Microsoft Excel vs Apple Numbers Comparison
Microsoft Excel
Starting at $5
- Free Trial
- Individuals
- Large Enterprises
Microsoft Excel has helped make the world more productive and businesses more valuable to their owners by helping people analyze large sets of data. Developers have built a simple user interface that operates in the same…
Apple Numbers
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Individuals
- Large Enterprises
Apple Numbers is a easy way to create beautiful spreadsheets, powerful charts, and interactive documents. Numbers starts with built-in templates for budgets, resumes, and invoices. Add tables, pictures, text boxes, and s…
Microsoft Excel leads on user satisfaction with a 4.7-star rating across 18,767 reviews.
SpotSaaS Analysis
Microsoft ExcelApple Numbers
The core difference lies in Microsoft Excel's robust data analysis capabilities suited for larger enterprises, while Apple Numbers focuses on simplicity and aesthetics for users within the Apple ecosystem. Ideal buyers for Excel are those needing advanced financial tools, whereas Numbers is best for small businesses or individuals seeking visually appealing spreadsheets.
- Best for robust financial analysis and reporting - Familiar Microsoft Office interface - Suitable for small businesses and large enterprises - Powerful data visualization tools - Affordable pricing at $5 - Widely used across various industries
- Best for visually appealing and simple spreadsheets - Seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem - Ideal for small businesses and personal use - Easy-to-use, beautifully designed templates - Supports collaboration on Apple devices - User-friendly interface for non-technical users
Microsoft Excel vs Apple Numbers — at a glance
| Feature | Microsoft Excel | Apple Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Reviews | 18,767 | 115 |
| Starting price | $5 | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Individuals, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Individuals, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Spreadsheets Software | Spreadsheets Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | — |
| Support modes | Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | GDPR |
| Data residency | Global | US |
Key differences between Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers
- Pricing: Microsoft Excel starts at $5. Apple Numbers pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Microsoft Excel offers a free trial; Apple Numbers does not.
- User satisfaction: Microsoft Excel scores higher with a 4.7-star average.
- Deployment: Microsoft Excel supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Apple Numbers supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Mac.
Microsoft Excel vs Apple Numbers — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Spreadsheets Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert | Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for familiar, powerful spreadsheet data analysis and visualization.
- You need robust financial analysis and reporting tools.
- Your team values a familiar Microsoft Office interface.
- You require spreadsheet access across desktop, mobile, and online platforms.
- Your team demands advanced real-time multi-user collaboration features.
- You work regularly with extremely large datasets causing performance issues.
Best for visually appealing, simple spreadsheets within the Apple ecosystem.
- You want easy-to-use, beautifully designed spreadsheet templates for personal or small business use.
- You primarily work on Apple devices and value seamless integration within that ecosystem.
- You need straightforward budgeting, invoicing, or educational project spreadsheets without complex functions.
- Your work requires advanced data analysis, automation, or complex spreadsheet functions.
- You need robust collaboration tools or cross-platform accessibility for larger teams.
Microsoft Excel: Best for familiar, powerful spreadsheet data analysis and visualization. Apple Numbers: Best for visually appealing, simple spreadsheets within the Apple ecosystem.
Description | Microsoft Excel has helped make the world more productive and businesses more valuable to their owners by helping people analyze large sets of data. Developers have built a simple user ... Read More about Microsoft Excel | Apple Numbers is a easy way to create beautiful spreadsheets, powerful charts, and interactive documents. Numbers starts with built-in templates for budgets, resumes, and invoices. Add ... Read More about Apple Numbers |
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User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | Small BusinessLarge Enterprises | 1-50 employees51-500 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
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Compare Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Pricing Page |  | Pricing information not available |
Other Details
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
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Data Encryption | — | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🇺🇸 US |
Microsoft Excel User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Users generally praise Excel for its powerful data handling and familiar interface but note limitations in collaboration and performance with very large files. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Users appreciate Apple Numbers for its ease of use and attractive design but note limitations in advanced functionality and collaboration. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Top Alternatives to Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers in 2026
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Microsoft Excel or Apple Numbers?
- Microsoft Excel edges out the other on user ratings (4.7 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers offer a free trial?
- Microsoft Excel offers a free trial. Apple Numbers does not.
- What is the starting price of Microsoft Excel vs Apple Numbers?
- Microsoft Excel starts at $5. Apple Numbers starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to Microsoft Excel?
- Top alternatives to Microsoft Excel include SpreadsheetWEB, Apple Numbers, Zoho Sheet, Google Sheets, Retable.
- What are the top alternatives to Apple Numbers?
- Top alternatives to Apple Numbers include SpreadsheetWEB, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Retable, Rows.