ActiveCampaign vs Smartsheet
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of ActiveCampaign and Smartsheet. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
ActiveCampaign edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.4/5. However, Smartsheet (4/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation. Read on for the full breakdown.
ActiveCampaign vs Smartsheet at a Glance
ActiveCampaign
★ 4.4ActiveCampaign blends email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM into one platform. Known for its sophisticated automation builder and excellent email deliverability.
Starting from: £12/month
Best for: Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophisticated automation
Read full review →Smartsheet
★ 4Smartsheet is a spreadsheet-like work management platform used by enterprises for project management, reporting, and workflow automation. Can be adapted for CRM use.
Starting from: £6/user/month
Best for: Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation
Read full review →ActiveCampaign vs Smartsheet Feature Comparison
Here is how ActiveCampaign and Smartsheet compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | ActiveCampaign | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £12/month | £6/user/month |
| Best For | Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophisticated automation | Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation |
| Our Rating | 4.4/5 | 4/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Yes |
| Email Marketing | Yes | No |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Extensive |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Partner Discount | 20% off first year | 15% off first year |
ActiveCampaign vs Smartsheet Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
ActiveCampaign Pricing
Starter
£12/month
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓Marketing automation
- ✓Inline forms
- ✓Site tracking
Plus
£42/month
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓CRM
- ✓Lead scoring
- ✓Landing pages
- ✓SMS marketing
Pro
£135/month
- ✓Everything in Plus
- ✓Predictive sending
- ✓Split automation
- ✓Attribution
Enterprise
£225/month
- ✓Everything in Pro
- ✓Custom objects
- ✓Single sign-on
- ✓Dedicated account rep
Smartsheet Pricing
Pro
£6/user/month
- ✓Unlimited sheets
- ✓Gantt, grid, card views
- ✓Automations
- ✓Forms
Business
£22/user/month
- ✓Everything in Pro
- ✓Unlimited automations
- ✓Document builder
- ✓Proofing
Enterprise
Custom
- ✓Everything in Business
- ✓WorkApps
- ✓Connectors
- ✓Advanced admin
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both ActiveCampaign and Smartsheet for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
ActiveCampaign Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Best-in-class marketing automation
- •Excellent email deliverability
- •Sophisticated automation builder
- •Good CRM functionality
- •Strong segmentation capabilities
✗Cons
- •CRM is secondary to marketing features
- •Can be complex for beginners
- •Contact-based pricing escalates
- •Reporting could be more visual
- •Limited social media features
Smartsheet Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Familiar spreadsheet interface
- •Powerful automation engine
- •Good for enterprise workflows
- •Strong reporting and dashboards
- •WorkApps for custom portals
✗Cons
- •Not designed as a CRM
- •Can be expensive for what it offers
- •Interface can feel corporate
- •Steep learning curve for advanced features
- •Limited CRM-specific functionality
Our Verdict: ActiveCampaign vs Smartsheet
Both ActiveCampaign and Smartsheet are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose ActiveCampaign if you need Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophisticated automation. With a starting price of £12/month and a rating of 4.4/5, it offers best-in-class marketing automation.
Choose Smartsheet if you need Enterprises wanting spreadsheet-familiar work management with automation. Starting at £6/user/month with a 4/5 rating, it excels at familiar spreadsheet interface.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up ActiveCampaign or Smartsheet for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.