Microsoft's spreadsheet for analysis, modelling and reporting
Microsoft Excel is the spreadsheet in Microsoft 365, used in many organisations for budgets, financial models and data analysis. It offers hundreds of functions, pivot tables, charts, Power Query for importing and cleaning data, VBA macros and Python in Excel, plus Copilot in eligible plans. It runs on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web, where a free version is available with a Microsoft account.
- features
- 6
- alternatives
- 8
- platforms
- 5
- Updated
- Oct 12, 2026
Features
Our take
Pros
- Standard tool for financial models and business analysis
- Power Query, pivot tables and macros handle complex data work
- Huge range of functions, templates and learning resources
Cons
- Full desktop features require a Microsoft 365 subscription
- The free web version lacks many advanced desktop features
- Advanced features have a steep learning curve
Editorial assessment by the Alternatives.tools team, based on what the product is known for. Not a user review.
Best Microsoft Excel alternatives
See all 8 alternatives
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Zoho SheetFreemiumFree online spreadsheet from Zoho with AI-assisted analysis
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ONLYOFFICEFreemiumOpen sourceOpen source office suite with desktop, mobile and self-hosted editors
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WPS OfficeFreemiumFree office suite with Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation and PDF tools
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User reviews
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