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Comparison · Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel vs LibreOffice: which is better in 2026?

Microsoft Excel93.5#1 in best spreadsheet softwareLibreOffice88.0#3 in best spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel ranks higher in our list of spreadsheet software (#1 against #3, score 93.5 against 88.0).

How we rank Share

  • 93.5
    Editorial score
    88.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Microsoft Excel if you want

Advanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooks.

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.

Choose LibreOffice if you want

Free offline spreadsheets and open-source use.

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.

The main differences

  • Only LibreOffice runs on Linux.
  • Only Microsoft Excel runs on iOS.
  • Only Microsoft Excel runs on Android.
  • LibreOffice is open source; Microsoft Excel is not.

Side by side

Microsoft ExcelLibreOffice
Score93.588.0
Rank in list#1 of 9#3 of 9
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesMobile apps are free to download; the Mac app requires Microsoft 365Free and open sourceFree to download and use; source under MPL-2.0
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made byMicrosoftThe Document Foundation
Native file formatXLSXODS, reads and writes Office formats
Real-time co-editingYesNo
Offline useDesktop and mobile appsDesktop suite
Best forAdvanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooksFree offline spreadsheets and open-source use
Strengths
  • Native XLSX format that most other tools open
  • Copilot in Excel for analysis and cleanup
  • PivotTables and a large function library
  • Free and open source with no sign-in
  • Reads and writes Microsoft Office formats
Limits
  • Mac version requires a Microsoft 365 subscription
  • Heavier to install than browser-based Google Sheets
  • Interface looks more dated than the newest suites
  • No built-in cloud co-editing in the desktop suite
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Microsoft Excel vs LibreOffice

Is Microsoft Excel better than LibreOffice?
Microsoft Excel ranks higher in our list of spreadsheet software (#1 against #3, score 93.5 against 88.0). Microsoft Excel is best for: advanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooks. LibreOffice is best for: free offline spreadsheets and open-source use.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice?
Microsoft Excel: Mobile apps are free to download; the Mac app requires Microsoft 365. LibreOffice: Free to download and use; source under MPL-2.0.
Do Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice run on the same platforms?
Microsoft Excel supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. LibreOffice supports Windows, macOS, Linux.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow 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.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow 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.

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