Airtable vs Smartsheet
Airtable and Smartsheet both extend the spreadsheet model but in different directions. Airtable adds relational databases, multiple views, and a developer API. Smartsheet adds project management features like Gantt charts, resource management, and enterprise workflows while keeping a grid-first interface.
Build a custom alternative freeSide-by-side
Flexible database and spreadsheet hybrid vs Enterprise work management on a spreadsheet foundation.
| Feature | Airtable | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing from | Free, paid from $10/user/mo | From $7/user/mo |
| Primary use case | Relational database and flexible app building | Spreadsheet-based project and operations management |
| Pricing | Free; Plus at $10/user/mo | Pro at $7/user/mo; Business at $25/user/mo |
| Ease of use | Easy for spreadsheet users; new concepts to learn | Familiar for Excel users; steeper for others |
| Key strength | Linked records, API, multiple view types, and app ecosystem | Gantt charts, resource tracking, and enterprise reporting |
| Key weakness | No native Gantt or resource management | Less flexible for non-linear data relationships |
| Team features | Workspaces, granular permissions, comments | Workspaces, sharing, dashboards, admin controls |
The third option most teams miss
Picking between Airtable and Smartsheet isn't the only choice.
Airtable suits flexible data management; Smartsheet suits spreadsheet-based project management - Appaca builds a custom app with the right data model and views for your workflow.
- No code, no deployment, no devops
- Built-in database, dashboards, team access
- Refine with chat as your needs change
- Free to start, no per-seat pricing surprises
Common questions
Smartsheet is better for project management with its native Gantt charts and resource management. Airtable is better for flexible data management that goes beyond traditional PM.
Airtable Enterprise can handle large organisations, but Smartsheet has more mature enterprise features for resource management, budgeting, and compliance.
Airtable is very popular with marketing teams for its flexibility and multiple views. Smartsheet is better for marketing teams that need Gantt-based campaign planning.
Appaca is a third option for teams that don't want to choose between two existing tools. Instead of forcing your workflow into someone else's product, Appaca builds a custom app from a description - with built-in database, hosting, and team access. Try it free at appaca.ai.