Top 10 Excel alternatives for 2024

minute read

Updated on:

July 12, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Excel?

Microsoft Excel, commonly referred to as Excel, is a software application that is widely utilized for various data management tasks. Developed by Microsoft for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, Excel provides a comprehensive spreadsheet system that enables users to create grids of text, numbers, and formulas to perform complex calculations. These spreadsheets can be manipulated to analyse data, generate charts or graphs and provide comprehensive business solutions. Among its many features, Excel is also commonly used for managing financial data, statistical analysis, and project management.

Interacting with Excel involves understanding and leveraging its powerful data analysis functions. Excel functionalities include sorting and organizing data, applying conditional formatting, carrying out calculations across sheets and workbooks, and using dynamic graphing capabilities to collate information visually. Moreover, Excel offers advanced functions for data modeling, simulation, and querying that makes it a versatile tool for both individual and corporate use.

To navigate the digital world successfully, a deep knowledge of Excel is highly beneficial. Despite the availability of numerous alternatives, the proficiency in Excel remains a highly sought-after skill in many industries. However, also getting acquainted with Excel alternatives can improve your productivity and give you more flexibility when it comes to managing and analysing data.

What are the top limitations of Excel?

While Microsoft Excel is widely used for data analysis and visualization, it does have some significant limitations that can hinder its effectiveness in certain applications. Here are some of the key areas where Excel falls short:

Data Capacity: Excel can only handle up to a million rows, which limits its capability when dealing with large datasets.
Error-prone: Data entries in Excel are susceptible to errors, which can lead to incorrect calculations and interpretations.
Limited Collaboration: Excel is not the best tool for simultaneous multiple user editing, thus making real-time collaboration features limited.
Complex Formulas: Creating complex formulas in Excel can become quite challenging, even for experienced users. This greatly limits the flexibility and usability of the tool.
Security Concerns: Sensitive data stored in Excel can be easily accessed if not properly protected, leading to potential breaches in data privacy.

In Excel, these limitations can result in inefficiencies and inaccuracies in data management, posing problems in a business environment that relies on accurate and up-to-date information for decision-making. When your data analysis needs exceed the capabilities of Excel, it might be time to consider alternatives.

There are other software options available that build upon the functionality of Excel. They come in various forms and offer features that address these limitations, making them better suited for certain tasks.

What are the must-have features of an Excel alternative?

When considering an alternative to Microsoft Excel, important features should present for a similar or enhanced data management experience. These features help to perform statistical computations, organize and present data, automate tasks, and support team collaboration.

Support for complex formulas and data analysis: This includes features such as pivot tables, conditional formatting, and the ability to perform complex calculations. Similar to Excel, the alternative should have statistical functionality for data analysis.
Automation and macro support: Task automation tools such as Macros (in Excel) save time by automating repetitive tasks. The ability to record and run these automation scripts is important for advanced users.
Support for multiple users and collaboration: A key feature in modern office suites is support for multiple users editing the same document simultaneously. This is especially needed for team projects where collaboration is crucial.

Excel has been the staple go-to spreadsheet software for years, mainly due to its potent capabilities in data management, analysis and visualization. However, for an alternative to be considered, it needs to possess features that can match or surpass Excel's functionalities. Therefore, the availability of advanced data analysis, automation tools, and collaboration features will determine how efficient and effective the Excel alternative will be. This ensures that users can transition smoothly without disrupting their workflow and adapt quickly to the similar but enhanced capabilities.

Bonsai: The best Excel alternative

Every business, regardless of the sector or size, struggles with data management, documentation and scheduling tasks. Often, these areas become overwhelming, demanding much time and man-power, which can lead to errors. If you think Excel is your only solution, think again. Discover Bonsai, an excellent alternative to Excel that is specifically tailored for service businesses. With Bonsai, you can automate most of these tasks, ensuring efficient operation and data accuracy. Let's explore why Bonsai is hailed as the best Excel alternative for service businesses.

Ease of Use: Unlike Excel that has a steep learning curve, Bonsai offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy for any team member to use, even without advanced tech skills. This ease of adoption speeds up task completion and enhances overall productivity.
Comprehensive Solution: Bonsai is not just about spreadsheets and numbers - it offers a comprehensive suite of features, including project management, client CRM, invoicing and more. This all-in-one platform eliminates the need for switching between multiple tools, allowing you to maintain business workflow from one dashboard.
Automated Invoicing: Wading through piles of invoices is a thing of the past with Bonsai. Its automated invoicing feature ensures you create accurate, professional invoices that are sent out timely. No more forgotten invoices or late payments.
Real-Time Collaboration: Bonsai excels in promoting team collaboration. Team members can work on the same project concurrently, make edits, and leave comments in real-time, negating the need for multiple versions of the same file that can create confusion, a common scenario with Excel.
Data Protection: Understanding the importance of data security, Bonsai promises robust security measures to protect your sensitive business information, something Excel can't always guarantee. The platform is also GDPR compliant, further enhancing its credibility.

While Excel has reigned as the default spreadsheet and data management tool for years, a shift is underway. Tools like Bonsai are usurping the traditional powerhouses with their all-rounded offerings. As a service business, realizing that there are efficient and tailor-made options like Bonsai can be a business game-changer. Drop the cumbersome spreadsheets and embrace an Excel alternative that is robust, intuitive, and most importantly, designed with your unique needs in mind. Empower your service business to soar with streamlined operations, enhanced productivity, and seamless task execution offered by Bonsai.

There's no doubt that Excel has its strong points, but it's no longer the only tool in town. In the modern business landscape, choosing a tool that offers more than just spreadsheets, but a comprehensive solution for overall business operations like Bonsai, is the way forward for service businesses.

Forbes declares that “The best accounting software is one that makes life easier for the business owner." And when it comes to making life easier for service businesses, few tools compete with Bonsai. Embrace the future of business operation tools with Bonsai.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a dynamic, cloud-based work execution platform that empowers collaboration, drives better decision making, and accelerates innovation.

Best Features:

Smartsheet offers unique features that leverage its power and flexibility.

Intuitive interface with grid-view similar to Excel
Automation of repetitive tasks
Powerful reporting and integration capabilities
Enhanced collaboration with real-time shared views

Limitations:

Whilst potent, the platform does have some constraints.

Less user-friendly for idiosyncratic tasks than Excel.
Mobile version lacks certain functionalities
Less suitable for complex numerical data analysis
Steep learning curve for non-technical users

Not a fit for:

Smartsheet may not be ideal for everyone.

Small projects with limited datasets
Organizations with a strictly numerical focus
Businesses looking for a simple, out-of-the-box solution

Pricing:

Smartsheet’s pricing can cater to various business sizes.

Reviews and Ratings:

Most reviews praise Smartsheet's scope, versatility and potential but also note a learning curve.

Clarizen

Clarizen is an enterprise-grade project management software that gives teams real-time visibility and management capabilities.

Best features:

Highly configurable and customizable
Integration with popular tools like Excel, SharePoint, and JIRA
Interactive Gantt charts for project scheduling
Real-time project insights and analytics

Limitations:

However, it's important to know a few limitations before considering Clarizen.

Potentially overwhelming for smaller teams due to complex features
Requires training to fully utilize
Limited mobile functionality

Not a fit for:

Clarizen might not be suitable for small teams or businesses that prefer simpler, intuitive management tools.

Pricing:

Clarizen's pricing is only provided upon request; they don't offer a freemium model.

Reviews and ratings:

A quick overview of Capterra reviews shows a generally favorable rating, with users praising the software's robust feature set and customer support.

Workzone

Workzone is a versatile project management tool listed as an effective alternative to Excel for managing projects. Best Features:

Workzone boasts of several outstanding features.

Easy project tracking with Gantt charts and dashboards
Automated email updates and alerts
Customized reporting and resource allocation
Document management and sharing

Limitations:

A few limitations exist in Workzone.

It lacks advanced financial management tools
It may be overwhelming for new users

Not a fit for:

Solo entrepreneurs and people managing small projects could find Workzone more complex than necessary.

Pricing:

The platform offers several tiered pricing plans that cater to teams of various sizes.

Reviews and Ratings:

Many users have praised it extensively for its robust project tracking abilities, earning it a high 4.4 stars out of 5 rating on most review sites.

ProjectLibre

ProjectLibre is a powerful project management tool that offers seamless functionalities ideal for individual and team-based projects.

Best Features:

Robust scheduling capabilities similar to Microsoft Project.
Efficient Gantt charts for task schedule visualization.
Pert charts for effective project visualization.
Supports multiple languages, catering to international users.

Limitations:

Lacks sophisticated collaboration tools for team communication.
Outdated user interface that may deter some users.
Limited online accessibility as it requires a desktop client for use.
No direct integration with third-party apps.

Not a Fit For:

Teams looking for a solution that incorporates immediate messaging and communication.

Pricing:

Open-source and completely free.

Reviews and Ratings:

Rated 4.1 out of 5 on G2, users praise its advanced project scheduling features but criticize its lackluster user interface.

Quip

Quip is an innovative collaboration tool from Salesforce which integrates documentation, spreadsheets, and team chat, presenting a powerful alternative to Excel.

Best Features:

Integration with Salesforce and other leading applications.
Allows real-time collaboration and document editing.
Portable with cloud-based data access and mobile apps.
Combines docs, spreadsheets, and chat in one platform.

Limitations:

Lacks advanced spreadsheet functions compared to Excel.
The interface may be less intuitive for traditional Microsoft Office users.

Not a Fit for:

Organizations in need of advanced data analysis or financial modeling tools.

Pricing:

Offers a starting price of $10 per user per month.

Reviews and ratings:

On G2.com, Quip has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, with users praising its collaborative features but noting limits in data handling.

Teamwork

Teamwork is an advanced project management tool that offers a comprehensive alternative to Excel, with its wide range of productivity-enhancing features.

Best features:

Server and cloud-based platforms for file storage and sharing
Time tracking feature for monitoring productivity
Task lists with Gantt charts for project planning
Collaboration tools including team chat and custom workflows

Limitations:

Lacks a built-in email client
Does not provide a resource management tool
Learning curve can be steep for non-technical users

Not a fit for:

Teamwork may not be the best fit for single users or small teams who require simple task management software.

Pricing:

Teamwork offers a free plan with premium plans ranging from $12.50 to $22.50 per user per month.

Reviews and ratings:

Averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars across several review platforms, Teamwork is praised for its comprehensive features but noted for the steep learning curve. See more reviews here.

GanttPRO

GanttPRO is an online project management tool that uses Gantt charts for planning and scheduling projects with ease, thereby serving as a beneficial alternative to Excel.

Best features:

GanttPRO offers a multitude of valuable aspects.

Streamlined task assignment and delegation
Real-time project timeline creation and modification
Collaborative functions with comment sections and attachments
Robust reporting features for tracking progress

Limitations:

However, it does have a few noticeable shortcomings.

Limited integration with other software
Learning curve for new users

Not a fit for:

GanttPRO may not be suitable for everyone.

Businesses with heavily software-dependent workflows
Users seeking a software with a simple interface

Pricing:

Cost may also be a consideration.

Plans start at $15 per user/month

Reviews and ratings:

Despite these limitations, GanttPRO has received positive reviews.

It has a 4.5/5 rating on G2

Wrike

Wrike is a versatile project management tool that effectively provides unique capabilities for businesses who are looking for alternatives to Excel.

Best Features:

Wrike stands out for its rich set of features.

Real-time update and collaborative work.
Customizable dashboard and robust reporting.
Time tracking and workload management.
High-standard security measures making it secure for enterprises.

Limitations:

Despite its strengths, Wrike has a few drawbacks.

Initial learning curve may be steep for non-technical users.
Limited offline functionalities.
Mobile version needs a bit of improvement.
Premium features can be quite expensive.

Not a fit for:

Wrike may not be suitable for certain scenarios.

Small teams or individual users on a limited budget.
People who need to work offline extensively.

Pricing:

Wrike offers several pricing options.

Free plan with limited features for small teams.
Professional plan starting at $9.80/user/month.

Reviews and Ratings:

Wrike has largely positive reviews.

It scores 4.2 out of 5 on TrustRadius.
Many users appreciate its versatility and comprehensiveness, while others find the pricing a bit high.

Asana

Asana is a robust project management tool designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work seamlessly.

Best features:

Offers task and subtask creations, which are assignable to different team members.
Timeline view on projects and tasks helps to visualize the project scope and progress.
Easy integration with numerous other software including Excel.
Allows for comments and file attachments to tasks.

Limitations: