Top 12 Microsoft Office Excel Alternatives for Power-Packed Productivity

Did you know over 1.1 billion individuals worldwide are actively utilizing Microsoft's Productivity Services, which encompasses the popular tool, Microsoft Excel? It means that Excel is employed by more than one-eighth of the global population.

Microsoft Office Excel has long been the go-to spreadsheet software for individuals, businesses, and organisations worldwide. Its powerful features and extensive capabilities have made it a staple tool for data management, analysis, and reporting.

Top 12 Microsoft Excel Alternatives for your project productivity

However, with the rise of cloud-based collaboration and the increasing demand for cost-effective solutions, there's a growing need for alternatives that deliver similar functionality and productivity.

In this detailed guide, we've curated a list of twelve powerful Microsoft Office Excel alternatives that promise seamless collaboration, robust features, and user-friendly interfaces. So, let's dive in and explore these productivity-enhancing tools:

What is Microsoft Office Excel?

Microsoft Office Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, including tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Excel is primarily used for data organization, analysis, and visualization.

Its versatility and extensive range of features make it a fundamental tool for data management and analysis in professional and personal contexts.

12 Best Microsoft Office Excel Alternatives

1. Stackby

Stackby is a comprehensive cloud-based work management platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet and robust functionality of a database.. With seamless integration with over 2000 apps, it offers a customizable solution for businesses and teams without the need for extensive training.

Unlike traditional spreadsheet software, Stackby stands out as a specialized database management tool, providing advanced features beyond what is available in Google Sheets and Microsoft Office Excel.

Key Features

• One-click Import: Effortlessly import data from spreadsheets or Google Sheets, streamlining the transition to Stackby's powerful platform.
• Pre-built Templates: With a diverse selection of over 300 templates spanning 25+ categories, users can swiftly set up databases tailored to their needs.
• Customizable Database Creation: Stackby offers a spreadsheet-style interface with over 25 unique column types, including dropdowns, attachments, collaborators, formulas, ratings, and more. It allows for extensive data management capabilities.
• Workflow Customization: Choose from five different layouts (Grid, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery, and Custom Forms) to best visualize and organize your data, enhancing workflow efficiency. Additionally, Stackby offers a range of apps from Chart to Goal Tracker to analyze, enhance, and act upon your data, empowering you to work from anywhere on multiple platforms.
• API Connectors: Connect columns to APIs to automatically pull and analyze data from third-party services such as YouTube, Facebook, Google Analytics, MailChimp, and Ahrefs. Additionally, configure buttons to send messages via SMS, WhatsApp, and more.
• Reporting: Take charge of your reporting with real-time dashboards to add charts, pivot tables, time tracker and keep an overview of your all your important metrics.

Pros

• Advanced Collaboration Features: Stackby facilitates seamless teamwork by enabling multiple users to work simultaneously on the same database. Features like task assignments, reminders, and direct communication within the platform enhance project and workflow management.
• Powerful Data Analysis Tools: Stackby offers advanced search, filtering, summary, and sorting options, enabling users to analyze their data and extract meaningful insights efficiently.
• Automation via Zapier or Pabbly Connect: Integration with Zapier and Pabbly Connect allows users to automate workflows and increase overall work efficiency and productivity.
• Spreadsheet Style UI + Robust Database Features: Stackby seamlessly integrates spreadsheet-style familiarity with solid database capabilities. With over 25 column data types, 6 data views, and an expanding range of features including powerups and an apps marketplace, it offers a comprehensive platform for custom no-code solutions.

Cons

• Some users are eagerly waiting for internal automations; but they do integrate with over 5000+ apps via Zapier, Make.com or Pabbly Connect.

Pricing

Stackby offers a free plan for individuals and small teams. The Personal Plan is $5/user/month, while the Economy Plan for small teams is $9/user/month. The Business Plan is $18/user/month. For a limited time, Stackby also offers annual plans for teams with discounts of over 70%, starting at just $129 for 3 users for a one-year subscription.

Reviews

"I love the way Stackby is presented - very visual, using a color-coded tagging system to categorize. It has easy-to-use drop downs that you can customize. These are way more user-friendly to use tha excel or Google Sheets. I really like the way so much of the stack is visible on the screen even with small laptops. I also really like how you can embed documents within the stacks and have ready-to-use and adaptable templates. Another great feature is the ability to connect to software like Zapier or Pabbly so that form submissions can be automatically sent to your Stackby CRM, then other actions taken from there - i.e. notifications sent to team via Slack etc.". - Verified User in Marketing and Advertising

Table Comparison: Excel vs Stackby

2. Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet solution that offers real-time collaboration, making it an excellent choice for teams working on shared documents. Its seamless integration with other Google Workspace apps enhances productivity and workflow efficiency.

Key Features

• Access and edit your spreadsheets from anywhere with automatic cloud saving.
• Multiple users can work on the same sheet simultaneously, fostering teamwork.
• A wide array of functions for complex calculations.
• Seamlessly integrates with Gmail, Drive, and other Google apps.
• Easily track changes and revert to previous versions.

Pros

• Works on any device with an internet connection; no software installation is required.
• Free plans are available, and affordable paid plans with increased storage and features.
• Effortlessly share and set permissions for viewing and editing.
• Enhance functionality with a wide range of add-ons and extensions.

Cons

• Requires an internet connection for full access.
• May not have the same level of sophistication as Excel for complex tasks.
• Large datasets may encounter performance issues.

Pricing

It is totally free of cost.

Reviews

"It's so easy to use and understand, it's connected to the cloud so it can be opened everywhere, and everyone can access it online so it's easy to let a friend/colleague to join your sheets". - Nathan C.

Table Comparison: Excel vs Google Sheets

3. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that combines spreadsheet functionality and project management features. It allows teams to plan, track, automate, and report on work, making it an ideal solution for complex projects and workflows.

Key Features

• Automate repetitive tasks and workflows for increased efficiency.
• Gantt charts and dependencies for comprehensive project planning.
• Customize your view (Grid, Card, and Calendar Views) for different project management styles.
• Easily gather data through customizable forms.
• Allocate and manage resources with ease.

Pros

• Tailored for teams managing complex projects.
• Gain insights for data-driven decision-making.
• Streamlines processes, reducing manual efforts.
• Connects with popular tools like Salesforce, Jira, and more.

Cons

• Advanced features may require some training for optimal use.
• Pricing may be a bit steep for very small teams or individuals.
• Chart options may be more limited compared to Excel.

Pricing

• Free: $0 No cost
• Pro: $7 Per user/month, billed yearly
• Business: $25 Per user/month, billed yearly
• Enterprise: Request a Quote

Reviews

"Using Smartsheet, our team is able to centralize our paperwork, more accurately claim and monitor our work, improve our ability to interact with one another, and gain deeper insight into any lingering tasks." - Grace B.

Table Comparison: Excel vs Smartsheet

4. Airtable

Airtable is a flexible spreadsheet-cum-database tool that offers a visually appealing and easy-to-use interface. It empowers teams to organize and collaborate on various types of information, from simple lists to complex project workflows.

Key Features

• Combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the complexity of a database.
• Visualize data in different formats for improved understanding.
• Customize functionality with a range of add-ons and integrations.
• Work together in real-time with commenting and notifications.
• Set up workflows to automate repetitive tasks.

Pros

• Intuitive and easy to learn for teams of all sizes.
• Adapt the platform to suit your specific workflow and business needs.
• Attach files, images, and more directly to your records.
• Save time and effort on repetitive tasks.

Cons

• May not offer as many chart options as Excel for data visualization.
• More advanced features are only available in higher-priced plans.
• Advanced formulas may require some learning for optimal use.

Pricing

• Free: Available at no cost
• Team: $20 per seat/month billed annually
• Business: $45 per seat/month billed annually

Reviews

"Overall I am so glad we chose to set up on this platform! It keeps all our posts so neat in one spot". - Yelle B.

Airtable Review 2023: Features, Pros, Cons and Alternatives

Looking for a spreadsheet-database hybrid to manage your data? Check out our honest Airtable review with key features, pros, cons and suggested alternatives.

Stackby BlogRachit Khator

Table Comparison: Excel vs Airtable

5. Zoho Sheets

Zoho Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool that provides a seamless alternative to Excel. Its extensive features and collaboration capabilities make it a solid choice for teams looking to enhance their productivity.

Key Features

• Multiple users can work on the same sheet simultaneously.
• Equipped with a wide range of functions for complex calculations.
• Supports Excel-like functions, making it easy for transitioning users.
• Seamless integration with other Zoho apps for enhanced productivity.
• Desktop versions are available for offline work.

Pros

• Easy team collaboration with real-time updates.
• Security features ensure data protection.
• User-friendly interface for easy adoption.
• Transform data into insightful visual representations.

Cons

• Charting capabilities may not be as extensive as Excel.
• Fewer third-party extensions compared to some competitors.
• Mastery of complex features may require some time.

Pricing

Available at free of cost

Reviews

"Just as good as using Excel so no complaints". - Jared L.

Table Comparison: Excel vs Zoho Sheets

6. LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a powerful open-source office suite with a spreadsheet application called Calc. It provides a comprehensive set of data analysis and reporting tools, making it a strong contender as an Excel alternative.

Key Features

• Open-source platform with regular updates
• Compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats
• Advanced features for data analysis and visualization
• Extensive library of templates and extensions
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Pros

• No cost and continual community-driven development.
• Similar to older versions of Microsoft Office, it reduces transition time.
• Works on multiple operating systems.
• Community-driven development ensures regular improvements.

Cons

• Not as seamlessly integrated with cloud services as some alternatives.
• The user interface may not be as intuitive for some users.
• Fewer pre-designed templates compared to some paid suites.

Pricing

Available at entirely free of cost

Reviews

"Great tool that i like to use every day, very fast and lightweight compared to Microsoft office or other office productivity tools." - Ali L.

Table Comparison

7. Apache OpenOffice Calc

Apache OpenOffice Calc is another open-source spreadsheet application that offers a comprehensive set of features for data management and analysis. It's a cost-effective alternative to Excel for users seeking a free software solution.

Key Features

• Community-driven with a focus on stability and compatibility.
• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
• The interface resembles older versions of Microsoft Office.
• Supports complex calculations and data manipulation.

Pros

• No cost and continually improved by a dedicated community.
• Similar to older versions of Microsoft Office, it reduces the learning curve.
• Support for macros and automation.
• Focus on stability ensures reliable performance.

Cons

• Not as seamlessly integrated with cloud services as some alternatives.
• Community-driven support may not be as extensive as paid options.
• Fewer extensions are available compared to some paid suites.

Pricing

It is a free software

Reviews

"A good option overall, and its price point (free) is a huge advantage." - Julian H.

Table Comparison

8. WPS Office Spreadsheets

WPS Office is a comprehensive office suite that includes a powerful spreadsheet application. With its user-friendly interface and a range of advanced features, it provides a viable alternative to Microsoft Excel.

Key Features

• Includes Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet modules.
• Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
• Resembles older versions of Microsoft Office for easy adaptation.
• Allows direct export to PDF, streamlining document sharing.
• Supports complex calculations and data analysis.

Pros

• Offers quick performance even on older hardware.
• Access files from anywhere with an internet connection.
• The basic version can be used without any cost.
• Familiar design for users accustomed to older Microsoft Office versions.

Cons

• The free version includes occasional ads, which may be distracting.
• Not as tightly integrated with cloud services as some competitors.
• Community-driven support may not be as extensive as paid options.

Pricing

• Premium: $29.99/year (flat-rate)
• Business: Custom pricing (per feature)
• Standard: $0 (flat-rate)

Reviews

"WPS Office is among the top notch office suites that provides all office programs in one place. It love it for its simplicity and light weight". - Maaz K.

Table Comparison: Excel vs WPS Office Spreadsheet

9. Quip

Quip is a collaborative productivity platform that combines documents, spreadsheets, and task lists in a single workspace. It's a versatile solution for teams looking to streamline their workflows and improve communication.

Key Features

• Seamless collaboration on documents and spreadsheets.
• Multiple users can edit documents and sheets simultaneously.
• Integrated chat feature for instant communication.
• Helps manage tasks and projects within the platform.
• Smooth integration with Salesforce CRM for enhanced productivity.

Pros

• Perfect for teams using Salesforce for customer relationship management.
• Real-time editing and chat features enhance teamwork.
• Mobile apps for on-the-go access and productivity.
• Built-in task lists for better project organization.

Cons

• More advanced features are available in higher-priced plans.
• May not be as feature-rich as some standalone spreadsheet tools.
• May be cost-prohibitive for very small teams or individual users.

Pricing

• Starter: $10/user/month (billed annually)
• Plus: $25/user/month (billed annually)
• Advanced: $100/user/month (billed annually)

Reviews

"When using Salesforce, Quip is a great tool for working together." - Krishna L.

Table Comparison: Excel vs Quip

10. Equals App

Equals App is a platform designed to streamline data collection and reporting, making it an efficient tool for organizations focused on metrics and performance tracking.

Key Features

• Centralizes and refreshes metrics automatically.
• Create customized dashboards for data visualization.
• Facilitates easy sharing of reports and data among team members.
• Set up automatic report generation and distribution.
• New information is just a click away with automatic updates.

Pros

• Streamlines metrics management, reducing manual effort.
• Tailored templates for various use cases.
• Easy adoption for users familiar with Excel.
• Connects with commonly used data sources.

Cons

• More advanced features are available in higher-priced plans.
• Complex functionalities may need some learning.

Pricing

• Free: $0 (3 editors)
• Professional: $18 (1 editor/month)
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing

Reviews

"Previously I was downloading from 16 different places to power our metrics – it was a nightmare: nobody knew if things were updated or if there were errors. On Equals, our reports automatically refresh and new info is just a click away". - Sarah Elizabeth S.

Table Comparison: Excel vs Equals App

11. Gnumeric

Gnumeric is a free, open-source spreadsheet program offering various features for data analysis and reporting. It provides a cost-effective solution for users seeking a powerful alternative to Excel.

Key Features

• Provides quick performance even on older hardware.
• Supports complex calculations and data manipulation.
• Offers a range of options for data visualization.
• Continually updated and improved by the community.
• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

Pros

• Ideal for users seeking a responsive spreadsheet tool.
• Community-driven development ensures regular updates and improvements.
• Supports complex calculations and data analysis.
• Seamlessly integrate with Excel files.

Cons

• Not as seamlessly integrated with cloud services as some alternatives.
• Community-driven support may not be as extensive as paid options.
• Fewer extensions are available compared to some paid suites.

Pricing

It is available for free with no monthly fees.

Reviews

NA

Table Comparison: Excel vs Gnumeric

12. Apple Numbers

Apple Numbers is a spreadsheet application designed exclusively for Apple users. It offers a user-friendly interface and a range of data management and analysis features, making it a viable alternative to Microsoft Excel for Mac users.

Key Features

• Works seamlessly on Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices.
• Offers a range of pre-designed templates for various purposes.
• Easily share and sync data across Apple devices.
• Provides options for visualizing data effectively.
• Multiple users can edit a sheet simultaneously.

Pros

• No cost for Mac and iOS users, making it accessible to all Apple device owners.
• Synchronize data effortlessly across Apple devices.
• Intuitive design for easy navigation and use.
• Pre-designed templates are available for various purposes.

Cons

• Exclusively available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices.
• May not offer as many advanced features as some other alternatives.
• Limited functionality when used on Windows or non-Apple platforms.

Pricing

It is free to use.

Reviews

"People in my organization use this software for maintaining data sheets of our customers. We also maintain our product details in Apple Numbers. It is very convenient to share these sheets among each others as we all use apple devices. It also helps us by converting our data into graphs for our analysis". - Vijendr Warankar

Table Comparison: Excel vs Apple Numbers

In a Nutshell

Thus, finding the right tool can be a game-changer in the realm of spreadsheet management. Among the stellar lineups we've explored, one solution stands out for its versatility, ease of use, and adaptability to different team sizes - Stackby.

With plans tailored for individuals, small teams, mid-size companies and enterprises, this comprehensive solution offers a seamless experience backed by responsive customer support. Don't just manage your data; supercharge your work with Stackby!

So why wait? Try out Stackby for free today and get rid of your spreadsheet troubles.