An Intuitive Interface: Spreadsheets are designed to handle complex tasks, but that doesn’t mean that the software itself should be clunky or difficult to use.Here are the most important features good spreadsheet software should offer, and why they’re important: What to Look for in a Microsoft Excel Alternativeįree spreadsheet software should be just as powerful as paid options and come stocked with all the tools you need to spreadsheet your heart out. Best for Serious Data Analysis: Zoho Office Sheet.Closest to Microsoft Excel: WPS Office Spreadsheets.Best Open-Source Excel Alternative: LibreOffice Calc.Best for Apple Users: Apple iWork Numbers.Best Cloud-Based Excel Alternative: Google Sheets.What to Look for in a Microsoft Excel Alternative.