Microsoft Excel Alternatives
8 Tools Like Microsoft Excel
Quick answer: Top Microsoft Excel alternatives include Google Sheets, LibreOffice and Apple Numbers. For open source, look at LibreOffice and Grist. Google Sheets and LibreOffice are free or have free plans.
Excel is the industry-standard spreadsheet.
People look for Excel alternatives for free software, real-time collaboration, or a database-style tool for structured data.
- 8 alternatives
- 7 with a free plan
- 2 open source
The best Microsoft Excel alternatives
#1Google Sheets
sheets.google.com
Free collaborative spreadsheets in the browser.
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In Google Sheets’s own words: “Gemini in Sheets helps you simplify complex data, reveal insights, and turn data into interactive mini-apps. Try Sheets for work today!”
Google Sheets is free to use and works right in the browser.
People switching from Airtable and Microsoft Excel often consider Google Sheets.
#2LibreOffice
libreoffice.org
Free, open-source office suite: Writer, Calc, Impress and more.
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LibreOffice is open source and is free to use.
People switching from Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs and Google Sheets often consider LibreOffice.
#3Apple Numbers
apple.com
Apple’s free spreadsheet app with a canvas-style layout.
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In Apple Numbers’s own words: “Learn more about creating, importing, editing, exporting, printing and sharing sophisticated spreadsheets. Learn more with these Numbers resources.”
Apple Numbers is free to use and runs on Mac.
People switching from Microsoft Excel often consider Apple Numbers.
#4Airtable
airtable.com
Spreadsheet-database hybrid for building custom workflows.
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In Airtable’s own words: “500,000+ brands use Airtable to enable real-time collaboration, automate repetitive tasks & manual work, and streamline business processes in minutes. Join them.”
Airtable has a free plan.
People switching from Monday.com, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and Retool often consider Airtable.
#5Smartsheet
smartsheet.com
Spreadsheet-style work management for enterprises.
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In Smartsheet’s own words: “Personalize workflows, predict outcomes, and move faster with Smartsheet – a platform built for the way you work.”
People switching from Monday.com, Airtable, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and Microsoft Project often consider Smartsheet, along with 1 other tools.
#6Zoho Sheet
zoho.com
Free online spreadsheet from Zoho.
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In Zoho Sheet’s own words: “Create and collaborate on spreadsheets online with your team in real-time, from anywhere. Available on mobile devices too! Import your Excel spreadsheet files and get started now.”
Zoho Sheet is free to use.
People switching from Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets often consider Zoho Sheet.
#7Rows
rows.com
A modern spreadsheet with built-in integrations and AI analysis.
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In Rows’s own words: “Use AI to analyze data from 50+ sources — PDFs, databases, analytics tools, and bank accounts. Only plain language. No code, SQL, or formulas.”
Rows has a free plan.
People switching from Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets often consider Rows.
#8Grist
getgrist.com
Relational spreadsheet with Python formulas, available open source.
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In Grist’s own words: “Grist is a relational spreadsheet-database that empowers you to organize your data, your way. Get started with a free trial.”
Grist is open source and has a free plan.
People switching from Airtable, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets often consider Grist.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Microsoft Excel alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Microsoft Excel | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Sheets | Real-time collaboration | Free, with excellent sharing and live editing. | Slower with very large data. |
| LibreOffice | Free desktop spreadsheets | Free, open source, and offline. | Complex macros and formulas may not carry over. |
| Apple Numbers | Apple users | Free and visually friendly. | Weaker for heavy analysis. |
| Airtable | Spreadsheet as a database | Linked records, views and forms. | Not for heavy financial models. |
| Smartsheet | Project tracking in a grid | Gantt and automation in a spreadsheet layout. | Not a real calculation tool. |
| Zoho Sheet | Free online sheets | Free, with collaboration and data tools. | A smaller ecosystem. |
| Rows | Spreadsheets with live data | Built-in integrations and AI analysis. | Fewer advanced modelling functions. |
| Grist | Structured data with Python | Open source, with Python formulas. | A different model from a classic sheet. |
Which should you choose?
- You want free and online: Google Sheets
- You want free and offline: LibreOffice
- Your sheet is really a database: Airtable or Grist
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best Microsoft Excel alternatives?
Popular Microsoft Excel alternatives include Google Sheets, LibreOffice and Apple Numbers. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Excel?
Yes. Google Sheets, LibreOffice, Apple Numbers and Airtable are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Excel?
Yes — LibreOffice and Grist are open source.
Why do people look for Microsoft Excel alternatives?
People look for Excel alternatives for free software, real-time collaboration, or a database-style tool for structured data.
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