Smartsheet vs Trello: Which Project 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
Smartsheet vs Trello, in 15 seconds
Choose Smartsheet if…
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
- You have strict security & compliance needs
- You need the broader feature set
Choose Trello if…
- You want deeper AI and automation features
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Smartsheet and Trello score
Smartsheet leads on 3 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
SmartsheetNo reviewsTrelloNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Smartsheet0Trello0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
Smartsheet$9/moTrello$5/mo - Even
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
SmartsheetFree plan + trialTrelloFree plan + trial - Smartsheet
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Smartsheet10Trello8 - Smartsheet
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Smartsheet12Trello11 - Trello
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Smartsheet1Trello2 - Smartsheet
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Smartsheet5Trello3 - Trello
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Smartsheet5Trello6
Feature Comparison
Smartsheet vs Trello feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
TrelloPricing Comparison
Smartsheet vs Trello pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
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
Trello
$5/mo to start- Unlimited cards
- 10 boards per workspace
- Unlimited Power-Ups
- 250 Butler runs/month
- Unlimited boards
- Advanced checklists
- Custom fields
- 1,000 Butler runs
- Calendar, Timeline, Table, Dashboard
- Unlimited Butler runs
- AI content generation
- Admin & security controls
- Organization-wide permissions
- SSO & SCIM
- Advanced admin
- Attachment controls
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
Smartsheet vs Trello: strengths and trade-offs
Smartsheet
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Broad integration ecosystem (10)
- Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- Higher starting price ($9/mo)
Trello
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Lower starting price ($5/mo)
- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Buyer Fit
Who should use Smartsheet vs Trello?
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
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
Trello
Trello is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (3)
Only in Smartsheet (7)
Only in Trello (5)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar project management products buyers compare alongside Smartsheet and Trello.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Smartsheet and Trello against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationSmartsheet vs Trello — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Smartsheet and Trello?
Smartsheet and Trello are both Project Management solutions. Smartsheet is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Trello is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Trello?
Based on user ratings, Smartsheet scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Smartsheet or Trello?
Trello is the more affordable option, starting at $5/month.
Does Smartsheet or Trello have a free plan?
Smartsheet offers a free plan. does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Smartsheet to Trello?
Switching between Smartsheet and Trello is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Smartsheet vs Trello?
Smartsheet is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Trello works well for teams looking to start free and scale.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Smartsheet vs Trello
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
Trello
Trello ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.