Best Spreadsheet Software: 10 Powerful Alternatives to Try in 2024

Spreadsheets have become an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals alike. From managing finances to analyzing data, spreadsheet software offers a vast range of functions that enhance productivity. While Microsoft Excel remains the dominant player in this field, there are several other powerful options available that cater to various needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 spreadsheet software alternatives to Excel, covering features, pricing, and why they might be the perfect fit for you.

What is Spreadsheet Software?

Spreadsheet software enables users to organize, calculate, and analyze data. These tools are typically used for tasks like budgeting, financial reporting, data analysis, project management, and more. The right spreadsheet tool can improve workflow, streamline collaboration, and provide key insights into data.

Top 10 Best Spreadsheet Software for 2024

1. Microsoft Excel

Overview: Microsoft Excel is undoubtedly the most popular spreadsheet software globally, boasting more than 750 million users. Known for its advanced data management features, it offers over 400 functions that make handling calculations, creating graphs, and managing data easy.

Key Features:

• Advanced formulas and functions.

• Pivot tables for data analysis.

• Real-time collaboration through Microsoft 365.

• Customizable templates for reports, invoices, and more.

• Data import from photos via the mobile app.

Best For: Professionals, financial analysts, and businesses managing large datasets.

Price: $159.99 (standalone); Available in Microsoft 365 subscriptions from $6.99/month.

Why Choose Excel: Excel is a highly versatile tool suitable for all kinds of data manipulation, offering extensive support for advanced users. However, its steep price tag and learning curve may push some users toward alternatives.

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2. Google Sheets

Overview: Google Sheets is a free, cloud-based spreadsheet tool from Google, offering robust collaboration features. It integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace tools like Google Docs, Google Data Studio, and Google Forms, making it ideal for team-based projects.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration with chat and commenting.

• Cloud storage for easy access and sharing.

• Integration with Google Analytics for data visualization.

• Version history for tracking changes.

Best For: Teams working remotely, freelancers, and small businesses.

Price: Free for personal use; Google Workspace plans start at $6/month per user.

Why Choose Google Sheets: Google Sheets is perfect for those who need basic spreadsheet functions with strong collaboration tools. It's free and highly accessible, though it lacks some of Excel's more advanced features.

3. LibreOffice Calc

Overview: LibreOffice Calc is part of the LibreOffice suite, an open-source alternative to Microsoft Office. It’s a powerful tool for users looking for a free yet feature-rich spreadsheet application.

Key Features:

• Support for Excel file formats (XLS, XLSX).

• Advanced data processing tools.

• Compatible with a wide range of file formats.

• Basic real-time collaboration through shared files.

Best For: Budget-conscious users who prefer open-source solutions.

Price: Free.

Why Choose LibreOffice Calc: LibreOffice Calc is a great free alternative to Excel, especially for users who need to work offline or want an open-source tool. However, it lacks advanced collaboration features found in tools like Google Sheets.

4. Zoho Sheet

Overview: Zoho Sheet is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool designed for seamless collaboration and automation. With its AI-powered data analysis, Zoho Sheet is a modern alternative for businesses.

Key Features:

• AI-powered data cleaning and analysis.

• Real-time collaboration.

• Integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps.

• 350+ built-in functions.

Best For: Teams using Zoho’s suite of business tools.

Price: Free for up to 25 users; premium plans start at $5 per user per month.

Why Choose Zoho Sheet: If you're already using Zoho’s suite of apps, Zoho Sheet integrates perfectly with them, making it a solid choice for businesses. However, advanced users may find some features more hidden than in Excel.

5. OnlyOffice

Overview: OnlyOffice offers an extensive suite for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It supports self-hosted environments and is designed for businesses needing powerful spreadsheet tools.

Key Features:

• Over 400 advanced functions, including pivot tables.

• Real-time and save-to-sync collaboration options.

• Cloud-hosted environment for file sharing.

• Supports integration with Microsoft Office formats.

Best For: Businesses and teams requiring secure, self-hosted solutions.

Price: Free; paid plans for additional features.

Why Choose OnlyOffice: OnlyOffice is a compelling alternative for those who need advanced Excel-like features in a collaborative, cloud-based environment.

6. Apple Numbers

Overview: Apple Numbers is a free spreadsheet tool for Mac users, known for its clean and modern interface. Unlike traditional spreadsheets, it offers a canvas-style layout for more visual projects.

Key Features:

• Infinite canvas for customizable data display.

• Pre-built templates for ease of use.

• Integration across Apple devices via iCloud.

• Real-time collaboration for Mac users.

Best For: Mac users seeking a visually appealing alternative to Excel.

Price: Free for Apple device users.

Why Choose Apple Numbers: Numbers offers a unique design perspective and is ideal for Mac users who prioritize design and simplicity over data processing power.

7. SmartSheet

Overview: SmartSheet is a project management-focused spreadsheet tool, combining the flexibility of spreadsheets with advanced task management features.

Key Features:

• Project tracking and automation tools.

• Integration with other apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office.

• Alerts and actions to nudge team members.

• Gantt charts and Kanban views.

Best For: Project managers and teams needing advanced tracking and automation.

Price: Starting at $7/month per user.

Why Choose SmartSheet: If your primary goal is project management with a familiar spreadsheet interface, SmartSheet excels at combining these two worlds.

8. Airtable

Overview: Airtable is a hybrid tool that blends spreadsheets with databases, making it easy to track projects, plan events, and manage data visually.

Key Features:

• Customizable templates for various use cases.

• Relational database capabilities.

• Drag-and-drop interface for ease of use.

• Integration with popular apps like Slack, Dropbox, and Trello.

Best For: Teams that need a flexible, visual tool for project management and data tracking.

Price: Free plan available; premium plans start at $10 per user per month.

Why Choose Airtable: Airtable is an excellent choice for users who need more structure than a traditional spreadsheet but don’t want to dive into full-scale databases.

9. EtherCalc

Overview: EtherCalc is a simple, web-based spreadsheet application that doesn’t require an account. It’s perfect for occasional users who need quick and collaborative editing.

Key Features:

• No account required for use.

• Simple interface for basic tasks.

• Real-time collaboration via unique URLs.

Best For: Users needing a quick, hassle-free spreadsheet tool.

Price: Free.

Why Choose EtherCalc: EtherCalc is a great option if you need basic spreadsheet functionality without the need for an account or software installation.

10. Stackby

Overview: Stackby combines the flexibility of spreadsheets with the power of databases, allowing teams to automate workflows, collaborate, and manage data all in one place.

Key Features:

• Over 25 column types for data customization.

• Automated workflows with no coding required.

• Data pulled from services and real-time updates.

Best For: Teams managing multiple projects with automation needs.

Price: Free plan available; premium plans start at $5 per user per month.

Why Choose Stackby: If you need powerful customization and automation without coding, Stackby offers a comprehensive solution with an intuitive interface.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best spreadsheet software depends on your specific needs—whether you’re a freelancer, small business, or large enterprise. Microsoft Excel remains the powerhouse of spreadsheet tools, but the landscape is evolving with many free and paid alternatives offering unique features for collaboration, project management, and data analysis.

By considering factors like price, features, and ease of use, you can find the spreadsheet software that best fits your workflow. Whether it’s Google Sheets for collaboration, Airtable for flexible data management, or LibreOffice Calc for a free, open-source option, the choice is yours.

Source: https://royalcdkeys.com/blogs/news/best-spreadsheets-software-10-options-you-have-to-try

If you're trying to decide between Excel for Windows and Excel for Mac, be sure to read our article 'Excel Showdown: Windows vs Mac – Which Version Reigns Supreme,' where we compare the features and benefits of each version to help you make an informed decision.