Comparison · Spreadsheet software
Numbers vs ONLYOFFICE: which is better in 2026?
Numbers ranks higher in our list of spreadsheet software (#4 against #5, score 86.5 against 85.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 86.5Editorial score85.0
- 3Platforms4
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Numbers if you want
Spreadsheets on Mac, iPhone and iPad.
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.
Choose ONLYOFFICE if you want
Open-source office users who need document and sheet tools.
An open-source office suite with a spreadsheet editor, Microsoft Office format support and AGPL-3.0 Desktop Editors on three desktop platforms. It is less polished than Excel for heavy spreadsheet work, and hosted products cost extra.
The main differences
- Only ONLYOFFICE runs on Linux.
- Only ONLYOFFICE runs on Windows.
- Only Numbers runs on iOS.
- ONLYOFFICE is open source; Numbers is not.
Side by side
 Numbers |  ONLYOFFICE | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.5 | 85.0 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 9 | #5 of 9 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree to download on Apple devices; some in-app purchases | Free and open sourceFree desktop editors; document server open source under AGPL-3.0 |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSiOSWebmacOS, iOS, Web | WindowsmacOSLinuxWebWindows, macOS, Linux, Web |
| Made by | Apple | Not stated |
| Native file format | Numbers, exports XLSX | XLSX and ODS |
| Real-time co-editing | Yes | Yes |
| Offline use | Apple device apps | Desktop Editors |
| Best for | Spreadsheets on Mac, iPhone and iPad | Open-source office users who need document and sheet tools |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Numbers vs ONLYOFFICE
- Is Numbers better than ONLYOFFICE?
- Numbers ranks higher in our list of spreadsheet software (#4 against #5, score 86.5 against 85.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Numbers is best for: spreadsheets on Mac, iPhone and iPad. ONLYOFFICE is best for: open-source office users who need document and sheet tools.
- Which is cheaper, Numbers or ONLYOFFICE?
- Numbers: Free to download on Apple devices; some in-app purchases. ONLYOFFICE: Free desktop editors; document server open source under AGPL-3.0.
- Do Numbers and ONLYOFFICE run on the same platforms?
- Numbers supports macOS, iOS, Web. ONLYOFFICE supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Numbers and ONLYOFFICE
All articles- Roundups · 5 min readBest free alternatives to Microsoft OfficeCompare LibreOffice, ONLYOFFICE, Google Docs, WPS Office and Zoho Workplace, and learn where Microsoft file format compatibility can fall short for your documents.
- Guides · 4 min readHow to choose a spreadsheet app: file formats, sharing, costChoose a spreadsheet app by file format, shared editing, analysis depth and price. Compare Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, Numbers, WPS Office and Gnumeric.
- Comparisons · 5 min readLibreOffice vs Microsoft 365: Which Office Suite Should You Use?Compare LibreOffice and Microsoft 365 on price, desktop apps, sign-in, file sharing, open source and Office file support, and pick the suite that fits your work.
