Best Spreadsheet for Collaboration in 2026: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets?

As remote and hybrid work solidifies as the norm in 2026, seamless real-time collaboration has become the decisive factor when choosing a spreadsheet tool. The two dominant players — Microsoft Excel (part of Microsoft 365) and Google Sheets (part of Google Workspace) both offer powerful collaboration features, but they excel in different ways.

This in-depth guide compares their collaboration capabilities heading into 2026, factoring in recent updates like AI enhancements, performance improvements, and enterprise integrations. We'll help you decide which is truly the best spreadsheet for collaboration based on team size, workflow complexity, and budget. For advanced tips, templates, and secure collaboration strategies across both platforms, check out Spreadsheets Hub.

Core Collaboration Features Compared

Real-Time Editing

• Google Sheets pioneered frictionless simultaneous editing—changes appear instantly, with colored cursors showing who’s working where.
• Excel via OneDrive or SharePoint now supports co-authoring, though large files may show slight latency.

Comments & Mentions

• Google Sheets offers threaded comments, @mentions, and task-style collaboration.
• Excel improved commenting in 2025 with richer threads and notifications, as part of Microsoft 365 updates.

Version History & Activity Tracking

• Both platforms support version history.
• Google Sheets makes naming and restoring versions intuitive.
• Excel integrates deeply with Microsoft 365 audit tools for enterprises.

Sharing & Permissions

• Google Sheets offers simple link-based sharing with role control.
• Excel provides granular permissions via Azure Active Directory.

Winner for ease of collaboration: Google Sheets still leads in 2026, according to analyses from Zapier and SpreadsheetPoint.

What’s New in 2026: AI-Powered Collaboration

Google Sheets Updates

• Gemini integration expanded with multi-step AI actions.
• Improved performance for large collaborative files.
• Enhanced People Chips for faster mentions.

Microsoft Excel Updates

• Copilot Agent Mode rolling out broadly in 2026.
• Deep Microsoft 365 context awareness announced at Microsoft Ignite.
• Improved conflict handling in collaborative sessions.

Performance & Scalability in Team Settings

• Google Sheets performs best on mid-sized datasets.
• Excel handles massive datasets more reliably.
• Excel offers superior offline collaboration.

Integration with Team Ecosystems

• Google Sheets integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Drive, Meet, and Chat inside Google Workspace.
• Excel connects deeply with Microsoft Teams, Power BI, and Outlook.

Pricing & Accessibility in 2026

• Google Sheets remains free for individuals.
• Excel requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, with pricing updates effective July 2026.

Emerging Alternatives Worth Watching

Tools like Row Zero and Zoho Sheet are gaining traction.