A free, collaborative spreadsheet app built into Google's productivity suite.
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Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel
Comparing Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel to help you pick the right Spreadsheet Software for your needs.
The industry-standard spreadsheet application, with the deepest analytical feature set.
▲ 254
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| Feature | Google Sheets | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium | Paid |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Launched | 2006 | 1985 |
| Starting price | $0 | $6.99/month |
| Community votes | 287 | 254 |
Google Sheets Pros & Cons
- Free for personal use with a Google account
- Real-time multi-user collaboration is smoother than Excel's
- Accessible from any browser without installing software
- Strong integration with Google Forms, Apps Script, and the rest of Workspace
- Fewer advanced statistical and modeling functions than Excel
- Performance can lag on very large, complex spreadsheets
- Offline functionality is more limited than a desktop application
Microsoft Excel Pros & Cons
- The deepest set of formulas, pivot tables, and modeling tools of any mainstream spreadsheet app
- Industry-standard format that virtually every business tool can import/export
- Powerful for very large, complex datasets compared to cloud-first alternatives
- Available as both a desktop app and a web/cloud version with collaboration features
- Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for the full desktop experience
- Real-time collaboration, while improved, is still seen as less smooth than Google Sheets
- The breadth of features can be overwhelming for users who only need basic spreadsheets
Verdict: Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel both serve the Spreadsheet Software category well, but suit different priorities. Google Sheets is the more budget-friendly option, Microsoft Excel supports more platforms (5 vs 3). Based on community engagement, Google Sheets is currently the more widely adopted choice (287 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is cheaper, Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel?
- Google Sheets is the more affordable option overall — it's offered as freemium, while Microsoft Excel is paid. Check each tool's current pricing plans for exact figures, since promotional rates and annual discounts can shift the comparison.
- Is Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel rated higher?
- Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel currently hold comparable editorial ratings, so neither has a clear edge — the right pick depends more on which specific features and pricing fit your use case.
- Which platforms do Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel support?
- Google Sheets is available on Web, iOS, Android. Microsoft Excel is available on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Microsoft Excel covers more platforms overall, which matters if your team works across a wider range of devices and operating systems.
- Can I switch from Google Sheets to Microsoft Excel (or vice versa)?
- Most spreadsheet software tools, including Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
- Should I choose Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel?
- Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel both serve the Spreadsheet Software category well, but suit different priorities. Google Sheets is the more budget-friendly option, Microsoft Excel supports more platforms (5 vs 3). Based on community engagement, Google Sheets is currently the more widely adopted choice (287 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.