Is Microsoft Excel free?

Microsoft Excel can be used without paying: Mobile apps are free to download; the Mac app requires Microsoft 365. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.

Is Microsoft Excel open source?

No. Microsoft Excel is proprietary software; its source code is not public.

Which platforms does Microsoft Excel support?

Microsoft Excel is available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

What is Microsoft Excel best for?

Advanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooks. In our ranking of spreadsheet software it is number 1 of 6 with a score of 93.5.

What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Excel?

The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Google Sheets, LibreOffice, Numbers, WPS Office.

Microsoft Excel Review, Pricing & Alternatives (2026)

93.5score

Ranked 1 of 6 in best spreadsheet software

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

About Microsoft Excel

Excel is the most widely used spreadsheet program, and its XLSX file format is the usual exchange format for spreadsheets. It includes PivotTables for summarizing data, a large set of functions, charts and templates for budgets and accounting. Copilot in Excel can analyze data and help clean it up from inside the app.

The Mac version belongs to the Microsoft 365 subscription, while the iPhone, iPad and Android apps are free to download and offer in-app purchases. Excel suits people who share files with Microsoft 365 users or need advanced analysis. Google Sheets is the browser-based alternative with sharing built in, and LibreOffice Calc is the free, open-source choice.

Key features

PivotTables and charts
Copilot in Excel
XLSX file format
Templates for budgets and accounting
Apps for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android

Strengths

Native XLSX format that most other tools open
Copilot in Excel for analysis and cleanup
PivotTables and a large function library

Limits

Mac version requires a Microsoft 365 subscription
Heavier to install than browser-based Google Sheets

Where Microsoft Excel ranks

List	Rank	Score	Best for
Best Spreadsheet software	1 of 6	93.5	Advanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooks

Alternatives to Microsoft Excel

All 5 alternatives

Compare Microsoft Excel

Questions about Microsoft Excel

Is Microsoft Excel free?: Microsoft Excel can be used without paying: Mobile apps are free to download; the Mac app requires Microsoft 365. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
Is Microsoft Excel open source?: No. Microsoft Excel is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
Which platforms does Microsoft Excel support?: Microsoft Excel is available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
What is Microsoft Excel best for?: Advanced analysis and Excel-compatible workbooks. In our ranking of spreadsheet software it is number 1 of 6 with a score of 93.5.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Excel?: The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Google Sheets, LibreOffice, Numbers, WPS Office.