Gone are the days when Microsoft monopolized all documents from docs to sheets with Excel. Over the years, a new superpower known as Google has been developing and growing and this includes the document world. Spreadsheet documents are quite hectic and may seem impossible to handle if you have the wrong software.
Currently, there are two popular spreadsheet editing apps, which are Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. In this article, we are going to help you choose between these two by comparing them and providing the pros and cons of each.
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Contents
Microsoft Excel
This Windows software has a powerful grip on the professional world. Excel is awesome for larger companies handling massive amounts of data although it is definitely more expensive than Google sheets. The Microsoft application is ideal for advanced calculations or the creation of personalized charts for professional presentations and is definitely worth the $110 investment. Just in case you’re still hanging in balance, you may consider the following pros and cons of Microsoft Excel.
Pros
- Excel has a very impressive advanced functionality.
- The software has awesome unlimited storage.
- Excel is also super responsive, intuitive, and fast.
- Additionally, you will enjoy more options for data visualization.
- Compared to Google Sheets, this software is more customizable.
- In the instances of calculation and comparison, Excel has more formulas and functions.
- To use Excel, you don’t necessarily need an internet connection.
Cons
- There is no clear revision history for one to understand previous edits.
- It is difficult to use and usually needs one to take classes and courses.
- Different versions make collaboration difficult because of extreme updates.
- You are not able to access spreadsheets from computers other than your own.
- The software is also extremely expensive.
Google Sheets
First and foremost, Google Sheets has a smooth fair learning curve, so you won’t have to pay for classes or even spend time looking at how-to guides. It is very easy to navigate Google Sheets because of its intuitive user interface which is intentional for user-friendliness. Google Sheets beats Excel because of its excellent collaboration abilities as several people can be working on the same spreadsheet at once without any lagging or confusion. Additionally, you can access your account on an unlimited number of devices.
Pros
- Google Sheets is 100% free to access all its features.
- The software is absolutely easy to use with no need for attending classes.
- Sheets is well designed for teamwork and collaboration with very few hindrances if any exist.
- Tightly integrated with Google to easily use other Google applications and software.
- It has an excellent built-in revision history for you to make reference in the future.
- It has a real-time chat window, yet it’s still simple and professional.
- With Google Sheets, you’re bound to enjoy better visibility as all space is well utilized.
- Ease of access to your spreadsheet from any computer as long as you log in.
Cons
- Google Sheets slows down as data increases in the interface.
- There is a limited data visualization options as compared to Excel.
- It has way fewer formulas and functions, hence a limit of calculations.
- The software has fewer customization options to meet your tastes.
- The storage ends at 15GB which is upgradable through Google One.
In conclusion, we would recommend that you use Microsoft Excel if you’re focused on professional work and consistency. However, if you’re a beginner or you have a small team to work with, Google Sheets is the better option since it can produce excellent work from day one. Additionally, if your spreadsheets have a lot of calculations, you need to invest time and money in Microsoft Excel.
Final Verdict
Which of the above spreadsheet software has impressed you the most? Is there another comparison, you would like us to make? Please let us know in the comments section.