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Top Rated Spreadsheet Software with Commenting/Notes in 2026

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Verified reviewer profile picture

All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: April 2026

Commenting and notes improve collaboration by allowing team members to provide input, ask questions, and record decisions directly within the spreadsheet. This enhances communication, reduces ambiguity, and helps keep track of tasks and updates. Our reviewers in spreadsheet software rated this feature as important.

4 Best Spreadsheet Software with Commenting/Notes

  • Google Sheets
  • Smartsheet - Highest rated for commenting/notes
  • Google Workspace
  • Microsoft Excel

See other top Spreadsheet products with commenting/notes

How we picked the 4 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the spreadsheet software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about commenting/notes, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for the product with the highest rating for commenting/notes based on our proprietary ratings and reviews. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 4 best products

Google Sheets logo
4.7
(13.1K)
learn more

User insights about the commenting/notes feature

Reviewers highlight Google Sheets' commenting/notes feature as valuable for collaboration and communication. They appreciate the ability to add comments to specific cells, tag team members, and track comment history. Users report that it facilitates real-time feedback, improves workflow, and helps in data analysis without altering the sheet's structure. Some find the feature less visible compared to Google Docs, but overall, they find it easy to use and beneficial for remote work and team projects.
“Since I use Google Sheets for collaboration work, the commenting and notes feature of this software helps us discuss within the file. It makes the work faster and easier since we can all see the parts where the comments or notes are and then we can edit it right away. ”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Azuntha M.

Corporate QA Specialist

“Being able to Comment in a particular cell, and even turn that comment into an assignment for a fellow staff member is an essential feature. The fact that this assignment or comment links to a specific cell prevents ambiguity and saves a lot of time.”
JW

James W.

Media Specialist

Spreadsheet key features coverage

Google Sheets offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Spreadsheet software identified by reviewers:

Data Import/Export4.6
Document Management4.6
Search/Filter4.6
Collaboration Tools4.7
Data Visualization3.9
Offline Access4.0

Pros and cons based on 13,173 verified reviews

72% of users rated Google Sheets 5 out of 5 stars, while 0% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 13,173 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Real-time team collaboration

Flexible document sharing

Exceptional value and functionality

Effective tracking capabilities

Convenient cloud storage

Cons:

Lag with large datasets

Limited formatting options

Lacks advanced features

Dependence on internet connection

Inconsistent formula compatibility

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$6 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Smartsheet logo
4.5
(3.4K)
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User insights about the commenting/notes feature

Reviewers appreciate Smartsheet's commenting/notes capabilities for enhancing collaboration and communication. They find it simple and easy to use, enabling real-time feedback, updates, and decision recording within tasks. Users report that it helps keep everyone on the same page, reduces the need for emails or calls, and facilitates peer reviews and inter-departmental communication. They also value the ability to track comments and updates, although some wish for better integration when exporting to Excel.
“Commenting provides an efficient and clear way to communicate with team members, reducing the need for multiple emails or phone calls.It is simpler to follow discussions and make progress when team members can comment and ask questions, clarify things, or offer criticism in one place.”
Mp

Manu p.

Software developer

“The Commenting/Notes functionality in Smartsheet improves collaboration by enabling team members to offer immediate input, exchange updates, and record decisions right within tasks.”
EN

Edmond N.

Research Project Support Coordinator

Spreadsheet key features coverage

Smartsheet offers 5 out of the 6 key features for Spreadsheet software identified by reviewers:

Data Import/Export4.5
Document Management4.2
Search/Filter4.3
Collaboration Tools4.4
Data Visualization4.5
Offline Access

Pros and cons based on 3,479 verified reviews

59% of users rated Smartsheet 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 3,479 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Real-time team collaboration

Comprehensive project management

Efficient sharing capabilities

Highly customizable platform

Variety of useful templates

Cons:

Limited row and cell management

Complex formula limitations

High cost concerns

Challenging navigation views

Lack of auto-save feature

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$12 per user/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Google Workspace logo
4.7
(17.4K)
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User insights about the commenting/notes feature

Users find Google Workspace's commenting/notes functionality extremely helpful for collaboration and communication. They highlight its ease of use, real-time feedback, and the ability to tag team members and assign tasks within comments. Reviewers mention its effectiveness in editing drafts, reviewing contracts, and providing feedback on documents. They appreciate the feature's integration with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and its role in maintaining accountability and clear communication, although some wish for a HIPAA-compliant option for note-taking.
“Google Workspace's commenting/notes feature is extremely helpful. It allows easy communication and feedback on documents. Tagging specific team members and assigning tasks within comments helps us stay organized. It has greatly improved our team's pr”
cf

christopher f.

Owner

“Because I work remotely and my team is spread across time zones - we do a lot of async work. Being able to comment, take notes, and even make those notes into tasks is huge! We can tag each other and it alerts us when we've been tagged.”
KP

Kaylynn P.

Learning and Development Operations Specialist

Spreadsheet key features coverage

Google Workspace offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Spreadsheet software identified by reviewers:

Data Import/Export4.6
Document Management4.7
Search/Filter4.6
Collaboration Tools4.7
Data Visualization4.6
Offline Access4.1

Pros and cons based on 17,470 verified reviews

75% of users rated Google Workspace 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 17,470 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Effective remote teamwork

Enhanced workflow efficiency

Accessible cloud storage

Seamless document sharing

Seamless app integration

Cons:

Dependence on internet

Inconsistent customer support

High costs and limitations

Complex account management

Challenging file management

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$7 per user/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Microsoft Excel logo
4.8
(19.3K)
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User insights about the commenting/notes feature

Users find Microsoft Excel's commenting/notes feature useful for collaboration and data explanation. They appreciate the ability to add comments to specific cells, which helps in highlighting errors and providing additional instructions. Reviewers mention that it aids in remembering key items and facilitates communication among team members. However, some feel the feature is not as well-developed or user-friendly as other functionalities, and it is less frequently used compared to other collaboration tools.
“I use this especially for collaboration with other workmates. Notes are usually added as additional instruction to the use or function of the sheet, and commenting is helpful when one has questions. Tagging in comments is also a good feature to identifythe person the comment is meant for.”
KS

Kit S.

Resulter

“You can add comments to cells. An indicator appears in the corner of the cells that have a comment. When you hover the cursor over the cell, the comment is displayed.”
EC

Elaine C.

stamper

Spreadsheet key features coverage

Microsoft Excel offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Spreadsheet software identified by reviewers:

Data Import/Export4.7
Document Management4.6
Search/Filter4.6
Collaboration Tools4.3
Data Visualization4.6
Offline Access4.7

Pros and cons based on 19,390 verified reviews

80% of users rated Microsoft Excel 5 out of 5 stars, while 0% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 19,390 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Versatile organization capabilities

Comprehensive tracking features

Efficient report generation

Effective budget tracking

Robust financial accounting

Cons:

Challenging file management

Problem-solving limitations

Inconsistent version updates

Complex navigation shortcuts

Complicated formula usage

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$6 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Not available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Other Top Rated Spreadsheet Software with Commenting/Notes in 2026

Microsoft Excel logo

Spreadsheet software for formatting and analysis.

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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.

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Collaboration application suite for teams

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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.

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Google Sheets logo

Cloud-based spreadsheet and collaboration platform

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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.

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Microsoft 365 logo

Cloud collaboration and file sharing application suite

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Asana logo

Project tracking and workflow management platform

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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.

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monday.com logo

Project management software

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Smartsheet logo

Online work execution platform for businesses of all sizes

learn more
Smartsheet, an online work execution platform, empowers organizations to plan, track, automate, and report on work. Over 80,000 brands rely on Smartsheet for project and work management because of its easy-to-use interface, real-time gantt charts and dashboards, and work automation features.

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OriginPro logo

Cloud-based data analysis and graphing software

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OriginPro is a cloud-based data analysis and graphing software that provides a complete set of data exploration, peak fitting, and surface fitting analysis tools for businesses across multiple sectors, including academic institutions, government organizations, and non-profits.

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Stackby logo

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Stackby is a collaborative workspace that brings ease of use of spreadsheets, functionality of databases and access to popular services via no-code API connectors - to create, organize and automate anything.

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Macabacus logo

The fastest way to get more done in Microsoft 365

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Macabacus is the Microsoft 365 add-in solution for finance and banking. It’s the fastest way to get more done, from complex financial models to branded presentations.

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Retable logo

Work & data management platform

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Retable is a collaborative online spreadsheet tool that helps businesses manage, track, connect, monitor and automate data efficiently.

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Zoho Sheet logo

Collaborative online spreadsheet application for teams

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Zoho Sheet is that spreadsheet application that provides you with the space for organizing data, discussing reports with your team, and analyzing data, wherever you are. Zoho Sheet also provides native apps for both iOS and Android, thus, not tethering users to their laptops.

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HighQ logo

Cloud-based legal case management tool for legal teams.

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HighQ's intelligent solution combines automated workflows, document automation, and secure collaboration to transform the way professionals work and engage with clients and colleagues.

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Quixy logo

Work Smart. Achieve More.

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Jet Reports logo

Flexible Financial and Business Reporting Inside Excel

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Jet Reports is a flexible financial and business reporting solution running inside of Excel and on the Web. From advanced business reports to sophisticated financial statements, business users can create reports in Excel with no exporting, no copying and pasting, and no programming required.

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Ragic Builder logo

#1 No-Code Tool for Digitalizing Your Business Processes

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Ragic is a no-code database builder that allows its users to build their own system according to their workflow with a spreadsheet-like interface, capable of building small contact management to fully-fledged ERP systems.

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Hancom Office logo

Suite of office productivity tools designed for modern teams

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Hancom Office (previously ThinkFree Office) is a suite of office productivity tools designed for teams working in digital environments. It is compatible with all operating systems, devices, and browsers. Using Hancom Office, teams can create, edit, and share word documents, spreadsheets, and graphic presentations.

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Jspreadsheet logo

JavaScript data grid with advanced spreadsheet controls

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Cloud-based spreadsheet solution that assists businesses with data grid creation, formula execution, and dataset visualization.

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Gigasheet logo

Cloud Big Data Spreadsheet

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Gigasheet is the cloud big data spreadsheet. Gain insights from your data in minutes, not days or hours. If you can use a spreadsheet, you can get started with big data analysis and data science.

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Professor Excel Tools logo

Excel add-in solution

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Professor Excel Tools is an Excel add-in that extends Excel with a new ribbon containing over 125 useful features. The lightweight add-in is easy to use with no sign-up required. It includes amazing copy & paste functions, real time-savers, bulk insertion of elements, smart editing of cells, powerful workbook tools, and professional formatting options.

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Spread.NET logo
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Deliver an Excel-like spreadsheet experience in .NET Apps

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.NET spreadsheet component that allows you to create enterprise spreadsheets, grids, dashboards, and forms.

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SpreadJS logo
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High-Performance Enterprise JavaScript Spreadsheet Control

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JavaScript spreadsheet component allows developers to create enterprise spreadsheets, grids, dashboards, data input forms, and more.

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Row Zero logo

The spreadsheet for modern cloud data.

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Row Zero is the best spreadsheet for big data. Row Zero offers the experience of traditional spreadsheets, but can handle 1+ billion rows, process data much faster, and connect live to your data warehouse and other data sources, including Snowflake, Databricks, Redshift, S3, and Posgres.

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Key features for Spreadsheet software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Data Import/Export: Reviewers value the ability to import and export data from various sources and formats, aiding in data integration, sharing, and efficient workflow. 88% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Document Management: Users highlight the ease of organizing, updating, and accessing documents with features like multiple tabs, version control, and centralized storage. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Search/Filter: Reviewers appreciate robust search and filter capabilities for quickly locating specific data, enhancing data analysis and workflow efficiency. 85% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Collaboration Tools: Users find real-time collaboration, shared editing, and document commenting essential for teamwork, improving communication and productivity. 82% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Data Visualization: Reviewers emphasize the importance of creating charts and graphs to clearly present and interpret complex data for better decision-making. 82% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Offline Access: Users value the ability to work on documents without an internet connection, ensuring productivity and flexibility in various environments. 81% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.