Rows vs Microsoft Excel: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Rows 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: Rows wins this matchup. Our overall Spreadsheets pick is Microsoft Excel. Our free Spreadsheets pick is Google Sheets. Pick Microsoft Excel 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:
Rows
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want spreadsheet with superpowers
- • You want data integrations
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Best for you if:
- • You want industry standard
- • You want most powerful features
| At a Glance | Rows | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Spreadsheets | Spreadsheets |
Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Rows or Microsoft Excel?
Choose Rows if
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
- You want spreadsheet with superpowers
- You want data integrations
Choose Microsoft Excel if
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
- You want industry standard
- You want most powerful features
- Budget matters (Free vs Free)
| Feature | Rows | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.9/5 24 reviews | ★4.8/5 22,705 reviews |
| Categories | SpreadsheetsData & Databases | SpreadsheetsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Rows
The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.
Rows' pricing is generally fair, especially with a robust free tier.
Strengths
- +Spreadsheet with superpowers
- +Data integrations
- +Good for analysis
- +Active development
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Limited vs Excel
- -Row limits
- -Feature gaps
- -Better for specific uses
Key features
Microsoft Excel
Industry-standard spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel's pricing is fair, offering a generous free online version and affordable subscription options.
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: Rows vs Microsoft Excel
| Plan | Rows | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Excel Online |
| Tier 2 | $15 Plus | $6.99 month Microsoft 365 Personal |
| Tier 3 | $22 Pro | $12.99 month Microsoft 365 Family |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Rows pricing and Microsoft Excel pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Rows
Want the highest-rated option?
Rows: 4.9/5 (24 reviews). Microsoft Excel: 4.8/5 (22,705 reviews).
Go with: Rows
Value user reviews?
Rows: 24 reviews (4.9/5). Microsoft Excel: 22,705 reviews (4.8/5).
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?
Rows is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Rows
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.8/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Excel
- Larger review base (22,705 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Rows wins this matchup. Our overall Spreadsheets pick is Microsoft Excel. Our free Spreadsheets pick is Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rows or Microsoft Excel better?
Rows is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Rows and Microsoft Excel used for?
Rows: The spreadsheet where data comes to life, integrating with business tools and automating workflows.. Microsoft Excel: Industry-standard spreadsheet software.
What does Rows cost vs Microsoft Excel?
Rows is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Microsoft Excel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.