SoftwareDuel

Smartsheet vs Deputy

A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with powerful project management and collaboration features. It is widely used by enterprise teams for project tracking, resource management, and automated workflows. Smartsheet is particularly popular with teams comfortable with Excel who need more collaboration and automation capabilities.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Deputy

Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Pros

  • Familiar spreadsheet interface reduces learning curve for Excel users
  • Powerful automation and workflow capabilities
  • Strong enterprise security and compliance features
  • Excellent for managing large portfolios of projects

Cons

  • Pricing is higher than many competitors
  • Interface feels dated compared to modern tools
  • No free plan — 30-day trial only
  • Less intuitive for teams unfamiliar with spreadsheet-style tools

Pros

  • Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
  • Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
  • Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
  • Integrates with 30+ payroll providers

Cons

  • Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
  • Not a full HRIS replacement
  • Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics

Our Take

Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.

Best For

Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation

Best For

Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking