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Comparison · Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel vs ONLYOFFICE: which is better in 2026?

Microsoft Excel93.5#1 in best spreadsheet softwareONLYOFFICE85.0#5 in best spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel ranks higher in our list of spreadsheet software (#1 against #5, score 93.5 against 85.0).

How we rank Share

  • 93.5
    Editorial score
    85.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    4
  • 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 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 Microsoft Excel runs on iOS.
  • Only Microsoft Excel runs on Android.
  • Only ONLYOFFICE runs on Web.
  • ONLYOFFICE is open source; Microsoft Excel is not.

Side by side

Microsoft ExcelONLYOFFICE
Score93.585.0
Rank in list#1 of 9#5 of 9
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesMobile apps are free to download; the Mac app requires Microsoft 365Free and open sourceFree desktop editors; document server open source under AGPL-3.0
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWindowsmacOSLinuxWebWindows, macOS, Linux, Web
Made byMicrosoftNot stated
Native file formatXLSXXLSX and ODS
Real-time co-editingYesYes
Offline useDesktop and mobile appsDesktop Editors
Best forAdvanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooksOpen-source office users who need document and sheet tools
Strengths
  • Native XLSX format that most other tools open
  • Copilot in Excel for analysis and cleanup
  • PivotTables and a large function library
  • Free desktop editors for three systems
  • Self-hosted online editing under AGPL-3.0
Limits
  • Mac version requires a Microsoft 365 subscription
  • Heavier to install than browser-based Google Sheets
  • Interface is less familiar to Microsoft Office users
  • Self-hosting the document server needs admin work
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Microsoft Excel vs ONLYOFFICE

Is Microsoft Excel better than ONLYOFFICE?
Microsoft Excel ranks higher in our list of spreadsheet software (#1 against #5, score 93.5 against 85.0). Microsoft Excel is best for: advanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooks. ONLYOFFICE is best for: open-source office users who need document and sheet tools.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Excel or ONLYOFFICE?
Microsoft Excel: Mobile apps are free to download; the Mac app requires Microsoft 365. ONLYOFFICE: Free desktop editors; document server open source under AGPL-3.0.
Do Microsoft Excel and ONLYOFFICE run on the same platforms?
Microsoft Excel supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. ONLYOFFICE supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Web.

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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