Linear vs Smartsheet
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Spreadsheet-style work management.
The verdict
Both Linear and Smartsheet are credible project management tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Linear if you want a lower starting price (free – $8/user/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). The issue tracker built for speed.
Choose Smartsheet if you'd rather have a longer free trial (30 days). Spreadsheet-style work management.
Linear vs Smartsheet: side by side
| Dimension | Linear | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $8/user/moWinner | From $12/user/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 30 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Engineering Teams, Startups | Enterprise, Operations |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Api | Web, Ios, Android, Api |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.4/5 |
Linear key facts
- Vendor
- Linear
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $8/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Api
- Best for
- Engineering Teams, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Smartsheet key facts
- Vendor
- Smartsheet
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $12/user/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Operations
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- Bellevue, WA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Linear better than Smartsheet?
Neither is universally better — Linear edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Linear or Smartsheet cheaper?
Linear is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $8/user/mo. Linear starts at free – $8/user/mo; Smartsheet starts at from $12/user/mo.
Can Linear replace Smartsheet?
Yes for most teams — both are project management tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.