Introduction
Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet program by Microsoft that allows users to organize, analyze, forecast, and visualize data in a tabular manner. The tool has remained in every company’s work kit forever. However, there are a few snags that have forced many companies to switch to the best Microsoft Excel alternatives.
In this article, we are going to explain why Excel has become obsolete and why today is the right time to switch to more advanced tools.
After that, we’ll take a closer look into the best alternatives to Excel (free and paid) so that you can explore the right option and make an ideal choice for yourself (and your team).
Excel limitations
Excel is indeed a unique piece of technology. It’s quick to learn and commonly used across industries to manage the data relevant to the running of the business. But the reality is that there are tons of problems with Excel. For example,
- Excel is not ideal for project management
- Excel lacks flexibility
- Excel has no mobility
- Excel is not centralized
- Excel lacks data security
So, these are a few issues you can often come up against with Excel.
Thankfully, there are a couple of alternative software and tools that are available in the market, and they can perform better than Excel.
Best Microsoft Excel alternatives
1. ProofHub
ProofHub outshines Excel for project management due to its focus on collaboration and centralized organization. Excel is all about data analysis, but managing projects with it is hard. ProofHub offers a single platform for tasks, discussions, files, and even time tracking.
Everything stays up-to-date in real time, eliminating version control issues that plague Excel spreadsheets.
ProofHub allows the customization of workflows to fit your project’s needs, whereas Excel requires manual workarounds. For teams working together, ProofHub keeps everyone on the same page.
Features
- Centralized hub: Stores all project information in one place, including tasks, discussions, files, and time tracking.
- Task management: Effortlessly create, assign, and track tasks with deadlines using a user-friendly interface.
- Real-time updates: Ensures everyone has the latest information instantly, eliminating version control issues.
- Customizable workflows: Tailor workflows to fit project needs by adjusting task statuses and approval processes.
- Visual progress tracking: Gain quick insights into project timelines and progress through Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and other visualization tools.
Pros
- Easy to use and onboard new users
- Built-in chat, discussions, and proofing tools
- Seamless time tracking and reporting functionality
- Robust document capabilities than Excel
- Flat fee pricing for better scalability
- Share and collaborate on documents directly within the platform
- Track progress with Gantt charts and Kanban boards
Cons
- Notifications can sometimes be overwhelming
Pricing
ProofHub offers a 14-day free trial, and two flat pricing plans to choose from:
- Essential: $45/month for unlimited users (billed annually)
- Ultimate Control: $89/month for unlimited users and all features (billed annually)
Ratings
- Capetera: 4.6
- G2: 4.5
Tired of Excel’s limitations? Make the switch to ProofHub for seamless project management and collaboration. (No credit card required)
2. Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a free web-based spreadsheet application included in the Google Workspace suite. Moreover, it allows users to create, edit, and share spreadsheets in real-time with others, making it a popular choice for individuals and teams alike.
However, if you require advanced functionalities found in paid spreadsheet software or need robust offline access, you might need to consider alternative options.
Feature
- Real-time collaboration: Users can collaborate in real-time with other team members through comments.
- Fully cloud-based access: Users can save and access files from anywhere and from any device
- Advanced analysis: Comes with a wide range of formulas and functions
- Customizable with add-ons: Supports various add-ons and extensions
Pros
- Accessible from any device
- Allows for real-time collaboration and sharing
- Users have multiple access options such as view-only, comment-only, and editor-level access.
- Good for data analysis
Cons
- Lacks some of the advanced features of Microsoft Excel
- Limited functionality compared to Microsoft Excel
- Cannot be used offline without additional setup
- It becomes slow while handling large data
Pricing
- Free for personal use.
- Business Starter Plan: $6/user per month.
- Business Standard Plan: $12/user per month.
Ratings
- Capterra: 4.7
- G2: 4.7
3. Zoho Sheet
Zoho is a suite of applications that works exceptionally well for small and medium-sized businesses.
The appearance and functionalities of this tool are similar to those of Microsoft Excel, but it offers a much smoother experience.
With Zoho Sheet, users can open files on their computer or import sheets using URLs, and switch between different file formats like .xlsx, .xls, .csv, and .ods. Additionally, they can collaborate with others in real time and stay connected to work from their mobile devices.
Features
- Real-time collaboration: It helps users to work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously. Users can leave comments and share files easily.
- File sharing: Zoho sheets are fully cloud-based which allows users to access files anywhere with an internet connection.
- Customization: Offers a variety of chart types and customization options for creating visually appealing charts, graphs, and pivot tables.
Pros
- Multiple users can work on the same spreadsheet.
- Offers various chart types and customization options for creating visually appealing charts, graphs, and pivot tables.
- Integrates with other Zoho products
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for power users
- Limited Integration with third-party applications.
Pricing
Zoho Projects provides a range of pricing plans to meet different user and team needs:
- Free Plan: Suitable for up to 3 users. Allows for 2 projects and provides 5GB of storage space.
- Premium Plan: Billed annually at US$4 per user per month or billed monthly at US$5 per user per month.
- Enterprise Plan: Billed annually at US$9 per user per month or billed monthly at US$10 per user per month.
Ratings
- Capterra: 4.4
- G2: 4.3
4. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that offers a robust alternative to Microsoft Office. Additionally, it boasts compatibility with a wide range of document formats, including DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and even older or obscure ones.
While it may have a steeper learning curve due to the interface and occasional compatibility quirks, the trade-off for its free and open-source nature makes it a valuable alternative.
Features
- Collaborate with your favorite tools: Allows online collaboration through platforms like Collabora Online or OnlyOffice
- Wide format compatibility: Works with many document types, including older formats
- Seamless file handling: Supports various file formats including Excel’s xlsx, and pptx formats.
Pros
- LibreOffice is open-source software and is available for free
- Available for multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Large, supportive community of developers
- Compatible with most Microsoft Office file formats
Cons
- Less intuitive compared to Microsoft Office
- May run slower on some computers
- May have occasional compatibility issues with Microsoft Office documents
Pricing
- LibreOffice is free.
Ratings
- G2: 4.3
- Capterra: 4.3
5. Hancom Office (ThinkFree)
Suppose you’re looking for a powerful spreadsheet program that rivals Microsoft Excel but without the hefty price tag. In that case, Hancom Office (formerly known as ThinkFree Office) deserves a spot on your shortlist.
It offers a robust feature set, seamless file compatibility, and a user-friendly interface at a fraction of the cost. However, if extensive collaboration features or a vast library of add-ons are crucial for your workflow, you might want to stick with Excel.
Features
- Seamless file compatibility: Open, edit, and save XLSX spreadsheets with minimal formatting issues
- Intuitive interface: The interface is clean and familiar to Excel users
- Powerful functionality: Offers a vast array of spreadsheet functions, formulas, and charting tools
- PDF capabilities: Edit and convert PDF documents into editable spreadsheets
Pros
- The perpetual license model is much cheaper than Excel’s subscription
- Works on Windows, Linux, Mac, and mobile devices
- Runs smoothly on most computers
- Backed by comprehensive online resources and tutorials
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features of Excel
- Collaboration features are less robust than competitors
Pricing
Hancom Office has 3 pricing plans:
- Free: Offers limited features
- Pro: Costs $3.99 per month
- Biz: Costs $7.00 per month
Ratings
- G2: 3.8/5
- Capterra: 4.5/5
6. SPREAD32
Spread32 is a solid choice for users who need a basic and lightweight spreadsheet application for everyday tasks, especially on machines with limited resources.
However, if you require advanced features, extensive customization, or real-time collaboration functionalities, Microsoft Excel might be a better fit.
Features
- Essential functionalities: Create and edit spreadsheets, perform calculations using formulas and functions, format cells and data, generate charts and graphs
- Data management: Sort and filter data for easy analysis
- Lightweight design: Runs smoothly on older computers with less powerful hardware
- Macro support: Automate repetitive tasks using built-in macros (potentially with limitations compared to Excel’s VBA)
Pros
- More affordable than Excel, especially for individual users
- Offers advanced capabilities beyond basic spreadsheet programs
- May run faster on older computers compared to Excel
- Seamlessly works with Excel file formats
Cons
- Switching from Excel might require some adaptation due to interface differences
- Fewer third-party add-ins compared to Excel’s vast library
- Collaboration features might be less robust than Excel’s
Pricing
- US$20.00, with free updates
Ratings
- G2: Not available
- Capterra: Not available
7. Gnumeric
Gnumeric is a compelling alternative for users who prioritize value and functionality.
While it may lack some of the advanced features and extensive add-in library of Excel, its free, open-source nature and strong core functionalities make it an excellent choice for a wide range of spreadsheet needs.
Features
- Compatibility: Gnumeric opens and saves files in various formats, including Microsoft Excel’s XLSX format, ensuring seamless data exchange
- Customization: Extensive formatting options let you personalize your spreadsheets for a clear presentation
- Data analysis: Pivot tables, goal seek, scenario analysis, and solver help analyze and interpret data
Pros
- Unlike Excel, Gnumeric is completely free to download and use
- Users can customize the interface, and create custom functions using Gnumeric’s scripting language
- Runs smoothly even on older machines
Cons
- Possible issues with complex Excel spreadsheets
- Collaboration features require additional software integration
- Switching from Excel may require some initial adjustment
Pricing
- Free
Ratings
- Capterra: 4
- G2: Not available
8. Scoro
Scoro offers a robust and centralized project management solution, perfect for streamlining workflows and boosting team collaboration.
However, its learning curve and pricing may require consideration. If you crave a simpler solution, other options might be better. But for those seeking an all-in-one powerhouse, Scoro is worth a closer look.
Features
- Project management: Plan, track, and collaborate on projects with ease
- Timesheets: Scoro’s intuitive timesheets simplify time tracking for individuals and teams
- Real-time collaboration: Offer shared calendars, document sharing, and task commenting
- Reporting & insights: Gain valuable insights with Scoro’s comprehensive reporting tools
Pros
- Scoro integrates everything you need for project success
- Scoro scales with your business’s evolving project management needs
- Gain a clear overview of your projects, finances, and resources
Cons
- Require some initial training for your team
- Scoro has tiered pricing plans, which might be steeper than basic spreadsheet solutions
- Customization options may be less extensive compared to completely open-source platforms
Pricing
Scoro offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different user needs:
- Essential: $26 per user per month.
- Standard: $37 per user per month.
- Pro: $63 per user per month.
- Ultimate: For pricing details, users are encouraged to contact the Scoro team directly.
Ratings
- Capterra: 4.6
- G2: 4.5
9. WPS Office
“WPS Office Spreadsheets is a great choice for students, home users, and anyone who needs a free and easy-to-use spreadsheet program for basic to moderate tasks. Furthermore, its free version offers a robust set of tools, making it a budget-friendly option.
However, if you’re a power user who relies heavily on advanced features, customization options, or macro support, Excel might still be the better option.
Features
- Familiar interface: If you’re already comfortable with Excel, you’ll feel right at home with WPS Spreadsheets.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Work seamlessly across devices including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- PDF Power: Converts PDFs to editable documents, a feature not available in the free version of Excel
- Collaboration perks: Offers real-time collaboration features, similar to Microsoft 365 but on the paid version
Pros
- Offer a free version of the application making it a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Excel
- Available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- WPS Office supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider user base
Cons
- Lack some of the more advanced features and functionalities found in Excel
- WPS Office has faced some security concerns in the past
- The mobile app version of WPS Office can feel less intuitive
Pricing
- Free
- WPS Pro: $9.99 [3 Months], $17.99 [1 Year]
Ratings
- Capterra: 4.5
- G2: 4.3
10. Freedcamp
Freedcamp is a project management tool that can significantly improve team collaboration and streamline your workflow. If you’re struggling to manage complex projects with spreadsheets, Freedcamp offers a free and user-friendly alternative.
However, for tasks requiring extensive data analysis or complex financial modeling, spreadsheets might still be a better fit.
Features
- Effortless organization: Break down projects, assign tasks, and set deadlines
- Visualization: Use Kanban boards and Gantt charts to see project progress and identify roadblocks
- Collaboration: Built-in discussion boards and file sharing keep everyone on the same page
Pros
- Freedcamp’s free plan is perfect for individuals or small teams
- Centralizes communication and task management
- Visual tools help you track progress and identify potential issues
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Complex projects might require paid upgrades for features like time tracking
- Less intuitive than Excel
- Security concerns
Pricing
- Free (Limited features)
- Pro: $1.49 per user/month billed annually
- Business: $7.49 per user/month billed annually
- Enterprise: $16.99 per user/month billed annually
Ratings
- Capterra: 4.6
- G2: 4.5
11. Calligra Sheets
Calligra Sheets is a viable option for those seeking a free and versatile spreadsheet program. Additionally, it offers a familiar formula system, data visualization tools, and a customizable interface.
However, if you heavily rely on advanced features or require robust support structures, Excel might still be the better choice.
Features
- Free and open-source: Calligra allows complete customization and access to its source code
- Cross-platform compatibility: Work seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Multiple spreadsheet tools: Including formulas, functions, charting, and pivot tables
- Integration: Calligra integrates seamlessly with other Calligra Suite applications
Pros
- Users can perform complex calculations easily
- Users get regular updates from the Calligra Sheets
- Easily integrates with other Calligra applications
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Compared to Excel, Calligra Sheets might lack some advanced functionalities
- Bug fixes and feature updates might rely more on the developer community
Ratings
- Capterra: 4
- G2: 4.4
12. SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint is a good choice when it comes to managing complex projects and fostering collaboration on a large scale. Additionally, its centralized storage, real-time co-authoring, and robust security features make it a powerful tool for teams.
However, its learning curve and subscription costs might not be ideal for simple spreadsheet sharing or individual users.
Features
- Collaboration: Real-time co-authoring, along with centralized document storage, and streamlined communication.
- Centralization: Store, organize, and share all your documents and files in a central, secure location
- Customization: SharePoint adapts to your needs, moreover, offering various plans and customization options
- Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: Seamless integration with familiar Microsoft tools like Excel
- Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like document approvals or data collection
Pros
- Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications
- Users get extensive customization options
- Users can automate routine tasks through custom workflows
- Available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices
Cons
- Require some initial training for users unfamiliar with the platform
- While free versions exist with limited features, most functionalities require a paid subscription
- For simple needs, SharePoint might be overkill
Pricing
- SharePoint Online Plan 1: $5.00 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50 per user/month
Ratings
- Capterra: 4.3
- G2: 4
13. Airtable
Airtable isn’t a direct replacement for Excel, but rather a powerful companion for managing complex data. If crave a more flexible data organization system, and prioritize collaboration, Airtable offers a compelling solution. However, for those heavily reliant on advanced formulas and content with the traditional spreadsheet format, Excel remains a solid choice.
Features
- Organization: Organize data like a spreadsheet, but with more data types (text, attachments)
- Relational smarts: Connect data tables for deeper insights, unlike separate Excel files.
- Multiple views: Switch between spreadsheet, calendar, Kanban board, or Gantt chart views
- Collaboration: Co-edit in real-time and communicate seamlessly
Pros
- Easily switch between different views
- Automation features streamline repetitive tasks and workflows
- Easily integrates with a wide range of external tools
Cons
- Airtable’s interface might require a little more time to master than Excel’s
- The free plan offers basic features
- Some users may find it expensive to take advanced features.
Pricing
- Free
- Team: $20, per seat/month, billed annually or $24 billed monthly
- Business: $45, per seat/month, billed annually or $54 billed monthly
- Enterprise scale: Need to contact
Ratings
- Capetera: 4.7
- G2: 4.6
Clean interface, intuitive navigation, and robust features – ProofHub has everything you look for in a file management system. Try ProofHub for free.
Choosing your best Excel alternative
Even though Excel seems like a sweet spot now, you should keep the upcoming innovation in mind and switch to more advanced technology. It will take some time to evaluate the available alternatives but ensure that the software you choose will scale well with your organization and team.
I hope you found this post helpful. Good luck!
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