Microsoft Excel vs Airtable

Google Workspace

Google Sheets

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace is a suite of applications from Google which offers a number of tools to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, store files, and manage data from all devices.

Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet platform designed to help businesses of all sizes collaborate with clients and partners to create and edit data on spreadsheets.

Microsoft 365, formerly Office 365, provides web, desktop, and mobile apps for Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, Skype, OneDrive, Exchange Online, and more

Financial Accoutnant

Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise plans, and the learning curve for advanced features (VBA, Power Query) is steep for casual users.

Business Development Executive

It also works well on my laptop and phone, which is handy when I need to check something quickly. Whenever I've been stuck, I've usually found answers through Microsoft's help pages or online community.

Excel is a spreadsheet management software program with data analysis tools to help users track and visualize data for greater insight and more ways to share data.

Charting

Collaboration Tools

Commenting/Notes

Customizable Templates

Database Creation

Data Import/Export

Data Visualization

Document Management

Drag & Drop

File Sharing

Multiple Projects

Notes Management

Office Suite

Offline Access

Productivity Tools

Project Management

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Updates

Search/Filter

Task Management

Team Collaboration

Templates

To-Do List

Version Control

What-if Analysis

Reviews for Microsoft Excel come from a wide variety of industries, including Information Technology and Services (6% of reviewers), Education Management (6%), and Computer Software (5%). The most frequent use case for Microsoft Excel cited by reviewers is as a spreadsheet (90% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Reviewers indicate that Excel offers strong value for money for advanced features and integration, and they appreciate free or discounted access through institutions. However, some users report that subscription costs and bundled pricing reduce affordability for individuals and small businesses.

Value for money

The Microsoft Excel integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Microsoft 365 (a document management product rated 4.8 out of 5 for its integration with Microsoft Excel), Microsoft PowerPoint (a presentation product, 4.6), and Microsoft Power BI (a data visualization product, 4.8).

Integrations

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet solution with key features that include data import/export, data visualization, search/filter, offline access, document management, collaboration tools, and more.

Microsoft Excel

Web-based

iPad

Android

Windows

iPhone

Numbers

Apache OpenOffice

Google Docs

Zoho Sheet

WPS Office

Airtable

Microsoft PowerPoint

Quip

WordPerfect Office

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 Apps for business

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Security and permission limitations

Student

The learning curve is steep, sometimes the formulas can malfunction and an error can occur, sometimes it is hard to find the answer you seek for a problem, excel spreadsheets can be vulnerable to security threats

Self Employed

Sensitive information stored in the spreadsheet may not be safe and secured from hackers even when password protected.

50% of reviewers feel negative about Excel’s security and access control. Some users are concerned about the vulnerability of sensitive data, noting that password protection is limited and lost passwords cannot be recovered. Reviewers mention that files are easily altered or accessed without robust controls, making them susceptible to unauthorized changes or data loss. Many indicate difficulties in managing permissions, especially in collaborative environments, and highlight the lack of advanced security features, version control, and audit trails. Some feel that human error and insufficient safeguards increase the risk of fraud or corruption.

Difficulties with large files

Must take Microsoft office overall for the use of all products, Hanging of software while using large datasets, all loss of data and sometimes corruption of data, and the overreliance on the .csv format as .xls format doesn't work with all software,

62% of reviewers feel negative about Excel’s file management. Users say handling large or complex files often leads to slow performance, crashes, and data corruption. Some reviewers find it challenging to collaborate, as simultaneous editing is limited and file sharing can cause version conflicts. Many mention issues with file compatibility, accidental data loss, and difficulties recovering deleted or corrupted files. Others are frustrated by Excel’s handling of formats like CSV and limitations in exporting, importing, or managing multiple sheets, which complicates workflows and increases the risk of errors.

High cost and licensing concerns

52% of reviewers feel negative about Excel’s pricing. Users express frustration with the shift to a subscription-based model, finding it expensive compared to free alternatives. Some reviewers dislike having to purchase the entire Office suite rather than Excel alone, and mention additional costs for accessing advanced features or using the software on multiple devices. Many feel the recurring fees are burdensome for small businesses or casual users, and note that licensing complexities and frequent updates add to the overall cost. Price sensitivity leads some to seek out free or lower-cost competitors.

Compatibility and update frustrations

Sr Director

Sharepoint / 365 online version lacks key features, such as inability to easily replace images in cells (right click > change picture from file is not available, curious as it works online with PowerPoint).

42% of reviewers feel negative about Excel’s version updates. Users report problems with compatibility between different versions, especially when sharing files across platforms or with collaborators. Some reviewers find that updates change interface layouts, hotkeys, or remove familiar features, leading to confusion and additional training needs. Many mention that the online and mobile versions lack key functionalities compared to the desktop version, and that syncing or migrating files can be cumbersome. Others are frustrated by forced updates, inconsistent experiences across operating systems, and the need to maintain multiple versions for compatibility.

Performance and error challenges

Excel in working life

the most unpleasant thing is that it consumes a lot of resources when executing complex tasks, and if you have another application open it can crash and cause errors in the tasks.

65% of reviewers feel negative about Excel’s bugs and issues. Some users report frequent crashes, slowdowns, and glitches, especially when handling large datasets or multiple windows. Reviewers indicate that error messages can be cryptic and troubleshooting is often difficult, particularly for beginners. Many mention that human data entry mistakes are hard to detect and can lead to significant problems. Some users are frustrated by the lack of automatic error correction and the software’s tendency to freeze or behave unpredictably, which can result in lost work and productivity setbacks.

Essential for daily tasks

96% of reviewers feel positive about Excel’s role in daily use. Users say Excel is integral to their routine, supporting a variety of tasks from simple calculations to complex data analysis. They find it valuable for managing schedules, automating repetitive work, and maintaining records for both personal and professional activities. Some reviewers highlight the software’s adaptability, noting that it fits seamlessly into daily workflows across different industries. Many appreciate that Excel’s features—such as macros and templates—help them save time and stay organized, making it indispensable for everyday productivity.

Flexible reporting capabilities

Field Manager

It takes me half as much time to complete the same tasks as my colleagues using alternative statistical tools. And for the preparation of reports with a high number of tables, I prefer doing everything in Excel over MS Word.....due to advanced versatility it offers me in formatting layouts and content structure.

96% of reviewers feel positive about Excel’s reporting functions. Reviewers appreciate the ability to generate detailed, customizable reports with charts, tables, and automated calculations. They mention that Excel streamlines the process of compiling and presenting data for management, clients, or team members. Some users value the integration with other systems for importing and exporting data, while others highlight the ease of formatting and visualizing information. Many say that Excel’s reporting tools help them analyze trends, track performance, and communicate insights effectively, making it a key asset for data-driven decision-making.

Versatile information organization

98% of reviewers feel positive about Excel’s organization capabilities. Reviewers appreciate how Excel enables them to structure, categorize, and systematize information for both personal and professional use. They say it helps manage lists, schedules, and complex data, making collaboration and project management more efficient. Some users find the customizable layout and integration with other tools valuable for streamlining workflows. Many mention that Excel’s flexibility allows them to organize everything from research projects to business inventories, and they value the time saved by having all relevant data neatly arranged and easily accessible.

Manager

Microsoft Excel has become one of the most valuable applications we use daily across IT and business operations. Whether analyzing ERP data, reconciling EDI transactions, tracking inventory, building dashboards, or creating executive reports, it consistently delivers the flexibility, reliability, and functionality needed to support informed decision-making.

Sales Specialist

I like using Excel for its versatility and ability to handle everything from simple data tracking to advanced analysis and reporting. Whether I'm organizing prospect lists, tracking sales activities, building reports, or analyzing data on a spreadsheet, Excel provides the flexibility to customize spreadsheets exactly how I need them.

Its advanced formulas, PivotTables, charts, Power Query, and automation capabilities make it an essential application for managing large datasets, tracking KPIs, reconciling ERP and EDI data, and generating operational reports.

Project Manager

in my day to day activities i'm able to pull data from other software into an excel document and manipulate the vast majority of data more easily than clicking multiple links in the software i'm drawing from.

IT EXECUTIVE

Powerful Data Analysis: Users love tools like PivotTables and the 400+ available functions for data modeling, along with quick data visualization through charts, color coding, and data bars.

Benefits and Compliance Manager

Creating functions in which you request excel to analyze and count data between dates such as analyzing the length of time between specific dates can be a bit more difficult than other types of functions.

I regularly use Excel for organizing sales data, tracking performance metrics, analyzing reports, and managing business information. Once you learn the core functionality and some of the more advanced features, Excel becomes a powerful tool for data analysis, reporting, forecasting, and overall business productivity.

Director for sales and business development

It runs smoothly most of the time, works well on my phone when I’m not in the office, and helps me keep my business records, reports, and numbers organized without stress.

Physiotherapist

I used it to organize study schedules, track my progress, and make notes, which helped me stay focused throughout my preparation.

Compliance Manager

Features like Power Query, and PivotTables, and the integration of Copilot has also made writing complex nested formulas a thing of the past.

Relationship Manager

It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications, making collaboration easy, and offers excellent value with features that are suitable for both everyday tasks and advanced reporting.

IT Systems Analyst

The fact that allows me to d data analysis and it helps us to draw complete tables making easy to showcase results to the clients.

With those links and dynamic Pivot Tables in Excel I can share millions of rows of data in patterns that make sense without dealing with complicated VBA code.

Embedded software engineer

What I like least about Microsoft Excel is that complex spreadsheets can quickly become difficult to manage and understand, especially when they contain many formulas, links, or multiple sheets. If they are not organised well, it can be easy to make mistakes or lose track of how certain results were calculated.

Customer Service Administrator

Features like Pivot Tables and XLOOKUP make slicing and dicing data incredibly efficient. Because it is almost always bundled with Microsoft 365, the value is exceptionally high.

It works for simple lists, complex calculations, reporting, data analysis, charts and everyday business planning.

Performance Issues with Large Data: Excel struggles with very large datasets, becoming sluggish, freezing, or crashing when handling hundreds of thousands of rows or complex formulas

Marketing and communications executive

Excel is great for editing spreadsheets, as you have so many different functions that you can use, which will allow you to easily edit the spreadsheet however you want.

Construction Project Manager

I like that it has many formulas, templates, and formatting options, which makes it easier to handle both simple and detailed business work.

While powerful, there is a breaking point. If you load a workbook with too many volatile formulas, complex formatting, or hundreds of thousands of rows, it can become sluggish, freeze, or crash entirely.

Administrative

It is a reliable and worth every penny as it is great for simple to complex calculations, also it provides data syncing with other devices like it is compatible with mobile phones .

Owner

From dashboards to simple and complex data analysis, our team lives and dies by our ability to operate and manage within Excel.

School Administrator

The mobile app is pretty much worthless for us when writing budget spreadsheets - don't have half the columns on my phone during board meetings.

Microsoft Excel is an incredibly powerful and reliable tool for data analysis, reporting, budgeting, and business operations.

Business Administrator

It is a tool I use daily for reporting purposes, as well as running macros I have set up, which organize my data in certain columns to produce text files for my job.

Executive Assistant

With its many effective and useful functionalities and features such as the Math equations like SUM, AVERAGE, IFS AND COUNTIFS; the text and lookup functions like the Vlookup and Trim.

Data analyst

VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP are my favorite features since they make merging and comparing various datasets quite simple.

IT Operations Manager

A staple for businesses and used for everything from financing, inventory tracking, sorting, and data visualization.

Engineer

What I liked most about Microsoft Excel is that it is very powerful for organizing data, making calculations, and creating tables and charts in a clear and efficient way.

It allows to build tracking tables, schedules, budgets, or even HR reports very quickly.

System Administrator

One thing I dislike about Microsoft Excel is that large spreadsheets often times slows downs computers because it uses a significant amount of RAM on Windows laptops.

Payment Processor

Excel is a powerful, versatile tool for data management, analysis, and visualization, ideal for small to medium-sized projects and widely accessible.

Director of Implementation

The wat you can organize data, create pivot tables, add formulas, and alot of other neat features makes excel an extremely valuable tool.

Senior sales associate

The most I like about excel is the built in commands and controls you can use to easily organize, populate, and navigate data!

Developer Web Apps etc.

Offers many many ways of formating and presenting data, including complex spreadsheets - at least far more complex than I would ever use.

Office Finance Manager

From building reconciliations, trackers and forecasting to then having the ability to analyze that data.

Sales Executive

Secondly, sometimes it is challenging to operate extensive amounts of data within one spreadsheet that involves hundreds of different formulas and hidden operations.

Lawyer

There are many great features, one of which the automatic calculations - with complex financial matters in family law, this is quite important.

Sales Education Associate

I like al the detailed functions that you have the ability to use, from drop down menus to setting up strict rules and formulas, there are endless things you can do on excel all in one platform.

Quality Technician

It is a powerful tool for organizing, analyzing or visualizing data, whether for simple asks or complex projects.

It is fundamental for our accounting but is also important for tracking in other roles. While getting the most use of the functions requires a high level of Excel knowledge, it is still a must-have!

After all these years, I still have irritating issues with points and commas and when I import csv data, most of the time the columns with dates are wrong.

Senior Manager

My least favourite part of excel is the lack of data refinement tools, where excessive data can slow the program significantly.

Autonomous Remote Assistant

Microsoft Excel is extremely reliable and is the best program for me in managing, sorting, and calculating numbers and data.

First, by using this software, one can easily organise data, especially when one has to work with extensive amounts of data.

Vice President of Sales and Operations

We have schedules, quotes, order forms and monthly reports all in Excel that we use for various daily activities.

Admin

I've used open-source knockoffs, and I've tried Google Sheets, but they don't come close to the level of customization and the power that you can rope in with Excel.

Collabing on complex sheets can be a major headache too if you're not careful with the sharing settings, plus it's often overkill for simple stuff like basic lists or tables.

Data Management

Formulas

Tables and Pivot Tables

Charts and Graphs

Tracking

Reporting

Spreadsheets

Budgeting

Customer Support

Accounting and Finance

Large Enterprises

Freelancers

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Microsoft

Clockify

Clockify is a time tracking app that helps teams track work hours across projects. Managers can measure employee productivity, track the progress of every project and do all necessary reporting and administration work in one place.

Jira

Jira is project tracking software that helps every team collaborate to plan, track, and release work by breaking down big ideas into achievable steps. Jira offers features like task organization, work alignment to goals, customizable workflows, and real-time data insights to optimize outcomes.

Asana

Asana Starter Plan provides growing teams with project management tools to track progress and meet deadlines. The plan includes workflow automation features, custom project templates, forms for standardized work requests, and rules for routine task management. It also offers visualization tools like Gantt and timeline views, plus AI-powered features for status updates and project organization.

Quality Manager

I suspect we will have no choice but to abandon Airtable, since we use it for critical business operations and cannot risk having it break without any customer support to troubleshoot, but also we have been unable to get in touch with any salesperson to upgrade to the higher-level accounts that come with email support.

Content Creator

It has a great customer support system and really assists you in great depths with webinars, guides, videos etc.

Airtable is an AI-powered platform to design, automate, and scale workflows. Build custom apps, deploy AI agents, and eliminate manual work—so teams can move faster and operate with precision.

Microsoft Excel vs Airtable Comparison (2026)

Microsoft Excel

Airtable

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives