Head-to-head
Linear vs Smartsheet
An honest, feature-by-feature look at Linear and Smartsheet for creative teams — where each is stronger, what they cost, and what neither includes.
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Where Linear and Smartsheet differ
Of the 8 capabilities creative teams typically stitch together, Linear fully includes 2 and Smartsheet fully includes 5.
Video & Image Review
Smartsheet includes video & image review; Linear doesn't include it.
Built-in Chat
Linear partially covers built-in chat; Smartsheet doesn't include it.
File Storage & Drive
Smartsheet includes file storage & drive; Linear covers it partially.
Calendar & Scheduling
Smartsheet includes calendar & scheduling; Linear doesn't include it.
AI Assistant (kloudie)
Linear includes ai assistant (kloudie); Smartsheet covers it partially.
Free Guest Access
Smartsheet includes free guest access; Linear covers it partially.
What neither includes
Whichever you pick, you'll still be stitching tools around it for the rest of the workflow. kloudboard includes all of the below in the same workspace:
- Built-in Chat
- Freelancer Payments
Frequently asked questions
Is Linear or Smartsheet better for creative teams?
Smartsheet covers more of the workflow out of the box (5 of the 8 capabilities we track fully included, vs 2), but the right pick depends on which capabilities your team actually uses. The comparison table above shows exactly where they differ.
How much do Linear and Smartsheet cost?
Linear is free for unlimited members but caps you at 2 teams, 250 issues, and 10MB file uploads with Google sign-in only; paid plans start at Basic $8/user/mo (billed annually, $10 monthly) and Business $14/user/mo annually ($16 monthly), with SAML/SCIM reserved for custom-priced Enterprise. Smartsheet retired its free plan in 2025 — it now offers only a 30-day trial, with paid plans starting at Pro $9/user/mo ($108/yr, capped at 1-10 users, 250 automations/mo, 20GB storage, 30MB attachment limit) and Business at $19/user/mo ($228/yr, 3-user minimum, 1TB); AI tools are gated to the custom-priced Enterprise plan (10+ seats).
What do both Linear and Smartsheet lack?
Neither fully includes built-in chat and freelancer payments. kloudboard includes all of these in one workspace, with a free plan for up to 5 members.
Is there one tool that replaces both Linear and Smartsheet?
kloudboard combines kanban boards, frame-accurate video and image review, built-in chat (with Slack, Discord, and WhatsApp bridging), freelancer payments, file storage, calendar, and a free AI assistant in one workspace — free forever for up to 5 members, with Pro at a flat $20/member/mo.
Skip the trade-off
Instead of choosing between Linear and Smartsheet, get boards, review, chat, and payments in one workspace. Free forever for up to 5 members — no credit card required.
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