Microsoft excel alternatives: 5 premium free-of-charge applications

When it comes to processing and planning texts and image content, there’s a wide array of freeware options to consider before purchasing the fee-based Microsoft Office options. Apache OpenOffice, formerly known as OpenOffice.org, is the most commonly used alternative to Microsoft Office. LibreOffice, which was also a spin-off from the OpenOffice package and has been continually developed. Both office packages are similar to one another, and are easy to use for experienced Microsoft users. As a spread sheet calculation tool by Apache OpenOffice and LibreOffice, the open source tool Calc is one of the best Microsoft alternatives.

In terms of looks and functionality, Calc is quite similar to Excel. Just as with Excel, Calc offers a large rage of functions, like complex cell formatting options, the ability to adopt source data into cross tables, filterable pivot tables, different formatting templates, flexible and rotatable content, backgrounds, frames and sum buttons. Furthermore, it also offers users the ability to simultaneously access documents. Tables are saved in XML-based OpenDocument formats (.ods), which can be opened via other OpenDocument-capable software.

There is, however, one certain limitation in terms of the software’s compatibility with Excel: while Apache OpenOffice Calc can open the current Microsoft file format, .xlsx, it’s only able to save documents in the older .xlsx format. LibreOffice’s Calc program, on the other hand, is able to save the .xls format and can even be viewed in an Android viewer, giving the Berlin-based software company the edge in terms of compatibility. Both OpenOffice options are compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. An overview on additional practical and free office alternatives can be found here.

Search engine giant, Google, also offers its users a free tool for creating and processing spreadsheets.

By using Google sheets logged-in users can generate texts, formulas, presentations, and spreadsheets via the browser-based office tool by Google docs. For those looking to free themselves from the traditional desktop version, this tool is available free of charge in mobile versions as well.

In addition to typical functions, like pivot tables as well as a wide arrange of formatting options, Google Sheets also offers a clear advantage when compared to Excel: collective and mobile access to documents. Because it’s a web-based application, the tool is very quick, and enables multiple mobile users to comfortably access documents via app. Conventional spreadsheets with different format templates can be easily created in the browser. Compatibility isn’t a problem: Excel files and Google spreadsheets can be easily saved, processed, and converted. The practical ‘Revision History’ function makes it possible to get a quick overview of the status of each project, which is also automatically saved. With a storage space of 15 GB on Google Drive, each account allows users to save a large number of spreadsheets. Sheets, however, is much more modestly designed than Excel, and requires a personal account to be set up prior to use.

Born out of the Linux GNOME project, the free open source software Gnumeric, is also a decent Excel alternative for more complex calculations. Because it tends to use less resources, this program is also recommended for slower computers. Diagrams, graphics, finance formulas, and statistical analyses can all be easily processed in Gnumeric and its respective plugins. Like OpenDocuments, Gnumeric is also able to process and save .xls and .xlsx files. However, the somewhat minimalistic freeware isn’t always the easiest to use, and it doesn’t have the same scope of functions as Excel. What the version does offer, however, is a portable version for mobile devices. A further disadvantage: the user language is only offered in English and the program is mainly available for Linux. There aren’t any official Windows versions, and Mac users are completely left out to dry when it comes to Gnumeric.

Apple’s spreadsheet program, Numbers is a web app especially optimized for Mac computers and laptops, iPhones, and iPads. As a part of the iWorks suite for iColoud, its browser-based set-up allows multiple users to access individual projects simultaneously. Numbers can be used by many different devices and these can access the spreadsheets from any location with a secure and reliable internet connection. All that’s needed is to register with the iCloud platform

Numbers can import tables and save them in Excel format. Fitting to Apple’s creative design, the program offers a diverse array of design options for animated diagrams and graphics. This makes Numbers the most stylish and modern spreadsheet tool on offer. Unlike Excel’s somewhat conservative approach, Numbers’ icon-heavy user interface has been set up more for looks than it has for performance reasons. And while this may not be appropriate for every industry, Numbers’ sharp looks makes the program especially well-suited to creative industries.

Spread32, offered by the company ‘Bye Design’ Ltd., offers a sleek, portable spreadsheet program that supports all common file formats. From lists and filters, to complex calculations and macros, this program will have you covered with its over 300 basic functions. What’s more, Spread32 also processes and stores .xls and .csv files. Those who aren’t too bothered about design will find that Spread32 is a very compact tool for devices running on Windows and Android. A further practical point: the .exe file only needs a bit of storage space, and can be easily started via your own hard drive or via portable storage media, such as USB sticks.