Google Sheets, a part of the Google Workspace suite, is a popular cloud-based spreadsheet solution for many teams. It offers real-time editing, deep integration with Google Workspace apps, and accessibility, making it a good tool for basic data tracking and lightweight projects. For more complex workflows, however, Google Sheets often struggles to keep up. Modern teams now need tools that handle large datasets, automate repetitive tasks, integrate with specialized apps, and offer advanced project management features.
In this guide, we’ll explore Google Sheets alternatives that address these gaps. We'll look at apps with familiar spreadsheet interfaces as well as visual, code-free relational database platforms. Whether you need advanced automation, deeper analytics, or app integrations, we’ve curated solutions to help you get reach your goal.
Why businesses are considering Google Sheets alternatives
While a powerful tool, Google Sheets has several core limitations that make it unsuitable for many business users. Its interface can become messy and difficult to navigate, especially with large datasets, and sharing options can be clunky. Another significant drawback is the lack of automation features, so importing data for recurring reports is often a manual, time-consuming process. Furthermore, AI capabilities are locked behind higher paid plans or require integrations, hindering complex data analysis. These limitations often lead to accidental formula deletions, difficulty creating clean charts, and general friction in collaborative workflows.
What to look for in Google Sheets alternatives
While Google Sheets excels at simplicity and real-time collaboration, its traditional spreadsheet design is both its greatest strength and biggest limitation. For basic calculations and simple task tracking, it works well, but it's inadequate for most modern projects.
Here’s what we prioritized when evaluating the key features of alternatives:
1. Collaboration features
Since no one works in isolation, a strong alternative must support real-time editing, comments, permissions, and multi-user access. Version history and mobile access are also vital for collaboration.
2. Automation & integrations
How the spreadsheet program works with all your other tools is crucial for team productivity. Built-in automation that is easy to set up can slash manual work. Meanwhile, integrations with your communication, CRM, project management, calendar, and other tools can make or break your workflow.
3. Value for money
Is the pricing fair for the features offered? Some free versions are too limited for real work, while expensive plans don't always offer much better features. The best options offer a robust free plan and meaningful upgrades for paid plans.
4. User experience & learning curve
A great tool should be intuitive enough for spreadsheet users while offering advanced capabilities for power users. This will ensure a smooth transition for both technical and non-technical users in your team.
5. Use cases
Perhaps what your team needs is not a more powerful spreadsheet but something else entirely. Therefore, we also looked at apps that can be used for databases, project management, or no-code app builders.
By weighing these factors, we identified the best Google Sheets alternatives for different needs—whether you're looking for a familiar spreadsheet upgrade or a completely new way to manage data.
Top Google Sheets alternatives at a glance
Top 9 Google Sheets alternatives in 2025
Lark: Advanced data analysis on spreadsheets and relational databases
Lark is an all-in-one platform that addresses the biggest pain points plaguing traditional spreadsheet apps: fragmentation and lack of collaboration features. For teams needing advanced calculations and in-depth data analysis, Lark Sheets offers robust spreadsheet features and a large and growing number of formula functions. For project management, CRM, or general data management, Lark Base provides a no-code, customizable solution that features automation and live dashboards. Both tools are work seamlessly with the built-in messenger that ensures notifications are never missed and allows team members to effortlessly tag each other for real-time collaboration.
Additionally, essential tools like email, documents, video meetings, and approval systems can all be found within the Lark app. This means teams won't have to spend countless hours integrating multiple apps that rarely work as intended—they can hit the ground running. Best of all, by eliminating the need for separate subscriptions, Lark saves you money while streamlining your workflow. For example, a team of 100 people using Slack, Google Workspace, and Zoom can save $25,200 per year by switching to Lark Pro.
Pros:
Easily import data from CSV and Excel files.
Access to advanced features such as pivot tables, data validation, and conditional formatting.
Make spreadsheets available offline, enable editing without an internet connection.
Create graphs and charts to build live dashboards for data visualization.
Intuitive features to automate workflows eliminate the need for manually handling repetitive tasks while improving accuracy and productivity.
Offers both traditional spreadsheet functions and modern data management capabilities, all on the same platform.
Access from mobile, desktop, or web, enabling productivity anywhere at anytime.
Generous free plan and affordable paid plans make it accessible for teams of all sizes and budgets.
Cons:
Longtime Google users may need time to readjust to the new interface.
The wealth of features may require some time to learn.
Ratings
G2: 4.5/5
Starter plan: Free forever plan that includes Sheets, Docs, Base, and 8 other powerful tools for up to 20 users. It also comes with 100GB of cloud storage, 1000 automation runs, AI translations, and more.
Pro plan: $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Starter plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15TB of storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more.
Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing. Supports unlimited users and includes even more automation runs and advanced security, compliance, and management features.
Want to learn more about Lark Sheets? Watch this video:
Microsoft Excel: Best for data analysis & financial modeling
Image source: microsoft.com
Microsoft Excel is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the spreadsheet world. With decades of development, it offers an unmatched depth of features for complex data manipulation, financial modeling, and standalone analysis. As part of the Microsoft 365 suite, it has evolved to include cloud-based collaboration, but its core strength remains its powerful desktop application. For individuals and teams whose primary need is crunching massive amounts of data, Excel remains a formidable tool.
Key features
Access a vast library of functions, including modern dynamic arrays for complex calculations.
Use PivotTables and Power Query to summarize and analyze huge datasets without a database.
Automate nearly any task with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and integrated Python.
Create a wide variety of charts and graphs to visualize data trends and patterns.
Integrate deeply with other Microsoft 365 apps and collaborate in real-time on the web.
Pros:
Enjoy unmatched calculation power and functional depth for virtually any data task.
Benefit from the industry standard, ensuring broad file compatibility and a large user base.
Utilize extremely powerful built-in data analysis tools like PivotTables and Power Query.
Experience seamless integration with the wider Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Cons:
Real-time collaboration is not as fluid as on cloud-native platforms.
Performance can slow significantly when working with very large datasets.
Mastering advanced features like VBA and Power Query requires a steep learning curve.
The tool is often overly complex for straightforward task and project management.
Ratings
G2: 4.7/5
Pricing
Free: A web-based version with limited functionality is available with a free Microsoft account.
Microsoft 365 Personal: $99.99 per year for one person.
Microsoft 365 Family: $129.99 per year for up to six people.
Microsoft 365 Business Plans: Various tiers are available, starting from $6 per user/month.
Airtable: Best for building custom database applications
Image source: airtable.com
Airtable is a leader in the "spreadsheet-database hybrid" category, successfully blending the familiar, approachable interface of a spreadsheet with the structural power of a relational database. It empowers non-technical users to build sophisticated, custom applications for a vast range of use cases, including CRMs, content calendars, product inventories, and project trackers. Its strength lies in its flexibility and visual appeal, making data management more intuitive and accessible.
Key features
Create connections between different sets of data using linked records.
Visualize data in numerous ways, including Grid, Kanban, Gallery, and Gantt charts.
Build custom, interactive dashboards and interfaces for collaborators without code.
Streamline workflows with a native automation builder and popular tool integrations.
Use an integrated AI assistant to help build applications and analyze data.
Pros:
Adapt the highly flexible and customizable platform to a wide array of business needs.
Grasp complex database concepts easily with the visually intuitive interface.
Create relational data structures that are impossible in a traditional spreadsheet.
Streamline workflows with robust automation and integration capabilities.
Cons:
Face a steep learning curve if you are unfamiliar with database principles.
Pricing can become expensive for larger teams due to per-user costs and usage limits.
Native reporting and charting features are less powerful than some dedicated tools.
The platform offers fewer native integrations compared to some project management competitors.
Ratings
G2: 4.6/5
Pricing
Free: Includes unlimited bases, up to 1,000 records per base, and 1GB of attachments.
Team: $20 per user/month (billed annually), increasing limits to 50,000 records per base, 20GB of attachments, and 25,000 automation runs.
Business: $45 per user/month (billed annually), with 125,000 records per base, 100GB of attachments, and 100,000 automation runs.
Enterprise Scale: Custom pricing for advanced needs.
Detailed pricing breakdown: Airtable Pricing: Which Plan Is Right for Your Team in 2025?
Zoho Sheet: Best for teams that are already in Zoho’s ecosystem of apps
Image source: zoho.com
Zoho Sheet is a robust and feature-rich online spreadsheet application that stands as a direct and capable competitor to Google Sheets. It is offered completely free as a standalone product and is also a core component of Zoho's extensive suite of business applications, including Zoho Workplace and Zoho One. Its biggest advantage is its seamless integration with other Zoho products, making it an incredibly powerful tool for businesses already operating within that ecosystem.
Key features
Use over 350 functions, pivot tables, and more than 35 chart types.
Get automated data cleaning and chart generation from Zoho's AI assistant.
Benefit from real-time co-editing, cell-specific comments, and granular user permissions.
Scan printed tables and automatically convert them into editable spreadsheet data.
Connect effortlessly with other Zoho apps like Forms, Writer, and CRM.
Pros:
Use the application completely free as a standalone product.
Receive automated data analysis and insights from the powerful AI assistant.
Enjoy unbeatable integration with the extensive Zoho ecosystem of business apps.
Utilize strong real-time collaboration features with excellent permission controls.
Cons:
The user interface can feel somewhat dated compared to modern competitors.
Performance may lag when working with very large or complex spreadsheets.
Users have reported inconsistent quality from customer support channels.
Its value is significantly diminished for teams not using other Zoho applications.
Ratings
G2: 4.4/5
Pricing
Free plan available
Paid plans start from $3 per user/month as part of Zoho Workplace.
Smartsheet: Best for project management on a spreadsheet-like interface
Image source: smartsheet.com
Smartsheet is an enterprise-focused work execution platform that leverages a familiar spreadsheet-like interface to manage complex projects, programs, and portfolios at scale. It is designed for structured, top-down project management, offering powerful tools for planning, resource allocation, and reporting that appeal to PMOs and large, process-driven organizations.
Key features
Use advanced tools including Gantt views, critical path analysis, and resource management.
Create complex workflows with conditional logic to handle alerts and approvals.
Build real-time dashboards and roll-up reports for high-level visibility.
Benefit from robust security, governance, and administrative controls.
Connect with essential enterprise tools like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Jira.
Pros:
Manage large-scale, complex projects and entire portfolios effectively.
Streamline repetitive processes with robust automation capabilities.
Provide excellent visibility for leadership with powerful reporting and dashboards.
Lower the initial adoption barrier for teams with a familiar spreadsheet-like interface.
Cons:
The platform can feel rigid and inflexible, often described as a "glorified Excel".
Mastering advanced features and automation rules involves a steep learning curve.
The expensive and restrictive licensing model can hinder widespread team collaboration.
The user interface for creating dashboards is often described as clunky and lacking customization.
Ratings
G2: 4.4/5
Pricing
Free: A limited free plan is available for a single user and up to two editors.
Pro: $9 per user/month (billed annually), for up to 10 users.
Business: $32 per user/month (billed annually), includes unlimited automations and user management.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for enterprise-grade features and security.
Detailed pricing breakdown: Smartsheet Pricing: Plans, Features, and User Insights
Monday.com: Best for visual workflow and project management
Image source: monday.com
monday.com is a Work Operating System (Work OS) that stands out for its colorful, intuitive, and highly visual approach to project and workflow management. It provides a flexible set of building blocks, like boards, views, and automations, that teams can assemble to create their ideal workflow for nearly any use case, from marketing campaign tracking to software development sprints.
Key features
Visualize work in multiple ways, including Kanban, Calendar, Timeline, and Gantt charts.
Tailor boards to fit specific team needs with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Use a no-code automation builder and over 200 native integrations with popular tools.
Build custom, real-time dashboards with over 30 different widgets to track key metrics.
Pros:
Adopt the extremely intuitive and visually engaging user interface with ease.
Adapt the highly customizable platform to almost any type of workflow or project.
Collaborate effectively with clear visibility into task ownership and status.
Configure powerful automations and integrations easily.
Cons:
The pricing structure can be confusing and costly with a minimum of three user seats.
Key features like time tracking and private boards are restricted to more expensive plans.
Mastering the full range of advanced features can present a learning curve.
The platform lacks a native, built-in chat tool for real-time team communication.
Ratings
G2: 4.7/5
Pricing
Free: $0 for up to 2 seats, with limited features.
Basic: $9 per user/month (billed annually), with a 3-user minimum.
Standard: $12 per user/month (billed annually), with a 3-user minimum. Includes timeline & Gantt views.
Pro: $19 per user/month (billed annually), with a 3-user minimum. Includes private boards and time tracking.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for advanced security and support.
Detailed pricing breakdown: Monday Pricing: Comprehensive Guide to the Lastest Plans in 2025
ClickUp: Best for general work management
Image source: g2.com
ClickUp markets itself as the "everything app for work," designed to replace multiple collaboration tools by consolidating tasks, documents, chat, goals, and whiteboards into a single, unified platform. Its greatest strength lies in its large feature set and high level of customization, allowing teams to tailor their workspace to their specific needs.
Key features
Organize work logically with a flexible hierarchy of Spaces, Folders, and Lists.
Visualize work in over 15 ways, including List, Board, Gantt, and Mind Map views.
Enable or disable specific features at the workspace level to avoid a cluttered interface.
Use built-in Docs, Whiteboards, and a real-time Chat view to reduce external app needs.
Pros:
Benefit from an exhaustive feature set that aims to be a true all-in-one solution.
Adapt the platform to virtually any workflow with an extremely high level of customization.
Utilize one of the most generous free plans on the market with unlimited users and tasks.
Access paid plans that are very affordably priced compared to direct competitors.
Cons:
The user interface can feel cluttered and complex to navigate for beginners.
Users frequently report performance issues and slow loading times with large projects.
The mobile app experience is often cited as less powerful than the desktop version.
Ratings
G2: 4.7/5
Pricing
Free Forever: $0 for unlimited members, with 60MB of storage and some feature limitations.
Unlimited: $7 per user/month (billed annually), with unlimited storage, integrations, and Gantt charts.
Business: $12 per user/month (billed annually), adding Google SSO, unlimited teams, and advanced automations.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for advanced permissions and dedicated support.
Detailed pricing breakdown: ClickUp Pricing: Plans, Features, and Value for Your Team
8. Baserow: Best for open-source, self-hosted database building.
Image source: baserow.com
Baserow positions itself as a premier open-source alternative to traditional spreadsheet apps, offering a powerful no-code database tool that prioritizes data ownership, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Its defining feature is the ability to be self-hosted, which grants organizations complete control over their data and infrastructure, free from the vendor lock-in and usage limits of proprietary cloud services.
Key features
Gain complete control over your data and infrastructure with the self-hosted version.
Use an intuitive, spreadsheet-like interface to easily create and manage databases.
Visualize data with essential views like Grid, Gallery, Kanban, and Calendar.
Integrate with any tool via the API and create custom plugins to extend functionality.
Pros:
Enjoy unparalleled flexibility and control with the open-source model.
Benefit from a cost-effective and scalable self-hosting option with unlimited rows.
Maintain complete data ownership, which is ideal for security-conscious organizations.
Adopt the clean and familiar user interface easily if coming from spreadsheet tools.
Cons:
The self-hosted version requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance.
It has fewer native integrations and pre-built templates compared to competitors.
Advanced features like role-based permissions are only available in paid tiers.
Support for the free version is primarily community-driven, which may not suit enterprise needs.
Ratings
G2: 4.8/5
Pricing (Cloud-Hosted)
Free: $0, includes 3,000 rows per workspace and 2GB of storage.
Premium: $10 per user/month (billed annually), includes 50,000 rows per workspace, 20GB of storage, and additional views like Kanban and Calendar.
Advanced: $18 per user/month (billed annually), includes 250,000 rows per workspace and role-based permissions.
9. Rows: Best for integrating web data and building interactive reports
Image source: g2.com
Rows is a modern spreadsheet designed from the ground up to connect to the web. It reimagines the spreadsheet as a hub for data from various online services, allowing users to pull information directly from APIs and other platforms without writing code or using third-party connectors. It excels at automating marketing reports, enriching data, and creating interactive dashboards that can be easily shared.
Key features
Connect to over 50 native integrations to import and refresh data automatically.
Use a powerful AI assistant to clean data, generate formulas, and summarize insights.
Share spreadsheets as clean, mobile-friendly web pages or embed them into other tools.
Connect to any REST API and parse JSON data directly within cells for advanced use cases.
Pros:
Eliminate the need for external automation tools with powerful native integrations.
Create beautiful and engaging reports with a modern interface and innovative sharing options.
Make complex data analysis more accessible to all users with the AI Analyst feature.
Get started with a generous free plan that includes unlimited spreadsheets and members.
Cons:
The platform may lack some niche functions that power users of Excel rely on.
The integration-first approach can present a learning curve for some users.
It may struggle with the performance of very large, static datasets compared to desktop apps.
Ratings
G2: 4.9/5
Pricing
Free: $0, includes unlimited spreadsheets and members, with limited AI prompts and integration tasks.
Plus: $8 per user/month (billed annually), with unlimited AI prompts and daily automated data refreshes.
Pro: $79 per month base fee + $8 per user/month (billed annually), with per-minute automation and more guest users.
Enterprise: Custom pricing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right spreadsheet alternative depends on your team’s needs. If you want Excel’s power online, try Microsoft 365 Excel. For a modern, versatile approach that spans both flexible database functions and full-blown project management, consider Airtable and Smartsheet.
While these alternatives above deliver traditional spreadsheet or database functions, none combine both like Lark. For teams that need complex formulas and advanced functions, Lark Sheets is a powerful tool. For users looking for a database management tool to organize and visualize data, they can turn to Lark Base. Combined with an integrated messenger, calendar, email, and other document types, Lark's all-in-one platform can serve a much broader set of needs. With a generous free plan and affordable paid plans, Lark is undoubtedly the best overall Google Sheets alternative.
FAQs
What are some free alternatives to Google Sheets?
Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets may be the most well-know spreadsheet apps, but their free plans are too limited for most teams. Many products like Lark, ClickUp, Airtable, and Rows now provide free. Lark, in particular, offers a generous free plan with 11 powerful tools, 100GB storage, and support for 20 users.
Are there any open source spreadsheet software?
Yes, there are several open-source spreadsheet alternatives available, such as Baserow mentioned in the blog. Other popular open-source options include Grist, LibreOffice Calc, and Apache OpenOffice Calc.
Why should I consider switching from Google Sheets?
Teams often switch from Google Sheets to overcome limitations like a messy user interface, manual data importing, and a lack of collaboration and automation features. Modern alternatives offer better automation, integrated workflows, and database capabilities to handle more complex work.
