Is there software similar to Excel?

techtraveller · February 28, 2025, 12:15pm

I’m looking for software similar to Microsoft Excel that offers spreadsheet functionalities. I’m curious if there’s an alternative that might suit my needs better. Does anyone have suggestions or recommendations on what to use?

Mike34 · February 28, 2025, 1:15pm

Google Sheets
- Homepage Link: Google Sheets
- Pros:
  - Free to use with a Google account.
  - Excellent collaboration features for real-time editing.
  - Seamless integration with other Google Workspace tools.
  - Cross-platform availability (web-based, works on all devices).
- Cons:
  - Offline functionality requires pre-setup, and it’s not always smooth.
  - Slower performance for massive datasets compared to Excel.
  - Limited advanced statistical tools and customization options.
- Features:
  - Integrated cloud storage and auto-save.
  - Add-ons for extended functionality like charts and macros.
  - Comments and activity tracking for teamwork.
- User Reviews: Users commend its simplicity and collaboration tools, ideal for teams. However, professionals handling large volumes of data find the lag frustrating.
- Verdict: Perfect for casual and collaborative work, though power users may hit its limits.
LibreOffice Calc
- Homepage Link: LibreOffice Calc
- Pros:
  - Free and open-source tool.
  - Compatible with Excel formats like .xls and .xlsx.
  - Plenty of customization options and user-created add-ons.
- Cons:
  - Interface feels somewhat dated.
  - Lack of advanced features like Power Query and Power Pivot.
  - Online collaboration tools are lacking.
- Features:
  - Strong support for formulas and pivot tables.
  - Macro scripting with Python or Basic.
  - Active user community for help.
- User Reviews: People value its ability to handle Excel docs without requiring Microsoft’s license fee. Critics, however, find the user experience clunky vs. paid solutions.
- Verdict: Good choice for budget-conscious users, but might not replace Excel for complex projects.
Airtable
- Homepage Link: Airtable
- Pros:
  - Modern, visually appealing interface.
  - Combines database features with spreadsheet capabilities.
  - Great for project management and team workflows.
- Cons:
  - Somewhat pricey for premium features.
  - May be overkill for basic spreadsheet needs.
  - Limited advanced number-crunching tools.
- Features:
  - Templates for various industries and use cases.
  - Collaboration and integration with apps like Slack and Zapier.
  - Powerful filtering and multiple views (e.g., Kanban, Grid).
- User Reviews: Small teams and creative professionals rave about its versatility, while hardcore data analysts feel it lacks traditional spreadsheet depth.
- Verdict: Great for project or content management but less suitable for advanced data analysis.
Zoho Sheet
- Homepage Link: Zoho Sheet
- Pros:
  - Free for up to 25 users.
  - Cloud-based with smooth collaboration tools.
  - Supports importing from and exporting to Excel.
- Cons:
  - UI isn’t as polished as Excel or Google Sheets.
  - Requires a Zoho account, which isn’t as widely recognized as Google or Microsoft.
- Features:
  - Built-in data cleaning tools.
  - Enables cell linking across multiple sheets.
  - Integration with Zoho’s larger ecosystem (CRM, Mail, etc.).
- User Reviews: Users like its affordability and handy utilities for teams on a budget, though they find its interface and feature set less robust than competitors.
- Verdict: Good middle-ground option for teams seeking first-rate collaboration features but don’t need Excel’s full power.
WPS Office Spreadsheets
- Homepage Link: WPS Office
- Pros:
  - Free with premium features available.
  - Lightweight and runs on less powerful devices.
  - Full compatibility with Excel file types.
- Cons:
  - Ads in the free version can be intrusive.
  - Limited online storage options in comparison to Google Sheets or Zoho.
- Features:
  - Pre-designed templates for invoices, reports, etc.
  - PDF conversion and editing option.
  - Basic cloud syncing abilities.
- User Reviews: Many praise its ability to mimic key Excel features while being free. On the flip side, the free-tier ads annoy more frequent users.
- Verdict: A budget-friendly choice for Excel-like functions if you’re okay with some compromises.
Numbers (Apple)
- Homepage Link: Apple Numbers
- Pros:
  - Free for Mac and iOS users.
  - Clean and aesthetically pleasing layouts.
  - Easy document sharing for other Apple users.
- Cons:
  - Limited compatibility with non-Mac platforms (Windows).
  - Doesn’t handle large datasets as smoothly.
- Features:
  - Customizable templates with visuals.
  - Offline desktop app for Mac.
  - iCloud syncing ensures you can move between devices.
- User Reviews: Mac enthusiasts love its simplicity for personal projects, while professionals in mixed platform environments feel frustrated at the lack of compatibility.
- Verdict: Fine for Mac users with light spreadsheet needs but hard pass for cross-platform usage.
OnlyOffice Spreadsheet Editor
- Homepage Link: OnlyOffice
- Pros:
  - Fully offline or cloud-based options available.
  - Free/community edition for small teams or individual use.
  - Similar design to Microsoft Office tools.
- Cons:
  - Fewer built-in templates compared to Excel.
  - Smaller ecosystem compared to larger brands.
- Features:
  - Solid formula functions and pivot tables.
  - Supports viewing/editing multiple file types.
  - Full encryption support.
- User Reviews: People like its security-centric features. However, the lack of reputation compared to more popular brands leaves many hesitant.
- Verdict: Secure and basic alternative with good reliability, though lesser-known among spreadsheet enthusiasts.
Gravit Designer Tables
- Homepage Link: Gravit Designer
- Pros:
  - Entirely browser-based and usable for free.
  - Integrates spreadsheet-like tools with an intuitive UI.
- Cons:
  - Very new to market, so features are still somewhat limited.
  - No true offline mode is operational.
- Features:
  - Visual interface prioritizing charts and diagram support.
  - Works with all browsers without installation.
- User Reviews: Designers and artists enjoy its modern design orientation, but power spreadsheet folks won’t find traditional functionality here.
- Verdict: More niche use case, excellent for casual spreadsheet visibility.
Apache OpenOffice Calc
- Homepage Link: Apache OpenOffice
- Pros:
  - Free and open source, with similar functionality to LibreOffice Calc.
  - Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux).
- Cons:
  - Far less polished than modern tools and gets few mainstream updates.
  - Adds no new major features unique to other options.
- Features:
  - Multi-format compatibility.
  - Basic sorting, filtering, and chart options.
- User Reviews: Beloved by open-source fans as it’s free forever, but others complain about its outdated appearance and capabilities.
- Verdict: A serviceable free tool, but better modern alternatives exist for most people.
Excel Online (Free Version)

Homepage Link: Excel Online
Pros:
- Free online access for basic Excel needs.
- Fully compatible with Excel files.
- Excellent collaboration options similar to Google Sheets.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to the desktop version of Excel.
- Requires an internet connection.
Features:
- Web-based so you can use on any device.
- Cloud storage integration with OneDrive.
User Reviews: Seen as the perfect first step into Excel’s ecosystem for users who are cost-conscious, but pros say it’s a stripped-down version without full capacity.
Verdict: Ideal for occasional Excel users who don’t need advanced commands or formulas.

Choose based on the balance between your budget, collaboration needs, and feature depth!