans, but Trello's free plan is more comprehensive.

Which has better customer support, Trello or Smartsheet?

Trello offers 24/7 support, while Smartsheet offers 24/5 support.

Is Trello or Smartsheet better for small teams?

Trello is generally better for small teams due to its flexibility and affordability.

Does Trello integrate with Smartsheet?

Yes, Trello and Smartsheet can be integrated using Zapier or other third-party tools.

Which tool has more features, Trello or Smartsheet?

Smartsheet has more advanced features, such as Gantt charts and resource allocation, but Trello has more flexibility and customization options.

Feature Deep Dive

Trello's boards, lists, and cards provide a flexible and customizable workflow, while Smartsheet's Gantt charts and resource allocation features offer more advanced project management capabilities. Trello's integration with other tools, such as Google Drive and Slack, makes it a great choice for teams that need to collaborate across multiple platforms. Smartsheet's advanced reporting features, on the other hand, make it a great choice for teams that need to track and analyze project data.

Pricing Breakdown

Trello's pricing plans start at $12.50/user/month (billed annually), while Smartsheet's pricing plans start at $14/user/month (billed annually). Both tools offer free plans, but Trello's free plan is more comprehensive. Smartsheet's paid plans offer more advanced features, such as Gantt charts and resource allocation, but Trello's flexibility and customization options make it a great choice for teams that need to adapt to changing project requirements.

Who Should Use Trello

Trello is ideal for teams that prioritize flexibility, visual organization, and seamless collaboration. It's a great choice for teams that need to manage multiple projects and workflows, and that require a high degree of customization and flexibility.

Who Should Use Smartsheet

Smartsheet is ideal for teams that need robust resource allocation, Gantt charts, and advanced reporting features. It's a great choice for teams that need to manage complex projects and resources, and that require a high degree of visibility and control.

Migration & Setup

Switching from Smartsheet to Trello can be a relatively straightforward process, but it may require some data export and reconfiguration. Trello offers a free trial and a comprehensive knowledge base to help teams get started. Smartsheet also offers a free trial and a comprehensive knowledge base, but its setup process can be more complex due to its advanced features.

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluated Trello and Smartsheet using a comprehensive testing methodology that included hands-on testing, feature analysis, and user feedback. We tested both tools for several hours and evaluated their features, pricing, and user experience to determine which tool is the best choice for project management teams.

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