Airtable vs Smartsheet
A side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool in 2026. Both are Project Management / Database & Spreadsheet tools.
Airtable and Smartsheet both compete in the Project Management / Database & Spreadsheet space. Airtable leans on project management. Flexible database platform. Airtable is freemium while Smartsheet is paid, so budget often tips the decision.
Airtable
Cloud-based platform combining the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database. Build custom apps, automate workflows, and manage data with flexible views including grids, calendars, and kanban boards.
vs Smartsheet
Smartsheet
Enterprise platform for dynamic work management. Combines spreadsheet-like interface with project management features, automation, dashboards, and reporting.
vs Airtable
How Airtable and Smartsheet differ
Airtable as an alternative to Smartsheet
Flexible database platform
More views, API-first, modern interface
Pricing comparison
At a glance
| Feature | Airtable | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium | Paid |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Best for | Flexible database platform | Enterprise platform for dynamic work management |
| Categories | Project Management, Productivity, Database & Spreadsheet | Project Management, Database & Spreadsheet |
| Website | Visit | Visit |
- Airtable
- Freemium
- Smartsheet
- Paid
- Airtable
- Yes
- Smartsheet
- No
- Airtable
- Flexible database platform
- Smartsheet
- Enterprise platform for dynamic work management
- Airtable
- Project Management, Productivity, Database & Spreadsheet
- Smartsheet
- Project Management, Database & Spreadsheet
Alternatives to both Airtable and Smartsheet
Tools curated as alternatives to both options — worth a look if neither is right for you.
Monday.com
Work operating system that powers teams to run projects and workflows with confidence. Features customizable boards, automations, integrations, and visual dashboards for project tracking.
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet application for data analysis, calculations, charting, and business intelligence. Part of Microsoft 365 with advanced features like Power Query, pivots, and macros.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Airtable and Smartsheet?
More views, API-first, modern interface
Is Airtable cheaper than Smartsheet?
Airtable is freemium, while Smartsheet is paid. Check each tool's website for current pricing details and tier limits.
Which is better, Airtable or Smartsheet?
Neither is universally "better" — it depends on your team's needs. Airtable has its own strengths. Smartsheet is known for flexible database platform.
Can Airtable replace Smartsheet?
Airtable can replace Smartsheet for many use cases, especially when your needs fall into the Project Management / Database & Spreadsheet category. Test both with a small team first.
Which has more alternatives, Airtable or Smartsheet?
Airtable and Smartsheet both have 5 editorially-tracked alternatives in our database.
Are Airtable and Smartsheet both Project Management tools?
Yes — both Airtable and Smartsheet are categorized as Project Management and Database & Spreadsheet tools, which is why they show up as alternatives to one another. Their feature emphasis and pricing differ, so the right fit depends on your workflow.
What are good alternatives to both Airtable and Smartsheet?
Tools curated as alternatives to both include Monday.com, Microsoft Excel. See the "Alternatives to both" section above.