Microsoft Excel alternatives

Microsoft Excel users often seek alternatives due to missing features, persistent login issues, and mobile app limitations. Alternatives like Google Sheets and Numbers offer different user experiences, while Microsoft Word and PowerPoint cater to distinct document and presentation needs.

Why users look for alternatives to Microsoft Excel

Many users find the mobile versions of Microsoft Excel lack key features present in the desktop version, such as advanced file options, VBA macros, and robust graphing capabilities, leading to poor productivity.^R1^R3^R6^R9
Users frequently report issues with constant sign-ins and difficulty using the app offline, which makes it frustrating and sometimes impossible to access and edit documents.^R4^R7^R10^R45
The app is often described as buggy, with problems like toolbars disappearing, files not saving correctly, work disappearing, and general instability, especially after updates.^R3^R32^R36^R40
Some users dislike the changes in the mobile interface compared to the desktop version, finding it less intuitive and cumbersome to use.^R20^R22
The mobile app requires a paid subscription for editing and printing on iPad, which some users find restrictive.^R3^R18^R26
The integration of Copilot has been criticized by some users for taking up screen real estate and making tasks more complicated.^R30^R34

The alternatives

Microsoft Word

4.7★ · 2,902,966 ratings · Free

Microsoft Word is a widely respected word processing application, considered the gold standard in its category ^R52. It is generally preferred over Google's version for document creation . However, some users experience issues with constant sign-ins, similar to Excel, and occasional app crashes ^R51^R54. Mobile versions can also have keyboard issues, requiring reinstallation to edit ^R56.

Better for: Microsoft Word is better for users who primarily need to create and edit text-based documents and require a widely compatible and respected format for their work ^R52.

Head-to-head: Microsoft Excel vs Microsoft Word

Google Sheets

4.8★ · 1,791,306 ratings · Free

Google Sheets is mentioned by an Excel user who hopes Excel will replace it, suggesting it's a current alternative for some ^R29. No specific reviews for Google Sheets were provided, so a detailed pitch cannot be formed.

Better for: Based on the limited information, Google Sheets might be better for users seeking a cloud-based spreadsheet solution, potentially for collaboration, as implied by an Excel user's comment ^R29.

Head-to-head: Microsoft Excel vs Google Sheets

Microsoft 365 Copilot

4.7★ · 1,289,922 ratings · Free

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI assistant that some Excel users find works excellently with Excel ^R35. However, other users describe it as a 'disaster' that takes away valuable screen real estate and makes things more complicated by trying to do everything for you ^R30^R34.

Better for: Microsoft 365 Copilot is better for users who are comfortable with AI assistance and find it enhances their workflow within Excel ^R35. It is less suitable for users who prefer manual control and find AI intrusive or screen-consuming ^R30^R34.

Head-to-head: Microsoft Excel vs Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft PowerPoint

4.7★ · 563,675 ratings · Free

Microsoft PowerPoint is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is mentioned alongside Word and Excel as having potential on iPad but falling short of Apple's native alternatives ^R53. No specific reviews for PowerPoint were provided, so a detailed pitch cannot be formed.

Better for: Based on its general function, Microsoft PowerPoint is better for users who need to create and deliver presentations, especially those already integrated into the Microsoft Office ecosystem ^R53.

Head-to-head: Microsoft Excel vs Microsoft PowerPoint

Numbers

4.6★ · 212,164 ratings · Free

Numbers is seen by some as a major upgrade from Excel, offering a nicer interface and great customization, particularly with its ability to isolate and arrange individual tables on a blank canvas ^R66. However, other users find it cumbersome, slow, and not intuitive, requiring many clicks for common tasks like sorting and filtering ^R67^R68. Formulas are also reported to work better in Excel . There are also concerns about its large app size and the removal of Touch Bar compatibility for MacBook Pro users ^R65.

Better for: Numbers is better for users who prefer a visually flexible canvas for their spreadsheets, enjoy customizing table layouts, and are open to a different interface than Excel ^R66. It may be less suitable for users accustomed to Excel's workflow, those needing advanced formula capabilities, or those with older MacBook Pros relying on the Touch Bar ^R65^R68.

Head-to-head: Microsoft Excel vs Numbers

Stick with Microsoft Excel if

You should stick with Microsoft Excel if you primarily use the desktop version on a Windows computer, where it is considered powerful and easy to manage data for daily tasks . It is also suitable if you have long-standing familiarity with Excel and rely on its core spreadsheet functionalities for tasks like budgeting and data analysis ^R29.

Evidence note: Google Sheets and Microsoft PowerPoint have too few reviews to form a comprehensive pitch.

Frequently asked

Is Microsoft Excel free on mobile devices?

No, editing documents on Microsoft Excel for iPad requires a paid account ^R3^R18^R26. Printing also requires a paid account on iPad, though not on iPhone ^R26.

Does Microsoft Excel mobile support macros?

No, the mobile version of Microsoft Excel does not support VBA macros ^R3.

Why do I have to keep logging into Microsoft Excel?

Many users report frequently being logged out and required to sign in again almost every time they want to use or edit a form, especially on mobile, which can be frustrating and hinder offline use ^R4^R7^R10^R45.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 78 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

[R1] Microsoft Excel 2/5 · US Comes up Short on Key Excel Features: Key features missing that drive poor productivity - Would not recommend unless you are desperate and it’s free too. Simple key features are missing from the iOS version of Microsoft Excel… >> Poor graph features >> “Advanced File” option(s) missing >> User interfaces are weak compared to Windows Desk / Lap top versions >> Etc…Etc…Etc
[R3] Microsoft Excel 3/5 · US Typical Microsoft: Does not support vba macros Does not support editing without paying Wow i can see my data but….. Sometimes the bottom and top toolbars disappears when you scroll down and you have to hit fx to get it back or scroll up. This is not always convenient. This is cumbersome and can lead to errors
[R6] Microsoft Excel 3/5 · US App is missing a lot of functionality: App for Excel is missing many simple features that are in the desktop version.
[R9] Microsoft Excel 3/5 · US So close but not quite there yet: I like using the app on my M4 IPad Pro, however, I wish Microsoft would give it the full functionality we get on windows PCs
[R4] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Constantly logged out: How many times can I get logged out of an account? Every time I go to use this I am required to log in again. It is almost impossible to use this program offline.
[R7] Microsoft Excel 2/5 · US A Problem: Good app, but a major problem, why do I have to sing almost every time I want to edit a form?!!!! Sometimes I don’t have no internet connection so I can’t use my forms.
[R10] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Microsoft's sign in system makes their products unusable: Literally have to sign in every time I try to open a document or join a teams call. It never remembers me and it never works to log n. It's so horrible. I literally have two separate paid 365 accounts and Microsoft cannot let me sign into either one. There's always some random error message that says something like "something went wrong". N
[R45] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Pain in the butt app: I use this app for one thing only: to log mileage when I gas up my car, which for me means I open it about every 30 days. In that time this piece of cr_p has forgotten who I am and makes me sign in again. I’m just trying to get on with my day but now I have to type my full email address in the blazing sun when I can hardly see the screen. It literally takes more time than to
[R32] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Currently bad: App currently does not save what you are working on. If I opened an excel link from email and completed work on a required template . Any disturbance to the app like a minor check on notifications will cause a complete disappearance of any work completed. Then you are left to start over . If the device is connected to the internet and the email link brings you directly to the app wh
[R36] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Update makes it not work !!: Horrible !! Why do you update then no longer work !!! It was working fine now i need to load an entire new system !!!
[R40] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US From a good product to a buggy mess: Please stop using AI in development! Your product is now full of bugs, and users have basically become your testers. Files don't open right, files don't save right, among other glitches. I only use it out of habit since I've subscribed for years, but I'm already moving to alternatives.
[R20] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Garbage: Makes no sense if you have ever used on a desktop, which pretty much the entire world has. Why would you change what works and everyone knows?
[R22] Microsoft Excel 2/5 · US Office for iPads: I absolutely hate the Microsoft Office 365 version for iPads. The menus are very different and are a complete nuisance to use.
[R18] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Paid App: Using it On my iPad isn’t for free
[R26] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Inconsistent uses between iPad and iPhone: You need to be logged in and with a paid account on iPad to print. For iPhone, you just need to be logged in. Makes excel completely useless on iPad.
[R30] Microsoft Excel 2/5 · US Should have left it alone: I hate M365 Copilot, by wanting to do everything for you it makes everything more complicated. I am in the process of switching to Pages and Numbers.
[R34] Microsoft Excel 1/5 · US Floating copilot is a disaster: The floating copilot icon in Excel is a disaster. I’m still not sure why Microsoft would do this. It’s the worst thing they’ve ever done. It takes away valuable screen real estate that I need.
[R51] Microsoft Word 1/5 · US Sign in not working: 365 sign in not working
[R52] Microsoft Word 5/5 · US The Gold Standard: Respected everywhere
[R54] Microsoft Word 1/5 · US Why do i have to sign in every time: Your product sucks - a 40 year user
[R56] Microsoft Word 3/5 · US What’s up with the keyboard: I have to reinstall the app anytime I want to be able to edit on my phone. The keyboard refuses to come up every time I open it after.
[R29] Microsoft Excel 5/5 · US My go -to app: I’ve worked with Excel for over 20 years. Not sure what I would do without it very easy to use and hopefully it will go back to replacing Google sheets.
[R35] Microsoft Excel 5/5 · US With co-pilot: Works excellently with co-pilot
[R53] Microsoft Word 3/5 · US MS iPad apps need full attention: Microsoft Office Apps on iPad: Solid Potential, But Falls Short of Apple’s Native Alternatives (3/5 stars) I’ve been using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on my iPad for work and personal projects, hoping for a seamless experience that matches the desktop versions. While the apps have improved over the years and offer good cross-platform compatibility with O
[R65] Numbers 1/5 · US Don’t update: If you have a MacBook Pro with a touch bar (which I love to use with Pages, Numbers, and Keynote) DO NOT UPDATE THESE APPS! Apple has decided to quietly remove all compatibility between THEIR touch bar and THEIR productivity apps, so you’re forced to go back to the archaic slow-bro option of sifting through the options on the side, rather than effortlessly reaching up one inch with y
[R66] Numbers 5/5 · US Major upgrade from excel: So much better than excel with a nicer interface
[R67] Numbers 3/5 · US I dont like using this for work: It’s slow and lags a lot, Ive had a lot of instances where the app doesn’t sync so I lose a lot of work.
[R68] Numbers 2/5 · US Cumbersome, lots of clicks to do common tasks: I’ve used Excel since moving on from Lotus-123. So not quite fair in that Numbers has but a year of use. I find Number’s extensive use of tabs, and drop down menus slow, and not intuitive. It also isn’t organized as I expect it to be (having used Excel for decades). Stuff thatI do frequently (sorting, filtering, formatting text, outlining cells, qu

Synthesized from 78 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store