Microsoft Excel vs Microsoft Power BI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Power BI 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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 data visualization features specifically
- • Industry-standard spreadsheet
- • Most powerful analysis features
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Microsoft BI for everyone
- • Excel-like interface, enterprise power
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Excel |  Microsoft Power BI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Data Visualization | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 82/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Power BI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data VisualizationFinancial Planning | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Power BI Compare
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Microsoft Excel is a data visualization tool. Microsoft Power BI is in business intelligence.
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: 82/100. Microsoft Power BI: 88/100.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
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?
Microsoft Excel is a data visualization tool. Microsoft Power BI is in business intelligence. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft Power BI scores higher: 88/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Power BI
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Excel
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Power BI (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Power BI better?
Microsoft Power BI scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Power BI used for?
Microsoft Excel: Industry-standard spreadsheet software. Microsoft Power BI: Business analytics service.
What does Microsoft Excel cost vs Microsoft Power BI?
Microsoft Excel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Microsoft Power BI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.