Ranking
Best Spreadsheet Software in 2026
Spreadsheet software differs most in file compatibility, whether several people can edit at once, and whether the desktop app costs money. This ranking weighs analysis depth and file compatibility first, then sharing, offline use and price.
The ranking
- Top pick
Microsoft Excel93.5 - Best with a free plan
Google Sheets91.0 - Best open source
LibreOffice88.0
- 1
Microsoft Excel
The reference for Excel files and advanced analysis, with PivotTables and Copilot. The Mac version needs a Microsoft 365 subscription, which the free LibreOffice Calc does not.
Best for Advanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooks
WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidFree plan, paid upgrades
- 2
Google Sheets
The easiest shared spreadsheet here: several people edit one file from any browser, and it opens Excel files. Some Gemini features need a Workspace plan, and offline use works only through the browser.
Best for Shared sheets and team trackers
WebAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades
- 3
LibreOffice
Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux, and it reads and writes Microsoft Office formats. It has no cloud co-editing and looks more dated than Excel or Google Sheets.
Best for Free offline spreadsheets and open-source use
WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source
- 4
Numbers
Free to download on Apple devices, with templates, categories and real-time sharing that needs no subscription. It has no Windows or Android app, so sharing with Excel users means exporting.
Best for Spreadsheets on Mac, iPhone and iPad
macOSiOSWebFree plan, paid upgrades
- 5
WPS Office
A free desktop and mobile suite that opens Excel files, adds PDF tools and supports real-time editing. Premium features are paid, and it is less common in workplaces than Microsoft 365.
Best for Free Office-compatible editing on desktop and mobile
WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades
- 6
Zoho Sheet
A free online spreadsheet with Excel import, Zia charts and pivots, and apps for desktop and mobile. Its strongest links run to other Zoho apps, so standalone use gains less.
Best for Small teams already using Zoho apps
WebWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSChromeOSFree
At a glance
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Native file format | Real-time co-editing | Offline use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | 93.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSiOSAndroid | XLSX | Yes | Desktop and mobile apps |
| Google Sheets | 91.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebAndroidiOS | Google Sheets, opens XLSX | Yes | Offline mode in the browser |
| LibreOffice | 88.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinux | ODS, reads and writes Office formats | No | Desktop suite |
 Numbers | 86.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | macOSiOSWeb | Numbers, exports XLSX | Yes | Apple device apps |
 WPS Office | 83.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | Opens XLSX and Excel files | Yes | Desktop and mobile apps |
 Zoho Sheet | 80.5 | Free | WebWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSChromeOS | Zoho Sheet, imports Excel | Yes | Windows, macOS and Android apps |
How to choose spreadsheet software
- File compatibility
- XLSX is the common exchange format. Numbers exports it, Google Sheets and Zoho Sheet import Excel files, and LibreOffice reads Office formats.
- Shared editing
- Google Sheets, Zoho Sheet and Numbers suit several people editing one file from any browser or device.
- Analysis depth
- Desktop suites suit large, formula-heavy models; browser sheets cover everyday tables and charts.
- Cost
- LibreOffice and WPS Office have free desktop suites. Excel's Mac version needs Microsoft 365, and Google Sheets is free with a Google Account.
What the scores weigh
- Spreadsheet features and analysis depth
- File format compatibility
- Real-time sharing and collaboration
- Price and free-plan scope
- Platform reach and offline use
Scores are editorial, from 0 to 100, and use these criteria. Full method · Disclosure
About spreadsheet software
Spreadsheet programs fall into three groups. Desktop suites such as Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice run on the computer and handle large, formula-heavy workbooks. Browser tools such as Google Sheets and Zoho Sheet keep files in the cloud and make sharing simple. Apple Numbers sits between the two, with a desktop app for Apple devices and a browser version for iCloud.
Excel remains the reference for XLSX files and advanced analysis, and its Mac version requires a Microsoft 365 subscription. Google Sheets and Zoho Sheet can be used free to start, and Google reserves some Gemini features for Workspace plans. Numbers is free to download on Apple devices, and WPS Office offers a free desktop suite with optional Premium features.
Free and open-source options are strong. LibreOffice is free and licensed under MPL-2.0, and it reads and writes Microsoft Office formats. The scores below are editorial judgments against the criteria, not measurements.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best free spreadsheet software?
- LibreOffice Calc is the strongest free desktop option and is open source. Google Sheets is the easiest free browser option for anyone with a Google Account. WPS Office is free to download for desktop and mobile.
- Which spreadsheet app opens Excel files best?
- Microsoft Excel opens its own files natively. Google Sheets, Zoho Sheet, Numbers and WPS Office open or import XLSX files for everyday editing, though complex workbooks may need a check.
- Is Excel free?
- The Excel apps for iPhone, iPad and Android are free to download. The Mac version requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, according to its Mac App Store listing.
- Can several people edit a spreadsheet at once?
- Yes, in Google Sheets, Zoho Sheet, Numbers and WPS Office, which all list real-time editing. The LibreOffice desktop suite does not include cloud co-editing.