Microsoft Excel has long been the go-to spreadsheet software for most people, sometimes by choice but more often because of the dominance of Microsoft Office (now Microsoft 365).
Some features – like Power Pivot, advanced VBA macros, or certain add-ins – also don’t work as well on macOS.
Although there are plenty of excellent alternatives to Microsoft Office for Mac, not all include a spreadsheet app that can compete with Excel.
We’ve looked a range of replacements for Excel including standalone apps and office suites that also include alternatives to Microsoft Word too.
So whether you need something to manage data and build a database, help manage projects or just something to track your personal finances, here’s a selection of the best spreadsheet software for Mac that make replacements for MS Excel on a Mac.
Table of Contents
1. Apple Numbers
If you’re all about keeping things within the Apple ecosystem, Apple Numbers is the obvious choice.
As Apple’s own spreadsheet software it’s free to use, designed specifically for Mac users and integrates better than any other Excel alternative we’ve used with macOS and iCloud.
The interface is sleek, intuitive, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for everyday users or small business owners who don’t need the complex features that Excel offers.
Key Features:
- Free with macOS and iOS devices
- Cloud syncing via iCloud
- Real-time collaboration with other Apple users
- Extensive templates and visually attractive graphs
Numbers is a bit more basic than Excel, so it might not suit power users who need advanced pivot tables or macros. However, for most everyday spreadsheet tasks, it does the job.
For more information, check out our in-depth look at Apple Numbers vs Excel.
2. Smartsheet
If you’re managing large-scale projects and need a spreadsheet with advanced automation, Smartsheet is worth a look.
It’s a cloud-based platform that combines traditional spreadsheet capabilities with powerful project management tools.
Key Features:
- Gantt charts, project timelines, and task management
- Workflow automation
- Real-time collaboration
- Integration with apps like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office
Smartsheet is ideal for teams and businesses looking for a platform to manage both data and projects in one place.
Check out our Smartsheet review for more.
3. Google Sheets
Google Sheets has become the number one Excel alternative for many Mac users, particularly for those who rely on collaboration between macOS and Windows.
As part of the Google Workspace suite, Google Sheets is free to use and allows real-time collaboration, making it a great option for teams.
What sets Google Sheets apart from others is its ability to integrate easily with other Google services like Google Drive and Google Forms.
Key Features:
- Free to use via Google Workspace
- Real-time collaboration with commenting features
- Access from any device with an internet connection
- Built-in add-ons for extended functionality (e.g., project management, statistical analysis etc.)
While it might not have all of Excel’s advanced capabilities, Google Sheets is more than adequate for most spreadsheet tasks, and it continues to close the gap with Microsoft’s product.
4. Airtable
Airtable takes a different approach to spreadsheets by combining them with no-code database software, making it a powerful tool for project management and data tracking.
While it’s not a traditional spreadsheet app, its hybrid nature makes it a highly flexible tool for both personal and business use.
Key Features:
- Hybrid spreadsheet-database functionality
- Pre-built templates for project management, CRM, and inventory
- Real-time collaboration
- Visualizations like Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and more
Airtable is free for basic use, though there are paid plans that unlock more advanced features like extra storage and advanced data insights.
It’s perfect if you’re tired or overwhelmed dealing with traditional spreadsheets and need a better way to manage your data.
5. Knack
Knack turns spreadsheets into databases so if you’re mainly using Excel to track inventories, Knack is a much easier and more powerful of managing large sets of spreadsheet data.
Knack won our vote as the best database software for Macs thanks to the way it can import vast quantities of data and turn them into CRM portals, inventory management systems, project management tools, invoicing portals and much more.
Key Features:
- No code or Excel skills required to manage huge spreadsheets of data
- Pre-built templates for inventory management, project management and CRM
- Real-time collaboration
- AI wizard for customized database based on complex spreadsheets
Knack is definitely more of an advanced solution to managing spreadsheets but if you want something that can convert your Excel documents into real databases and services, it’s an amazing tool.
Get started for free or Check out out our full Knack review for more.
6. LibreOffice Calc
For users who prefer free open-source software, LibreOffice Calc is another great alternative to Excel.
Part of the LibreOffice suite, one of the best free alternatives to Office for Mac, Calc offers many of the same features as Excel, including advanced data processing, pivot tables, and macro scripting, all without the price tag.
Key Features:
- Completely free and open-source
- Advanced data manipulation tools
- Supports Excel file formats (XLSX, XLS)
- Cross-platform support (macOS, Windows, Linux)
Calc is a powerful tool for users who need more control over their spreadsheets but don’t want to pay for Microsoft Office.
While the interface might feel slightly dated compared to modern alternatives, its functionality is definitely on a par with Excel.
7. Zoho Sheet
Zoho Sheet is part of the Zoho Office Suite and is ideal for users who need a cloud-based spreadsheet app with advanced data collaboration features.
With real-time collaboration and the ability to work offline, Zoho Sheet offers a balance between simplicity and advanced functionality.
It also integrates well with Zoho’s CRM software and other business tools, making it perfect for small to medium businesses.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based and accessible from anywhere
- Real-time collaboration with revision history
- Offline editing support
- Built-in AI assistant for data insights
Zoho Sheet is free for personal use although it offers reasonably priced premium plans for business users. It’s perfect for those looking for an alternative that fits into a broader suite of productivity software for Macs.
8. WPS Office Spreadsheets
WPS Office Spreadsheets is a lightweight, free alternative to Excel that has more than a striking resemblance to the Microsoft Office interface.
It offers a familiar experience for users transitioning from Excel but don’t want to pay for Microsoft’s suite.
Key Features:
- Free version available with ads (premium version without ads)
- Compatible with Excel file formats
- Includes most features found in Excel, like pivot tables and advanced formulas
- Cross-platform (macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS)
WPS Office Spreadsheets is a good option for users who need an Excel-like experience but want a free or low-cost option.
9. OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a free open-source office suite that offers an impressive spreadsheet tool as part of its package.
It’s particularly suited for teams that need a collaborative environment while maintaining a high level of compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.
With a clean interface similar to Excel, it’s easy to transition to OnlyOffice if you’re used to Microsoft’s layout.
Key Features:
- Fully compatible with Excel file formats (XLSX, XLS)
- Cloud-based collaboration with version control
- Real-time co-editing
- Integration with platforms like Nextcloud and ownCloud
OnlyOffice provides both free and premium versions, making it accessible for personal use or scalable for businesses looking for a Microsoft Office alternative with brilliant collaboration tools.
10. EtherCalc
For users who want a simple, web-based spreadsheet solution that doesn’t require account sign-ins or software installation, EtherCalc is a great option.
It’s a free open-source tool where multiple users can collaborate on spreadsheets in real time without the need for complex setup.
Although it’s not as feature-rich as Excel, it’s lightweight and perfect for quick collaboration.
Key Features:
- Completely free and open-source
- No registration or installation required
- Real-time collaboration for multiple users
- Accessible from any browser
EtherCalc may lack the advanced functionalities of Excel, but it’s perfect for small teams or users who need a lightweight, collaborative tool for basic spreadsheet tasks.
Excel for Mac Alternatives: Comparison Table
| Platform | Key Features | Import/Export Support | Sharing Features | Pricing |
|---|
| Apple Numbers | macOS, iOS, Web | Sleek design, integration with iCloud | Imports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDF | Real-time collaboration via iCloud | Free with Apple devices |
| Smartsheet | Web, iOS, Android | Project management features | Imports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDF | Real-time collaboration with permissions | Starts at $9/month, Free trial |
| Google Sheets | Web, iOS, Android | Cloud-based, extensive integrations | Imports/exports Excel, CSV, ODS, and PDF | Real-time collaboration via Google Drive | Free; premium with Google Workspace business accounts starting at $6/month |
| LibreOffice Calc | Windows, macOS, Linux | Open-source, advanced data tools | Imports/exports Excel, CSV, ODS, and PDF | Limited collaboration via shared files | Free |
| Airtable | Web, iOS, Android | Database-style, customizable templates | Limited: exports CSV; imports Excel and CSV | Real-time collaboration | Free version, paid plans start at $20/month |
| Zoho Sheet | Web, iOS, Android | AI-powered insights, automation | Imports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDF | Real-time collaboration | Free for basic; included as part of Zoho Workspace |
| Knack | Web, iOS, Android | Database-style, customizable templates with AI | Limited: exports CSV; imports Excel and CSV | Real-time collaboration | Starts at $49/month, Free trial |
| WPS Office Spreadsheets | Windows, macOS, Linux, Mobile | Lightweight, Excel-like UI | Imports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDF | Limited collaboration via shared links | Free with ads; premium version $29.99/year |
| OnlyOffice | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Comprehensive Office suite | Imports/exports Excel, CSV, ODS, and PDF | Real-time collaboration | Free for personal; Enterprise Cloud plan starts at $8/month |
| EtherCalc | Web | Lightweight, no setup required | Limited: basic CSV import/export | Real-time collaboration via shared URL | Free |