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Best Free Alternatives to Smartsheet (Forward 2025 Edition)
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Category: Project Management / Work AutomationVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Airtable
FREETop Database-Style Alternative
Why we like it
Superior relational database features; highly customizable 'Interface Designer'; the 2025 'Airtable Cobalt' update introduced deep generative AI for data categorization and summarization.
Keep in mind
Not as robust as Smartsheet for traditional Gantt-heavy project scheduling or complex resource leveling.
AppSheet (formerly Google Tables)
FREEBest for Google Ecosystem
Why we like it
The official successor to Google Tables (discontinued Dec 2025); allows users to build full no-code apps from Google Sheets data; deeply integrated with Google Workspace and Gemini AI.
Keep in mind
Focuses more on 'App Building' than simple project tracking; steeper learning curve than the original Google Tables interface.
Monday.com
FREEBest Visual Alternative
Why we like it
Most intuitive and colorful UI; excellent 'WorkForms' for data collection; the late 2025 'Monday AI' assistant can generate entire board structures from a single prompt.
Keep in mind
Can become cluttered and expensive as teams scale; advanced reporting requires the higher-tier 'Pro' plan.
ClickUp 4.0
FREEBest All-In-One Value
Why we like it
Combines tasks, docs, goals, and whiteboards; the 'ClickUp Brain' AI is arguably the most integrated assistant for summarizing project docs and chat threads.
Keep in mind
Historically suffered from performance lag, though the 2025 'v4.0' core update significantly improved speed; interface can be overwhelming with 'too many' features.
Notion
FREEBest for Documentation-Heavy Projects
Why we like it
Seamlessly blends wikis and project tracking; 'Notion AI' is world-class at generating content and analyzing database rows; highly flexible for small teams.
Keep in mind
Lacks 'true' project management features like baselines, critical path analysis, or native time tracking without 3rd-party widgets.
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