Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Smartsheet in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison

In 2025, the project management landscape is dominated by open-source tools that offer flexible and customizable solutions. Whether you're looking for classic or agile project management, database tools, or office suites, this article explores the top 10 open-source alternatives to Smartsheet, comparing them on key data points like open-source status, hosting options, key features, and more.

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1. OpenProject

Description: OpenProject is a comprehensive open-source project management software that offers both classic and agile project management features. It aims to be a complete replacement for Smartsheet, with the added benefit of being open-source and offering a self-hosted option.
Key Features:
Classic and agile project management capabilities.
Project wikis and forums are integrated.
On-premises and cloud deployment options are available.
Comprehensive project management tools.
Meeting scheduling functionality.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Cloud Option: Yes
Agile Support: Yes
Wiki/Forums: Yes
Learn more about OpenProject

2. ProjectLibre

Description: ProjectLibre is an open-source project management software and a direct alternative to Microsoft Project. It focuses on providing a desktop-based solution with features similar to MS Project, and it's compatible with MS Project files.
Key Features:
Gantt charts
Network diagrams
WBS/RBS charts
Earned Value Costing
Resource histograms
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Compatibility: Microsoft Project files
Gantt Charts: Yes
Multi-Language Support: 31 languages
Download Count: 7,000,000+
Learn more about ProjectLibre

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3. Taiga.io

Description: Taiga.io is an open-source project management tool specifically designed for agile teams. It provides a platform for sprint planning, backlog management, and Kanban boards.
Key Features:
Sprint planning
Backlog management
Kanban boards
Bug/issue tracking
Test case management
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Agile Focus: Yes
Kanban Boards: Yes
Bug Tracking: Yes
Cost Effective: Yes
Explore Taiga.io

4. Baserow

Description: Baserow is an open-source, no-code database tool that can be used as a flexible alternative to Smartsheet. It allows users to build custom databases without needing to write any code.
Key Features:
No-code database creation
Customizable platform
Scalable for teams and developers
User-friendly interface
Spreadsheet-like view
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
No-Code: Yes
Customizable: Yes
Scalable: Yes
User-Friendly: Yes
Discover Baserow

5. Worklenz

Description: Worklenz is an open-source project management tool designed for flexibility and customization. It provides a platform for teams to tailor their workflows and manage resources effectively.
Key Features:
Customizable open-source platform
Resource management tools
Task progress tracking
Detailed milestones
Data security
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Customizable: Yes
Task Management: Yes
Data Security: Yes
Learn more about Worklenz

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6. ONLYOFFICE Workspace

Description: ONLYOFFICE Workspace is a self-hosted open-source office suite that includes document editors, project management, and collaboration tools. It aims to provide a comprehensive solution for team productivity.
Key Features:
Document editors (text, spreadsheets, presentations)
Project management tools
File management
Customer relationship management
Mail and calendar integration
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Integrated Suite: Yes
Collaboration Tools: Yes
Document Editors: Yes
Discover ONLYOFFICE Workspace

7. Redmine

Description: Redmine is a flexible project management web application. It is written using Ruby on Rails framework and is open source, making it a very customizable solution.
Key Features:
Multiple project support
Role-based access control
Issue tracking
Gantt charts and calendar
News and document management
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Customizable: Yes
Issue Tracking: Yes
Gantt Charts: Yes
Multiple Projects: Yes

8. Leantime

Description: Leantime is an open-source project management system designed for startups. It emphasizes simplicity and user-friendliness while still providing project management tools.
Key Features:
User-friendly interface
Task management
Gantt charts
Kanban boards
Project planning
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
User-Friendly: Yes
Gantt Charts: Yes
Kanban Boards: Yes
Startup Focused: Yes

9. Freedcamp

Description: Freedcamp is a project management tool that offers a free plan and is considered to be a more user-friendly option while still providing good project management features.
Key Features:
User-friendly interface
Task management
Subtasks
Kanban boards
Calendar
Data Points:
Open Source: Not fully, but has a free plan
User-Friendly: Yes
Kanban Boards: Yes
Subtasks: Yes
Free plan: Yes

10. Bitrix24

Description: Bitrix24 is a collaboration platform that provides project management, communication, CRM, and other business tools. It offers a free plan and open-source options.
Key Features:
Project management
CRM
Document management
Task management
Time management
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Free Cloud Version: Yes
CRM: Yes
Task Management: Yes
All-in-one platform: Yes

These tools offer a range of features and deployment options, making them viable alternatives to Smartsheet in 2025, especially for those seeking open-source solutions.

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FAQ

1. What is OpenProject, and how does it compare to Smartsheet?

OpenProject is a comprehensive open-source project management software that offers both classic and agile project management features. It includes integrated project wikis and forums and provides on-premises and cloud deployment options. Learn more about OpenProject

2. Can ProjectLibre be used as an alternative to Microsoft Project?

Yes, ProjectLibre is an open-source project management software and a direct alternative to Microsoft Project. It supports Gantt charts, network diagrams, and is compatible with Microsoft Project files. Explore ProjectLibre

3. What features does Taiga.io offer for agile teams?

Taiga.io provides a platform specifically designed for agile teams, offering sprint planning, backlog management, Kanban boards, bug/issue tracking, and test case management. Discover Taiga.io

4. How does Baserow serve as a flexible alternative to Smartsheet?

Baserow is a no-code database tool that allows users to build custom databases without needing to write any code. It offers a user-friendly interface with a spreadsheet-like view. Learn more about Baserow

5. What makes Worklenz a customizable project management tool?

Worklenz is designed for flexibility and customization, offering resource management tools, task progress tracking, detailed milestones, and data security. Explore Worklenz

6. What integrated features does ONLYOFFICE Workspace provide?

ONLYOFFICE Workspace includes document editors (text, spreadsheets, presentations), project management tools, file management, customer relationship management, and mail and calendar integration. Discover ONLYOFFICE Workspace

7. How can Redmine support multiple projects and issue tracking?

Redmine is a flexible project management web application with multiple project support, role-based access control, issue tracking, Gantt charts, and calendar.

8. Why is Leantime suitable for startups?

Leantime emphasizes simplicity and user-friendliness while still providing essential project management tools such as task management, Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and project planning.

9. What does Freedcamp offer in its free plan?

Freedcamp provides a user-friendly interface, task management, subtasks, Kanban boards, and a calendar. It offers a free plan, making it accessible for individuals and small teams.

10. How is Bitrix24 an all-in-one collaboration platform?

Bitrix24 offers project management, CRM, document management, task management, and time management tools, making it a comprehensive solution for business collaboration.

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.