Excel vs Google Sheets: Which Is Better in 2026?

As we step into 2026, the debate between Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets continues to evolve. Both tools dominate the spreadsheet world, but they cater to different needs. Excel, part of Microsoft 365, remains the powerhouse for advanced data analysis, while Google Sheets shines in real-time collaboration and accessibility.

This comprehensive comparison draws from recent 2025 updates and expert insights to help you decide which is better for your workflow in 2026—whether personal budgeting, team projects, or enterprise-level analytics.

Pricing and Accessibility

Google Sheets is completely free for personal use with a Google account, making it unbeatable for individuals or small teams. Business plans via Google Workspace remain stable at around $6/user/month for basic plans.

Microsoft Excel requires a subscription: Microsoft 365 Personal is about $6.99/month, while business plans start lower but will see increases effective July 2026 (e.g., some plans up $1-3/user/month for added AI and security features). Excel also offers a limited free web version.

Winner for affordability: Google Sheets. For seamless access across devices without installation, Sheets' cloud-native design edges out—though Excel's desktop app works fully offline.

Collaboration and Sharing

Real-time collaboration is where Google Sheets truly excels. Multiple users edit simultaneously, with changes appearing instantly, built-in chat, and version history for easy rollbacks. It's perfect for remote teams.

Excel has improved co-authoring via OneDrive in Microsoft 365, but it's not as seamless—conflicts can arise, and offline work requires syncing later. Sheets wins hands-down for team-based projects.

Performance and Handling Large Datasets

When dealing with big data, Excel dominates. The desktop version handles millions of rows efficiently, leveraging your computer's power for complex calculations without lag. Sources confirm Excel outperforms Sheets on large datasets, maintaining speed where Sheets slows or crashes.

Google Sheets caps at around 10 million cells, but performance drops significantly beyond a few thousand rows with formulas or pivots. In recent tests, Excel processed massive files faster.

For heavy analytics or financial modeling in 2026, Excel is superior.

Features and Functionality

Both offer core tools like formulas, charts, and pivot tables, but differences emerge in depth.

Excel boasts advanced features:

• VBA macros
• Power Query for data transformation
• Power Pivot for modeling
• Built-in statistical tests

2025-2026 updates include enhanced Copilot AI—now with Agent Mode, formula generation from grid, image analysis via Python, and smarter insights.

Google Sheets focuses on simplicity with strong integration into Google Workspace. Recent features include AI-powered data analysis/visualization via Gemini, improved tables, and better Apps Script for automation.

Sheets lacks Excel's depth in macros and advanced stats but offers easier add-ons from the Marketplace.

For complex tasks, Excel pulls ahead; for everyday use, Sheets is sufficient and user-friendly.

AI and Automation

Security and Privacy

Both are secure enterprise-grade.

Google Sheets benefits from Google's cloud infrastructure: encryption in transit/at rest, 2FA, and compliance like GDPR/HIPAA.

Excel offers local storage for offline privacy, password protection, and Microsoft 365's enterprise controls.

Cloud versions are comparable, but local Excel gives more control over sensitive data.

Integrations and Add-Ons

Sheets integrates seamlessly with Google tools (Drive, Forms, Gmail) and thousands via Zapier.

Excel connects deeply with Microsoft ecosystem (Power BI, Teams) and supports more external data sources natively.

For third-party: Both have marketplaces, but Excel's add-ins are often more powerful.

Templates and Ease of Use

Both provide excellent templates. For ready-made 2026 budget planners, habit trackers, or financial models, trusted sources are key.

Sites like Microsoft's official gallery or premium providers such as SpreadsheetsHub.com offer high-quality, customizable templates compatible with both Excel and Google Sheets—many macro-free for safety. Their bestsellers collection includes professional designs for personal finance and business tracking.

Sheets is generally easier for beginners with its clean interface; Excel has a steeper curve but rewards with power.