Grist
Open-source relational spreadsheet-database with Python formulas, granular permissions and self-hosting
Free planPaid from $8/user/mo annual30-day trial
- Web app
- Self-hosted / On-premise
Grist vs Microsoft Excel
A side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel edges ahead on overall rating and fit.
Try Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel
Free web spreadsheets or full desktop power with Microsoft 365 and Copilot AI
Free planPaid from $99.99/yearFree trial
- Web app
- iOS (iPhone & iPad)
- Android
- macOS
Feature comparison
| Grist | Microsoft Excel | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Pricing | Free+Paid | Free+Paid |
| Starting price | $8/user/mo annual | From $99.99/year |
| Free plan | Included | Included |
| Offers free trial | Yes (30 days) | Yes |
| Platforms | Web app, Self-hosted / On-premise | Web app, iOS (iPhone & iPad), Android, macOS, Windows |
| Integrations | — | Microsoft Teams, Zapier |
| Best for | Data-conscious teams wanting Airtable-style structure without lock-in Developers and analysts who want Python formulas and an open API Organizations that must self-host for compliance or cost reasons Nonprofits and small organizations qualifying for free self-hosted keys | Analysts and finance teams who need advanced formulas, pivot tables and data modeling Households and students using the free web version for budgets and trackers Organizations standardized on Microsoft 365 Developers automating spreadsheets through Microsoft Graph |
| Founded | 2014 | — |
| Company | Grist Labs | Microsoft Corporation |