Top Free Smartsheet Alternatives for Project Management in 2024

Kristen Chung

Writer

October 09, 2024

10 min read

If you’re after a Smartsheet alternative with a free version, packed with similar features, and designed to fit your business—big or small—you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the top free alternatives that deliver the same (or even better) experience, so you can find the perfect fit for your team’s needs and workflows.

Limitations of Smartsheet

While Smartsheet is a powerful tool, it might not be the best option for everyone, especially if you’re searching for something more flexible, affordable, or straightforward. Here are some common concerns users have:

1. Cost: Smartsheet’s pricing can add up quickly, particularly for larger teams. Many users find the lack of a sustainable free version challenging, and as the team grows, so do the costs.
2. Complexity: Smartsheet can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for businesses or individuals who only need basic features like task tracking or time management. If you’re looking for something simpler, the interface might seem too complicated.
3. Limited Customization: Although Smartsheet offers some customization, other platforms are more flexible in creating personalized workflows—particularly important if you work in niche industries.
4. Feature Gaps: Despite its rich feature set, Smartsheet may not include certain integrations or functionalities that specific business types, like IT or creative agencies, need. If automation and real-time collaboration are a priority, it may be worth exploring other options.

What to Look for in Smartsheet Competitors

When you're exploring alternatives, it's important to focus on features that can truly improve your project management. Here’s a simple checklist to keep in mind:

• Cost Efficiency: Look for tools with a free version or a pricing plan that grows with your business. Some options offer solid free plans that work great for small teams or startups.
• User-Friendly Interface: Time is precious. If Smartsheet feels too complicated, consider tools that have simple dashboards or drag-and-drop features to make task management a breeze.
• Customizable Workflows: Every business has its own needs, so it’s key to find software that lets you tweak workflows, build templates, and design dashboards to fit your style. Features like automated workflows and conditional logic can make a big difference.
• Collaboration Tools: Good communication keeps the team moving. Look for options with built-in chat, file sharing, and comment threads to keep everyone connected without needing extra apps.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Working on the go is essential. Make sure the software is available on all major platforms—Mac, Windows, Android—and has a mobile app for easy access wherever you are.
• Offline Capabilities: If your internet connection isn’t always stable, having an offline mode is a game-changer. Some tools let you keep working offline and sync up when you're back online.
• Automation and Integrations: Automating tasks can save tons of time. Look for software that connects easily with tools like Google Workspace, Slack, or Salesforce to smooth out your workflow.
• Support for Larger Teams: If you’ve got a big team, make sure your tool can keep up. Features like multi-project management, role-based permissions, and client portals can help different groups work together seamlessly.
• Reporting and Analytics: Track your progress with tools that offer strong reporting and analytics. Some options provide dashboards that show project status, task completion rates, and custom reports.

Finding the right Smartsheet alternative is all about balancing the tools you need with simplicity, flexibility, and a price that fits your budget. If you’re a small team looking for a budget-friendly choice or a larger company in need of more customization, there are plenty of options to help you manage your projects better.

Flowlu

Your all-in-one work management solution

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Flowlu brings together team collaboration, client and project management, knowledge sharing, and financial tracking, all in one place. With Flowlu, you can automate those repetitive tasks that slow you down. Rely on real-time reporting to get insights into what’s working and where you can improve. Flowlu offers multiple task views—like Kanban, list, or calendar—so you can visualize work the way that suits your team best. With all your data in one place, making informed decisions is simpler than ever. It's all about reducing the effort of daily tasks, so you can focus on what really matters—growing your business and delivering value to your clients.

ProofHub

Comprehensive project control

ProofHub offers an all-in-one platform for project management and team collaboration. Plan, organize, and deliver projects efficiently while keeping communication centralized. With features like task timelines, online proofing, and built-in chat, your team stays connected and in sync. It’s a comprehensive solution that brings clarity and control to your workflows.

Zoho One

Complete business suite

Zoho One is a full-fledged business platform with over 40 integrated apps, covering everything from sales to marketing to project management. It streamlines your operations by keeping all your tools under one login. Customize and scale the platform as your business grows, without worrying about the complexity of managing multiple systems.

Trello

Agile team management

Trello’s classic boards and cards make it easy (and even a bit fun) to see your projects at a glance. Create, organize, and move tasks through your workflow with just a few clicks. Whether it's a personal to-do list or a team project, Trello keeps everything simple and right where you need it.

Jira

Agile Project management for dev teams

Jira is built for development teams that need powerful tools for tracking tasks, bugs, and features. It supports both Scrum and Kanban methodologies, offering deep customization and reporting features. Automate workflows and gain visibility into your project’s progress, all while integrating seamlessly with your existing tools.

ActiveCollab

All-in-one tool for smart teams

ActiveCollab helps you manage tasks, track time, and collaborate with your team all in one place. Its intuitive interface makes project management feel effortless, allowing you to focus on getting things done. From task assignments to invoicing clients, ActiveCollab covers every aspect of your workflow.

WorkflowMax

Project lifecycle manager

WorkflowMax handles your entire project lifecycle, from lead generation to invoicing. Perfect for service-based businesses, it simplifies time tracking, task management, and financial reporting. With detailed insights into project profitability, you’ll always know where your business stands.

Dubsado

Client-centric project tool

Dubsado combines CRM, project management, and invoicing in one powerful platform designed for client-facing businesses. From sending contracts to managing client communications, Dubsado automates routine tasks so you can focus on delivering great work. Its clean interface makes it easy to keep track of projects, schedules, and invoices all in one place.

Favro

Agile team collaboration

Favro helps teams adapt and scale with flexible workflows and real-time collaboration. Manage sprints, projects, and roadmaps with an intuitive platform that grows with your team. Track progress, adjust priorities, and collaborate across departments—all from one adaptable tool.

Scoro

Complete business management

Scoro combines project management, billing, and reporting into one seamless experience. Manage your tasks, track time, and get real-time insights into project profitability with Scoro’s all-in-one platform. Running a creative agency or a professional service firm? Scoro helps you optimize every aspect of your business with ease.

LiquidPlanner

Predictive project scheduling

LiquidPlanner uses predictive scheduling to give teams a clear view of timelines and resources. It dynamically adjusts as priorities shift, ensuring your team stays focused on the most important tasks. The platform’s real-time forecasting tools let you manage uncertainty and make informed decisions.

Basecamp

Simplified team collaboration

Basecamp makes it easy for teams to collaborate by keeping everything—tasks, files, messages—organized in one place. With its clean interface and intuitive layout, you’ll never feel overwhelmed by clutter. It’s a straightforward tool for teams that need a simple way to stay in sync.

Nifty

Real-time project tracker

Nifty combines task management, collaboration, and project timelines in one intuitive platform. Plan and track your projects from start to finish with real-time updates that keep everyone aligned. Nifty’s easy-to-use interface and automation features make it ideal for growing teams that need flexibility.

ProjectLibre

Open-source project manager

ProjectLibre is a free, open-source alternative to expensive project management tools like Microsoft Project. With robust features like Gantt charts, task tracking, and resource management, it’s ideal for teams on a budget. ProjectLibre is powerful enough to handle complex projects but simple enough for everyday use.

Bitrix24

Integrated business collaboration

Bitrix24 combines project management, communication, and CRM into a single, integrated platform. Manage tasks, collaborate with your team, and keep client information organized—all without leaving the app. Designed for small teams and large organizations alike, Bitrix24 offers the tools you need to streamline operations.

TeamGantt

Simple Gantt chart management

TeamGantt simplifies project planning with its intuitive drag-and-drop Gantt chart interface. Visualize your tasks, set dependencies, and keep your team aligned on deadlines, all with minimal setup. It’s perfect for teams that want an easy way to track project progress without complicated software.

Plutio

Freelancer business management

Plutio is built for freelancers and small teams who need an all-in-one solution to manage tasks, clients, and invoices. It offers everything you need to run your business seamlessly, including project tracking and communication, without the need to switch between tools. Customizable workflows allow you to manage projects your way, and integrated invoicing helps you get paid faster.

Microsoft Project

Advanced project planning

Microsoft Project is a comprehensive tool for planning, scheduling, and managing projects of any size. With its powerful Gantt charts, resource management tools, and reporting features, it’s the go-to platform for project managers worldwide. Customize your workflows, allocate resources, and track progress with real-time data.

Airtable

Flexible task database

Airtable blends the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database to give you a flexible workspace for managing any project. Organize your tasks, data, and projects in a way that makes sense for your team, with customizable views and powerful automations. Airtable’s adaptability makes it perfect for everything from content planning to product development.

Redmine

Open-source task tracking

Redmine is a versatile, open-source project management tool designed for teams that need flexibility. Track issues, tasks, and timelines while integrating seamlessly with your favorite tools. Ideal for managing software development or running agile sprints, Redmine provides a customizable experience that adapts to your workflow.

Planview

Enterprise project management

Planview (former Clarizen) provides enterprise-grade project management with robust features designed for large-scale operations. It’s perfect for teams that need advanced tracking, resource allocation, and collaboration tools in one centralized platform. Plan, execute, and deliver complex projects while gaining real-time insights into every aspect of your workflow.

Accelo

Service business automation

Accelo is built for service-based businesses that need to manage projects, clients, and billing all in one place. Track time, automate workflows, and keep projects on schedule, all while ensuring client satisfaction. Accelo integrates every part of your service delivery process, from lead generation to invoicing.

Avaza

Cloud-based team collaboration

Avaza brings together project management, team collaboration, and invoicing into a single, cloud-based platform. Organize tasks, track time, and manage client communications without the need for separate tools. Its clean interface and powerful features make it a great choice for teams seeking to simplify workflows and boost productivity.

Paymo

Time tracking with billing

Paymo is designed for teams and freelancers who need to manage projects, track time, and handle billing from one central platform. It’s perfect for businesses that want a seamless way to stay on top of tasks, deadlines, and client invoicing. Paymo’s real-time tracking and reporting give you full visibility into project progress and profitability. It’s an all-in-one solution for those who want to manage work and payments effortlessly.

HoneyBook

Client process automation

HoneyBook offers a complete client management solution for freelancers and small businesses. From proposals and contracts to payments, it helps you streamline your entire client process. Its automation features take the hassle out of onboarding and invoicing, so you can focus on delivering great work.

YouTrack

Agile development tracking

YouTrack offers an agile project management experience tailored for development teams. Track tasks, bugs, and sprints with customizable workflows and advanced reporting features. Its powerful search capabilities and real-time updates keep your team on top of every task.

Asana

Workflows made simple

Asana is a project management tool that helps teams stay organized and keep track of tasks. It’s great for planning, assigning responsibilities, and visualizing project timelines with a simple interface. With features like boards, lists, and integrations, Asana makes managing both small and large projects very straightforward.

Wrike

Real-time team alignment

Wrike is built for teams needing detailed visibility into their projects. It offers tools for managing tasks, tracking time, and collaborating in real time, all from one platform. Wrike’s customizable dashboards and reporting make it easy to keep everyone aligned and on top of deadlines.

Monday

Visual task management

Monday is a visual project management tool that adapts to your team's workflow. It lets you track projects, set up automations, and manage everything from daily tasks to big projects on a colorful, user-friendly interface. Its flexibility makes it ideal for teams of all sizes looking to streamline processes.

ClickUp

Customizable productivity hub

ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform where you can manage tasks, docs, goals, and more. It’s designed to replace multiple apps by combining project management, communication, and automation in one place. Customizable views and extensive integrations help teams tailor their workspace to fit their requirements.

Teamwork

End-to-end project tracking

Teamwork is a project management platform designed to streamline team collaboration. It allows companies to manage tasks, track time, and stay on top of project timelines with ease. With its client-focused features, Teamwork makes managing complex projects and keeping everyone aligned simple.