OpenProject vs Smartsheet
Considering a switch from Smartsheet to a European alternative? OpenProject offers full GDPR compliance and EU-only data hosting without the legal uncertainties that come with US-based services. Here's how they compare on features, pricing, and data protection.
Quick Overview
OpenProject
EU- Headquarters
- Berlin, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Smartsheet
USSmartsheet is a work management platform that provides spreadsheet-like project tracking with automation, collaboration, and reporting features for enterprise teams.
The Case for OpenProject
- OpenProject stores all data exclusively in Germany, EU, under European jurisdiction. Unlike Smartsheet, which is subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, OpenProject cannot be compelled by foreign governments to hand over your data.
- OpenProject offers a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) that is fully aligned with GDPR Article 28. There is no legal ambiguity about data transfers or adequacy decisions — your data processor is European, and the law that governs it is European.
- As an open-source solution, OpenProject gives you full code transparency. You can verify that the software does what it claims, audit it for security vulnerabilities, and even self-host it for maximum control — something that is simply not possible with Smartsheet.
- You can try OpenProject for free before committing. This makes it easy to evaluate whether it meets your needs alongside — or as a replacement for — Smartsheet, without any financial risk.
Why Switch to OpenProject?
Concerns with Smartsheet
- US CLOUD Act jurisdiction
- Work management data stored on US infrastructure
- Broad data processing rights in service agreement
- Attachment and form data processed on US servers
OpenProject Compliance
GDPRDPA
- Headquarters
- Berlin, DE
- Data Centers
- DE, EU
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OpenProject vs Smartsheet — FAQ
Is Smartsheet GDPR compliant?
Smartsheet may offer GDPR compliance features and EU data residency options, but as a US-headquartered company, it remains subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702. These laws can compel US companies to hand over data regardless of where it is stored. The EU-US Data Privacy Framework provides some safeguards, but its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield) were both invalidated by the European Court of Justice. OpenProject, as a European company, is not subject to these US laws at all.
How does OpenProject compare to Smartsheet in features?
OpenProject offers Gantt charts and work packages, Agile boards (Scrum and Kanban), Time and cost tracking, Resource management, and 6 more features. While Smartsheet's ecosystem may be larger due to its market position, OpenProject covers the core functionality that most teams need. The trade-off is typically between breadth of integrations (Smartsheet) and data sovereignty with regulatory certainty (OpenProject).
Can I migrate from Smartsheet to OpenProject?
Yes. Most European software providers, including OpenProject, offer migration tools or documentation to help you transition from US-based services. Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability — meaning Smartsheet must provide your data in a machine-readable format. The migration process varies in complexity depending on your data volume and integrations, but for most teams it can be completed within a few days to a few weeks.