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Head-to-head · Project Management Software

Smartsheet vs Podio

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Smartsheet #8 in Project Management Software 7.4/10 30-day trial ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Smartsheet
Podio #72 in Project Management Software 4.9/10 Free plan · paid from $11.20/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Podio

Smartsheet leads on 1 check, Podio on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSmartsheet · 7.4/10
  • Free planonly Podio
  • Most featuresSmartsheet · 3 of 3

Smartsheet scores higher on our rubric for project management software: 7.4 against 4.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #8 and #72.

Podio offers free plan; Smartsheet doesn't. Smartsheet offers time tracking; Podio doesn't.

Smartsheet is the better fit for spreadsheet-oriented enterprise project teams. Podio is the better fit for teams needing customizable no-code workspaces.

  • Smartsheet fits best

    Spreadsheet-oriented enterprise project teams

  • Podio fits best

    Teams needing customizable no-code workspaces

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Smartsheet 7.4/10 Visit ↗ Podio 4.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.4 4.9
Ranking #8 in Project Management Software #72 in Project Management Software
Best for Spreadsheet-oriented enterprise project teams Teams needing customizable no-code workspaces
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published $11.2/user/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Free trial length 30 days · no card needed 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Tickets, Docs Live chat, Tickets, Community, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, SSO/SAML SOC 2, ISO 27001
Integrations 15 integrations 13 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Smartsheet 3/3 · Podio 2/3
Automation rules ✓ ✓
Time tracking ✓ (best) —
Guest access ✓ ✓
Specs
Task views Board Not published
Free-plan user limit Not published 5 users
Native integrations Not published 12 integrations
Our review
Pros
  • Spreadsheet-style grids plus Gantt, board, timeline, and calendar views
  • Workflow automation, workload tracking, dashboards, reports, and forms
  • Broad integrations across business, collaboration, and analytics tools
  • Custom apps, workspaces, views, and workflows adapt to varied processes.
  • Tasks support assignments, reminders, recurring work, and due dates.
  • External access, webforms, API integrations, and partner extensions broaden use cases.
Cons
  • No ongoing free plan
  • Enterprise and Advanced Work Management use custom pricing
  • Resource Management time tracking is a premium add-on
  • The Free plan supports up to 5 users.
  • Time tracking is an optional extension, not a native core feature.
  • Visual reports and PDF generation are available only on Premium.
Our verdict

Smartsheet is a work management platform for teams coordinating projects, programs, portfolios, and operational processes. Its spreadsheet-style grids support project data, while Gantt charts, dependencies, milestones, critical paths,…

Read the review →

Podio is a work management platform for teams that need to shape project tracking around their own processes. Its no-code apps and workspaces can support tasks, CRM activity, approvals, client work, and other business workflows without…

Read the review →
  1. SmartsheetProject Management Software 7.430-day trial
  2. PodioProject Management Software 4.9Free plan · paid from $11.20/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Smartsheet — where it wins

    • Spreadsheet-style grids plus Gantt, board, timeline, and calendar views
    • Workflow automation, workload tracking, dashboards, reports, and forms
    • Broad integrations across business, collaboration, and analytics tools

    Where it doesn't

    • No ongoing free plan
    • Enterprise and Advanced Work Management use custom pricing
    • Resource Management time tracking is a premium add-on

  • Podio — where it wins

    • Custom apps, workspaces, views, and workflows adapt to varied processes.
    • Tasks support assignments, reminders, recurring work, and due dates.
    • External access, webforms, API integrations, and partner extensions broaden use cases.

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan supports up to 5 users.
    • Time tracking is an optional extension, not a native core feature.
    • Visual reports and PDF generation are available only on Premium.
  • Smartsheet7.4/10 · 30-day trial

    A spreadsheet-oriented work management platform with broad planning and automation depth.

    Visit SmartsheetFull verdict →
  • Podio4.9/10 · Free plan · paid from $11.20/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial

    A flexible no-code workspace for teams that need adaptable project structures.

    Visit PodioFull verdict →

More comparisons

All project management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on project management software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update