What is Apple's Equivalent to Excel

Is Numbers the same as Excel?

No, Numbers has its advantages and disadvantages when compared to Excel. We will go into detail in this section but briefly the main pros and cons are:

Pros:

• Easy to navigate interface

• Hundreds of built-in functions

• Wide variety of built-in templates

• Seamless collaboration

Cons:

• Only available on Apple devices

• Has a lower dataset limit

While Numbers is pretty similar to Excel and their functionalities overlap in most cases, it is by no means the same thing. Excel is the most widely used spreadsheet software in the world and for a good reason. It can handle immense amounts of data easily and lets you use advanced features like pivot tables. The biggest downside here is that it can be clunky and hard to use. If you do not have a lot of experience using a spreadsheet program, the Numbers app may be the better choice for you. This is, of course, if you do your work on Apple devices.

A major advantage that Numbers has is that it is a part of the Apple iWork suite so just like anything else in the Apple ecosystem it works seamlessly. Some other advantages are that with Numbers it is easy to get your spreadsheet to look just like you want it to and personalize its appearance.

What may be easy to guess but is still worth mentioning is the fact that Apple Numbers is has a user-friendly interface. While Excel has a somewhat cluttered interface that only hardcore spreadsheet users can fully understand, Numbers is much easier to navigate.

One more thing worth mentioning is the fact that Numbers comes with 40+ spreadsheet templates for many use cases. Additionally, you can build 2D and 3D charts or add visuals to get your ideas across even more efficiently.

In addition, Numbers will work perfectly by importing data from Excel or csv files so you will not be limited to only working in the Apple ecosystem.

Last but not least, Numbers is a great collaboration software. You can easily share your spreadsheet with anyone in your business or your university group. This is one of the functions that is a must in the fast-paced world of data analysis nowadays.

Is Numbers the best Excel alternative for Mac?

This will often depend on what you are going to use your spreadsheet application for. If you value design and charts more than anything else it might be a good choice.

If you are looking for a more advanced spreadsheet processor and do not really care about interface and fancy charts you have a bunch of options out there.

Arguably the best one when it comes to bang for your buck is MobiSheets. It has a friendlier interface than Excel but the whole flow of use is pretty similar. What is also very valuable is that Sheets has no issues working with massive datasets.

Numbers in detail

Advantages

Numbers is generally recommended if you are not a spreadsheet power user. This means you do not do complex equations, do not need elaborate charts and pivot tables. Instead, to get the most out of it you should probably look for a friendly interface, pre-installed templates and ease of collaboration.

Nevertheless the main advantages that Numbers has over Excel are:

• Friendlier interface - Excel's interface is still based on the software's 2003 version. While it's more polished nowadays, it can still be overwhelming if you are new to spreadsheets. On the contrary, Numbers is a lot more straightforward to navigate and lets you get what you need out of it more easily.

• Built-in functionalities - Numbers comes with over 250 built-in functions that help you get the date you want in just a few clicks instead of using formulas.

• Spreadsheet templates - The built-in templates can be very handy for small business or for doing day-to-day calculations.

• Excellent collaboration between teams - While Excel also offers collaboration functionalities, it just works more smoothly on Numbers.

• Numbers is usually better for personal use - If you want to use a spreadsheet software to calculate personal budgets or keep track of your expenses, Numbers is probably the way to go.

• It is free - You read that right. While Excel is pretty pricey, you will not have to spend a dime to get Numbers on your Mac.

Disadvantages

Excel is the power user software so if you identify as one, Numbers is probably not for you.

Its main disadvantages are:

• Only available on Mac and iOS - You can only use Numbers on an Apple device. This should not be an issue if your entire team works within the Apple ecosystem. If it does not, though, work will be challenging.

• Cannot handle large datasets - As previously mentioned, Numbers has a lower tolerance for large datasets. This is why it is usually recommended for personal use.

Pricing

Numbers is completely free since 2017. Some would argue that you end up paying a premium for your Apple device but this is for you to decide. This is a big advantage over the competition as if you are not planning on using the software for complex tasks it will be just enough.

On the opposing end, Excel will set you back a hefty $159.99 for a one-time purchase or $6.99 per month.

Support

Both Excel and Numbers offer customer support. The main difference is that it is only available over the phone for Numbers and both over the phone and online for Excel.

Alternatives

As previously mentioned, Numbers is not the only Excel alternatives for Mac. If you are looking for the middle ground between Excel and Numbers you might want to look into MobiSheets. It comes better priced than Excel, includes most power user functions, and has a friendly interface.

How do you decide?

Deciding between Numbers and Excel ultimately comes down to your specific needs and workflow preferences. If you're deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, prioritize ease of use, and need a simple, aesthetically pleasing tool for everyday tasks, then Numbers might be the better choice. Its streamlined interface, built-in templates, and free access make it ideal for personal projects or light business use.

However, if you're handling large datasets, need advanced functionalities, or frequently collaborate with non-Apple users, Excel's more robust and versatile toolset is likely a better fit. While Excel can be more expensive and has a steeper learning curve, its powerful features, compatibility, and extensive data handling capabilities often justify the cost, especially for professional use. At the end of the day, the best tool is the one that matches your use case, so assess your priorities and choose accordingly.

Conclusion

Choosing between Numbers and Excel largely depends on your specific requirements. If you're a casual user who values simplicity, collaboration, and are already invested in Apple's ecosystem, Numbers will likely meet your needs.

However, for those who require advanced data analysis, complex functions, or compatibility across multiple platforms, Excel is still the best choice. Both have their merits, but understanding what you need from a spreadsheet software will guide you to the right solution.

Ultimately, the perfect tool is the one that works seamlessly with your workflow and helps you accomplish your goals efficiently.