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Head-to-head · Work Management Software

Microsoft Planner vs Smartsheet

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Microsoft Planner #5 in Work Management Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit site
Smartsheet #6 in Work Management Software 8.9/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Smartsheet

Microsoft Planner leads on 1 check, Smartsheet on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft Planner · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly Microsoft Planner
  • Free trialonly Smartsheet

Microsoft Planner scores higher on our rubric for work management software: 9.0 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

Microsoft Planner offers free plan; Smartsheet doesn't.

Microsoft Planner is the better fit for organizations already using Microsoft 365. Smartsheet is the better fit for enterprise teams needing configurable work operations.

  • Microsoft Planner fits best

    Organizations already using Microsoft 365

  • Smartsheet fits best

    Enterprise teams needing configurable work operations

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft Planner 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Smartsheet 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.9
Ranking #5 in Work Management Software #6 in Work Management Software
Best for Organizations already using Microsoft 365 Enterprise teams needing configurable work operations
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — $12/user/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Docs Live chat, Tickets, Docs
Integrations 5 integrations 15 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft Planner 0/6 · Smartsheet 0/6
Timeline views Not checked yet Not checked yet
Dashboards and reporting Not checked yet Not checked yet
Workflow automation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Resource planning Not checked yet Not checked yet
Portfolio management Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom fields Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Multiple task views, including Board, Charts, Calendar, and Timeline
  • Dependencies, backlogs, sprints, goals, reports, and guest access
  • Power Automate actions and triggers through the Planner connector
  • Multiple views, forms, dashboards, reports, and portfolio tools
  • Conditional automation, workload tracking, and resource planning
  • Enterprise controls, AI features, and broad business integrations
Cons
  • Premium features require paid Planner subscriptions
  • Premium plans have regional and licensing dependencies
  • Named native integrations center on Microsoft Loop, Outlook, and Teams
  • No free plan; access requires a paid subscription
  • Advanced capabilities are concentrated in higher-tier offerings
  • The wide feature set may be more than smaller teams need
Our verdict

Microsoft Planner is a work-management application for individuals, teams, and project managers. It combines task and plan management with collaboration across Microsoft 365. Tasks can include files, checklists, and labels, while teams can…

Read the review →

Smartsheet is a cloud-based work management platform for individuals, teams, PMOs, and enterprise organizations. It brings project and task planning, dashboards, reports, forms, workload management, workflow automation, portfolio…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft PlannerWork Management Software 9.0Free plan
  2. SmartsheetWork Management Software 8.930-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft Planner — where it wins

    • Multiple task views, including Board, Charts, Calendar, and Timeline
    • Dependencies, backlogs, sprints, goals, reports, and guest access
    • Power Automate actions and triggers through the Planner connector

    Where it doesn't

    • Premium features require paid Planner subscriptions
    • Premium plans have regional and licensing dependencies
    • Named native integrations center on Microsoft Loop, Outlook, and Teams

  • Smartsheet — where it wins

    • Multiple views, forms, dashboards, reports, and portfolio tools
    • Conditional automation, workload tracking, and resource planning
    • Enterprise controls, AI features, and broad business integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; access requires a paid subscription
    • Advanced capabilities are concentrated in higher-tier offerings
    • The wide feature set may be more than smaller teams need
  • Microsoft Planner9.0/10 · Free plan

    A Microsoft 365-centered planner with capable premium project controls.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Smartsheet8.9/10 · 30-day trial

    A configurable work platform for enterprise planning, automation, reporting, and governance.

    Visit SmartsheetFull verdict →

More comparisons

All work management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update