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10 Best Microsoft Excel Alternatives for Mac (Free & Paid)

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 rebranded Windows Copilot 365).

But if you’re a Mac user, you may want an alternative that offers better integration with macOS, better value for money, more powerful features or is even free.

There are plenty of excellent alternatives to Microsoft Office for Mac but not all include a spreadsheet app that can compete with Excel.

Luckily, there are plenty of great replacements for Excel for Mac out there that not only offer comparable functionality but also offer other advantages.

So whether you need something with collaborative features, cloud-based access, database software integration or just something to manage your personal finances, here’s a selection of the best alternatives to MS Excel that can be used on a Mac.

1. Apple Numbers

apple numbers
Source: MacHow2

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 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.

2. Google Sheets

google sheets
Source: MacHow2

Google Sheets has become the number one Excel alternative for many, 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, data analysis)

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.

3. LibreOffice Calc

libreoffice calc

For users who prefer free open-source software, LibreOffice Calc is another great alternative to Excel.

As part of the LibreOffice suite, 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.

4. Zoho Sheet

zoho sheets
Source: MacHow2

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 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.

5. Knack

inventory management database mac with knack
Source: MacHow2

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.

Check out out our full Knack review for more.

6. Smartsheet

smartsheet
Source: MacHow2

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.

7. WPS Office Spreadsheets

wps office
Source: WPS Office

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.

8. OnlyOffice

Source: 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.

9. EtherCalc

ethercalc
Source: MacHow2

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.

10. Airtable

airtable
Source: MacHow2

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.

Excel Alternatives Comparison Table

PlatformKey FeaturesImport/Export SupportCollaboration FeaturesPricing
Apple NumbersmacOS, iOS, WebSleek design, integration with iCloudImports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDFReal-time collaboration via iCloudFree with Apple devices
Google SheetsWeb, iOS, AndroidCloud-based, extensive integrationsImports/exports Excel, CSV, ODS, and PDFReal-time collaboration via Google DriveFree; premium with Google Workspace
LibreOffice CalcWindows, macOS, LinuxOpen-source, advanced data toolsImports/exports Excel, CSV, ODS, and PDFLimited collaboration via shared filesFree
Zoho SheetWeb, iOS, AndroidAI-powered insights, automationImports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDFReal-time collaborationFree for basic; paid plans available
KnackWeb, iOS, AndroidDatabase-style, customizable templates with AILimited: exports CSV; imports Excel and CSVReal-time collaborationPaid plans only, Free trial
SmartsheetWeb, iOS, AndroidProject management featuresImports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDFReal-time collaboration with permissionsPaid plans only, Free trial
WPS Office SpreadsheetsWindows, macOS, Linux, MobileLightweight, Excel-like UIImports/exports Excel, CSV, and PDFLimited collaboration via shared linksFree with ads; premium version
OnlyOfficeWeb, Windows, macOS, LinuxComprehensive Office suiteImports/exports Excel, CSV, ODS, and PDFReal-time collaborationFree for personal; paid plans for teams
EtherCalcWebLightweight, no setup requiredLimited: basic CSV import/exportReal-time collaboration via shared URLFree
AirtableWeb, iOS, AndroidDatabase-style, customizable templatesLimited: exports CSV; imports Excel and CSVReal-time collaborationPaid subscription


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