Project management · Head to head
Smartsheet vs Microsoft Planner: which is better?
Short answer
Smartsheet costs less in the first year ($540 vs $600 for 5 users). Pick Smartsheet for spreadsheet-style project and portfolio work; pick Microsoft Planner for Microsoft 365 teams.
| Fact | Smartsheet | Microsoft Planner | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Spreadsheet-style project and portfolio work | Microsoft 365 teams | — |
| Free plan | No | No | Tie |
| Entry plan | Pro: $9 / seat / mo | Planner Plan 1: $10 / seat / mo | Smartsheet |
| Mid plan | Business: $19 / seat / mo | Planner and Project Plan 3: $30 / seat / mo | Smartsheet |
| Top plan | Business: $19 / seat / mo | Planner and Project Plan 3: $30 / seat / mo | Smartsheet |
| 1st year, 5 users | $540 | $600 | Smartsheet |
| Platforms | Web | Web | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Smartsheet or Microsoft Planner?
Smartsheet costs less in the first year ($540 vs $600 for 5 users).
| 1st year, 5 users | Smartsheet | Microsoft Planner |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $540 | $600 |
| Mid | $1,140 | $1,800 |
| Top | $1,140 | $1,800 |
Which has the better free plan, Smartsheet or Microsoft Planner?
Neither stands out: Smartsheet: No; Microsoft Planner: No.
Should you pick Smartsheet or Microsoft Planner?
Pick Smartsheet if
- you want spreadsheet-style project and portfolio work
- you can pay $9 / seat / mo from day one
Pick Microsoft Planner if
- you want Microsoft 365 teams
- you can pay $10 / seat / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Smartsheet pricing | smartsheet.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Microsoft Planner pricing | microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/planner/microsoft-planner-plans-and-pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare