15 Best Free Microsoft Excel Alternatives [2024]

Looking for free spreadsheet tools that rival Excel? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of top 15 free Microsoft Excel alternatives, easy to to use and function similar to MS Excel.

Microsoft Excel is one of the top-most popular tools with billion-plus users. It is utilized for creating tables, charts, reports, and arranging the datasheets.

The tool comprises of intense functionalities that help boost productivity, however, it has its own downsides as well. It is fairly exclusive, the premium charged, and not present on all platforms.

There are many other Office suites with Excel substitutes accessible both free and paid that can be a decent standby to Microsoft Excel in many conditions. You will discover both offline and online tools, with similar functionalities and features.

To assist you, we have come up with 15 best free Microsoft Excel Alternatives that can be classified as Excel substitutes. You need to select them as per your basic needs.

1. Google Sheets

Google Sheet is the best free online excel alternative software and a substitute to Microsoft Excel with identical features and added functionalities. 

It is a finest browser-based spreadsheet tool with all functionalities present in Excel. It also offers collaboration tools, better storage, and instant data saving features.

Its editing can be done in real-time and simultaneously by multiple users. It saves all your data on google drive accessed anytime and from anywhere with multiple sharing rights. Google scripting increases its functionalities.

It works as plugins with complete customization used through chrome extensions. However, it is a web app and will require added resources so if you have huge data to deal with Excel is a smoother option to work with. 

Key Features: Online spreadsheet, Offline access, Free to use, collaborative functionalities, allows autosave, and more.

Compatibility: Web with an offline version for Mac OS X, Windows, and application for iOS and Android

2. Numbers

While working with Mac OS X or iOS, one should approach using Numbers as an alternative to Excel. It is a free spreadsheet creating tools used with Apple devices. It has its own interface and different approach while used. 

You can build charts and tables accommodated to your needs. It allows collaboration and has its own templates for different uses.

Key Features: Offline spreadsheets tool, Free to use, Collaboration functionalities, Customization options.

Compatibility: Mac OS X and iOS.

3. Microsoft Office Online (Excel)

It is used as an excel alternative that too totally free. It is a Microsoft Office suite that includes Excel online however lacks certain functionalities like macros, Format Painter, mail merge, borders, shading, and the required ribbons.

It comes with collaboration tools, not as compatible as Google Sheets. It saves documents on Dropbox or OneDrive. You get real-time syncing, saving along with great search tools. It lacks an offline version.

Key Features: Online spreadsheet tool, similar to desktop Microsoft Excel, save and sync in real-time, Free, and steadfast collaboration tool.

Compatibility: Mac OS X, Windows, Android, and Linux.

4. Zoho Sheets

It is an office suite that is a substitute and best excel alternative. Zoho Docs works in both online and offline mode with web-based and desktop clients. It lacks key features when compared to Microsoft Excel, but it has few unique and important features to deal with. 

It has collaboration compatibility, and both saves and syncs sheets to cloud storage. While, it has a free version, but it is restricted to basic features and storage space.

Key Features: Both offline and online tools, Free but with limitations, good interface, offers collaboration.

Compatibility: Linux, Windows, Mac OS X & Android.

5. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a wonderful online substitute for Excel usable for companies and power users. 

It gives you a 30 days’ trial and after that, has paid monthly or yearly subscription. It can do any task and function as Excel can do, but with added control and customization.

It has some unique features like attachment on tasks, different Gantt and Calendar views, scheduled and customized reporting.

Key Features: Paid tool, Online access to sheets, multiple customizations, and collaboration features.

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, Android & Mac OS X

6. Apache OpenOffice

If you need an Open-source software as a free alternative to Excel, then Apache OpenOffice is a decent option. It is totally free and doesn’t have restrictions on features.

It lacks features such as mail merge, templates, headers and footers, style manager and frames.

Key Features: Free Offline tool, Open-source, good interface.

Compatibility: Mac OS X, Windows & Linux.

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7. Gnumeric

It is a free open-source tool used for managing numeric data and calculations. If you work with Excel for handling accounts, Gnumeric is the best tool to be used.

The tool is simple to use on desktop and is very light on the PC resources. It processes multiple entries without any lag like Excel.

Its calculations are verified by the experts and they are as precise as Excel with much quicker results and dealings. If you are beholding for an unrestricted and swift alternative to the Excel calculations, it is just trying out.

Key Features: Free, Offline, Light and Precise, Open-source with Modest interface

Compatibility: With Unix.

8. PlanMaker

PlanMaker is truly designed to be an inexpensive alternative to Excel, so if you require something alike to Excel but at a low-priced rate, PlanMaker is the best option. 

With PlanMaker, formatting can be effortlessly styled; color can be utilized for writing and highlighting, make the sheets look good. It comprises a 30-day trial and then you need to choose a paid version.

Key Features: Offline, economical alternate to Excel, Free 30 day trial, Standard version costs €69.99, and Professional version sums to €89.95.

Compatibility: Android, Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

9. Apple Numbers

Apple Numbers is a spreadsheet application available for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It’s part of Apple’s iWork suite, known for beautiful interfaces and ease of use. Here’s what sets Apple Numbers apart:

• Design Focus: Numbers emphasizes clean layouts, stylish templates, and intuitive charts. It’s ideal for creating visually appealing spreadsheets, reports, and presentations that go beyond just the raw data.
• Ease of Use: Apple products are known for user-friendliness, and Numbers follows suit. Drag-and-drop tables, streamlined formatting tools, and simple chart creation make it accessible even to those new to spreadsheets.
• Powerful Features: While approachable, Numbers isn’t lacking in functions. It handles complex calculations, offers a wide range of formula options, and boasts features like pivot tables for in-depth data analysis.
• Collaboration: Numbers allows for real-time collaboration, so multiple users can work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously. Changes are reflected instantly for everyone, similar to Google Sheets.
• Cross-Device Compatibility: Start a spreadsheet on your Mac, continue on your iPad, and present it from your iPhone. Numbers works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem and even offers web access via iCloud.

While Numbers might not have every niche feature of advanced spreadsheets like Excel, it’s a compelling option for anyone who prioritizes visual presentation, ease of use, and a seamless Apple experience.

10. WPS Office Spreadsheets

WPS Office Spreadsheets is a powerful and free alternative to Microsoft Excel. It offers impressive compatibility with Microsoft file formats (.xls, .xlsx), meaning you can open, edit and save your spreadsheets seamlessly across both platforms.

Beyond just compatibility, WPS Office Spreadsheets delivers a familiar and intuitive spreadsheet experience. The interface will feel instantly recognizable to anyone used to Excel, with similar ribbon-style menus and common tools. You’ll find a vast array of formulas, functions, charts, and pivot table capabilities—giving you the power to analyze your data like a pro.

WPS Office stands out with its accessibility and affordability. Unlike Excel, WPS Office Spreadsheets is entirely free to use for both personal and commercial purposes. Additionally, WPS Office is available not just on Windows and Mac, but also extends support to mobile platforms like Android and iOS.

Whether you’re a budget-conscious student, a small business owner, or simply someone looking for a capable spreadsheet program without the price tag, WPS Office Spreadsheets is a compelling alternative. While it might not have every niche feature of Excel, it packs the essentials for everyday spreadsheet tasks and boasts compatibility to ensure easy collaboration.

11. LibreOffice Calc

LibreOffice Calc is a powerful free and open-source spreadsheet program that serves as a compelling alternative to Microsoft Excel. It’s part of the LibreOffice productivity suite, aiming to provide high compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.

For users familiar with Excel, switching to Calc is relatively smooth. Both programs feature comparable core tools for calculations, data analysis, and generating charts and graphs. LibreOffice Calc also boasts powerful functions, pivot tables, and the ability to handle large datasets.

Where Calc shines is its cost-free access and open-source nature. This makes it ideal for individuals, students, and cost-conscious businesses. Additionally, Calc regularly receives updates and community-driven support. It also boasts exceptional file format compatibility, supporting older and newer Excel formats as well as other spreadsheet standards.

While Calc is an excellent choice, it might not be a perfect fit for everyone. Advanced features found in niche Excel add-ins may not have direct equivalents in Calc. Occasionally, there might be minor discrepancies when opening highly complex Excel workbooks.

Overall, LibreOffice Calc is a budget-friendly alternative to Excel that offers impressive functionality and versatility for most users’ spreadsheet needs.

12. Airtable

While Microsoft Excel remains the reigning king of spreadsheets, Airtable offers a powerful and versatile alternative, especially for those seeking enhanced collaboration, project management, and database capabilities. Here’s why Airtable stands out:

• Beyond Spreadsheets: Airtable combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with relational database functionality. You can link data between different tables, create multiple data visualizations (like calendars or Kanban boards), and even build custom interfaces.
• Pre-built Templates: Excel offers some templates, but Airtable’s template library is vast. This can jumpstart projects ranging from product planning to CRM systems to content calendars with minimal setup.
• Collaboration Focus: Airtable thrives on real-time collaboration. Multiple users can edit, comment, and even create custom views based on their needs, facilitating much smoother team workflows than traditional spreadsheets.
• Automation: Airtable allows you to set up automatic actions triggered by specific changes. This helps streamline processes and saves manual work.
• Integration Power: Airtable integrates seamlessly with popular tools like Slack, Dropbox, and more, extending its functionality and allowing it to fit neatly into existing workflows.

Important to Note: Airtable isn’t a direct replacement for Excel in all scenarios. Excel still reigns supreme for complex calculations and in-depth financial analysis. However, if your work involves database-like features, visualization, and collaboration, Airtable is worth exploring.

13. Collabora Office

Collabora Office is a powerful, open-source office suite offering a strong alternative to Microsoft Excel, particularly for those looking to minimize costs and those who prefer open-source software solutions. It’s based on the LibreOffice codebase and features Calc, a capable spreadsheet program.

Here’s why Collabora Office is worth considering:

• Compatibility: Calc opens, edits, and saves spreadsheet files in Microsoft Excel formats (.xls, .xlsx), ensuring seamless exchange of documents.
• Features: Familiar interface and a comprehensive array of tools including formulas, functions, charts, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Cost-Effective: Collabora Office can be used for free for personal or commercial use. There are also options for paid enterprise support.
• Cross-Platform: Functions on various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Collaborative: Built-in features supporting real-time collaboration for teams.

While there may be subtle differences in some advanced features when compared directly to Microsoft Excel, Collabora Office provides a remarkably robust and fully functional alternative for most spreadsheet tasks. For businesses and individuals looking for a way to cut software costs without compromising, Collabora Office is definitely worth a try.

14. OnlyOffice

OnlyOffice is a robust and increasingly popular alternative to Microsoft Excel. It offers an impressive suite of spreadsheet tools and excellent compatibility with Microsoft’s file formats (.xlsx, .xls, etc.), making it a strong contender for both individuals and businesses.

One of OnlyOffice’s greatest strengths is its collaborative focus. Multiple users can edit the same spreadsheet simultaneously, with real-time co-editing making remote work and shared projects much smoother. Its built-in commenting and version history tools enhance the teamwork experience.

OnlyOffice provides all the essential spreadsheet functionalities: formulas, functions, charts, pivot tables, and conditional formatting. It might not have every single niche feature found in Excel, but it covers the vast majority of everyday spreadsheet needs.

Where OnlyOffice can truly appeal is in its pricing. It has free open-source versions for desktop and cloud-based use. Even its paid tiers for businesses are often more cost-effective than comparable Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

While not a perfect replacement for Excel power users with super-specific needs, OnlyOffice is a compelling alternative for most individuals and organizations, providing excellent functionality, collaboration features, and potential cost savings.

15. EtherCalc

EtherCalc is a free, open-source, web-based spreadsheet application designed specifically for real-time collaboration. Think of it like Google Sheets, but with an even stronger focus on allowing multiple people to edit the same spreadsheet simultaneously and see each other’s changes instantly.

Here’s what makes EtherCalc special:

• Real-time Collaboration: Changes made by any user appear immediately for everyone working on the sheet. This makes it perfect for brainstorming sessions, project planning, or any task where multiple people need to input and view data simultaneously.
• No Account Required: You can just create a new spreadsheet and share its unique link to start collaborating. No signups or logins needed.
• Simple Interface: EtherCalc has a streamlined set of tools compared to full-fledged spreadsheet programs. This makes it less intimidating for new users and keeps the focus on collaboration.
• Self-Hosting Option: If you need more control and privacy, you can self-host EtherCalc on your own server.

While EtherCalc might not replace full-featured programs like Excel or Google Sheets for complex calculations, it’s a fantastic tool for scenarios where quick, real-time spreadsheet collaboration is the top priority.

Wrap up!

All the above substitutes to Excel are not as upright as Excel itself, nonetheless many are fairly close or propose good features that lack in Excel. 

These are free alternatives, which is a concern when compared to Excel. Try out any of the substitutes, and let us know how it went for you.