Microsoft Excel vs Grist: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Excel and Grist 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: Microsoft Excel is our overall pick for spreadsheets workflows. Pick Grist if you need a free tier to start with.
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:
- • Industry-standard spreadsheet
- • Most powerful analysis features
Grist
The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control.
Best for you if:
- • Transforms spreadsheets into relational data applications.
- • Offers open-source flexibility, self-hosting, and granular access control.
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Excel |  Grist |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Spreadsheets | Spreadsheets |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.9/5 |
Choose Microsoft Excel or Grist?
Choose Microsoft Excel if
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
- Industry standard
- Most powerful features
- Excellent for complex analysis
Choose Grist if
The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control.
- Open-source and self-hostable for full data ownership and control
- Combines spreadsheet familiarity with database power
- Highly customizable with Python in formulas and custom widgets
| Feature | Microsoft Excel | Grist |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 3,043 reviews | ★4.9/5 6 reviews |
| Categories | SpreadsheetsProductivity | SpreadsheetsDatabase Builders |
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
Grist
The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control.
Strengths
- +Open-source and self-hostable for full data ownership and control
- +Combines spreadsheet familiarity with database power
- +Highly customizable with Python in formulas and custom widgets
- +Granular access control enhances security and collaboration
- +AI assistant streamlines data analysis and formula creation
Weaknesses
- -May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with relational databases
- -Building complex custom solutions might require some technical understanding
Key features
Pricing: Microsoft Excel vs Grist
| Plan | Microsoft Excel | Grist |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Excel Online | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $6.99 month Microsoft 365 Personal | $10 / user / mo Pro |
| Tier 3 | $12.99 month Microsoft 365 Family | $30 / user / mo Business |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Contact us Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $0 Community edition (Grist Core) |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $30 / user / mo Enterprise Lite |
| Tier 7 | N/A | Contact us Enterprise (Self-hosted) |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft Excel pricing and Grist pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Microsoft Excel
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Excel: 4.7/5 (3,043 reviews). Grist: 4.9/5 (6 reviews).
Go with: Grist
Value user reviews?
Microsoft Excel: 3,043 reviews (4.7/5). Grist: 6 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Microsoft Excel
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are spreadsheets tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Grist is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Excel
- Larger review base (3,043 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Grist
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.7/5
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Excel is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Excel or Grist better?
Microsoft Excel is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Microsoft Excel and Grist used for?
Microsoft Excel: Industry-standard spreadsheet software. Grist: The collaborative spreadsheet that minds its business, building relational data apps with open-source control..
What does Microsoft Excel cost vs Grist?
Microsoft Excel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Grist is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.