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Microsoft Excel

UnclaimedEditor reviewed

Industry-standard spreadsheet software

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Coverage fromForbesTechRadarTechRepublic
3043 reviews tracked·35 press mentions

The Bottom Line

Entry price

From $6.99/mo (free plan available)

Biggest pro

Industry standard

Biggest con

Requires Microsoft 365 subscription

TL;DR - Microsoft Excel

  • Industry-standard spreadsheet
  • Most powerful analysis features
  • Part of Microsoft 365 subscription
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.7/5 across review platforms

What is Microsoft Excel?

Editorial review
Microsoft Excel is the world's most widely used spreadsheet application, part of Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Excel offers powerful data analysis features including pivot tables, advanced formulas, charts, and macros (VBA). Used by businesses worldwide for financial modeling, data analysis, reporting, and automation. Excel's formula language and features have become the industry standard that competitors try to match. Available as desktop app, web app, and mobile app with real-time collaboration.
how we evaluateSourcemicrosoft.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Industry standard
  • Most powerful features
  • Excellent for complex analysis
  • VBA automation
  • Universal compatibility

Cons

  • Requires Microsoft 365 subscription
  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Large file sizes
  • Performance with big datasets

Ratings Across the Web

4.7(3,043 reviews)
G23,043 reviews
4.7/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Advanced formulas and functionsPivot tablesCharts and visualizationsMacros (VBA)Power QueryReal-time collaborationDesktop and web appsMobile apps

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Jun 11, 2026

Excel Online

Free

Basic web version

  • Basic formulas
  • Simple charts
  • Collaboration
  • 5GB OneDrive
Most Popular

Microsoft 365 Personal

$6.99/month

Full Excel

  • Desktop + web + mobile
  • All Excel features
  • 1TB OneDrive
  • 1 user

Microsoft 365 Family

$12.99/month

For families

  • Everything in Personal
  • Up to 6 users
  • 6TB total storage
Calculate your costView full pricing

How Microsoft Excel's pricing compares

At $6.99/mo, Microsoft Excel is mid-range of its 3 direct competitors ($1.67 to $12/mo across the set).

Airtable
$1.67
Microsoft Excel
$6.99
Smartsheet
$9
Google Sheets
$12

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jun 11, 2026.

Reviews

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4.7/5

Across 3,043 verified user reviews on G2

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Best Microsoft Excel Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Google Sheets logo
Google SheetsFree

Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.

4.7
Smartsheet logo
SmartsheetPaid

Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows

4.4
Airtable logo
AirtableFreemium

Build custom apps and automate workflows without code

4.4
See all spreadsheets tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Microsoft Excel vs Google SheetsHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsMicrosoft Excel vs SmartsheetHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsMicrosoft Excel vs AirtableHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Microsoft Excel FAQ

How does Microsoft Excel support advanced data analysis?

Microsoft Excel offers powerful data analysis features such as pivot tables, advanced formulas, and charts. It is widely used for financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting due to its comprehensive capabilities.

Which teams benefit most from using Microsoft Excel?

Teams involved in finance, data analysis, and reporting benefit significantly from Microsoft Excel. Its robust features and automation capabilities make it suitable for complex analytical tasks across various business functions.

How does Microsoft Excel compare to Google Sheets?

Microsoft Excel is generally considered to have more powerful features for complex analysis compared to Google Sheets, and its formula language is an industry standard. Excel also offers VBA for automation, which is a key differentiator.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of when working with Microsoft Excel?

Users should be aware that Microsoft Excel can be complex for beginners and may experience performance issues with very large datasets. Additionally, it typically requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality.

Does Microsoft Excel include a free tier?

Yes, Microsoft Excel is available on a free tier, with paid plans offering more extensive usage and additional features. This allows users to start with basic functionality and upgrade as needed.

Can Microsoft Excel automate repetitive tasks?

Yes, Microsoft Excel can automate repetitive tasks through the use of macros, which are built using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This feature allows users to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Source: microsoft.com

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