There are two types of people in this world: those who see a blank spreadsheet and panic and those who see infinite possibilities. I used to be the latter until a poorly formatted dataset, a rogue formula, and a sluggish cloud sync conspired against me on the same afternoon.
If you’ve ever watched your carefully crafted formulas implode because of one misplaced character or tried to collaborate on a document only to find someone has mysteriously deleted an entire column, you know the struggle of not working with the best spreadsheet software.
Spreadsheets are supposed to make life easier, but pick the wrong tool, and suddenly, you’re in an endurance test of patience and CTRL+Z reflexes. After one too many near-breakdowns, I decided to test different spreadsheet tools to see which ones could handle the chaos of my daily work. Some solutions handled massive datasets like a dream. Others made collaboration feel effortless. And a few? Let’s just say they reminded me why people still print things out.
If you live and breathe spreadsheets or just want a tool that won’t betray you, my list of best spreadsheet software breaks down the 8 top solutions I tested, what they excel at, and which one might save you from a data-induced meltdown.
Let’s get into it.
These spreadsheet software solutions are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. Most of them are free to use; for others, pricing is available on request.
Spreadsheet software is the tool I can’t escape, mostly because I don’t want to. It’s where I plan, organize, and analyze everything from marketing metrics to content schedules. At its simplest, it’s just a grid of rows and columns. But in reality? It’s a financial tracker, a reporting powerhouse, a calculator, a lightweight database, and occasionally a last-minute problem solver when no other software can do exactly what I need.
I’ve used spreadsheets for everything from budgeting ad spending to tracking marketing performance, and I’ve seen them morph into full-blown databases with automation, advanced formulas, and real-time collaboration. The best spreadsheet software isn’t just a place to dump numbers; it’s a tool that helps you make sense of them, spot patterns, and (hopefully) avoid costly mistakes.
Whether you’re crunching data, managing workflows, or just trying to stay organized, the right spreadsheet software can make a difference. The wrong one? Let’s just say I’ve lost enough unsaved work to know better.
I used G2 Grid Reports to see which spreadsheet software ranked highest based on real user feedback. I used AI to comb through thousands of reviews, paying close attention to comments about usability, performance, collaboration features, and how well each tool handled large datasets and complex formulas.
From there, I tested each spreadsheet tool myself. I built sample reports, imported messy datasets, ran formulas, and pushed collaboration features to their limits. I looked at how easy it was to automate workflows, whether the software slowed down under pressure, and how smoothly it integrated with other tools.
In cases where I couldn’t personally test a tool due to limited access, I consulted a professional with hands-on experience and validated their insights using verified G2 reviews. The screenshots featured in this article may include those captured during testing and those obtained from the vendor’s G2 page.
I wasn’t just looking for a spreadsheet that worked. I wanted one that made my job easier. So, I put the best spreadsheet software through the wringer, testing everything from speed to collaboration to how well they handled messy, real-world data.
The best spreadsheet software didn’t just handle numbers—it extended what I could do with them, making my work more efficient and, honestly, a lot less frustrating. After testing over 30 tools over several months, I have my final cut.
The list below contains genuine user reviews from G2’s best spreadsheet software category. To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
I’ve used Google Workspace for years, but I wanted to go beyond the usual budgeting and content tracking for testing Sheets.
I put Google Sheets through a deep test: handling large datasets, automating workflows, integrating live data, and stress-testing formulas. My goal was to see if it could replace a more heavy-duty spreadsheet tool or if it would start showing cracks under pressure.
First, the real-time collaboration is still unmatched. I invited multiple people to edit a live document, tested simultaneous changes, and set up protected ranges to prevent accidental overwrites. Everything was updated in real-time without lag, and I could tag people with @mentions in comments to assign tasks. The built-in chat centralized discussions, making it feel more like a living document than a static spreadsheet.
But I wanted to push automation next. Google Apps Script is a serious advantage if you know JavaScript. It allowed me to create custom workflows, like pulling live stock market data from an API or automatically generating reports. Sheets still offers basic automation through Macros for non-coders, which let me record and repeat repetitive tasks. I tested setting up an automated workflow to copy data from one sheet to another when a condition was met, and it worked well but only within Sheets itself.
Google Sheets also has impressive live data import capabilities. I used functions like IMPORTXML to scrape website data and IMPORTRANGE to pull values from other spreadsheets. Connecting Sheets to Google Analytics and BigQuery was smooth, but it required setup through Google Cloud, which isn’t as intuitive for beginners.
What also intrigued me was Gemini for Google Sheets, Google’s AI-powered assistant. Instead of manually building formulas or sifting through rows of data, I typed simple prompts like “Summarize sales trends from the last quarter” or “Highlight underperforming products,” and Gemini returned structured insights. It wasn’t always perfect—I still had to refine results—but it sped up analysis significantly. Gemini made trend-spotting and data summaries effortless for marketers and analysts working with extensive reports.
Then came the stress test. I uploaded a dataset with 100,000 rows of financial transactions and ran a series of calculations using QUERY and FILTER. At around 50,000 rows, performance started taking a hit: lagging refresh times, occasional freezing, and sluggish formula processing. Large pivot tables were also noticeably slower than Excel or dedicated data tools. This confirmed that Sheets is fantastic for light to mid-level analysis, but performance declines fast when you throw massive datasets at it.
Another pain point was offline functionality. I switched off my internet and tried editing a spreadsheet with offline mode enabled. While it worked for simple edits, loading large files without a stable connection felt unreliable. I wouldn't trust it for critical work if I were traveling or in a low-connectivity environment.
“We use Google Workspace for our custom domain emails for our entire team. We use a regular drive to share files. We work with sheets to maintain our work records. We collaborate with Google Meet for stand-up calls for very Quick rounds ups. Overall, it's one place where we spend more time in our regular work lives.”
- Google Workspace Review, Santosh R.
“One downside of Google Workspace is its limited offline functionality. While offline access is possible with some apps (like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail), it requires setting up beforehand, and certain features may not work as well or require a steady internet connection to update smoothly once you are back online. Additionally, if your organization relies heavily on advanced spreadsheet or document features, Google Sheets and Docs may lack the in-depth functionality of traditional software like Microsoft Excel and Word, especially for complex data processing or advanced formatting.”
- Google Workspace Review, Gadwin O.
Spreadsheets are great for crunching numbers, tracking data, and even managing projects—until they aren’t. A free project management tool may be the right step if you’re juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and team collaborations. Check out my recommendations now!
I’ve always seen Excel as the spreadsheet software that can do everything—if you know how to use it. While Google Sheets wins in collaboration, Excel dominates in raw power, making it my go-to for large datasets, advanced financial modeling, and automation that doesn’t break under pressure.
I started by loading a massive dataset with over 500,000 rows to see how Excel handled large-scale data analysis. Excel barely flinched, unlike Google Sheets, which started lagging at around 50,000 rows. Filtering, sorting, and running complex calculations felt smooth, even when I stacked multiple pivot tables and conditional formatting rules.
What impressed me was Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant. Instead of manually figuring out formulas or creating pivot tables from scratch, I simply typed what I needed in plain English. Copilot suggested the correct formulas, created visualizations, and even summarized trends in my data. It wasn’t perfect; I still had to tweak results occasionally, but it was a massive time-saver for quick insights and first drafts of reports.
However, Excel shines in Power Query and Power Pivot. These tools aren’t just for cleaning up messy data; they let you manipulate and transform datasets with incredible precision. I tested Power Query by pulling in raw CSV files, merging tables, and automatically refreshing reports with new data. It worked flawlessly, saving me hours of manual cleanup. On the other hand, Power Pivot let me build relational data models, which is a lifesaver when working with multi-sheet reports that need to stay connected.
For automation, I tested Excel’s built-in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). I wrote a macro to generate weekly marketing reports, pulling data from multiple sheets, applying formatting, and even sending an email summary—all with one click. It took some initial setup, but it saved me from a tedious manual process once configured. If VBA feels too technical, Excel also integrates with Power Automate, allowing no-code automation that connects with other Microsoft tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
I also tested Excel’s data visualization tools, and this is where it pulls ahead for reporting. The charting features go far beyond simple bar graphs; I created interactive dashboards with slicers, custom trend lines, and dynamic formatting that made reports more insightful at a glance. If you work in analytics-heavy fields, Excel’s ability to handle forecasting, trend analysis, and predictive modeling gives it an edge.
One drawback I ran into was cloud collaboration. While the Excel for Web version allows real-time editing, it’s not nearly as smooth as Google Sheets. The desktop version is still the best for performance, but sharing files requires saving them to OneDrive or SharePoint, which adds an extra step compared to Google’s instant sharing.
“Excel has become a powerful tool and a required skill for almost any professional. I have used Excel workbooks in many business scenarios, and you can easily create many solutions. It has many formulas and powerful features like Power Query and Power Pivot, besides VBA, if you have programming knowledge and require specific operations. The Power Query feature allows you to integrate Excel with many file types and databases, and as a data analyst, this is gold.”
- Microsoft Excel Review, Germán Andrés C.
“I wish there were times when the formulas were more explanatory. At times, the formulas do not seem to make sense, and experts need to be consulted, or self-help videos need to be reviewed to solve the issue of why certain logic paths/formulas aren't working.”
- Microsoft Review, Michael R.
If you want to turn raw data into beautiful, interactive dashboards, you’ll need the right tool. Luckily, I’ve also tested the best free dashboard software to help you visualize your data like a pro.
Quip isn’t your typical spreadsheet software. It’s what happens when a spreadsheet, a document editor, and a chat tool get combined into a single workspace. At first, I wasn’t sure if this mashup was a brilliant idea or an unnecessary complication, but after testing it for real-world tasks, I can see why teams who need an all-in-one workspace love it.
Right away, Quip felt less like a spreadsheet tool and more like a live workspace. Instead of being dropped into a blank grid, I started inside a document where I could embed spreadsheets directly alongside text, checklists, and even live discussions. This was a massive win for marketing reports, content calendars, and campaign planning, where I constantly switch between analyzing numbers and explaining trends. Instead of bouncing between spreadsheets and separate Google Docs, I could keep everything in one place.
I tested the real-time collaboration tools, and this is where Quip really stood out. Unlike Google Sheets, where comments are tied to specific cells, Quip allows inline discussions anywhere in the document, whether it’s in a paragraph, a checklist, or inside a spreadsheet itself. My team and I could chat inside a financial report, adjust projections, and assign action items directly inside the file. Plus, I loved that I could add interactive checklists and task lists right inside the document, making it more than just a spreadsheet.
Then, I tested live sync capabilities, and this was where things got interesting. Because Quip is owned by Salesforce, it has deep integrations with Salesforce data, allowing teams to pull live CRM records and reports directly into a Quip document. I could edit a sales forecast spreadsheet, and the numbers automatically updated from Salesforce data, ensuring we were always working with the latest figures. This feature alone could replace messy email chains and outdated reports for sales and finance teams.
However, I wanted to see how Quip handles large datasets and automation, and this is where it struggled. I imported a spreadsheet with 30,000+ rows, and while it didn’t crash, performance noticeably slowed down. Filtering and sorting data wasn’t as fast as I’d expect from a spreadsheet built for heavy data crunching.
Quip also lacks advanced automation tools like macros, scripting, or complex formula-building. It has standard spreadsheet functions but no VBA-like scripting or Google Apps Script equivalent. That means if you rely on automated workflows, large dataset manipulation, or advanced financial modeling, Quip might feel limited.
“Quip has a very intuitive UI that is adaptable to any device, such as laptop and smartphone, making it easy to make quick edits at any time. I really like its automatic backup feature for my documents, plus it has a revision history (to retrieve any version of a document easily), and it sends me notifications every time a document is modified.”
- Quip Review, William H.
“Handling with tables is not that smooth for me. I think we can add some more features present in google sheets if doesn't exist till now. Like Formula support and all. Also, if you paste some photos in the last line of a quip doc it gets tough to work in the next line by inserting a new one, so I would just paste the photo in the second last line to not face that issue.”
- Quip Review, Yash R.
Finding spreadsheet software is good, but knowing how to analyze data is what matters. Whether you're working with sales numbers, marketing performance, or financial forecasts, understanding descriptive statistics can help you turn raw numbers into real insights.
Zoho Sheet doesn’t just try to be another cloud-based spreadsheet—it goes a step further by integrating collaboration, workflow automation, and business intelligence features in ways that most spreadsheet software doesn’t. While it may not have the brand recognition of Excel or Google Sheets, I found it packed with tools that make data management more efficient, especially for teams already using Zoho’s ecosystem.
The first thing that stood out was how customizable the experience felt. Unlike most spreadsheet software that forces a rigid interface, Zoho Sheet lets me tweak everything from the toolbar layout to default formatting options. I even set up custom button-triggered actions inside the sheet, which is something I hadn’t seen in other tools. This made everyday tasks—like updating reports or shifting datasets—feel smoother and more intuitive.
I also tested its built-in data validation and automation tools, and this is where Zoho Sheet really impressed me. The data linking feature allowed me to create dynamic references across multiple sheets and workbooks, meaning that when one dataset changed, all connected reports updated automatically. This removed the hassle of manually syncing reports—a huge time-saver for anyone dealing with recurring data updates.
Zoho Sheet also offers form-driven data collection, which lets you build interactive forms directly inside the spreadsheet. I tested this by creating a marketing campaign tracker where my team could submit new campaign details through a form, and the data populated into a structured table automatically. This feature is handy for teams that frequently collect data from multiple contributors.
For those who need team collaboration, Zoho Sheet includes granular access controls, letting me set user roles at a much deeper level than Google Sheets. I could allow some teammates to edit only specific ranges, restrict formula changes, and even set expiration dates on shared files—something that’s incredibly useful for managing temporary collaborations.
While Zoho Sheet excels at automation and team workflows, it’s not the strongest at external integrations. It works beautifully with Zoho’s suite of apps (like Zoho CRM and Zoho Books), but I found it noticeably more difficult to connect to third-party tools outside the Zoho ecosystem.
Another limitation I noticed was charting and visualization. While Zoho Sheet includes a variety of graph types, I found the customization options more limited than Excel or Google Sheets. I struggled to tweak trend lines, add dynamic filtering, or build interactive dashboards as smoothly as I could in other software.
“One of the best and easiest spreadsheets available on cloud. It's an amazing tool to have all our data organized in a systematic manner in one place. The multiple-user collaboration feature is one of the software's best features, which is a lifesaver and enhances the team's productivity and collective decision-making. Also, numerous features help us in the easiest processing and computation of loads of data.”
- Zoho Sheet Review, Ashab M.
“I understood that this tool is a special purpose tool and may not be as easy to deal with as a regular Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. For example, I cannot just paste a date from Excel into a Zoho Sheet and expect it to work across date formats. It doesn't. Similarly, null value handling is different in Excel and Zoho sheets. So I had to be careful while even copying and pasting so that the actual value is retained irrespective of format changes.”
- Zoho Sheet Review, Arpit J.
Apple Numbers is the spreadsheet software that refuses to be just another grid of rows and columns. Right from the start, it felt less like a traditional spreadsheet tool and more like a canvas for data-driven design, with a focus on aesthetics, layout flexibility, and a surprisingly intuitive approach to organizing information.
It’s perfect for people who want their spreadsheets to look as good as they function, but it definitely has its quirks.
The first thing that stood out was the freeform layout. Unlike Excel or Google Sheets, where you’re locked into an endless sea of gridlines, Numbers lets you place tables anywhere on the canvas. I tested this by creating a multi-section report with multiple tables, text explanations, and even interactive charts; all arranged exactly how I wanted, without being confined to a single rigid sheet.
This made it ideal for presentations, dashboards, and reports that needed to be visually structured rather than just data-heavy.
Another unique feature I tested was Apple’s interactive sliders and stepper controls. Instead of manually changing values in cells, I added adjustable sliders to financial projections, making it easy to tweak numbers and see instant updates in charts without constantly retyping values. This made scenario analysis feel far more intuitive, especially for forecasting models.
I also explored real-time collaboration, which works seamlessly across Apple devices through iCloud. My team edited the same file on Mac, iPad, and even iPhone without any sync issues. However, collaboration outside the Apple ecosystem was limited—unlike Google Sheets, which anyone can access with a browser, Numbers requires collaborators to have an Apple ID, which made sharing files with non-Apple users more complicated.
Apple’s built-in data categorization also felt unique. Numbers allow for automatic grouping and collapsible category views within tables, which made breaking down datasets by region, department, or sales category incredibly smooth. I tested this with a marketing budget report, organizing expenses by campaign type, and I loved how I could collapse and expand sections dynamically without needing separate pivot tables.
One of Numbers’ most substantial aspects is its stunning data visualization tools. Charts and graphs are far more polished and customizable than what I’ve seen in Excel or Google Sheets. I created a 3D interactive pie chart where I could rotate sections by dragging them, making it a powerful tool for visually engaging reports.
However, advanced statistical and financial modeling is noticeably limited despite the gorgeous presentation options. Unlike Excel, there’s no Power Pivot, and while it supports basic formulas, it lacks more profound data analysis tools like regression modeling or complex statistical functions.
Numbers excel in ways that traditional spreadsheets don’t. But if you need deep data analytics, scripting, or enterprise-scale automation, it may not be robust enough for the job.
“I really love the simplicity that numbers provide. Every feature and every formulation and all the changes everything is super easy to do and very user-friendly. Even if you don't know the know House of this app, you would be able to learn it on your own pretty quickly because everything is pretty straightforward, so I really appreciate the fact that it is very user-friendly.”
- Apple Numbers Review, Suraj D,
“Coming from a background as a data analyst, I found that Apple Numbers lacks the features that I've grown accustomed to with Excel and Google Sheets. While Numbers is fantastic for basic tasks and presents data in a visually pleasing manner, for anything more advanced or for business use, the functions and formulas are limited. If you have also used Excel or Google Sheets, Numbers's entire approach is quite different, making it challenging to adapt to a different workflow. I've tried to switch to Numbers many times but always find myself returning to the other options.”
- Apple Numbers Review, Skyler B.
Equals is a spreadsheet built for modern analytics, and after testing it, I can confidently say it’s one of the most unique tools in this space. Unlike Excel or Google Sheets, which are general-purpose spreadsheets, Equals is explicitly designed for business intelligence, live data connections, and SQL-powered reporting. If you constantly work with databases and need a spreadsheet that automates data updates and eliminates manual exports, this one is worth looking at.
The first thing I tested was live database connections, where Equals shines. Instead of manually importing CSVs or copy-pasting reports, I connected them directly to an SQL database. From there, I could write queries inside the spreadsheet and pull in live data without ever leaving the interface. This completely eliminated the hassle of downloading and re-uploading data every time something changed. Even better, I could schedule these queries to refresh at set intervals, meaning my reports stayed up to date automatically.
I also tested Equals’ built-in version control, which works similarly to Git but for spreadsheets. Unlike in Google Sheets or Excel, where you can view a history of edits but have to revert changes manually, Equals lets you create named versions of your work. This meant I could experiment with different scenarios, test formulas, and always have a fallback without duplicating files. This feature was a game-changer when working on financial modeling, where different assumptions often need to be tested side by side.
Another major plus was how smoothly it handled complex data joins and calculations. In a traditional spreadsheet, if I wanted to merge two datasets, I’d either have to use VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH or rely on external scripts. In Equals, I could write SQL queries to join datasets directly inside the sheet. This made it significantly easier to work with multiple data sources at once without creating messy formulas.
That said, Equals is not for everyone. Unlike Excel, which can be used for everything from project management to budgeting, Equals is focused heavily on data analysis and automation. You won't get as much value if you don’t work with SQL or live data sources. Also, because of its advanced querying features, I found the learning curve steeper than Google Sheets—especially for users who aren’t comfortable with databases.
Another thing I noticed was that Equals isn’t as flexible when it comes to formatting and presentation. While it handles raw data beautifully, it’s not as visually polished as Numbers or Excel when building final reports. Charts and pivot tables work well, but if you need to create client-facing dashboards or highly stylized reports, you might need an external tool.
“Love being able to see and manipulate our own data tables, plus other data from AdWords, Facebook, GA and other sources, combined together inside a spreadsheet interface. We've created all kinds of incredibly useful views, reports, and analyses that are always up to date.”
- Equals Review, Josh H.
“There aren't many things we don't like. Maybe a Zapier integration would be nice so we could push data into a workbook based on other workflows. Will be cool as they build out more templates for major reports (e.g., having a financial dashboard pre-built for Stripe would be EPIC).”
- Equals Review, David S.
Minitab isn’t a typical spreadsheet—it’s a statistical powerhouse built for serious data analysis, predictive modeling, and quality control. While Excel and Google Sheets offer essential statistical functions, Minitab takes things to another level, focusing on regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and advanced forecasting.
If you need a spreadsheet that doesn’t just store data but helps you make sense of it with deep analytics, this is where Minitab excels.
I tested Minitab by running predictive analytics on historical sales data, something that would take serious work in Excel. Instead of manually setting up formulas and trendlines, Minitab let me use built-in regression models to identify patterns and make future projections with just a few clicks. The results weren’t just raw numbers—I got interactive visualizations, confidence intervals, and clear statistical summaries that actually explained what was happening in my dataset.
Another standout feature was its ability to handle quality control and Six Sigma analysis. I loaded production defect data into Minitab and used control charts, process capability analysis, and Pareto charts to pinpoint where issues were occurring. Unlike standard spreadsheets, where I’d have to build these charts manually, Minitab automatically suggested the right statistical tools based on my data, which saved a lot of time.
I also tested Minitab’s Assistant, an AI-powered guide that walks you through statistical tests step by step. Even though I have experience with data analysis, I appreciated how it explained why specific tests were appropriate for my dataset. This feature makes complex statistical modeling far more approachable for users who aren't statisticians.
Minitab integrates well with Python and R, which I found useful for advanced scripting and extending its functionality beyond what’s built in. I was able to import Python-generated datasets, run additional statistical transformations, and send the results back to Minitab for final visualization. This makes it a great tool for analysts and data scientists who need flexibility.
Where Minitab differs from standard spreadsheets is its focus on statistical accuracy over spreadsheet-style flexibility. It enforces structured data formatting, which ensures accuracy but can feel rigid if you’re used to working in a more open-ended way.
“I've been using Minitab for years, and I've always been impressed with how powerful it is. It offers an extensive range of statistical tools. It can be used to analyze data from different types of variables, such as categorical variables and continuous variables.”
- Minitab Statistical Software Review, Mary B.
“I wish you could highlight the analysis in the Navigator that you want to look at and then get back to the Dialogue Box that produced that analysis. Often, there are subtle differences in analysis depending on the options chosen, and without access to the affiliated dialogue box, it is difficult (if possible) to determine the options/setup that was selected for that analytical output. I would also like to see some of the data management tools for the spreadsheet be a bit more ‘Excel-ish’.”
- Minitab Statistical Software Review, Kerry S.
LibreOffice Calc often gets compared to Excel, but after testing it, I found that while it shares a familiar interface, it has its own strengths—especially for users who want a powerful spreadsheet without the cost of a paid subscription. Unlike cloud-based tools like Google Sheets, LibreOffice is fully offline, making it a great alternative for users who need a lightweight yet feature-rich spreadsheet that doesn’t rely on an internet connection.
One of the first things I tested was how well it handled large datasets, and I was pleasantly surprised. I loaded a 200,000-row dataset, expecting it to slow down, but it remained responsive. Unlike Google Sheets, which starts lagging with complex spreadsheets, LibreOffice Calc felt optimized for handling big data sets without major performance issues.
LibreOffice Calc also includes a DataPilot feature, which is essentially its version of pivot tables. I tested it by summarizing sales data, and while it worked well, it wasn’t as polished as Excel’s pivot table functionality. That said, it still handled multi-sheet reports and complex data grouping without issues.
Another standout feature was its flexibility with file formats. I tested opening and editing Excel (.XLSX), older Microsoft Office formats (.XLS), OpenDocument (.ODS), and even CSVs with non-standard delimiters, and it handled them all without breaking formatting. This makes it one of the best options for users who frequently switch between different spreadsheet file types.
LibreOffice also includes built-in goal seek and solver tools for optimization problems, which I tested by setting up a break-even analysis for marketing spend. While it worked well for basic problems, it lacks the advanced scenario analysis tools that Excel users might be used to. However, given that it’s free and open-source, I was impressed by how much it offers.
While LibreOffice Calc is powerful, I did run into some interface quirks. The UI feels a bit outdated compared to modern spreadsheet tools, and some formatting options weren’t as intuitive as in Excel or Google Sheets.
The lack of built-in cloud collaboration also stood out—while you can save files to cloud storage manually, there’s no real-time multi-user editing like in Google Sheets or Excel for Web.
“LibreOffice is free and open source, without the bondage that Microsoft 365 imposes by online subscriptions, and without the platform specificity of Apple Pages/Numbers/Keynote combo. It is an integrated office productivity suite that just works, especially on decent and modern hardware, whether Mac, Windows, or Linux.”
- LibreOffice Review, Seamus P.
“Sometimes it can be hard to find out how to do something I want, but I can usually find the answer with a little perseverance. There is very little to say about weaknesses, as many benefits are obtained with this suite. The interface looks a little antiquated compared to its competitors. The user documentation is very short and sometimes hard to understand due to the lack of other sheets examples.”
- LibreOffice Review, Ella J.
Have more questions? Find more answers below.
The best spreadsheet software depends on what you need it for. If you’re looking for power and deep data analysis, Microsoft Excel is unmatched, with advanced automation, large dataset handling, and statistical tools. Google Sheets is the best option for collaboration and cloud access, offering real-time editing and seamless sharing. If you need business intelligence and SQL-powered analysis, Equals is a great choice, while Minitab is best for statistical analysis. LibreOffice Calc provides a strong feature set without a subscription if you want a free offline alternative.
This depends on how you use spreadsheets. Google Sheets is better for collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit in real-time with the automatic cloud saving. It’s great for teams working remotely or those who need easy sharing. However, Excel is far superior for large datasets, advanced formulas, and automation. Excel is the better option if you work with complex data analysis and financial modeling or need VBA macros. Google Sheets is more convenient if you need basic spreadsheets with seamless cloud access.
If you’re a beginner, Apple Numbers is the most visually intuitive, as it removes the rigid grid format and lets you arrange tables and charts freely. Google Sheets is also easy to use, with a clean interface and straightforward formulas. LibreOffice Calc is a solid choice if you prefer an offline, Excel-like experience without a learning curve.
Yes, Microsoft offers a free, web-based version of Excel via Excel for Web, which you can use with a Microsoft account. While it’s not as powerful as the desktop version, it includes essential spreadsheet functions, collaboration tools, and cloud storage via OneDrive. LibreOffice Calc is a strong open-source option if you need a wholly offline and free Excel alternative.
Excel is the best for automation, thanks to VBA macros and Power Automate, allowing deep workflow customization. Google Sheets offers Google Apps Script, which is excellent for cloud-based automation, while Zoho Sheet has Deluge scripting for business integrations. Equals lets you automate live data updates directly inside a spreadsheet if you work with SQL databases.
Excel is the best choice for large datasets, capable of handling millions of rows without lag, especially when combined with Power Query. LibreOffice Calc also performs well with big spreadsheets, while Google Sheets starts slowing down around 50,000 rows. Equals handles large datasets well for cloud-based solutions when connected to a database.
If you need polished, presentation-ready reports, Apple Numbers is the best tool for creating visually appealing dashboards. Equals and Zoho Sheet provides strong integrations for automated data updates. Excel’s advanced functions make it the top choice for financial reports and forecasting.
Minitab is built explicitly for statistical modeling, offering advanced regression, hypothesis testing, and forecasting tools. Excel also has built-in statistical functions but is not as specialized as Minitab. Google Sheets and LibreOffice provide basic statistics but lack deep analytical tools.
After testing all these spreadsheet tools, one thing is clear—no single spreadsheet is perfect for everyone. Some excel (pun intended) at data analysis and automation, while others shine in collaboration, visualization, or seamless integration with business tools. I found that each tool had its own strengths, depending on how much control I needed over my data, how often I worked with a team, and whether I wanted built-in intelligence to do the heavy lifting for me.
If I need powerful analytics and automation, some tools handle massive datasets and complex formulas without breaking a sweat. If collaboration is my top priority, cloud-based spreadsheets make sharing and real-time editing more effortless than ever. When I want something more visually polished for reporting, there are options that make my spreadsheets look less like raw data and more like a well-designed presentation.
The only real way to know which one works best is to try them out. Most of these tools offer free versions or trials, and I found that actually working with them gave me a much better sense of what felt natural and what slowed me down. At the end of the day, a spreadsheet should make my life easier, not harder, so it’s worth finding the one that fits how I work.
Check out my team’s recommendation of the best data visualization software to transform your spreadsheets into interactive charts, dashboards, and reports.
