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Smartsheet vs. Jira: At a Glance
Jira and Smartsheet have both earned their positions as two of the most popular project management platforms available. The two are similar in that they each offer ample features that empower teams to manage projects, track work, automate workflows and build new solutions. Both also offer mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, giving project managers and team members the ability to work from just about anywhere they are.
Smartsheet differs from Jira in that it is first and foremost a work management software designed for managing tasks and work pipelines. It combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with visual timeline management, communication and automated workflow features. The customization tools for its data cells include conditional formatting and changeable column types, making it a great tool for data storage and handling.
Meanwhile, Jira is a software development tool that offers more industry-specific features such as robust bug and issue tracking. This makes it the go-to management tool for developers and software companies. Jira is mostly used for project planning and issue management while Smartsheet is mostly used for project planning and project collaboration.
How Smartsheet and Jira Stack Up
One drawback to Smartsheet is that the platform does not offer a free plan. Most of the project management software tools on the market, including Jira, offer consumers a free plan to get them started. While the free plans usually are limited to a small number of users and do not come with advanced features, they are a good option for small teams with basic needs or to get new users familiar with the system before committing to a paid plan. Smartsheet does provide a 30-day trial period to try the software before committing to a paid plan.
Both Smartsheet and Jira’s lowest-tier paid plans are comparable in pricing, however, Jira’s medium-tiered plan is INR 1,157 ($14.50) a month while Smartsheet’s medium-tiered plan is INR 1,995 a month.
Additional Comparisons
Jira is designed for complex functions such as bug tracking, project management, Kanban software development and Scrum software development. The platform’s confusing interface reflects this, requiring users to put time into learning the new platform. Smartsheet’s spreadsheet interface, on the other hand, is intuitive for users who spend a great deal of time working with spreadsheets.
Overall Jira has more when it comes to reports and integrations, but Smartsheet offers features like budget management, client portal and cost-to-completion tracking that Jira does not.
Bottom Line
Both project management platforms come highly recommended by their users. Jira is a natural fit for software development teams that need to track every step in the software development process or for Agile development teams that need to track bugs. Smartsheet is best for financial and fintech small businesses that work with large databases and need a tool to project data in a clear, spreadsheet-style format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Jira and Smartsheet the same thing?
No, they are two different platforms. Jira is a software development tool and Smartsheet is designed for work management. However, they’re both leading solutions that come highly recommended by their users.
Are there any free project management solutions?
Some providers, such as Jira, offer free versions of their software, however, the features are limited compared to their higher-tiered plans. By upgrading to a paid plan, you can increase storage and users, along with more advanced features.