Introduction

Let’s be honest — Excel is a workhorse, but it’s showing its age.
If you’ve ever been stuck in spreadsheet chaos — manually updating rows, emailing around different versions, or trying to force a spreadsheet to act like an app — you’re not alone.

We’ve evaluated dozens of tools, read thousands of user reviews, and tested many of them firsthand. In this post, we’re sharing the 7 best Excel alternatives in 2025, both free and paid, that are tried, tested, and trusted.

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or part of a fast-growing ops team, you'll find a better fit for collaboration, automation, or scalable workflows. And topping that list is Tadabase, the most powerful no-code platform for building internal apps without writing a single line of code.

Compare the Best Excel Alternatives in 2025 (Free & Paid)

Tool	Type	Real-Time Collaboration	Automation	Free or Trial?	Best For
Tadabase	No-code database + app			14-day free trial	Scalable internal tools, CRMs, workflows
Google Sheets	Online spreadsheet		Limited	Free	Remote teams, casual users
Zoho Sheet	Cloud spreadsheet + AI		Moderate	Free + Paid plans	Smart data handling, Zoho users
Airtable	Spreadsheet + database			Free + Paid plans	Project tracking, marketing workflows
LibreOffice Calc	Desktop spreadsheet			Free (offline)	Offline use, privacy-focused
Smartsheet	Spreadsheet + PM			Paid only	Team collaboration & project management
WPS Office Sheets	Excel clone	Limited		Free + Paid plans	Excel-like interface on all platforms

1.   Tadabase – Best for Custom Workflows & Scalable Business Apps

Tadabase is the go-to alternative when your spreadsheet is doing too much—and breaking under pressure. Rather than trying to make Excel act like an app, you can build your own custom app in Tadabase with zero code.

It’s more than rows and columns. You get:

• A visual database builder

• Pages and layouts

• Forms and automation

• PDF generation

• Role-based logins

• HIPAA-ready infrastructure

• And full control over how your data works

Tadabase is built for businesses that want flexibility without compromise.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-Drop App Builder

• Custom Workflows and Automation

• Dynamic Pages and Permissions

• Real-Time Dashboards and Charts

• API, Pipes, and Integration Tools

Free Plan? 14-day free trial only
Best For: Internal apps, CRMs, inventory, portals, and complex workflows

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2.  Google Sheets – Best Free Spreadsheet for Teams

Still one of the most accessible options, Google Sheets is perfect for real-time collaboration. It’s web-based, always up-to-date, and integrates effortlessly with Google Workspace apps like Docs, Forms, and Gmail.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Editing and Comments

• Cloud Storage (Google Drive)

• Version History & Auto-Save

• Basic Scripting via Google Apps Script

Free Plan? Yes
Best For: Teams needing live collaboration on simple spreadsheets

3.  Zoho Sheet – Best for AI-Enhanced Data

Zoho Sheet takes a familiar spreadsheet interface and supercharges it with AI-powered data cleanup, collaboration, and cross-platform accessibility. If you already use Zoho CRM, Projects, or Books, it fits in seamlessly.

Key Features:

• AI Assistant for Data Validation & Cleaning

• Macros and Custom Functions

• Mobile-Friendly Interface

• Real-Time Collaboration

Free Plan? Yes, with paid Zoho Workplace tiers
Best For: Smart business users and Zoho-powered teams

4.  Airtable – Best Spreadsheet-Database Hybrid

Airtable is what happens when you cross a spreadsheet with a database, add some beautiful UI, and sprinkle in collaborative tools. It’s flexible, visual, and great for managing content, pipelines, and processes.

Key Features:

• Rich Field Types (attachments, checkboxes, links)

• Multiple Views (Kanban, Calendar, Gallery)

• Powerful Templates & Integrations

• Custom Automations & Scripting

Free Plan? Yes, with limits on rows and automations
Best For: Creative teams, product managers, and project trackers

5.  LibreOffice Calc – Best Offline, Open-Source Option

Don’t want to work in the cloud? LibreOffice Calc offers all the spreadsheet basics in a lightweight, offline package—no logins, no subscriptions, just open-source freedom.

Key Features:

• Works Offline on All Major OS

• Compatible with Excel Formats

• Pivot Tables, Charts, and Functions

• Community-Driven Development

Free Plan? Yes
Best For: Power users, privacy-conscious teams, Linux fans

6.  Smartsheet – Best for Project & Resource Management

If you're managing complex timelines, approvals, or large teams, Smartsheet gives you the power of Excel with the structure of a project management system.

Key Features:

• Gantt Charts, Task Dependencies, and Workflows

• Advanced Automations

• Team Collaboration Tools

• Reporting Dashboards

Free Plan? No – Paid only
Best For: Operations teams, agencies, and project-heavy departments

7.  WPS Office Spreadsheets – Best Excel Clone (Free Version)

WPS Office is probably the closest free spreadsheet tool to Excel in terms of look and feel. It’s cross-platform, lightweight, and works offline, making it a solid budget-friendly alternative.

Key Features:

• Excel-Compatible UI

• Built-in Templates

• Cloud Backup (optional)

• Cross-Platform Support

Free Plan? Yes (ad-supported), with optional paid version
Best For: Students, freelancers, or Excel users on a budget

How to Pick the Right Excel Alternative

Still unsure which one fits? Here’s a cheat sheet:

FAQs

What is the best free Excel alternative in 2025?
Google Sheets, Zoho Sheet, LibreOffice Calc, Airtable, and WPS all offer free plans. If you need to go beyond spreadsheets, Tadabase offers a free 14-day trial.

Does Tadabase have a free plan?
No, but it offers a free 14-day trial with full feature access to explore building your own business app.

What’s the easiest Excel alternative to get started with?
Google Sheets is the most familiar and beginner-friendly. For a visual, customizable alternative, Airtable is a great option.

Which tools work offline?
LibreOffice Calc and WPS Office Spreadsheets both offer full offline capabilities. Others, like Google Sheets and Airtable, require an internet connection.

Conclusion

Excel will always have a place — but it’s not always the best tool for the job.

If your business is growing, your workflows are getting complex, or your team is asking for better collaboration, it's time to try something better.

The tools on this list aren’t just popular — they’re tried and tested by real teams across industries. Whether it’s Google Sheets for basic teamwork, Airtable for visual project management, or Tadabase for full-blown internal apps — the right solution is out there.

Start your free trial of Tadabase and see how fast you can replace clunky spreadsheets with something smarter.

Ready to Move Beyond Excel?

If you're spending more time fixing spreadsheets than making decisions, it's time for an upgrade.

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