Retain vs Smartsheet: Which Resource 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
Retain vs Smartsheet, in 15 seconds
Choose Retain if…
- You prefer Retain's approach and ecosystem
Choose Smartsheet if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You need a genuinely free plan
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
- You want deeper AI and automation features
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Retain and Smartsheet score
Smartsheet leads on 7 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
RetainNo reviewsSmartsheetNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
Retain0Smartsheet0 - Smartsheet
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
RetainCustomSmartsheet$9/mo - Smartsheet
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
RetainFree trialSmartsheetFree plan + trial - Smartsheet
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Retain6Smartsheet10 - Smartsheet
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Retain0Smartsheet12 - Smartsheet
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Retain,Smartsheet1 - Smartsheet
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Retain2Smartsheet5 - Smartsheet
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Retain4Smartsheet5
Feature Comparison
Retain vs Smartsheet feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Retain
SmartsheetPricing Comparison
Retain vs Smartsheet pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Retain
Custom to start- Analytics and reporting
- skills search
- resource scheduling
- Integrations
- integrations
- forecasting
- Dedicated support and onboarding
- Everything in Professional
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
Retain vs Smartsheet: strengths and trade-offs
Retain
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: GDPR, SOC 2
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Smartsheet
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Broad integration ecosystem (10)
- Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
Buyer Fit
Who should use Retain vs Smartsheet?
Startups
Smartsheet
Smartsheet keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Smartsheet
Smartsheet offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Smartsheet
Smartsheet connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Smartsheet
Smartsheet leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Smartsheet
Smartsheet integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (2)
Only in Retain (4)
Only in Smartsheet (8)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar resource management products buyers compare alongside Retain and Smartsheet.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Retain 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 recommendationRetain vs Smartsheet, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Retain and Smartsheet?
Retain and Smartsheet are both Resource Management solutions. Retain 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, Retain or Smartsheet?
Based on user ratings, Retain scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Retain or Smartsheet?
Smartsheet is the more affordable option, starting at $9/month.
Does Retain or Smartsheet have a free plan?
Smartsheet offers a free plan. Retain does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Retain to Smartsheet?
Switching between Retain 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 Retain vs Smartsheet?
Retain 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 Retain vs Smartsheet
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Smartsheet
Smartsheet has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Smartsheet
Smartsheet leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Smartsheet
Smartsheet delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Smartsheet
Smartsheet ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.