Airtable vs Smartsheet: Which Database Management Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Airtable vs Smartsheet, in 15 seconds
Choose Airtable if…
- You want deeper AI and automation features
Choose Smartsheet if…
- You have strict security & compliance needs
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Airtable and Smartsheet score
It's evenly matched — each leads on 1 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
AirtableNo reviewsSmartsheetNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Airtable0Smartsheet0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
Airtable$20/moSmartsheet$9/mo - Even
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
AirtableFree plan + trialSmartsheetFree plan + trial - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Airtable10Smartsheet10 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Airtable12Smartsheet12 - Airtable
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Airtable2Smartsheet1 - Smartsheet
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Airtable4Smartsheet5 - Even
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Airtable5Smartsheet5
Feature Comparison
Airtable vs Smartsheet feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Pricing Comparison
Airtable vs Smartsheet pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Airtable
$20/mo to start- Unlimited bases
- 1,000 records per base
- Grid, calendar, form, Kanban
- Up to 5 editors
- 50,000 records per base
- Timeline and Gantt
- Interface Designer
- Standard automations
- 125,000 records per base
- Advanced permissions
- Admin panel
- Two-way sync
- Highest record limits
- Enterprise Hub
- Advanced governance
- Audit logs
Smartsheet
$9/mo to start- 1 user, 2 editors
- Up to 2 sheets
- Gantt, grid, card, calendar
- 100 automations/month
- Unlimited sheets
- Up to 10 editors
- Unlimited reports and dashboards
- 250 automations/month
- Unlimited automations
- Unlimited free viewers
- Proofing and document builder
- Activity log
- SAML SSO and SCIM
- WorkApps and Control Center
- Advanced security
- Data residency options
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Airtable vs Smartsheet: strengths and trade-offs
Airtable
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
- Higher starting price ($20/mo)
Smartsheet
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Lower starting price ($9/mo)
- Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
Buyer Fit
Who should use Airtable vs Smartsheet?
Startups
Either
Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Either
Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Either
Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Smartsheet
Smartsheet leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Airtable
Airtable integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Airtable
Airtable is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (5)
Only in Airtable (5)
Only in Smartsheet (5)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar database management products buyers compare alongside Airtable and Smartsheet.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Airtable and Smartsheet against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationAirtable vs Smartsheet — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Airtable and Smartsheet?
Airtable and Smartsheet are both Database Management solutions. Airtable is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Smartsheet is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Airtable or Smartsheet?
Based on user ratings, Airtable scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Airtable or Smartsheet?
Smartsheet is the more affordable option, starting at $9/month.
Does Airtable or Smartsheet have a free plan?
Airtable offers a free plan. does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Airtable to Smartsheet?
Switching between Airtable and Smartsheet is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Airtable vs Smartsheet?
Airtable is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Smartsheet works well for teams looking to start free and scale.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Airtable vs Smartsheet
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Either
It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Smartsheet
Smartsheet leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Either
It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Airtable
Airtable ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.