Google Sheets
Classic
Free collaborative spreadsheets
The leading free, cloud-based alternative to Excel with real-time collaboration and Gemini AI features.
Formulas
Pivot tables
Apps Script
Freemium · from Free
Microsoft Excel
Classic
Spreadsheets and business analysis
4.5
Paid · from $6.99/mo
Best for Financial modellingOverview
Excel is the default spreadsheet for finance and operations, powerful but reliant on formula expertise.
Key features
- Formulas
- Pivot tables
- Charts
Microsoft Excel screenshot
Captured from the official website
Microsoft Excel replaces
AI alternatives to Microsoft Excel
Rows
AI
Spreadsheet with AI built in
An AI-powered spreadsheet that connects directly to apps and APIs, appealing to Excel users wanting less manual data entry.
AI formula writing
Data enrichment
Live API integrations
Freemium · from $0
Airtable
AI
Connect your apps, automate your work
A flexible database-spreadsheet hybrid with AI for Excel users managing relational data rather than pure numbers.
Relational database views
Built-in automations
AI field generation
Freemium · from $20/mo
Julius AI
AI
Chat with your spreadsheets
An AI data analyst chatbot for Excel users who want to query and visualize spreadsheets via natural language instead of formulas.
Natural language analysis
Automatic charting
Statistical modelling
Freemium · from $0
Numerous.ai
AI
AI formulas inside your spreadsheet
An AI formula add-in for Excel/Sheets power users wanting GPT-powered functions inline in cells.
AI formulas
Bulk categorisation
Data extraction
Freemium · from $10/mo
Zoho Sheet
AI
Online spreadsheet software for teams
A free cloud spreadsheet with AI assistant Zia, a budget-friendly Excel alternative for small businesses.
Real-time collaboration
Zia AI data insights
Macros and scripting
Freemium · from Free
LibreOffice Calc
Classic
Free and powerful spreadsheet software
The strongest free, non-AI, offline alternative for users who want an Excel-compatible spreadsheet without a subscription.
Excel file compatibility (.xlsx)
Pivot tables
Macro scripting (Basic/Python)
Free · from Free