Microsoft Excel vs Google Sheets: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets 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:
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Best for you if:
- • You need spreadsheets features specifically
- • Industry-standard spreadsheet
- • Most powerful analysis features
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.
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Excel |  Google Sheets |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $6.99/monthMicrosoft 365 Personal | $6/user/monthBusiness Starter |
Best For | Spreadsheets | Productivity |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets?
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
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
| Feature | Microsoft Excel | Google Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 3,043 reviews | ★4.7/5 13,172 reviews |
| Categories | SpreadsheetsProductivity | ProductivitySpreadsheets |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Microsoft Excel vs Google Sheets
| Plan | Microsoft Excel | Google Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Excel Online | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $6.99 month Microsoft 365 Personal | $6 user/month Business Starter |
| Tier 3 | $12.99 month Microsoft 365 Family | $12 user/month Business Standard |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $18 user/month Business Plus |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft Excel pricing and Google Sheets 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Excel
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Google Sheets
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft Excel is freemium. Google Sheets is free. Go with Google Sheets if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheets tool. Google Sheets is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets better?
Google Sheets is rated in our evaluation. Microsoft Excel is freemium and Google Sheets is free.
What are Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets used for?
Microsoft Excel: Industry-standard spreadsheet software. Google Sheets: Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free..
What does Microsoft Excel cost vs Google Sheets?
Microsoft Excel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Google Sheets is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.