Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Google Sheets is our overall pick for productivity workflows. Pick Microsoft Excel if you need spreadsheets.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Google Sheets
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need productivity features specifically
- • Free, web-based spreadsheet program.
- • Real-time collaboration and automatic saving.
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Best for you if:
- • You need spreadsheets features specifically
- • Industry-standard spreadsheet
- • Most powerful analysis features
| At a Glance |  Google Sheets |  Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Spreadsheets |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
Choose Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel?
Choose Google Sheets if
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
- Free and powerful
- Great collaboration
- Good formulas
- You want a fully free tool (Microsoft Excel requires payment)
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not spreadsheets-shaped
Choose Microsoft Excel if
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
- Industry standard
- Most powerful features
- Excellent for complex analysis
- Your work is spreadsheets-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Google Sheets | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 13,172 reviews | ★4.7/5 3,043 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivitySpreadsheets | SpreadsheetsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Google Sheets
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.
Strengths
- +Free and powerful
- +Great collaboration
- +Good formulas
- +Apps Script for automation
- +Integrates well
Weaknesses
- -Performance with large sheets
- -Privacy concerns
- -Less features than Excel
- -Offline mode limited
- -Some formatting issues
Key features
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Strengths
- +Industry standard
- +Most powerful features
- +Excellent for complex analysis
- +VBA automation
- +Universal compatibility
Weaknesses
- -Requires Microsoft 365 subscription
- -Can be complex for beginners
- -Large file sizes
- -Performance with big datasets
Key features
Pricing: Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel
| Plan | Google Sheets | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Excel Online |
| Tier 2 | $6 user/month Business Starter | $6.99 month Microsoft 365 Personal |
| Tier 3 | $12 user/month Business Standard | $12.99 month Microsoft 365 Family |
| Tier 4 | $18 user/month Business Plus | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Google Sheets pricing and Microsoft Excel pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Google Sheets is free. Microsoft Excel is freemium.
Go with: Google Sheets
Want the highest-rated option?
Google Sheets: 4.7/5 (13,172 reviews). Microsoft Excel: 4.7/5 (3,043 reviews).
Go with: Google Sheets
Value user reviews?
Google Sheets: 13,172 reviews (4.7/5). Microsoft Excel: 3,043 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Google Sheets
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Google Sheets is free. Microsoft Excel is freemium. Go with Google Sheets if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Google Sheets is a productivity tool. Microsoft Excel is in spreadsheets. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Google Sheets
- Larger review base (13,172 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Excel
- Better fit for spreadsheets
The Bottom Line
Google Sheets is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel better?
Google Sheets is rated in our evaluation. Google Sheets is free and Microsoft Excel is freemium.
What are Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel used for?
Google Sheets: Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.. Microsoft Excel: Industry-standard spreadsheet software.
What does Google Sheets cost vs Microsoft Excel?
Google Sheets is completely free. Microsoft Excel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.