Top 5 Google Sheets Alternatives for 2025
Top 5 Google Sheets Alternatives for 2025
Riley Walz
Riley Walz
Riley Walz
Jun 14, 2025
Jun 14, 2025
Jun 14, 2025
Working with Google Sheets can be frustrating. You may have exhausted all the templates you've found online, or you've encountered a problem that seems impossible to solve. If you're stuck on a spreadsheet issue that you can't figure out, it might be worth exploring some Google Sheets alternatives. In this blog, we'll help you navigate some top Google Sheets alternatives for 2025. That way, you can find a tool that better fits your needs, creating a more intuitive way to manage your data while improving your workflow.
One helpful resource to guide your exploration of Google Sheets alternatives is the Numerous.ai spreadsheet AI tool. This tool Google Sheets hacks helps users organize and analyze their data more efficiently and automatically, creating a more engaging experience for both you and your audience.
Table of Content
8 Key Features to Look Out For in a Google Sheets Alternative
Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool
What Is Google Sheets, And Why Look for an Alternative?
Google Sheets is a free, web-based spreadsheet program developed by Google. It’s part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and offers powerful tools for organizing, calculating, and analyzing data in a collaborative online environment. It’s most commonly used for:
Budgeting and expense tracking,
Data collection and reporting,
Scheduling and project planning,
Surveys and analysis (when paired with Google Forms),
Content planning and editorial calendars,
Inventory management and task lists.
You can access it from any browser, and changes are saved automatically in the cloud.
It’s compatible with Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx) and supports real-time collaboration.
Key Features That Made It Popular
Real-time collaboration
Multiple people can work on a sheet at once, seeing each other’s changes instantly.
Cloud-based access
No need to install software. Access from Chrome, Firefox, or mobile apps.
Integrated with Google Workspace
Syncs with Google Docs, Slides, Gmail, Drive, and more.
Supports functions and formulas
From basic math to logical statements, lookups, and data manipulation.
Add-ons
Users can enhance functionality with tools like Numerous, which adds AI-assisted writing and automation features right inside the sheet.
Why Look for an Alternative in 2025?
While Google Sheets is great for light-to-mid data tasks, it has limitations, especially as your needs grow more complex. Here are the main reasons users are switching to other spreadsheet tools in 2025:
1. Performance Drops with Large Data Sets
Sheets begins to lag or even crash when working with large volumes of rows, particularly when the number exceeds 50,000. Complex formulas, charts, or conditional formatting can significantly slow down performance. This makes it less ideal for enterprise-level or high-frequency data use.
2. Limited Built-In AI Features
Unlike some competitors, Google Sheets doesn’t yet offer native AI-powered insights or innovative suggestions (beyond basic Explore features). Users must rely on third-party add-ons, such as Numerous, for AI assistance, which isn’t always sufficient for in-depth analysis or intelligent automation.
3. Weak App-Building and Workflow Automation
Google Sheets allows some automation via Apps Script or connected tools like Zapier, but it requires technical knowledge. Alternatives like Airtable or Coda offer drag-and-drop app creation and rule-based automation natively, which are easier for non-technical users.
4. Offline Functionality Isn’t Seamless
Although offline editing is possible via Chrome and Drive settings, it’s not reliable across all devices and workflows, especially on mobile devices or those shared among multiple users. Tools like Excel and Smartsheet offer more robust offline support.
5. Limited Role-Based Permissions and Data Privacy Options
While you can share sheets and set basic view and edit permissions, Sheets lacks more advanced role-based access control. This is a critical issue for teams that manage sensitive data or require compliance (like finance, HR, or legal departments).
6. Not Purpose-Built for Specialized Use Cases
Project management, CRM, or product planning in Sheets often feels like forcing a general-purpose tool to do a job it wasn’t designed for. Airtable, Smartsheet, and Coda offer purpose-built templates and views that reduce manual setup and friction.
So, Who Needs an Alternative?
If you’re:
A data-heavy team managing financial models or forecasts
A creator or founder looking for smarter document-automation
A project manager juggling timelines and workflows
A student or researcher needing deep data analysis
Or a startup team that wants to build dashboards or tools faster
Then a more specialized spreadsheet platform may offer the speed, automation, and structure you need.
Related Reading
• Google Docs Hacks
• Best AI Tools for Data Analysis
• Can ChatGPT Analyze Excel Data
• How to Use AI in Google Docs
• How to Analyze Data in Google Sheets
8 Key Features to Look Out For in a Google Sheets Alternative
A Smart Alternative Must Match Google Sheets Real-Time Collaboration
Google Sheets is renowned for its collaboration capabilities. When looking for an alternative, ensure any tool you consider matches or exceeds Google Sheets' collaboration power. Can multiple users edit the document at the same time? Does it update instantly across devices? Are there activity logs, version history, or user-level tracking? For teams working remotely or across time zones, live updates and smooth teamwork are non-negotiable.
Artificial Intelligence is a Must for Alternatives to Google Sheets
Modern spreadsheet tools must do more than hold data — they should help you think with it. Does the platform offer built-in AI assistants (like chart suggestions, error detection, and formula writing)? Can you use third-party tools like Numerous for AI summarization, prompts, and automation inside your sheets? Are there automated workflows, such as sending alerts, cleaning data, or creating new records? Manual work is slow and error-prone. AI-enhanced spreadsheets help you stay focused on insights, not just inputs.
Data Volume and Speed Handling
Unlike lightweight tasks like to-do lists, real-world work often involves tens of thousands of rows and complex logic. Can the tool handle large datasets without freezing or lag? Does it process formulas, filters, and visualizations quickly? Is there a performance threshold before it breaks down? Tools like Excel and Smartsheet are built to handle heavy-duty use — many Google Sheets alternatives outperform them when the data gets dense.
Advanced Data Visualization and Reporting
Can you build dashboards, pivot tables, or conditional visual alerts easily? Does it support real-time charts or external data connections? Are there templates for standard reporting formats? Data is only helpful if people can understand it. A good spreadsheet tool should help you effectively communicate the meaning of the numbers.
Built-In Templates and Pre-Configured Workflows
Not every user is a spreadsheet expert. So: Does the platform offer plug-and-play templates? Can you duplicate project workflows like editorial calendars, budgets, or inventory trackers? Does it allow non-technical users to set up their work in minutes? Alternatives like Airtable and Notion offer full template libraries, giving users speed and structure from day one.
Powerful Integrations and APIs
Does it integrate with Slack, Zapier, Google Forms, Stripe, Salesforce, or your CRM? Is there API access for custom connections? Can you automate data flows between tools? Your spreadsheet is part of a larger system. The more it can talk to other tools, the less manual work you need to do.
Permission Management and Security Controls
As your team grows, so does the need to control who can see or edit what. Does the tool allow for granular permissions? (E.g., view-only, edit-specific columns, admin-only access) Is there SSO, encryption, and audit logs? Does it support GDPR/CCPA or enterprise compliance needs? Security isn’t just for banks. If your sheet holds customer info, sales forecasts, or team data, you need it protected.
Offline Mode and Device Flexibility
Can you access and edit spreadsheets offline (especially during travel or unstable connections)? Does the tool work well on mobile/tablets? Are updates synced correctly when you reconnect? Many professionals work on the go. Tools like Excel and Coda offer reliable offline modes, whereas Google Sheets remains inconsistent in this area.
Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, Ecommerce businesses, and more to do tasks many times over through AI, like writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more things by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds.
The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous’s ChatGPT for spreadsheets tool.
Top 5 Google Sheets Alternatives in 2025
1. Numerous: The AI-Powered Spreadsheet Assistant You Didn't Know You Needed
Numerous isn’t a standalone spreadsheet tool — it’s an advanced AI assistant built into Google Sheets and Excel, turning your existing documents into intelligent, collaborative dashboards. Think of it as a productivity layer that brings ChatGPT-level intelligence directly into your spreadsheets.
2. Microsoft Excel: The Original Data Cruncher
Excel remains the most powerful spreadsheet platform in terms of raw data capacity and functionality. Excel 365 brings the platform online, with added collaboration, automation, and AI.
3. Smartsheet: Where Spreadsheets Meet Project Management
Smartsheet combines the structure of a spreadsheet with the flexibility of project tracking, timelines, and resource planning. Think of it as a spreadsheet with built-in Gantt charts and workflow automation.
4. Zoho Sheet: Free and Built for Business
Part of the Zoho Office Suite, Zoho Sheet offers a clean, collaborative spreadsheet platform with a strong focus on automation and privacy, ideal for small-to-midsize businesses that need an alternative to both Google and Microsoft.
5. Baserow: The Open-Source, No-Code Airtable Alternative
Baserow is a database-style spreadsheet that lets users build structured applications and workflows without code. Unlike Airtable, it’s open-source and highly customizable for developers.
Related Reading
• How to Automate Excel
• What is Smartsheet
• Google Docs AI Scraping
• Google Sheets Data Visualization
• How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets
• How to Auto Sum in Google Sheets
• Google Docs Automation
Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool
Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, Ecommerce businesses, and more to do tasks many times over through AI, like writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more things by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds.
The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Use Numerous AI’s spreadsheet AI tool to make decisions and complete tasks at scale.
Related Reading
• Best Add-ons for Google Sheets
• Best Add-ons for Google Docs
• Smartsheet Alternatives
• Excel Alternatives
• Smartsheet vs Excel
Working with Google Sheets can be frustrating. You may have exhausted all the templates you've found online, or you've encountered a problem that seems impossible to solve. If you're stuck on a spreadsheet issue that you can't figure out, it might be worth exploring some Google Sheets alternatives. In this blog, we'll help you navigate some top Google Sheets alternatives for 2025. That way, you can find a tool that better fits your needs, creating a more intuitive way to manage your data while improving your workflow.
One helpful resource to guide your exploration of Google Sheets alternatives is the Numerous.ai spreadsheet AI tool. This tool Google Sheets hacks helps users organize and analyze their data more efficiently and automatically, creating a more engaging experience for both you and your audience.
Table of Content
8 Key Features to Look Out For in a Google Sheets Alternative
Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool
What Is Google Sheets, And Why Look for an Alternative?
Google Sheets is a free, web-based spreadsheet program developed by Google. It’s part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and offers powerful tools for organizing, calculating, and analyzing data in a collaborative online environment. It’s most commonly used for:
Budgeting and expense tracking,
Data collection and reporting,
Scheduling and project planning,
Surveys and analysis (when paired with Google Forms),
Content planning and editorial calendars,
Inventory management and task lists.
You can access it from any browser, and changes are saved automatically in the cloud.
It’s compatible with Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx) and supports real-time collaboration.
Key Features That Made It Popular
Real-time collaboration
Multiple people can work on a sheet at once, seeing each other’s changes instantly.
Cloud-based access
No need to install software. Access from Chrome, Firefox, or mobile apps.
Integrated with Google Workspace
Syncs with Google Docs, Slides, Gmail, Drive, and more.
Supports functions and formulas
From basic math to logical statements, lookups, and data manipulation.
Add-ons
Users can enhance functionality with tools like Numerous, which adds AI-assisted writing and automation features right inside the sheet.
Why Look for an Alternative in 2025?
While Google Sheets is great for light-to-mid data tasks, it has limitations, especially as your needs grow more complex. Here are the main reasons users are switching to other spreadsheet tools in 2025:
1. Performance Drops with Large Data Sets
Sheets begins to lag or even crash when working with large volumes of rows, particularly when the number exceeds 50,000. Complex formulas, charts, or conditional formatting can significantly slow down performance. This makes it less ideal for enterprise-level or high-frequency data use.
2. Limited Built-In AI Features
Unlike some competitors, Google Sheets doesn’t yet offer native AI-powered insights or innovative suggestions (beyond basic Explore features). Users must rely on third-party add-ons, such as Numerous, for AI assistance, which isn’t always sufficient for in-depth analysis or intelligent automation.
3. Weak App-Building and Workflow Automation
Google Sheets allows some automation via Apps Script or connected tools like Zapier, but it requires technical knowledge. Alternatives like Airtable or Coda offer drag-and-drop app creation and rule-based automation natively, which are easier for non-technical users.
4. Offline Functionality Isn’t Seamless
Although offline editing is possible via Chrome and Drive settings, it’s not reliable across all devices and workflows, especially on mobile devices or those shared among multiple users. Tools like Excel and Smartsheet offer more robust offline support.
5. Limited Role-Based Permissions and Data Privacy Options
While you can share sheets and set basic view and edit permissions, Sheets lacks more advanced role-based access control. This is a critical issue for teams that manage sensitive data or require compliance (like finance, HR, or legal departments).
6. Not Purpose-Built for Specialized Use Cases
Project management, CRM, or product planning in Sheets often feels like forcing a general-purpose tool to do a job it wasn’t designed for. Airtable, Smartsheet, and Coda offer purpose-built templates and views that reduce manual setup and friction.
So, Who Needs an Alternative?
If you’re:
A data-heavy team managing financial models or forecasts
A creator or founder looking for smarter document-automation
A project manager juggling timelines and workflows
A student or researcher needing deep data analysis
Or a startup team that wants to build dashboards or tools faster
Then a more specialized spreadsheet platform may offer the speed, automation, and structure you need.
Related Reading
• Google Docs Hacks
• Best AI Tools for Data Analysis
• Can ChatGPT Analyze Excel Data
• How to Use AI in Google Docs
• How to Analyze Data in Google Sheets
8 Key Features to Look Out For in a Google Sheets Alternative
A Smart Alternative Must Match Google Sheets Real-Time Collaboration
Google Sheets is renowned for its collaboration capabilities. When looking for an alternative, ensure any tool you consider matches or exceeds Google Sheets' collaboration power. Can multiple users edit the document at the same time? Does it update instantly across devices? Are there activity logs, version history, or user-level tracking? For teams working remotely or across time zones, live updates and smooth teamwork are non-negotiable.
Artificial Intelligence is a Must for Alternatives to Google Sheets
Modern spreadsheet tools must do more than hold data — they should help you think with it. Does the platform offer built-in AI assistants (like chart suggestions, error detection, and formula writing)? Can you use third-party tools like Numerous for AI summarization, prompts, and automation inside your sheets? Are there automated workflows, such as sending alerts, cleaning data, or creating new records? Manual work is slow and error-prone. AI-enhanced spreadsheets help you stay focused on insights, not just inputs.
Data Volume and Speed Handling
Unlike lightweight tasks like to-do lists, real-world work often involves tens of thousands of rows and complex logic. Can the tool handle large datasets without freezing or lag? Does it process formulas, filters, and visualizations quickly? Is there a performance threshold before it breaks down? Tools like Excel and Smartsheet are built to handle heavy-duty use — many Google Sheets alternatives outperform them when the data gets dense.
Advanced Data Visualization and Reporting
Can you build dashboards, pivot tables, or conditional visual alerts easily? Does it support real-time charts or external data connections? Are there templates for standard reporting formats? Data is only helpful if people can understand it. A good spreadsheet tool should help you effectively communicate the meaning of the numbers.
Built-In Templates and Pre-Configured Workflows
Not every user is a spreadsheet expert. So: Does the platform offer plug-and-play templates? Can you duplicate project workflows like editorial calendars, budgets, or inventory trackers? Does it allow non-technical users to set up their work in minutes? Alternatives like Airtable and Notion offer full template libraries, giving users speed and structure from day one.
Powerful Integrations and APIs
Does it integrate with Slack, Zapier, Google Forms, Stripe, Salesforce, or your CRM? Is there API access for custom connections? Can you automate data flows between tools? Your spreadsheet is part of a larger system. The more it can talk to other tools, the less manual work you need to do.
Permission Management and Security Controls
As your team grows, so does the need to control who can see or edit what. Does the tool allow for granular permissions? (E.g., view-only, edit-specific columns, admin-only access) Is there SSO, encryption, and audit logs? Does it support GDPR/CCPA or enterprise compliance needs? Security isn’t just for banks. If your sheet holds customer info, sales forecasts, or team data, you need it protected.
Offline Mode and Device Flexibility
Can you access and edit spreadsheets offline (especially during travel or unstable connections)? Does the tool work well on mobile/tablets? Are updates synced correctly when you reconnect? Many professionals work on the go. Tools like Excel and Coda offer reliable offline modes, whereas Google Sheets remains inconsistent in this area.
Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, Ecommerce businesses, and more to do tasks many times over through AI, like writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more things by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds.
The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous’s ChatGPT for spreadsheets tool.
Top 5 Google Sheets Alternatives in 2025
1. Numerous: The AI-Powered Spreadsheet Assistant You Didn't Know You Needed
Numerous isn’t a standalone spreadsheet tool — it’s an advanced AI assistant built into Google Sheets and Excel, turning your existing documents into intelligent, collaborative dashboards. Think of it as a productivity layer that brings ChatGPT-level intelligence directly into your spreadsheets.
2. Microsoft Excel: The Original Data Cruncher
Excel remains the most powerful spreadsheet platform in terms of raw data capacity and functionality. Excel 365 brings the platform online, with added collaboration, automation, and AI.
3. Smartsheet: Where Spreadsheets Meet Project Management
Smartsheet combines the structure of a spreadsheet with the flexibility of project tracking, timelines, and resource planning. Think of it as a spreadsheet with built-in Gantt charts and workflow automation.
4. Zoho Sheet: Free and Built for Business
Part of the Zoho Office Suite, Zoho Sheet offers a clean, collaborative spreadsheet platform with a strong focus on automation and privacy, ideal for small-to-midsize businesses that need an alternative to both Google and Microsoft.
5. Baserow: The Open-Source, No-Code Airtable Alternative
Baserow is a database-style spreadsheet that lets users build structured applications and workflows without code. Unlike Airtable, it’s open-source and highly customizable for developers.
Related Reading
• How to Automate Excel
• What is Smartsheet
• Google Docs AI Scraping
• Google Sheets Data Visualization
• How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets
• How to Auto Sum in Google Sheets
• Google Docs Automation
Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool
Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, Ecommerce businesses, and more to do tasks many times over through AI, like writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more things by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds.
The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Use Numerous AI’s spreadsheet AI tool to make decisions and complete tasks at scale.
Related Reading
• Best Add-ons for Google Sheets
• Best Add-ons for Google Docs
• Smartsheet Alternatives
• Excel Alternatives
• Smartsheet vs Excel
Working with Google Sheets can be frustrating. You may have exhausted all the templates you've found online, or you've encountered a problem that seems impossible to solve. If you're stuck on a spreadsheet issue that you can't figure out, it might be worth exploring some Google Sheets alternatives. In this blog, we'll help you navigate some top Google Sheets alternatives for 2025. That way, you can find a tool that better fits your needs, creating a more intuitive way to manage your data while improving your workflow.
One helpful resource to guide your exploration of Google Sheets alternatives is the Numerous.ai spreadsheet AI tool. This tool Google Sheets hacks helps users organize and analyze their data more efficiently and automatically, creating a more engaging experience for both you and your audience.
Table of Content
8 Key Features to Look Out For in a Google Sheets Alternative
Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool
What Is Google Sheets, And Why Look for an Alternative?
Google Sheets is a free, web-based spreadsheet program developed by Google. It’s part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and offers powerful tools for organizing, calculating, and analyzing data in a collaborative online environment. It’s most commonly used for:
Budgeting and expense tracking,
Data collection and reporting,
Scheduling and project planning,
Surveys and analysis (when paired with Google Forms),
Content planning and editorial calendars,
Inventory management and task lists.
You can access it from any browser, and changes are saved automatically in the cloud.
It’s compatible with Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx) and supports real-time collaboration.
Key Features That Made It Popular
Real-time collaboration
Multiple people can work on a sheet at once, seeing each other’s changes instantly.
Cloud-based access
No need to install software. Access from Chrome, Firefox, or mobile apps.
Integrated with Google Workspace
Syncs with Google Docs, Slides, Gmail, Drive, and more.
Supports functions and formulas
From basic math to logical statements, lookups, and data manipulation.
Add-ons
Users can enhance functionality with tools like Numerous, which adds AI-assisted writing and automation features right inside the sheet.
Why Look for an Alternative in 2025?
While Google Sheets is great for light-to-mid data tasks, it has limitations, especially as your needs grow more complex. Here are the main reasons users are switching to other spreadsheet tools in 2025:
1. Performance Drops with Large Data Sets
Sheets begins to lag or even crash when working with large volumes of rows, particularly when the number exceeds 50,000. Complex formulas, charts, or conditional formatting can significantly slow down performance. This makes it less ideal for enterprise-level or high-frequency data use.
2. Limited Built-In AI Features
Unlike some competitors, Google Sheets doesn’t yet offer native AI-powered insights or innovative suggestions (beyond basic Explore features). Users must rely on third-party add-ons, such as Numerous, for AI assistance, which isn’t always sufficient for in-depth analysis or intelligent automation.
3. Weak App-Building and Workflow Automation
Google Sheets allows some automation via Apps Script or connected tools like Zapier, but it requires technical knowledge. Alternatives like Airtable or Coda offer drag-and-drop app creation and rule-based automation natively, which are easier for non-technical users.
4. Offline Functionality Isn’t Seamless
Although offline editing is possible via Chrome and Drive settings, it’s not reliable across all devices and workflows, especially on mobile devices or those shared among multiple users. Tools like Excel and Smartsheet offer more robust offline support.
5. Limited Role-Based Permissions and Data Privacy Options
While you can share sheets and set basic view and edit permissions, Sheets lacks more advanced role-based access control. This is a critical issue for teams that manage sensitive data or require compliance (like finance, HR, or legal departments).
6. Not Purpose-Built for Specialized Use Cases
Project management, CRM, or product planning in Sheets often feels like forcing a general-purpose tool to do a job it wasn’t designed for. Airtable, Smartsheet, and Coda offer purpose-built templates and views that reduce manual setup and friction.
So, Who Needs an Alternative?
If you’re:
A data-heavy team managing financial models or forecasts
A creator or founder looking for smarter document-automation
A project manager juggling timelines and workflows
A student or researcher needing deep data analysis
Or a startup team that wants to build dashboards or tools faster
Then a more specialized spreadsheet platform may offer the speed, automation, and structure you need.
Related Reading
• Google Docs Hacks
• Best AI Tools for Data Analysis
• Can ChatGPT Analyze Excel Data
• How to Use AI in Google Docs
• How to Analyze Data in Google Sheets
8 Key Features to Look Out For in a Google Sheets Alternative
A Smart Alternative Must Match Google Sheets Real-Time Collaboration
Google Sheets is renowned for its collaboration capabilities. When looking for an alternative, ensure any tool you consider matches or exceeds Google Sheets' collaboration power. Can multiple users edit the document at the same time? Does it update instantly across devices? Are there activity logs, version history, or user-level tracking? For teams working remotely or across time zones, live updates and smooth teamwork are non-negotiable.
Artificial Intelligence is a Must for Alternatives to Google Sheets
Modern spreadsheet tools must do more than hold data — they should help you think with it. Does the platform offer built-in AI assistants (like chart suggestions, error detection, and formula writing)? Can you use third-party tools like Numerous for AI summarization, prompts, and automation inside your sheets? Are there automated workflows, such as sending alerts, cleaning data, or creating new records? Manual work is slow and error-prone. AI-enhanced spreadsheets help you stay focused on insights, not just inputs.
Data Volume and Speed Handling
Unlike lightweight tasks like to-do lists, real-world work often involves tens of thousands of rows and complex logic. Can the tool handle large datasets without freezing or lag? Does it process formulas, filters, and visualizations quickly? Is there a performance threshold before it breaks down? Tools like Excel and Smartsheet are built to handle heavy-duty use — many Google Sheets alternatives outperform them when the data gets dense.
Advanced Data Visualization and Reporting
Can you build dashboards, pivot tables, or conditional visual alerts easily? Does it support real-time charts or external data connections? Are there templates for standard reporting formats? Data is only helpful if people can understand it. A good spreadsheet tool should help you effectively communicate the meaning of the numbers.
Built-In Templates and Pre-Configured Workflows
Not every user is a spreadsheet expert. So: Does the platform offer plug-and-play templates? Can you duplicate project workflows like editorial calendars, budgets, or inventory trackers? Does it allow non-technical users to set up their work in minutes? Alternatives like Airtable and Notion offer full template libraries, giving users speed and structure from day one.
Powerful Integrations and APIs
Does it integrate with Slack, Zapier, Google Forms, Stripe, Salesforce, or your CRM? Is there API access for custom connections? Can you automate data flows between tools? Your spreadsheet is part of a larger system. The more it can talk to other tools, the less manual work you need to do.
Permission Management and Security Controls
As your team grows, so does the need to control who can see or edit what. Does the tool allow for granular permissions? (E.g., view-only, edit-specific columns, admin-only access) Is there SSO, encryption, and audit logs? Does it support GDPR/CCPA or enterprise compliance needs? Security isn’t just for banks. If your sheet holds customer info, sales forecasts, or team data, you need it protected.
Offline Mode and Device Flexibility
Can you access and edit spreadsheets offline (especially during travel or unstable connections)? Does the tool work well on mobile/tablets? Are updates synced correctly when you reconnect? Many professionals work on the go. Tools like Excel and Coda offer reliable offline modes, whereas Google Sheets remains inconsistent in this area.
Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, Ecommerce businesses, and more to do tasks many times over through AI, like writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more things by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds.
The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous’s ChatGPT for spreadsheets tool.
Top 5 Google Sheets Alternatives in 2025
1. Numerous: The AI-Powered Spreadsheet Assistant You Didn't Know You Needed
Numerous isn’t a standalone spreadsheet tool — it’s an advanced AI assistant built into Google Sheets and Excel, turning your existing documents into intelligent, collaborative dashboards. Think of it as a productivity layer that brings ChatGPT-level intelligence directly into your spreadsheets.
2. Microsoft Excel: The Original Data Cruncher
Excel remains the most powerful spreadsheet platform in terms of raw data capacity and functionality. Excel 365 brings the platform online, with added collaboration, automation, and AI.
3. Smartsheet: Where Spreadsheets Meet Project Management
Smartsheet combines the structure of a spreadsheet with the flexibility of project tracking, timelines, and resource planning. Think of it as a spreadsheet with built-in Gantt charts and workflow automation.
4. Zoho Sheet: Free and Built for Business
Part of the Zoho Office Suite, Zoho Sheet offers a clean, collaborative spreadsheet platform with a strong focus on automation and privacy, ideal for small-to-midsize businesses that need an alternative to both Google and Microsoft.
5. Baserow: The Open-Source, No-Code Airtable Alternative
Baserow is a database-style spreadsheet that lets users build structured applications and workflows without code. Unlike Airtable, it’s open-source and highly customizable for developers.
Related Reading
• How to Automate Excel
• What is Smartsheet
• Google Docs AI Scraping
• Google Sheets Data Visualization
• How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets
• How to Auto Sum in Google Sheets
• Google Docs Automation
Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool
Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, Ecommerce businesses, and more to do tasks many times over through AI, like writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more things by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds.
The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Use Numerous AI’s spreadsheet AI tool to make decisions and complete tasks at scale.
Related Reading
• Best Add-ons for Google Sheets
• Best Add-ons for Google Docs
• Smartsheet Alternatives
• Excel Alternatives
• Smartsheet vs Excel
© 2025 Numerous. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Numerous. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Numerous. All rights reserved.