There are two varieties of folks on this world: those that see a clean spreadsheet and panic, and those that see infinite prospects. I was the latter till a poorly formatted dataset, a rogue components, and a sluggish cloud sync conspired in opposition to me on the identical afternoon. 

Should you’ve ever watched your rigorously crafted formulation implode due to one misplaced character or tried to collaborate on a doc solely to search out somebody has mysteriously deleted a complete column, the battle of not working with the finest spreadsheet software program. 

Spreadsheets are alleged to make life simpler, however decide the improper software, and instantly, you’re in an endurance check of endurance and CTRL+Z reflexes. After one too many near-breakdowns, I made a decision to check totally different spreadsheet instruments to see which of them might deal with the chaos of my each day work. Some options dealt with huge datasets like a dream. Others made collaboration really feel easy. And some? Let’s simply say they jogged my memory why folks nonetheless print issues out.

Should you reside and breathe spreadsheets or simply desire a software that received’t betray you, my record of finest spreadsheet software program breaks down the 8 prime options I examined, what they excel at, and which one would possibly prevent from a data-induced meltdown. 

Let’s get into it.

8 finest spreadsheet software program 

Spreadsheet software program is the software I can’t escape, largely as a result of I don’t wish to. It’s the place I plan, set up, and analyze every thing from advertising metrics to content material schedules. At its easiest, it’s only a grid of rows and columns. However in actuality? It’s a monetary tracker, a reporting powerhouse, a calculator, a light-weight database, and infrequently a last-minute drawback solver when no different software program can do precisely what I want.

I’ve used spreadsheets for every thing from budgeting advert spending to monitoring advertising efficiency, and I’ve seen them morph into full-blown databases with automation, superior formulation, and real-time collaboration. The very best spreadsheet software program isn’t only a place to dump numbers; it’s a software that helps you make sense of them, spot patterns, and (hopefully) keep away from pricey errors.

Whether or not you’re crunching information, managing workflows, or simply attempting to remain organized, the fitting spreadsheet software program could make a distinction. The improper one? Let’s simply say I’ve misplaced sufficient unsaved work to know higher.

My components for locating one of the best spreadsheet software program

I wasn’t simply on the lookout for a spreadsheet that labored. I wished one which made my job simpler. So, I put one of the best spreadsheet software program by means of the wringer, testing every thing from pace to collaboration to how effectively they dealt with messy, real-world information. 

• Efficiency and scalability: I’ve labored with spreadsheets that beg for mercy while you dump an excessive amount of information into them. So I stress-tested every software by importing giant datasets — tens of 1000’s of rows, calculations operating within the background, real-time collaboration in progress. An excellent spreadsheet software shouldn’t simply work for just a few hundred rows; it ought to have the ability to deal with heavy formulation, reside information imports, and a number of customers enhancing without delay with out turning right into a frozen nightmare.
• Method capabilities and automation: Primary addition and subtraction are high-quality for grocery lists, however I wanted one thing that might deal with advanced formulation, nested logic, and automation that saved me from repeating the identical job. I examined how effectively every software supported superior formulation like INDEX/MATCH, ARRAY FORMULA, and customized scripting. Some instruments even let me arrange automated workflows, like triggering emails when a threshold is met or pulling real-time monetary information from exterior sources. 
• Collaboration and model management: Spreadsheets are not often a solo sport. I examined how simple it was to work with a group: can a number of folks edit without delay with out issues breaking? What occurs when somebody deletes a components they undoubtedly shouldn’t have touched? I additionally dug into model historical past, testing whether or not I might roll again modifications simply. The very best spreadsheet software program made it unimaginable for a rogue teammate to interrupt my workflow.
• Integration and connectivity: I discover a spreadsheet that exists in isolation ineffective. I wanted a spreadsheet software that imported information from CRMs, APIs, and reside databases with out forcing me to replace every thing each 5 minutes manually. I examined how effectively every software program software related with different instruments, whether or not by means of built-in integrations, add-ons, or automation platforms. The very best ones let me pull in real-time information, sync with cloud storage, and even automate repetitive reporting duties with just a few clicks.
• Knowledge visualization and reporting: Numbers are nice, but when I can’t shortly flip them into charts, pivot tables, or dashboards that make sense, what’s the purpose? I examined how versatile every spreadsheet software program was with graphs, conditional formatting, and superior reporting options. If a spreadsheet made it simpler to identify tendencies, spotlight key metrics, and current information in a means that tells a narrative, it scored main factors.
• Superior options: Past the fundamentals, I seemed for spreadsheet instruments that supplied options that weren’t simply “good to have” however improved my workflow. A few of the standout capabilities I examined included database-style performance, AI-powered insights, components ideas, no-code automation, and so on.

The very best spreadsheet software program didn’t simply deal with numbers — it prolonged what I might do with them, making my work extra environment friendly and, truthfully, quite a bit much less irritating. After testing over 30 instruments over a number of months, I’ve my closing lower.

The record under comprises real person opinions from G2’s finest spreadsheet software program class. To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Present overview and enhancing instruments
• Filter information for future evaluation
• Present information presentation features, resembling charts and graphs
• Supply collaboration and sharing instruments
• Present convertible information

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some opinions could have been edited for readability.  

I’ve used Google Workspace for years, however I wished to transcend the same old budgeting and content material monitoring for testing Sheets. It at present holds a satisfaction rating of 99 on G2, making it the best on the record.

I put Google Sheets by means of a deep check: dealing with giant datasets, automating workflows, integrating reside information, and stress-testing formulation. My objective was to see if it might exchange a extra heavy-duty spreadsheet software or if it could begin displaying cracks beneath stress.

First, the real-time collaboration continues to be unmatched. I invited a number of folks to edit a reside doc, examined simultaneous modifications, and arrange protected ranges to forestall unintentional overwrites. The whole lot was up to date in real-time with out lag, and I might tag folks with @mentions in feedback to assign duties. The built-in chat centralized discussions, making it really feel extra like a dwelling doc than a static spreadsheet.

However I wished to push automation subsequent. Google Apps Script is a critical benefit if JavaScript. It allowed me to create customized workflows, like pulling reside inventory market information from an API or robotically producing experiences. Sheets nonetheless affords primary automation by means of Macros for non-coders, which lets me document and repeat repetitive duties. I examined organising an automatic workflow to repeat information from one sheet to a different when a situation was met, and it labored effectively, however solely inside Sheets itself. 

Google Sheets additionally has spectacular reside information import capabilities. I used features like IMPORTXML to scrape web site information and IMPORTRANGE to tug values from different spreadsheets. Connecting Sheets to Google Analytics and BigQuery was clean, nevertheless it required setup by means of Google Cloud, which isn’t as intuitive for novices.

What additionally intrigued me was Gemini for Google Sheets, Google’s AI-powered assistant. As an alternative of manually constructing formulation or sifting by means of rows of information, I typed easy prompts like “Summarize gross sales tendencies from the final quarter” or “Spotlight underperforming merchandise,” and Gemini returned structured insights. It wasn’t all the time excellent — I nonetheless needed to refine outcomes — nevertheless it sped up evaluation considerably. Gemini made trend-spotting and information summaries easy for entrepreneurs and analysts working with in depth experiences.

When testing efficiency at scale, I discovered that Google Sheets handles reasonable datasets easily however begins to decelerate when pushed to enterprise-level volumes. At round 50,000 rows, refresh occasions and components processing noticeably lagged, and huge pivot tables ran slower than in Excel or specialised analytics instruments. This design aligns with Sheets’ core energy, collaborative, cloud-based evaluation, making it a superb selection for agile groups dealing with mild to mid-level information.

Offline performance additionally presents the same steadiness of strengths and trade-offs. Sheets helps primary offline enhancing for fast changes, however loading and manipulating giant information and not using a robust connection can really feel unreliable. For groups continuously on the transfer, sustaining steady connectivity ensures a smoother, extra reliable expertise.

What I dislike about Google Sheets:

• In my expertise, and echoed by a number of G2 reviewers, offline mode works high-quality for smaller sheets however struggles with giant information. Syncing modifications after reconnecting felt gradual, which is sensible for a software constructed primarily for cloud collaboration.
• I additionally observed, and G2 customers agree, that automation in Google Sheets isn’t essentially the most approachable. Apps Script is highly effective for individuals who code, however for non-technical customers like me, organising automations typically means counting on third-party add-ons or less complicated built-in choices.

What G2 customers dislike about Google Sheets:

“One draw back of Google Workspace is its restricted offline performance. Whereas offline entry is feasible with some apps (like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail), it requires organising beforehand, and sure options could not work as effectively or require a gentle web connection to replace easily as soon as you might be again on-line. Moreover, in case your group depends closely on superior spreadsheet or doc options, Google Sheets and Docs could lack the in-depth performance of conventional software program like Microsoft Excel and Phrase, particularly for advanced information processing or superior formatting.”

– Google Workspace Evaluation, Gadwin O.

I’ve all the time seen Excel because the spreadsheet software program that may do every thing — if you know the way to make use of it. 95% of G2 reviewers say that it meets their necessities. Whereas Google Sheets wins in collaboration, Excel dominates in uncooked energy, making it my go-to for giant datasets, superior monetary modeling, and automation that doesn’t break beneath stress.

I began by loading an enormous dataset with over 500,000 rows to see how Excel dealt with large-scale information evaluation. Excel barely flinched, not like Google Sheets, which began lagging at round 50,000 rows. Filtering, sorting, and operating advanced calculations felt clean, even after I stacked a number of pivot tables and conditional formatting guidelines.

What impressed me was Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant. As an alternative of manually determining formulation or creating pivot tables from scratch, I merely typed what I wanted in plain English. Copilot urged the right formulation, created visualizations, and even summarized tendencies in my information. It wasn’t excellent; I nonetheless needed to tweak outcomes sometimes, nevertheless it was an enormous time-saver for fast insights and first drafts of experiences.

Nonetheless, Excel shines in Energy Question and Energy Pivot. These instruments aren’t only for cleansing up messy information; they allow you to manipulate and remodel datasets with unbelievable precision. I examined Energy Question by pulling in uncooked CSV information, merging tables, and robotically refreshing experiences with new information. It labored flawlessly, saving me hours of handbook cleanup. However, Energy Pivot lets me construct relational information fashions, which is a lifesaver when working with multi-sheet experiences that want to remain related.

For automation, I examined Excel’s built-in Visible Primary for Purposes (VBA). I wrote a macro to generate weekly advertising experiences, pulling information from a number of sheets, making use of formatting, and even sending an e-mail abstract — all with one click on. It took some preliminary setup, nevertheless it saved me from a tedious handbook course of as soon as configured. If VBA feels too technical, Excel additionally integrates with Energy Automate, permitting no-code automation that connects with different Microsoft instruments like Outlook, Groups, and SharePoint.

I additionally examined Excel’s information visualization instruments, and that is the place it pulls forward for reporting. The charting options go far past easy bar graphs; I created interactive dashboards with slicers, customized pattern traces, and dynamic formatting that made experiences extra insightful at a look. Should you work in analytics-heavy fields, Excel’s capability to deal with forecasting, pattern evaluation, and predictive modeling provides it an edge.

One disadvantage I bumped into was cloud collaboration. Whereas the Excel for Net model permits real-time enhancing, it’s not practically as clean as Google Sheets. The desktop model continues to be one of the best for efficiency, however sharing information requires saving them to OneDrive or SharePoint, which provides an additional step in comparison with Google’s immediate sharing. G2 reviewers additionally agreed with my expertise right here.

What I dislike about Microsoft Excel:

• Whereas Excel for Net permits real-time enhancing, it wasn’t as clean or immediate as I’d like. The desktop model continues to be higher, however counting on OneDrive or SharePoint for sharing provides additional steps. G2 reviewers have echoed this sentiment of their opinions as effectively.
• Excel requires a robust machine for in depth calculations. It handles massive datasets effectively, however after I examined it on my older laptop computer with advanced formula-heavy sheets, there was a noticeable lag. G2 customers additionally mentioned that the {hardware} is usually a limitation if you happen to’re working with huge information.

What G2 customers dislike about Microsoft Excel:

“I want there have been occasions when the formulation had been extra explanatory. At occasions, the formulation don’t appear to make sense, and consultants must be consulted, or self-help movies must be reviewed to unravel the problem of why sure logic paths/formulation aren’t working.”

– Microsoft Evaluation, Michael R.

Quip isn’t your typical spreadsheet software program. It’s what occurs when a spreadsheet, a doc editor, and a chat software get mixed right into a single workspace. At first, I wasn’t positive if this mashup was an excellent thought or an pointless complication, however after testing it for real-world duties, I can see why groups that want an all-in-one workspace find it irresistible.

Immediately, Quip felt much less like a spreadsheet software and extra like a reside workspace. As an alternative of being dropped right into a clean grid, I began inside a doc the place I might embed spreadsheets instantly alongside textual content, checklists, and even reside discussions. This was an enormous win for advertising experiences, content material calendars, and marketing campaign planning, the place I always swap between analyzing numbers and explaining tendencies. As an alternative of bouncing between spreadsheets and separate Google Docs, I might hold every thing in a single place.

I examined the real-time collaboration instruments, and that is the place Quip actually stood out. Not like Google Sheets, the place feedback are tied to particular cells, Quip permits inline discussions wherever within the doc, whether or not it’s in a paragraph, a guidelines, or inside a spreadsheet itself. My group and I might chat inside a monetary report, modify projections, and assign motion objects instantly contained in the file. Plus, I beloved that I might add interactive checklists and job lists proper contained in the doc, making it greater than only a spreadsheet.

Then, I examined reside sync capabilities, and this was the place issues received fascinating. As a result of Quip is owned by Salesforce, it has deep integrations with Salesforce information, permitting groups to tug reside CRM information and experiences instantly right into a Quip doc. I might edit a gross sales forecast spreadsheet, and the numbers robotically up to date from Salesforce information, guaranteeing we had been all the time working with the most recent figures. This function alone might exchange messy e-mail chains and outdated experiences for gross sales and finance groups.

Once I examined Quip with a dataset of over 30,000 rows, efficiency noticeably dipped, and filtering and sorting took longer than I anticipated for heavier evaluation. G2 reviewers talked about seeing related slowdowns with giant information, which is sensible since Quip is constructed extra for collaboration and communication than high-volume information processing.

I additionally observed, and G2 customers agreed, that Quip doesn’t supply a lot in the best way of automation. There’s no scripting or macro-level performance such as you’d discover in Excel or Google Sheets, which makes it higher fitted to groups targeted on light-weight, real-time collaboration quite than advanced information modeling or automated workflows.

What I dislike about Quip:

• Restricted components and automation capabilities. Whereas Quip dealt with my primary calculations high-quality, it lacked superior options like macros, scripting, and automation instruments. G2 customers say that if you must construct advanced monetary fashions or automate repetitive duties, you’ll hit a wall shortly.
• I discovered the customization choices fairly primary. Not like Excel, the place I can deeply format experiences and fine-tune each chart, Quip’s spreadsheet formatting instruments felt restricted. It really works effectively for easy experiences, nevertheless it is probably not sufficient if you would like extremely detailed visualizations. G2 customers expressed the identical of their suggestions.

What G2 customers dislike about Quip:

“Dealing with with tables will not be that clean for me. I feel we will add some extra options current in google sheets if does not exist until now. Like Method assist and all. Additionally, if you happen to paste some images within the final line of a quip doc it will get powerful to work within the subsequent line by inserting a brand new one, so I’d simply paste the picture within the second final line to not face that problem.”

– Quip Evaluation, Yash R.

Zoho Sheet doesn’t simply attempt to be one other cloud-based spreadsheet — it goes a step additional by integrating collaboration, workflow automation, and enterprise intelligence options in ways in which most spreadsheet software program doesn’t. Whereas it could not have the model recognition of Excel or Google Sheets, I discovered it full of instruments that make information administration extra environment friendly, particularly for groups already utilizing Zoho’s ecosystem.

The very first thing that stood out was how customizable the expertise felt. Not like most spreadsheet software program that forces a inflexible interface, Zoho Sheet lets me tweak every thing from the toolbar format to default formatting choices. I even arrange customized button-triggered actions contained in the sheet, which is one thing I hadn’t seen in different instruments. This made on a regular basis duties — like updating experiences or shifting datasets — really feel smoother and extra intuitive.

I additionally examined its built-in information validation and automation instruments, and that is the place Zoho Sheet actually impressed me. The information linking function allowed me to create dynamic references throughout a number of sheets and workbooks, that means that when one dataset modified, all related experiences up to date robotically. This eliminated the trouble of manually syncing experiences — an enormous time-saver for anybody coping with recurring information updates.

Zoho Sheet additionally affords form-driven information assortment, which helps you to construct interactive varieties instantly contained in the spreadsheet. I examined this by making a advertising marketing campaign tracker the place my group might submit new marketing campaign particulars by means of a type, and the information was populated right into a structured desk robotically. This function is helpful for groups that continuously accumulate information from a number of contributors.

For many who want group collaboration, Zoho Sheet consists of granular entry controls, letting me set person roles at a a lot deeper degree than Google Sheets. I might enable some teammates to edit solely particular ranges, limit components modifications, and even set expiration dates on shared information — one thing that’s extremely helpful for managing momentary collaborations.

Whereas Zoho Sheet excels at automation and group workflows, it’s not the strongest at exterior integrations. It really works fantastically with Zoho’s suite of apps (like Zoho CRM and Zoho Books), however G2 reviewers and I discovered it noticeably harder to connect with third-party instruments exterior the Zoho ecosystem. 

One other limitation I observed was charting and visualization. Whereas Zoho Sheet consists of quite a lot of graph varieties, I discovered the customization choices extra restricted than Excel or Google Sheets. G2 customers additionally struggled a bit of to tweak pattern traces, add dynamic filtering, or construct interactive dashboards as easily in comparison with different software program.

What I dislike about Zoho Sheet:

• There are restricted third-party integrations exterior Zoho’s ecosystem. Whereas it connects seamlessly to Zoho CRM and finance instruments, integrating with non-Zoho platforms like Zapier, Slack, or exterior APIs requires additional steps.
• As per G2 reviewers, there isn’t any superior scripting language for deep automation. Zoho supplies some built-in automation instruments, nevertheless it lacks a robust scripting choice like Google Apps Script or VBA, making advanced workflow automation harder.

What G2 customers dislike about Zoho Sheet:

“I understood that this software is a particular objective software and is probably not as simple to cope with as a daily Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. For instance, I can not simply paste a date from Excel right into a Zoho Sheet and count on it to work throughout date codecs. It does not. Equally, null worth dealing with is totally different in Excel and Zoho sheets. So I needed to be cautious whereas even copying and pasting in order that the precise worth is retained no matter format modifications.”

– Zoho Sheet Evaluation, Arpit J.

Apple Numbers is the spreadsheet software program that refuses to be simply one other grid of rows and columns. Proper from the beginning, it felt much less like a standard spreadsheet software and extra like a canvas for data-driven design, with a give attention to aesthetics, format flexibility, and a surprisingly intuitive method to organizing info. 

It’s excellent for individuals who need their spreadsheets to look nearly as good as they operate, nevertheless it undoubtedly has its quirks.

The very first thing that stood out was the freeform format. Not like Excel or Google Sheets, the place you’re locked into an infinite sea of gridlines, Numbers allows you to place tables wherever on the canvas. I examined this by making a multi-section report with a number of tables, textual content explanations, and even interactive charts; all organized precisely how I wished, with out being confined to a single inflexible sheet.

This made it excellent for displays, dashboards, and experiences that required to visually structured method quite than simply being data-heavy.

One other distinctive function I examined was Apple’s interactive sliders and stepper controls. As an alternative of manually altering values in cells, I added adjustable sliders to monetary projections, making it simple to tweak numbers and see immediate updates in charts with out always retyping values. This made situation evaluation really feel much more intuitive, particularly for forecasting fashions.

I additionally explored real-time collaboration, which works seamlessly throughout Apple units by means of iCloud. My group edited the identical file on Mac, iPad, and even iPhone with none sync points. Nonetheless, collaboration exterior the Apple ecosystem was restricted — not like Google Sheets, which anybody can entry with a browser, Numbers requires collaborators to have an Apple ID, which made sharing information with non-Apple customers extra difficult.

Apple’s built-in information categorization additionally felt distinctive. Numbers enable for computerized grouping and collapsible class views inside tables, which makes breaking down datasets by area, division, or gross sales class extremely clean. I examined this with a advertising funds report, organizing bills by marketing campaign kind, and I beloved how I might collapse and increase sections dynamically with no need separate pivot tables.

Certainly one of Numbers’ most substantial features is its gorgeous information visualization instruments. Charts and graphs are much more polished and customizable than what I’ve seen in Excel or Google Sheets. I created a 3D interactive pie chart the place I might rotate sections by dragging them, making it a robust software for visually partaking experiences. 

Once I examined the software’s information evaluation depth, I observed that superior statistical and monetary modeling was pretty restricted, one thing G2 reviewers additionally identified. It helps primary formulation fantastically, however with out options like Energy Pivot or regression modeling, it’s clearly designed extra for clear information presentation than advanced analytical work.

Numbers excel in ways in which conventional spreadsheets don’t. However if you happen to want deep information analytics, scripting, or enterprise-scale automation, it is probably not strong sufficient for the job.

What I dislike about Apple Numbers:

• G2 opinions notice restricted automation and scripting capabilities. There’s no built-in scripting language like VBA or Google Apps Script, so repetitive duties and vital information transformations require handbook work or third-party instruments.
• Collaboration works finest inside Apple’s ecosystem, as per G2 customers. Whereas real-time enhancing by means of iCloud was clean on Apple units, sharing with non-Apple customers was much less intuitive, and the net model lacked some performance.

What G2 customers dislike about Apple Numbers:

“Coming from a background as a knowledge analyst, I discovered that Apple Numbers lacks the options that I’ve grown accustomed to with Excel and Google Sheets. Whereas Numbers is implausible for primary duties and presents information in a visually pleasing method, for something extra superior or for enterprise use, the features and formulation are restricted. You probably have additionally used Excel or Google Sheets, Numbers’s total method is kind of totally different, making it difficult to adapt to a unique workflow. I’ve tried to modify to Numbers many occasions, however all the time discover myself returning to the opposite choices.”

– Apple Numbers Evaluation, Skyler B.

Equals is a spreadsheet constructed for contemporary analytics, and after testing it, I can confidently say it’s one of the crucial distinctive instruments on this area. In line with G2 Knowledge, 99% of customers say they discover it simple to do enterprise with, and 84% of Equals’ prospects are from small companies.

Not like Excel or Google Sheets, that are general-purpose spreadsheets, Equals is explicitly designed for enterprise intelligence, reside information connections, and SQL-powered reporting. Should you always work with databases and wish a spreadsheet that automates information updates and eliminates handbook exports, this one is value .

The very first thing I examined was reside database connections, the place Equals shines. As an alternative of manually importing CSVs or copy-pasting experiences, I related them on to an SQL database. From there, I might write queries contained in the spreadsheet and pull in reside information with out ever leaving the interface. This utterly eradicated the trouble of downloading and re-uploading information each time one thing modified. Even higher, I might schedule these queries to refresh at set intervals, that means my experiences stayed updated robotically.

I additionally examined Equals’ built-in model management, which works equally to Git however for spreadsheets. Not like in Google Sheets or Excel, the place you may view a historical past of edits however need to revert modifications manually, Equals allows you to create named variations of your work. This meant I might experiment with totally different situations, check formulation, and all the time have a fallback with out duplicating information. This function was a game-changer when engaged on monetary modeling, the place totally different assumptions typically must be examined aspect by aspect.

One other main plus was how easily it dealt with advanced information joins and calculations. In a standard spreadsheet, if I wished to merge two datasets, I’d both have to make use of VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, or depend on exterior scripts. In Equals, I might write SQL queries to hitch datasets instantly contained in the sheet. This made it considerably simpler to work with a number of information sources without delay with out creating messy formulation.

Whereas testing Equals, I noticed it’s clearly constructed with information professionals in thoughts, one thing G2 reviewers additionally talked about. The platform leans closely towards SQL-based workflows and automation, which makes it extremely highly effective for evaluation however much less approachable for groups that don’t work with reside databases. In comparison with Google Sheets or Excel, the educational curve feels steeper, and it’s finest fitted to customers who’re snug querying and deciphering uncooked information.

I additionally discovered, and G2 suggestions aligns, that Equals focuses extra on operate than type. It processes giant datasets seamlessly, however formatting and presentation choices are pretty minimal. Charts and pivot tables get the job completed, but if you happen to’re constructing polished, client-ready dashboards, you would possibly end up ending the visuals elsewhere.

What I dislike about Equals:

• G2 suggestions means that it is not as useful if you happen to don’t work with databases. For me, the largest energy of Equals is its capability to tug reside information. However you will not get the identical advantages if you happen to’re not working with SQL or exterior databases.
• I discovered Equals much less versatile for general-purpose spreadsheet work. It’s constructed for information evaluation, not broad spreadsheet use, so issues like job monitoring, light-weight budgeting, or private planning are higher fitted to conventional instruments. G2 customers echoed this sentiment of their opinions, too.

What G2 customers dislike about Equals:

“There aren’t many issues we do not like. Perhaps a Zapier integration can be good so we might push information right into a workbook based mostly on different workflows. Will probably be cool as they construct out extra templates for main experiences (e.g., having a monetary dashboard pre-built for Stripe can be EPIC).”

– Equals Evaluation, David S.

Minitab isn’t a typical spreadsheet — it’s a statistical powerhouse constructed for critical information evaluation, predictive modeling, and high quality management, which might be why 57% of its customers come from enterprises, in response to G2 Knowledge. Whereas Excel and Google Sheets supply important statistical features, Minitab takes issues to a different degree, specializing in regression evaluation, speculation testing, and superior forecasting. 

Should you want a spreadsheet that doesn’t simply retailer information however helps you make sense of it with deep analytics, that is the place Minitab excels.

I examined Minitab by operating predictive analytics on historic gross sales information, one thing that will take critical work in Excel. As an alternative of manually organising formulation and trendlines, Minitab lets me use built-in regression fashions to determine patterns and make future projections with only a few clicks. The outcomes weren’t simply uncooked numbers — I received interactive visualizations, confidence intervals, and clear statistical summaries that really defined what was taking place in my dataset.

One other standout function was its capability to deal with high quality management and Six Sigma evaluation. I loaded manufacturing defect information into Minitab and used management charts, course of functionality evaluation, and Pareto charts to pinpoint the place points had been occurring. Not like customary spreadsheets, the place I’d need to construct these charts manually, Minitab robotically urged the fitting statistical instruments based mostly on my information, which saved plenty of time.

I additionally examined Minitab’s Assistant, an AI-powered information that walks you thru statistical checks step-by-step. Despite the fact that I’ve expertise with information evaluation, I appreciated the way it defined why particular checks had been acceptable for my dataset. This function makes advanced statistical modeling much more approachable for customers who aren’t statisticians.

Minitab integrates effectively with Python and R, which I discovered helpful for superior scripting and lengthening its performance past what’s inbuilt. I used to be capable of import Python-generated datasets, run further statistical transformations, and ship the outcomes again to Minitab for closing visualization. This makes it an awesome software for analysts and information scientists who want flexibility.

The place Minitab differs from customary spreadsheets, as per G2 reviewers, is its give attention to statistical accuracy over spreadsheet-style flexibility. It enforces structured information formatting, which ensures accuracy however can really feel inflexible if you happen to’re used to working in a extra open-ended means.

What I dislike about Minitab Statistical Software program:

• G2 customers say that there’s a studying curve for non-statisticians. Whereas the AI Assistant helps information, superior statistical checks nonetheless require some understanding of analytics ideas to interpret outcomes successfully.
• I discovered collaboration options to be barely restricted in comparison with cloud-based spreadsheets. Minitab is primarily desktop-based, that means it lacks the real-time co-editing and immediate sharing present in instruments like Google Sheets.

What G2 customers dislike about Minitab Statistical Software program:

“I want you might spotlight the evaluation within the Navigator that you simply wish to take a look at after which get again to the Dialogue Field that produced that evaluation. Typically, there are refined variations in evaluation relying on the choices chosen, and with out entry to the affiliated dialogue field, it’s tough (if doable) to find out the choices/setup that was chosen for that analytical output. I’d additionally wish to see among the information administration instruments for the spreadsheet be a bit extra ‘Excel-ish’.”

– Minitab Statistical Software program Evaluation, Kerry S.

LibreOffice Calc typically will get in comparison with Excel, however after testing it, I discovered that whereas it shares a well-known interface, it has its personal strengths — particularly for customers who desire a highly effective spreadsheet with out the price of a paid subscription. Not like cloud-based instruments like Google Sheets, LibreOffice is totally offline, making it an awesome various for customers who want a light-weight but feature-rich spreadsheet that doesn’t depend on an web connection.

One of many first issues I examined was how effectively it dealt with giant datasets, and I used to be pleasantly stunned. I loaded a 200,000-row dataset, anticipating it to decelerate, nevertheless it remained responsive. Not like Google Sheets, which begins lagging with advanced spreadsheets, LibreOffice Calc felt optimized for dealing with massive information units with out main efficiency points.

LibreOffice Calc additionally features a DataPilot function, which is actually its model of pivot tables. I examined it by summarizing gross sales information, and whereas it labored effectively, it wasn’t as polished as Excel’s pivot desk performance. That mentioned, it nonetheless dealt with multi-sheet experiences and complicated information grouping with out points.

One other standout function was its flexibility with file codecs. I examined opening and enhancing Excel (.XLSX), older Microsoft Workplace codecs (.XLS), OpenDocument (.ODS), and even CSVs with non-standard delimiters, and it dealt with all of them with out breaking formatting. This makes it among the best choices for customers who continuously swap between totally different spreadsheet file varieties.

LibreOffice additionally consists of built-in objective search and solver instruments for optimization issues, which I examined by organising a break-even evaluation for advertising spend. Whereas it labored effectively for primary issues, it lacks the superior situation evaluation instruments that Excel customers may be used to. Nonetheless, provided that it’s free and open-source, I used to be impressed by how a lot it affords.

LibreOffice Calc delivers robust performance however feels a bit of dated in design. The interface isn’t as glossy or intuitive as Excel or Google Sheets, and a few formatting duties take additional steps. That mentioned, for G2 customers who prioritized management, privateness, and offline efficiency, the standard format truly felt acquainted and reliable.

I additionally observed, and G2 suggestions confirms, that collaboration is the place Calc exhibits its age. There’s no built-in real-time enhancing, so whilst you can retailer information within the cloud, you received’t get the identical seamless teamwork expertise present in web-based spreadsheets. It’s a strong selection for particular person customers or groups that favor working domestically over fixed on-line collaboration.

What I dislike about LibreOffice Calc:

• Superior analytics and situation planning are extra restricted, in response to G2 customers. Whereas the built-in solver and objective search instruments are helpful, LibreOffice doesn’t supply as many deep forecasting and modeling choices as Excel.
• G2 customers say that some Excel-specific formulation and macros don’t all the time translate completely. Whereas LibreOffice helps most traditional spreadsheet formulation, I observed occasional inconsistencies when utilizing Excel macros and complicated conditional formatting.

What G2 customers dislike about LibreOffice Calc:

“Generally it may be laborious to learn how to do one thing I need, however I can often discover the reply with a bit of perseverance. There may be little or no to say about weaknesses, as many advantages are obtained with this suite. The interface seems a bit of antiquated in comparison with its opponents. The person documentation may be very brief and generally laborious to grasp as a result of lack of different sheets examples.”

– LibreOffice Evaluation, Ella J.

Try my group’s advice of the finest information visualization software program to remodel your spreadsheets into interactive charts, dashboards, and experiences.