10 Best Spreadsheet Software to Try in 2024: Features, Pricing, Pros and Cons

Simply put, spreadsheet software or spreadsheet application is a type of computer programme that can be used to create and manage spreadsheets, which are then used to analyse tabular data. Spreadsheet software's functionality has led to widespread adoption, notably in the corporate world. 

Today, spreadsheets are often used in any field where tabular lists are needed, especially those that require frequent collaboration, as data can be shown in a variety of ways, including text, numbers, and graphics, over numerous interconnected sheets. As one software does not fit all, you can find the best spreadsheet software specific to your needs. Here is a helpful list of spreadsheet software that you can use for your accounting and business. Let’s start.

What is a spreadsheet software?

A spreadsheet software is a software that helps you store and manage your data in a column-based format. There are different types of spreadsheet software, such as smart spreadsheet apps, formula-based spreadsheets, and new-gen spreadsheets.

You have probably heard of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets - but those two are not the only spreadsheet tools. In fact, they are not even among the best of the best anymore. They are still the best spreadsheet apps for complicated formulas and cell-based spreadsheet structures, but if you need to organize your data in columns and visualize them, then there are better options.

What to look for in a spreadsheet software

The best spreadsheet apps have one thing in common: easy multi-access and real-time collaboration options. Any spreadsheet can store your data in cells and columns, but only the best ones can help you and your team access all the data at the same time, and work together.

But what else is there to look for in a spreadsheet software? Well:

• Cell/column formatting options, depending on what kind of data your store,
• Basic and advanced formulas and how they are used toghether,
• Different table views,
• Data visualization capabilities,
• And filtering/sorting capabilities.

10 spreadsheet software to streamline your data management

Here is an overview of the 10 best spreadsheet softwares:

1. Retable
2. Microsoft Excel
3. Google Sheets
4. Apple Numbers
5. Zoho Sheet 
6. Grist
7. Sheetgo
8. Minitab Statistical Software
9. Grid
10. Airtable

Let's examine each of the spreadsheets in detail. 

1) Retable

Retable can be said as the best overall owing to its easy-to-use system that comes with sophisticated features. Databases, CRMs, or any form of data can be used and collected inside the app without barriers. Retable even allows importing Google, Microsoft or other sheets directly when needed. 

Furthermore, Retable is more like Apple Numbers, but its accessibility to OS users gives it the upper hand. Therefore, it is the best online spreadsheet software you can get today.

Key features 

• Simple GUI
• Allows import-export and integration
• One can customise and model data as they want with top features
• A grand archive of templates such as HR spreadhseet templates, apartment hunting templates, or content planning templates.

Pros

• Best for all types of users – beginners, data scientists, accountants, information managers, and so on
• The sheet can be formatted as per your needs within a few clicks
• User-friendly GUI making it more appropriate if you manage data actively
• Lets you build small and no-code applications through your data
• In addition to spreadsheets, it offers kanban boards, calendar views, chart views, and online forms
• Allows easy collaboration
• Data filtering, sorting, grouping and calculation can be done without the need for formulas
• Allows real-time data management, no waiting or saving required
• It offers branding customization options for businesses
• An excellent Airtable alternative

Cons

• Accessible from mobile devices but no mobile application

Pricing: 

Retable's subscription deals:

• Pro: $12 for month/1 user
• Team: $30 (including 3 users, +$12 for each additional users)
• Unlimited: Get a quote

Retable's lifetime deals:

• 10-seat deal: $199
• 20-seat deal: $299
• 30-seat deal: $349

2) Microsoft Excel

Excel is a Microsoft business tool and among the most famous free spreadsheet softwares. With Microsoft Excel, you can create and edit spreadsheets and perform various calculations. It is included and works with the other Microsoft Office and Office 365 suites. The premium version of this spreadsheet application can be used on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Key features 

• An excellent option to collect and analyse business data;
• Enables data entry and storage;
• Compatible with almost all apps of Microsoft's enormous stack
• Performance reporting
• Cross-referencing between spreadsheets

Pros

• Filtering, sorting, and calculating data is accessible with the many functions and formulas available.
• Excel’s spreadsheet can be accessed through any of its office apps, making it more convenient
• Comprehensive Excel templates archive

Cons

• Cell precise resizing of images is required.
• Complex features and user interface.

Pricing

• $159.99/unit

3) Google Sheets

In the same vein as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets is another spreadsheet programme that can be used to store and organise a variety of data. The main benefit is Google Sheets are web-based and can be accessed from any browser without any apps. This gives the upper hand to Google over Microsoft. When compared, Google Sheets makes it simple to create and modify spreadsheets of varying complexity.

Key features 

• Compatible with Google’s entire suite
• It can be accessed without any apps – simply from a browser
• Can be used for free and customised as per needs
• Entire data is stored in clouds to save device storage

Pros

• Best for any business as Google is one of the major search engines due to which Google sheets can be accessed anywhere across it. 
• Allow you to enter endless data inside on sheet
• Any data entered is saved within a minute automatically – without any hassles
• Comprehensive Google Sheets tutorials archive

Cons

• It can be tough to determine anonymous editors as Google locks the identity of editors at instances. 
• Google sheets are not secure as they can be shared with anyone by your dishonest employee simply

Pricing

• Free for personal users
• $12/user/month for businesses

4) Apple Numbers

Apple Numbers is an iOS-based spreadsheet programme. Instead of a never-ending grid, Numbers presents you with a clean slate on which to structure your data in whatever way you see fit. All contributors using iOS, iPad, or macOS have access to the same robust functionality when modifying the spreadsheet in Apple Numbers.

Key features 

• Accessible to any software of Apple's sophisticated stack. 
• Merge text with spreadsheets, databases, pictures, and movies in a snap.
• One can customise background colour, gradation, and visuals to give it personalised layouts.

Pros

• An excellent spreadsheet alternative to Excel and Google sheet for iOS users as it can be accessed with iOS softwares as well
• Apple charges zero set-up fee to iOS users
• Offers additional customisations than standard spreadsheet softwares

Cons

• Data modelling can be complex if you are new
• It can be tough to share data with OS users as software is free for only iOS users
• It has no free-trial or freemium version 

Pricing

• Free for iOS users

5) Zoho Sheet

Zoho Sheet is an online spreadsheet programme that allows you to organise data, share summaries with your group, and conduct data analysis from any location. The best part is Zoho sheets offers more than 350 functions to its users to use, edit, model or format data as they like. Users of Zoho Sheet are also not restricted to desktops, as the service offers native apps for both iOS and Android.

Key features 

• Allows live collaboration and cloud storage functionalities
• Among the best free spreadsheet applications as per features
• It can be accessed from any device – laptop, mobile or tablet or even any iOS device

Pros

• Zoho books are the best alternative for Excel when it comes to managing big data-sets
• Complex data operations can be executed with simple steps
• Errors can be reduced as Zoho also helps in reducing manual data inputs

Cons

• Limited features for design and customisation 
• It may take some time to learn to work in this app
• Pricey premium versions

Pricing

• Free

6) Grist

Grist is an online spreadsheet and data administration program. The software can convert boring tables into eye-catching data cards and charts and even let users design their widgets. All data and spreadsheets can be viewed on one easy-to-read dashboard.

Key features 

• Allows users to use Python formulas
• Offers customizability
• Excellent for dashboard 
• Easy-to-use interface, beginner-friendly

Pros

• The app allows integration from Spreadsheets and Airtable
• Hybrid database app
• Open-source software

Cons

• Limited starter templates
• Not beginner-friendly, but one needs technical expertise to use it.

Pricing

• Pro Plan starts from $8.00 / User/per month
• The enterprise plan is charged as per the needs

7) Sheetgo

Sheetgo is a web software and a G Suite add-on that enables users to combine and share spreadsheets, automate routine tasks, and communicate data in a collaborative environment. The software works with many different types of spreadsheet programmes, including OpenOffice Calc, Google Sheets, cloud-based CSV files, and Microsoft Excel.

Key features 

• You don't need to open the spreadsheet to see the latest changes to the interconnected cells.
• When data is refreshed, Sheetgo makes many synchronisation attempts, and if there is an error, users are notified through email.
• Sheetgo employs peer-to-peer links for data transfer, assuring that no duplicates of spreadsheet information are stored.

Pros

• Features some unique features for freelancers, and enterprises.
• Extensive customer support
• A good amount of resources to learn using software is available on the platform

Cons

• Modelling data on the app can be problematic 
• It can be accessed from the web only. No android or iOS app

Pricing

• Individual Plan costs $20 / month
• The professional plan costs $58 / per month
• A business plan costs $199 / per month
• The enterprise plan costs $499 / per month

8) Minitab Statistical Software

Minitab is statistical and data analytics software that helps businesses of all sizes make predictions, visualise data, identify trends, and see connections between variables. Users can organise data interpretation and processing activities. Furthermore, users can also share their findings with colleagues and clients with the help of the platform's integrated assistant, which makes collaboration easier.

Key features 

• Offers advanced statistical features
• One of the best free spreadsheet softwares for data analysts
• An excellent option for freelancers and small-scale enterprises

Pros

• Offers free version and freemium models
• Complex data can be calculated easily and carrying complex data calculations is easy as well

Cons

• Not a beginner-friendly option and expensive 
• Using sophisticated functions requires some expertise

Pricing

• Premium plans start from USD 1610.00 to USD 2010.00

9) Grid

GRID enables the transformation of spreadsheets into web dashboards, displays, and interactive web pages that may be readily shared online. If you use a cloud service or want to upload a spreadsheet from your computer, GRID can accommodate both scenarios and make your workflow a breeze.

Key features 

• The best features allow users to personalise and model data in whatever way they see fit
• Easy-to-understand user interface
• Enables seamless integration

Pros

• Allows accessible communication and collaboration
• Easily handle larger, more complicated situations
• Access your data directly at the website dashboard, notion database, Airtable and so forth.

Cons

• It can take time to learn the software and get going with this
• Low user-friendliness for total beginners

Pricing

• Professional plan costs $29 per month billed annually, tax not included

10) Airtable

In a nutshell, Airtable is a hybrid system that combines a spreadsheet and a database, allowing users to transform their data into robust apps with little to no coding knowledge required. Compared to other database and spreadsheet programmes, Airtable stands out for its intuitive interface and cutting-edge features.

For instance, If a marketing team collects information about their target audience, it can utilise that information to build a simple lead generation management system easily.

Key features

• Can be customised easily as per needs
• One can edit the permission levels for each specific user, making collaboration secure 
• Allows integrations and plug-ins and comes with countless in-built templates 

Pros

• Data can be used to create any new app through the same platform itself
• Offers normal kanban boards, in-built templates, and productivity planners in addition to spreadsheets
• Allows easy collaboration

Cons

• There is a lack of user-friendliness in the formulas compared to other programmes like Microsoft Excel.
• Airtable may not be sufficient if you regularly deal with complex tasks.

Pricing

Plus plans:

• The annual cost of the 5-user pack comes down to $6 per user each month.
• For the comprehensive Pro plan, it's $20 per user each month (paid annually) (for more than five users).

Pro Plans

• The Airtable Pro plan costs $24/user/month, while annual payment reduces this to $20/user/month.

Final thoughts

Accounting and data management will be a snap with these top 10 powerful spreadsheet applications. If you try a few different ones, you'll eventually find one that works well within your budget and fulfils your needs. Among them, Retable stood out as a tool that can assist users of all skill levels.

Retable is more than just another online spreadsheet software because of its emphasis on calculation and collaborative features.

Frequently asked questions

What is better than Excel for spreadsheets?

If you are looking for visually more appealing and easier to use spreadsheet applications, Retable is your best option. Retable is one of the best spreadsheets software as it can not only turn your spreadsheets into all kinds of visual data, but it also makes data collection and sharing much easier with forms and automations.

What is the easiest spreadsheet program?

Retable is one of the most popular spreadsheet software because it is easy to use, intuitive, and offers many more functionalities than regular spreadsheets such as Google Sheets and Excel. It is a smart spreadsheet-based database management software, and you can find out more about Retable right here.

Is Excel going to be outdated?

Excel is an excel-lent spreadsheets software – but if you don’t need all the formulas and cell-based algorithms, meet Retable. Retable can make your data collection and visualizations much easier with automations, different view types, and forms.

What can Google Sheets do that Excel cannot?

Google Sheet’s collaboration feature is one that Excel couldn’t provide for a long time, even though it is one of the top spreadsheet software. Newer spreadsheet applications – such as Retable – offer that and much more.

Why do people use Retable instead of Excel?

Retable is better than Excel for people who need a more intuitive interface. Retable offers more view types such as a map view or kanban views, and Retable’s formulas are much easier to use than Excel – making it the best spreadsheet app for web-based spreadsheets, pc apps, and mobile for most users.