Google Sheets Alternatives & Competitors

Google Sheets are web-based spreadsheets that allow users to create, edit and make modifications and share their data in real time. Thanks to spreadsheets, numerous users can collaborate and work on the same project simultaneously. This makes it easier for users to work together from any location, at any time. The sheet eliminates the need for any desktop software and allows its users to access it from any internet-connected device. It offers a range of formatting options, such as fonts, colors, cell styles, conditional formatting etc. Moreover, you get tools for filtering and sorting data, as well as you can also create and manage multiple sheets simultaneously.

However, Google Sheets have some limitations and businesses search for its alternatives for several reasons. Internet dependency is one of the factors, without an Internet connection users cannot make changes in their spreadsheets. This can be very frustrating if you want to work on an urgent task and you have an unstable internet connection. Secondly, it lacks some advanced functionalities and features that are available in dedicated spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel. You might find it limited in specialized functions, advanced macros and complex data analysis.

Why Are People Looking for Google Sheets Alternatives

Some people look for alternatives to Google Sheets due to limited customization options, compatibility issues, limited data storage, and other reasons. Let’s look at all these reasons in more detail.

Large scale data performance

• Large data sets might lead to slower performance of the Google Sheets. As the volume of data increases, filtering, calculations, and sorting may become slower, plus extensive usage of functions and complex formulas might also impact performance.

Limited options for customization

• Compared to other alternative software, Google Sheets has fewer options for automation and customization. It offers limited customization options to users, such as the ability to change the color, size and font of the text. As a result, many customers look for other similar apps like Google Sheets.

Compatibility issues with other format

• Although users can export or import numerous file formats, they can face compatibility issues while working on complex Excel sheets. Google Sheets might not support some excel specific attributes, macros, or formatting.

Limited data storage

• Only 10 million cells can be stored in a single spreadsheet in Google Sheets. This might be sufficient for basic tasks, but if you need to store a lot of data, you might find it somewhat limiting.

Some MS Excel shortcuts are not compatible with Google Sheets

• Although Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel have equivalent or similar functions, there are numerous Excel shortcuts like Ctrl + ; (semicolon), Ctrl + : (colon), Alt + = (equal sign), F4 and F2 don't work on Google Sheets. To increase your productivity and make your work easier, you need to familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts that are specific to Google Sheets.

Must-Have Features in Any Software Similar to Google Sheets

There should be a wide range of features in the alternate software such as real time collaboration, data visualization, data protection etc. Let's look at all these features in more detail.

• Formulas & functions: A wide range of formulas & functions are supported in Google Sheets for data manipulation, analysis and calculations. It allows you to use functions such as if, average, vlookup, sum and many more. It also supports formula suggestions as well as intelligent autocomplete to improve your work efficiency. Any Google Sheets substitute should come with all these advanced capabilities.
• Charts & graphs: Google Sheets offer numerous chart types for visualizing your data. Similarly, apps like Google Sheets should come with functionalities to create graphs, pie charts, scatter plots, line charts and more. The charts must be interactive and should be customized with numerous labels, data ranges and styles. Moreover, the apps should also allow you to embed the charts in other websites and apps.
• Data protection & validation: Google Sheet similar apps must let you set data validation rules for ensuring accuracy and data consistency. It should allow you to define data entry conditions like specifying data ranges and allowed values. Additionally, you should be able to protect your sheets by giving permissions, password protecting and protecting specific cells from editing.
• Keyboard shortcuts: In Google Sheets, you can use shortcuts for navigating within a selected range in a worksheet and to enter & edit data. Make sure that your Google Sheets substitute also has these shortcuts to make your work faster and more efficient.
• Chat while editing: The facility to collaborate with team members is one of the major features of Google Spreadsheets. While working on the document, you can check the upper right corner to check the list of other colleagues working on the same document. You just need to click on the right of their names to open a chat window and have a real time discussion with them. Any alternative of Google Sheets must have this chat with an editing feature to allow real time collaboration.

What To Consider When Looking for a Software Similar to Google Sheets

When looking for Google Sheets alternatives there are several factors you should consider such as compatibility, features & functionality, scalability, performance and more. Let’s look at some notable considerations in detail.

• Features & functionality: You should thoroughly investigate the features and functionalities offered by the alternative tool. Check for features like data manipulation, data visualization, data import/export option, spreadsheet creation and formulas & functions. Moreover, you should analyze if it provides all the essential features required for your spreadsheet tasks.
• Integration and compatibility: You should assess its integration ability with other tools and formats. It must seamlessly integrate with project management tools, collaboration platforms and cloud storage devices. Moreover, you must also check if the sheet supports formats like PDF, Excel or CSV.
• Performance and scalability: Don't forget to determine if your Google Sheets substitute can handle large data sets, heavy usage, and complex calculations. You also keep a tab on its response time, when working on complex formulas and extensive data sets.
• Support channels: You should then look for available support options such as knowledge bases, documentation, customer support, and tutorials. Check if the vendor provides appropriate resources for getting answers to frequently asked questions, troubleshooting issues and timely support when required.

Comparison of Google Sheets Competitors

Here’s a list of Google Sheets similar Apps along with a detailed comparison in terms of cost, integration, platform support, offline access and collaboration.

What Type of Businesses Are Looking for Alternatives to Google Sheets

Numerous businesses look for alternatives to Google Sheets to fulfill their specific needs and preferences. Here are some prominent examples.

Startups and small businesses

• Startups & small businesses often seek feature-loaded and reliable solutions to manage their business-related tasks, inventory, finances, and data. Therefore, they explore different Google Sheets alternatives to find a solution that fits their business requirements.

Medium or large enterprises

• Companies with complicated data management requirement needs might need the latest and more advanced scalability, features and integration capabilities. They seek substitutes to Google Sheets that provide robust security measures, data analysis tools, advanced collaboration tools and integration with other tools and systems.

Marketing and sales teams

• Marketing and sales teams must deal with extensive amount of data, performance metrics and campaign tracking. These teams look for alternatives for Google Sheets that come with reporting features, CRM integration, data visualization and marketing analytics to ensure high efficiency and smoother workflow.

Accounting firms and financial services

• Finance-based companies and accounting firms require a platform that offers specialized functionalities such as financial modeling, automated calculations, compliance reporting and budgeting. They seek for apps similar to Google Sheets that are primarily designed for financial management purposes.

Techjockey’s Verdict

Google Sheets is regarded as the most powerful and accessible spreadsheet platform. It offers a range of features for creating, organizing, and editing data in the most reliable manner. Thanks to its real-time collaboration capability, it has become the preferred choice for teams working in distributed or remote settings. However, there are other apps like Google Sheets with their unique advantages and features. It's important to consider your specific needs and budgetary requirements into account while searching for the best alternatives.