Microsoft Excel is one of the most popular program with over a billion users. It is being used for creating charts, tables, reports, identifying trends, and arranging data, etc. Though, it comes with some brilliant functions that enhances productivity and after learning some useful tricks anyone can master Microsoft Excel, it has its own drawbacks as well. It is quite expensive and not available on all the platforms. Furthermore, it doesn’t have reliable collaboration and sync features, and it also lacks many customization options.  Fortunately, Microsoft Excel is not the only worksheet creation tool available in the market. There are many other Office suites with Excel alternatives available both free and paid that can be a good replacement to Microsoft Excel in certain situations. You will find both online and offline tools, with unique features.

To help you with your search for the best alternative to Microsoft Excel, we have created this list of best Office suites that come with Excel alternatives. Just make your pick according to your requirement.

Best Excel Alternatives
1. Google Sheets

Google Sheets can be a great free online alternative to Excel due to its similar features with added functionalities. Google Sheets is a browser based spreadsheet tool with almost all the features equivalent to Excel. Apart from what Excel can offer, Google Sheets offers great collaboration tools, Cloud Storage and saving data in real-time.

Multiple people can edit a sheet at the same time and all the data will be saved and synced in real-time. All your data will be saved in Google Drive, which can be accessed from any device anywhere. Furthermore, you can also use Google scripts to increase Sheets functionality. They work similar to plugins that will let you add extra sidebars, customize the menu, add dialogs and other such functionalities. You can even create your own scripts according to your need. Moreover, Google Sheets lets you open, edit and save Excel files with the help of a chrome extension.

Although, it should be kept in mind that Google Sheets is still a web application, so it will require more resources to work properly. So if you have loads of data, then you should better stick with Excel or any other desktop based spreadsheet to ensure smooth working.

Key Features: Collaboration tools, Auto save and sync and Completely free to use.

Pricing: Free.

Type: Online spreadsheet with offline access through Google Chrome.

Compatibility:  Web based, offline version for Windows, Mac OS X and Dedicated apps for Android & iOS platform.

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2. Numbers

If you are a iOS or Mac OS X user, then you should opt for Numbers instead of Microsoft Excel. Number is a built-in spreadsheet creating tool in Apple devices that is completely free now. Unlike Google Sheets which will make you feel a bit home if you are already an Excel user, Numbers has a completely different approach and interface.

There are no rows and columns when you start a sheet, instead you are given different templates to choose from (created by Apple itself). You can create amazing charts and tables catered for every need.

It also has collaboration tools which will let up to 20 people edit a document at the same time. Due to its built-in templates and ability to do whatever you like, this tool is perfect for both beginners and power users.

Key Features: Collaboration tools, great customization ability and free to use.

Type: Offline spreadsheets tool with some features that require internet connection.

Compatibility: iOS and Mac OS X.

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3. Microsoft Office Online (Excel)

If you are really looking for a copy of Microsoft Excel for free, then Microsoft Office online could be a great alternative. It is a Microsoft Office suite (Including Excel online) that is just online with minor addition of features, and lacks some power user features of the desktop app such as, macros, mail merge, Format Painter, shading, borders and the ribbon