Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet applications in the world, but it's not free. Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite, and while the purchase price isn't prohibitively expensive—$9.99 per month or $99 per year for Microsoft 365—it's still an unnecessary expense for many startups today.
If you're looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Excel , here are some free but high-quality spreadsheet software options worth trying.
Google Sheets
If you already have a Google account, don't overlook Google Sheets. Essentially, Google Sheets is Google's version of Excel as a spreadsheet application; the only difference is that it's free. You don't need to download anything to your personal computer.
Google Sheets looks quite similar to Excel. However, as you can see, it actually works within a web browser. It has most of the same functionality as Excel, including various chart types and the ability to create formulas, so it's a pretty good alternative if you want to save a little money compared to the cost of using Microsoft Excel previously.
Furthermore, you can actually use Google Sheets anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This makes working remotely on your spreadsheets easier than ever, as you can be sure that your files are also automatically backed up online.
Zoho Sheet
Google Sheets may be the most popular online spreadsheet application, but Zoho Sheets has more features and is completely free. It's a great free Excel alternative if you're looking for a powerful solution.
Zoho Sheets' interface and usage are similar to Google Sheets, so you'll quickly get used to and become proficient in its functions. Like Excel, Zoho Sheets integrates a wealth of features, with over 350 functions—more than Google Sheets.
It supports advanced features such as conditional formatting, aggregate tables, and data validation. You can integrate data from external sources by clicking Data > Link External Data and then uploading a CSV file, RSS or Atom feed, or website. You can then control how often Zoho Sheet queries the source for updates.
LibreOffice Calc
LibreOffice Calc is another free spreadsheet software that works similarly to Excel. It's a program that can be downloaded and run locally on your personal computer, and it works on Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux operating systems.
Calc is compatible with Microsoft Excel files. In other words, if you already have Microsoft 365, you can easily open, edit, and save Excel spreadsheets in Calc without losing the original formatting or functionality. Calc includes a range of additional features for businesses and individuals, such as flexible cell formatting and spreadsheet templates. It also includes more advanced features such as data integration from programming languages like Python and JavaScript, and allows you to retrieve raw data from external databases.
Thinkfree Office
Thinkfree Office is a web-based productivity suite that includes a spreadsheet application compatible with Microsoft Excel. It offers collaborative editing features, allowing multiple users to work on a document simultaneously in real time. Because it's built on a cloud platform, Thinkfree Office allows users easy access from various devices without requiring local installation. However, it may not be the best choice for business users or those needing a more intelligent application than just a spreadsheet.
AI-powered spreadsheet tools
This is a new type of Excel alternative that has emerged with the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Popular AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini can perform powerful tasks such as collecting data from various websites and aggregating it into spreadsheets created within a native interface. However, it's worth noting that the paid versions of these tools—around $20 per month for both ChatGPT and Gemini—offer more advanced features such as better formatting options and the ability to handle larger data files. Additionally, performing complex tasks like creating or modifying formulas requires downloading or pasting the results into another spreadsheet tool like Google Sheets or Excel.
There are many dedicated AI tools for spreadsheets on the market, some free and offering free trials, such as Excel GPT and Numerous.ai.
However, with any AI tool, it's crucial to remember to carefully verify the results. AI can sometimes present data inaccurately, so it's essential to double-check every calculation, formula, and result. These tools work best when used as assistants rather than as replacements for traditional spreadsheet software.