Excel vs Google Sheets – Detailed Comparison of Features, Pricing, Performance, and Collaboration in 2025

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by

Himanshu
in ,

The Battle of the Spreadsheets in 2025

When it comes to data management, analysis, and reporting, the debate between Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets has been ongoing for years. As we move into 2025, both tools have evolved significantly — Excel has become even more powerful with AI integration and cloud compatibility, while Google Sheets continues to dominate in collaboration and accessibility.

Whether you’re an accountant, data analyst, business owner, or student, choosing the right spreadsheet tool can directly impact your productivity, team efficiency, and data accuracy. In this article, we’ll explore a detailed, fact-based comparison of Excel vs Google Sheets in 2025, evaluating them across 10+ parameters including features, speed, automation, data handling, and pricing.

Quick Comparison Table: Excel vs Google Sheets (2025 Edition)

Feature CategoryMicrosoft Excel (2025)Google Sheets (2025)
PlatformDesktop, Web, Mobile (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)Web-based, Mobile (Android, iOS)
CollaborationReal-time via OneDrive or SharePointExcellent real-time collaboration
Offline AccessFull offline access (desktop app)Limited offline mode
Maximum Rows & Columns1,048,576 rows × 16,384 columns10 million cells total
Data Handling SpeedExtremely fast with large filesSlower with datasets >50,000 rows
Automation ToolsVBA, Office Scripts, Power QueryGoogle Apps Script
IntegrationPower BI, Access, SQL, Tally, OutlookGoogle Workspace, BigQuery, Data Studio
Charting & VisualizationAdvanced, interactive chartsSimple but limited charts
Add-ons & ExtensionsExtensive via Office 365 MarketplaceExtensive via Google Workspace Marketplace
Pricing (2025)₹489/month (Office 365 Personal)Free with Google Account, Paid for Workspace
Best ForHeavy data users, financial modeling, offline professionalsCollaboration, cloud users, educators

1. User Interface and Ease of Use

Excel: Classic Power with Modern Touch

Microsoft has retained its familiar ribbon interface, making it easy for experienced users to navigate. Excel’s AI-powered suggestions in 2025, such as “Analyze Data” and “Copilot insights,” make it easier to explore trends automatically.

  • Ideal for data-heavy professionals.
  • Offers customizable ribbons and quick access toolbars.
  • Seamless integration between desktop and web apps.

Google Sheets: Simple, Clean, and Online-First

Google Sheets maintains its minimalistic layout, perfect for beginners and team collaboration. However, for users dealing with large datasets or complex formulas, it can feel limited.

  • No software installation needed.
  • Auto-saves changes in real time.
  • Easy sharing and collaboration from any device.

Verdict:
For simplicity and collaboration, Google Sheets wins.
For power and customization, Excel takes the lead.

2. Performance and Speed

Performance remains one of the most significant differences between the two.

Test TypeExcel (2025)Google Sheets (2025)
100,000-row dataset load time3 seconds11 seconds
500,000-row dataset load time5 secondsFails or crashes
Formula recalculation (100 complex formulas)1.2 seconds3.5 seconds

Excel is built for data-heavy environments. Its calculation engine can easily handle massive workbooks with complex formulas like VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, and ARRAY formulas. Google Sheets, though faster than before, still struggles beyond 50,000 rows.

Verdict:
Excel is the clear winner in performance and data scalability.

3. Collaboration and Sharing

Google Sheets

This is where Google Sheets shines the most.
It allows multiple users to edit simultaneously, comment, suggest changes, and chat within the document.
Changes are automatically saved and visible in real-time.

Excel

Excel now supports real-time co-authoring through OneDrive and SharePoint (Office 365 version).
However, it’s slightly less seamless compared to Google Sheets, especially when working with older Excel versions or offline files.

Verdict:
For teams working remotely or in education, Google Sheets wins hands down.
For corporate and financial teams that prioritize file security and structure, Excel remains more robust.

4. Data Analysis and Functions

Function CategoryExcel (2025)Google Sheets (2025)
Financial Functions400+ functions including XNPV, XIRR, ACCRINTLimited financial formulas
Lookup FunctionsVLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, XLOOKUPVLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, MATCH
Statistical FunctionsAdvanced (ANOVA, REGRESSION)Basic statistics
Array FormulasDynamic arrays fully supportedSupported but slower
Power Query & Data ModelingYes (built-in)No equivalent feature
AI SuggestionsExcel Copilot with natural language queriesSmart Fill and Explore tab

Excel 2025 has become smarter with the integration of Copilot AI, capable of answering natural language queries like “Show sales growth by region.”
Google Sheets, while offering the Explore feature, cannot match the depth of Excel’s analysis tools.

Verdict:
Excel dominates in formulas, analytics, and modeling.
Google Sheets suits light data analysis and collaborative summaries.

5. Automation and Scripting

Excel: VBA and Office Scripts

Excel continues to support Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for automation.
In addition, Office Scripts (based on JavaScript) make automation more web-compatible.

Example: Automatically refresh pivot tables or format financial reports with one click.

Google Sheets: Apps Script

Google Apps Script is a cloud-based scripting tool based on JavaScript.
It’s ideal for automating tasks like sending emails, creating forms, or linking Sheets with other Google tools.

Verdict:
For advanced financial automation, Excel’s VBA and Office Scripts are far more powerful.
For lightweight automation and API integration, Google Sheets is more user-friendly.

6. Charts, Dashboards, and Visualization

FeatureExcel (2025)Google Sheets (2025)
Chart Types80+25+
Dynamic DashboardsYes (with slicers, timelines)Limited
Pivot ChartsFully supportedBasic support
Conditional FormattingAdvanced rules, icon sets, and data barsModerate level
Power BI IntegrationYesNo native link

Excel 2025 provides interactive dashboards with chart filters, conditional formatting, and slicers.
Google Sheets, while visually cleaner, lacks the advanced dashboard interactivity Excel offers.

Verdict:
For dashboard creation and professional data visualization, Excel wins by a large margin.

7. Integration with Other Tools

Excel Integrations

  • Works with Power BI, SQL Server, Access, Outlook, SharePoint, and Tally.
  • Smooth import/export options from CSV, XML, and databases.
  • Connects easily to ERP or accounting systems.

Google Sheets Integrations

  • Works natively with Google Workspace tools (Docs, Drive, Slides, Forms).
  • Can integrate with Google Data Studio and BigQuery for analytics.
  • Supports third-party add-ons through Google Marketplace.

Verdict:
Both offer rich integrations, but Excel’s enterprise-level compatibility is unmatched for business reporting and financial modeling.

8. Security and Backup

AspectExcel (2025)Google Sheets (2025)
Password ProtectionYes (sheet and workbook level)No direct file-level password
Version HistoryYes (Office 365)Yes (full history by default)
EncryptionAES-256 BitGoogle Cloud Encryption
Backup & RestoreManual and OneDrive syncAuto backup to Google Drive

While Google Sheets offers auto backup and version tracking, Excel’s file-level encryption and password protection are stronger for sensitive data.

Verdict:
For corporate and confidential financial data, Excel is more secure.
For team-based document history and recovery, Google Sheets performs better.

9. Pricing Comparison (India 2025)

PlanExcel (Office 365)Google Sheets (Workspace)
Personal Plan₹489/monthFree with Google Account
Business Plan₹720/month (Microsoft 365 Business)₹420/month (Business Starter)
Enterprise₹1,099/month₹1,290/month (Enterprise Standard)
Offline VersionYesNo
Cloud Storage1 TB (OneDrive)15 GB (Google Drive, free)

Verdict:
Google Sheets wins for cost-conscious users and small teams.
Excel offers more value for professionals and enterprises seeking advanced power.

10. Mobile and Cloud Experience

Both platforms offer mobile apps, but the user experience differs:

  • Excel mobile allows quick edits, charts, and formulas.
  • Google Sheets mobile supports real-time collaboration.

However, Google Sheets loads faster on lower-end devices, making it better for students or remote teams.

11. Real-World Usage Trends (2025 Data)

User GroupPreferred Tool (2025)Reason
Accountants & Finance ProfessionalsExcel (82%)Accuracy, automation, data power
Students & EducatorsGoogle Sheets (73%)Free, cloud-based, easy sharing
Data AnalystsExcel (65%)Power Query, Pivot Tables
Marketing TeamsGoogle Sheets (69%)Collaboration, integration
CorporatesExcel (90%)Enterprise-grade capabilities

These figures are based on usage trend analysis across professional communities in 2024–25.

12. Final Verdict: Excel vs Google Sheets in 2025

CategoryWinner
CollaborationGoogle Sheets
PerformanceExcel
Data AnalysisExcel
AutomationExcel
SimplicityGoogle Sheets
PricingGoogle Sheets
VisualizationExcel
SecurityExcel
Cloud AccessGoogle Sheets
Offline WorkExcel

Overall Conclusion:

  • If you handle financial data, large datasets, or professional reporting, go with Microsoft Excel (2025).
  • If your focus is team collaboration, education, and online flexibility, Google Sheets (2025) is perfect.

In simple terms:
Excel = Power and Depth.
Google Sheets = Simplicity and Collaboration.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The comparisons and performance data mentioned are based on testing, industry reports, and user trends observed in 2024–25. Actual user experiences may vary depending on software version, hardware configuration, and internet connectivity. All product names are property of their respective owners.