
Google Docs Spreadsheet looks pretty similar to Excel but as you’ll notice, it actually operates inside your web browser. If this is the case, you’ll have access to the Google Docs Spreadsheet application without any extra effort at all.Įssentially, Google Docs Spreadsheet is Google’s own version of an Excel-like spreadsheet application the only differences are that it’s available for free, without having to download anything to your desktop. Related: Wondering about the best free alternatives to Microsoft PowerPoint?Ĭhances are you already use a lot of Google products on a daily basis (e.g., Gmail, Google+, etc.) and therefore, you likely already have a Google account.

You can also take a look at CNET's list of the best Windows laptops.See Also: 11 Excellent Free Online Courses for Entrepreneursīut just how good are these free alternatives to Excel? And which ones are the best? Here’s a roundup of what we consider to be the four absolute best free alternatives to Microsoft Excel. If you're looking for basic versions of each of these apps, the free version should work well for you.įor more productivity coverage, check out what Microsoft 365 Basic offers customers, all of the best features in Windows 11 and how to take screenshots in Windows 10 or 11. There are still benefits to the free version, including the ability to share links to your work and collaborate in real time, similar to what the Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) productivity tools allow. They also have fewer features than the full Microsoft 365 versions. You might be saying, "Wait a minute, if I can get all of those apps for free, why pay for Microsoft 365 in the first place?" The functionality of the free apps is limited, so they only run in your web browser and you can only use them while you're actively connected to the internet. Screenshot by Alison DeNisco Rayome/CNET So what's the catch for the free version?

Use the browser-based version of the Microsoft Word app for free.
