Grist vs Smartsheet
Grist and Smartsheet are both databases & spreadsheets tools. Grist is aimed at developers and small businesses, while Smartsheet is aimed at enterprise and small businesses. Grist costs less, from $10/mo versus $12/mo for Smartsheet. Only Grist has a free plan.
Grist
Relational spreadsheet with Python formulas
Smartsheet
Spreadsheet-style work management for enterprises
| Pricing | Open source · $10 | Paid · $12 |
| Starting price | $10/mo | $12/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Built for | Developers, Small businesses | Enterprise, Small businesses |
| Platforms | web | web, ios, android |
| Country | US · 2017 | US · 2005 |
| Rating | — | — |
Choose Grist if
Power users wanting spreadsheet + database.
- Powerful formulas
- Fine-grained permissions
- Open source
Look elsewhere if: Simple lists.
Choose Smartsheet if
Enterprises and PMOs.
- Familiar spreadsheet feel
- Enterprise features
- Strong Gantt
Look elsewhere if: Startups wanting modern tools (Airtable, Notion).
Grist vs Smartsheet pricing
Grist
- Free$0Hosted; up to 5,000 records per document
- Pro$10/user/mo$8 billed annually
- Business$30/user/mo$24 billed annually; min 5 users; 150,000 records/doc
- EnterpriseCustomCustom SSO, audit log streaming, SLAs
- Community edition$0Free and open source, self-hosted
Smartsheet
- Pro$12/member/mo$9 billed yearly; 1-10 members, unlimited contributors
- Business$24/member/mo$19 billed yearly; 3+ members, 1 TB storage
- EnterpriseCustom10+ members, SAML SSO, portfolios
- Advanced Work ManagementCustomControl Center, Dynamic View, Data Shuttle
Grist · Key features
- Relational tables
- Python formulas
- Granular access rules
- Linked widgets and dashboards
- Self-hosting
- API
Cons
- Learning curve
- Smaller ecosystem
- UI less familiar
Smartsheet · Key features
- Grid, Gantt, card, calendar views
- Automated workflows and approvals
- Forms and dashboards
- Resource management
- Portfolio management
- Enterprise governance
Cons
- Dated UI
- Costs rise at enterprise
- Less flexible than Airtable
Grist vs Smartsheet: FAQ
Which is cheaper, Grist or Smartsheet?
Grist starts at $10/mo and Smartsheet at $12/mo. Both prices are checked on the vendors' own pricing pages.
Do Grist and Smartsheet have a free plan?
Grist has a free plan. Smartsheet has no free plan.