Choosing between Google Sheets and Excel mostly depends on how your team works day to day, not on one tool being absolutely better than the other: each has its own strengths depending on the intended use.
Real-time collaboration, Google Sheets' strong suit
Google Sheets was designed from the start for simultaneous work: several people can edit the same file at the same time, see each other's cursor live, and leave comments tied to a specific cell. This advantage is especially useful for teams spread across several locations or working remotely, where exchanging files by email would quickly create version conflicts.
The real gain from Google Sheets isn't the feature itself, but the time not lost reconciling several versions of the same file.
Calculation power and advanced features, Excel's strong suit
Excel remains ahead for complex calculations, large data volumes, and certain features like advanced pivot tables, Power Query, or Power Pivot for handling millions of rows. For use cases requiring advanced financial models, complex VBA macros, or deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem (Power BI, SharePoint, Teams), Excel keeps a lead.
Automation: two different approaches
Excel automates through VBA macros that run locally on the user's machine, which works well for one-off tasks and individual use. Google Sheets automates through Google Apps Script, which runs in the cloud and can work even when the file is closed, making it easier to set up scheduled automations (automatic emails, syncing with other tools) without relying on a computer being turned on.
Cost and accessibility
Google Sheets is included for free with a Google account, making it an accessible option for small businesses or freelancers just starting out. Excel requires a Microsoft 365 subscription or license, which represents a recurring cost, but often comes bundled with a set of Microsoft tools already used in the company (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
Here are the key criteria to consider based on your situation:
- Team size and need for simultaneous work on the same file.
- Data volume and complexity of the calculations involved.
- Ecosystem already in place (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365).
- Available budget and how often advanced features are needed.
Do you really have to choose between the two?
In practice, many businesses use both tools depending on the need: Google Sheets for daily collaborative tracking (orders, inventory, sales prospecting) and Excel for deeper one-off analysis or financial reports for management. Both formats import and export easily to one another, making it possible to switch tools without rebuilding everything from scratch.
Find the right combination for your business
The right choice depends on your current setup and priorities: collaboration, advanced calculation, or automation. To assess the best-fit solution for your situation, check our services or book a call for a free first conversation and personalized advice.