{"id":14521,"date":"2025-10-03T11:38:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T11:38:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/?p=14521"},"modified":"2026-03-18T06:25:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T06:25:12","slug":"excel-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/excel-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Find the Best Excel Alternative: 14 Apps \u2014 Tested and Reviewed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Spreadsheets have long been the backbone of business. Their grid-like structure helps teams organize data and stay consistent, but that same rigidity can also feel daunting \u2014 which I can personally confirm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Put simply, traditional spreadsheets can be too restrictive for collaboration and too manual for repetitive tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s no wonder that many teams are exploring Excel alternatives \u2014 <strong>apps that combine Excel-like organization with modern flexibility and task automations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading to discover such handy apps and what they can do!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Excel alternatives - cover\" class=\"wp-image-14522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-1110x555.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-2048x1024.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Excel-alternatives-cover-18x9.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e5f6fe\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>WHY TRUST US?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The apps we talk about are selected, tested, and written about by human reviewers who follow strict review and editorial guidelines. We pick solutions that are practical, purposeful, and can offer real value for the specific use case or business context we\u2019re covering \u2014 while also being justified in their pricing. Our methodology is transparent, clear, and available to everyone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/our-software-review-methodology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our review methodology here \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"do-you-need-an-excel-alternative\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need an Excel alternative?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Excel can be powerful, many people want to avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Collaboration limitations <\/strong>\u2014 Excel\u2019s standard version isn\u2019t designed for co-editing. You can collaborate in Excel Online, but it still feels clunky compared to apps built for teamwork.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Complexity<\/strong> \u2014 Advanced Excel features can be overwhelming. Some alternatives are simpler and more user-friendly, especially for those who just need basic tables and project tracking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of automation and integrations <\/strong>\u2014 Unlike Excel, its modern alternatives often let you automate workflows and connect with other apps to boost efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel like your spreadsheets are slowing you down, an Excel replacement might save you some time and headaches. <a href=\"#1-plaky-by-cake-com-best-for-reliable-project-management\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#1-plaky-by-cake-com-best-for-reliable-project-management\">Check out my #1 choice now<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-i-tested-the-excel-alternatives\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How I tested the Excel alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I personally tested each tool in this article, simulating real-world scenarios such as budgeting or project tracking. My key evaluation criteria were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ease of use <\/strong>\u2014 intuitive interfaces that ensure quick onboarding,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automation and integrations<\/strong> \u2014 automating routine work and integrating with useful apps to improve productivity,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Solid collaboration features<\/strong> \u2014 real-time collaboration for seamless multi-user editing, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost-effectiveness<\/strong> \u2014 how much each tool costs and whether it\u2019s worth it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, to make sure you can try the apps yourself before committing, I chose either <strong>free Excel alternatives<\/strong> or those that offer a <strong>free trial<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83d\udca1<strong>Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wondering whether to use a dedicated PM tool or Excel? Read our article on this topic: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/project-management-software-vs-excel\/\">Project Management Software vs Excel: Make the Right Decision<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"top-14-excel-alternatives-overview\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 14 Excel alternatives \u2014 overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick overview of all the apps I tested. Full reviews, including pros and cons, are available in the following sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Tool<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Free trial<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Free plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Lowest price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Plaky by CAKE.com<\/td><td>Reliable project management<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$3.99\/seat\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google Sheets<\/td><td>Real-time collaboration<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$6.30\/user\/month (Google Workspace)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Airtable<\/td><td>Database syncing<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$20\/seat\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zoho Sheet<\/td><td>Teams in the Zoho ecosystem<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$3\/user\/month (Zoho Workplace)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smartsheet<\/td><td>Flexible work management<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>$9\/member\/\u200bmonth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rows<\/td><td>Connecting data from APIs<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$6\/user\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor<\/td><td>Preserving Excel features in the cloud<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$20\/admin\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SeaTable<\/td><td>Turning spreadsheets into apps<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u20ac7\/user\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Stackby<\/td><td>Extensive template options<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$4.2\/user\/month (est. 3 users)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zapier Tables<\/td><td>Advanced automations<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$19.99\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Baserow<\/td><td>Developers and technical teams<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$10\/user\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Numbers<\/td><td>Apple users<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tadabase<\/td><td>Data reporting<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>$42\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EtherCalc<\/td><td>Ad-hoc usage<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>\u2714<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"1-plaky-by-cake-com-best-for-reliable-project-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com<\/a> \u2014 best for reliable project management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plaky is a web-based <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/project-management-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project management tool<\/a> tailored to replace manual spreadsheets with structured, visual boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-plaky\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Plaky?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike Excel, which demands constant setup and a bunch of formulas to stay organized, Plaky is an intuitive, ready-to-use platform designed for ensuring project reliability and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Highly flexible<br>&#8211; Multiple board views<br>&#8211; Top-notch team collaboration features<br>&#8211; Built-in automations<\/td><td>&#8211; Limited integrations<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how Plaky offers essential spreadsheet-like features without complex setup:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CSV import <\/strong>\u2014 Migrate your projects seamlessly to Plaky in the form of CSV files. Alternatively, build boards from scratch or use <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/templates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky\u2019s templates<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Table and Chart view<\/strong> \u2014 View your data in a familiar table layout and switch to <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/chart-view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chart overviews<\/a> for insights at a glance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/conditional-coloring\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Conditional coloring<\/strong> <\/a>\u2014 Highlight tasks automatically based on custom conditions to spot patterns and deadlines with ease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/summary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Summary row<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Instantly view totals, counts, averages, and more across your columns (ideal for tracking workload or <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/project-management-metrics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project metrics<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Build smart boards in Plaky by CAKE.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Conditional-coloring-in-Plaky-takes-just-a-few-clicks.png\" alt=\"Conditional coloring in Plaky project management software\" class=\"wp-image-14524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Conditional-coloring-in-Plaky-takes-just-a-few-clicks.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Conditional-coloring-in-Plaky-takes-just-a-few-clicks-622x300.png 622w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Conditional-coloring-in-Plaky-takes-just-a-few-clicks-1110x536.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Conditional-coloring-in-Plaky-takes-just-a-few-clicks-768x371.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Conditional-coloring-in-Plaky-takes-just-a-few-clicks-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Conditional coloring in Plaky takes just a few clicks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Plaky\u2019s known for <strong>reliable project management<\/strong>. As someone whose team uses this platform every day, I\u2019d emphasize these features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/fields\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Custom fields<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Add columns for assignees, deadlines, budgets, etc. to match your workflow. This consistency makes it easier to <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/sort-filter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sort and filter Plaky items<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/kanban-tool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Kanban view<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Visualize tasks as cards moving through stages (e.g., <em>To Do, In Progress, Done<\/em>) for smooth progress tracking \u2014 something Excel can\u2019t replicate without heavy setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/gantt-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Gantt chart view<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 See your tasks along a timeline to envision project schedules and potential overlaps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/automations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Board automations<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Use built-in automations (e.g., <em>When the priority label changes to Critical, notify the manager<\/em>) to keep projects organized without constant supervision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaboration features<\/strong> \u2014 Add <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/comments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">comments<\/a> and @mentions to exchange ideas with your team. Also, <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/files\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">share files directly in tasks<\/a>, eliminating the need for scattered folders and emails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To never lose track of updates while using these rich features, <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/activity-log\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky\u2019s activity log<\/a> records all changes on the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1084\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stay-informed-with-Plakys-activity-log.png\" alt=\"Activity log in Plaky project management software\" class=\"wp-image-14525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stay-informed-with-Plakys-activity-log.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stay-informed-with-Plakys-activity-log-332x300.png 332w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stay-informed-with-Plakys-activity-log-1110x1003.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stay-informed-with-Plakys-activity-log-768x694.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stay-informed-with-Plakys-activity-log-13x12.png 13w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stay informed with Plaky&#8217;s activity log<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The only thing that would make Plaky better for me would be more integrations. There are 2 options, though, and I use them both:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/help\/integrations\/track-time-in-plaky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Plaky-Clockify integration<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Let Clockify, a time tracking app, record time spent on tasks in Plaky and generate reports to help you understand your productivity levels better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/pumble-integration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Plaky-Pumble integration<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Receive Plaky notifications in Pumble, a free business messaging app, to make sure you never miss an update.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-plaky\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Plaky?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plaky has recently added a <em>Remind Me<\/em> option for comments and replies \u2014 it\u2019s like setting a personal nudge inside the app so that you don\u2019t forget to revisit a comment later. Another cool new feature is <em>My Tasks<\/em>, a separate tasks view for all your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To check out other recent changes, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/help\/whats-new\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky\u2019s changelog<\/a>. And, if you want to see upcoming features, take a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/roadmap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky\u2019s roadmap<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for:<\/strong> web, iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/pro-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pro<\/a><\/td><td>$3.99\/seat\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/enterprise-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enterprise<\/a><\/td><td>$8.99\/seat\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CAKE.com Bundle<\/td><td>$12.99\/seat\/month*<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-bundle pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5  \" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                Get 3 fully upgraded work tools            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">Centralize work and save both time and money with the CAKE.com Bundle \u2014 Plaky, Clockify, and Pumble for just $12.99\/seat\/month!<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/try\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/bundle\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/bundle@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid \" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/bundle.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"2-google-sheets-best-for-real-time-collaboration\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 <a href=\"https:\/\/workspace.google.com\/products\/sheets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Sheets<\/a> \u2014 best for real-time collaboration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool \u2014 very similar to Excel, but fully online. As expected, it lets you organize data in rows, columns, and multiple sheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-google-sheets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Google Sheets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Collaboration is this tool\u2019s forte, as multiple users can edit sheets simultaneously, with auto-save and version control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Variety of formulas<br>&#8211; Timeline view and charts<br>&#8211; Smooth real-time editing<\/td><td>&#8211; Laggy with large sheets<br>&#8211; Impractical automations<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Sheets offers standard features for everyday spreadsheet work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Formulas and functions<\/strong> \u2014 Use formulas (text, database, statistical, and many more) to calculate and analyze data. You may also pick a template to save some time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Charts and graphs<\/strong> \u2014 Choose from a diverse range of chart and graph types. This digestible format is best for presenting data to teammates and <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/stakeholder-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project stakeholders<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conditional coloring<\/strong> \u2014 Make cells, rows, or columns automatically change color when they meet certain conditions, quickly spotting patterns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Timeline view<\/strong> \u2014 Use this view (a simplified <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/gantt-chart-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gantt chart<\/a>) to track progress with ease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add-ons<\/strong> \u2014 Connect Sheets with other Google Workspace tools and various third-party systems to centralize your processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I must note, though, that Google Sheets struggles with really large spreadsheets and multiple complex formulas, so you can expect it to slow down in those cases.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"570\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-tracking-in-Google-Sheets.png\" alt=\"Task tracking in Google Sheets\" class=\"wp-image-14527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-tracking-in-Google-Sheets.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-tracking-in-Google-Sheets-632x300.png 632w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-tracking-in-Google-Sheets-1110x527.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-tracking-in-Google-Sheets-768x365.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-tracking-in-Google-Sheets-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Task tracking in Google Sheets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now, here\u2019s why I think Google Sheets is well suited for <strong>real-time collaboration in the cloud<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Co-editing<\/strong> \u2014 Multiple users can edit the same sheet at the same time, with live updates visible instantly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication features <\/strong>\u2014 Built-in comments, chat, task assignment, and emoji reactions make teamwork smoother and boost accountability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Version control <\/strong>\u2014 Version history enables you to track edits or roll back changes easily. E.g., when I changed my mind about a few deleted columns, recovering them felt seamless and stress-free.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"570\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Commenting-in-Google-Sheets.png\" alt=\"Commenting in Google Sheets\" class=\"wp-image-14528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Commenting-in-Google-Sheets.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Commenting-in-Google-Sheets-632x300.png 632w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Commenting-in-Google-Sheets-1110x527.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Commenting-in-Google-Sheets-768x365.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Commenting-in-Google-Sheets-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Commenting in Google Sheets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I just wish automating tasks in Google Sheets was simpler. You need to use the so-called macros feature, record the exact steps, and let the app repeat them automatically whenever you want. So, you must understand the logic behind what you want to automate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can be practical for routine work (e.g., formatting), but not so much for workflow automations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/plaky\/board-automations-for-workflow-optimization\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">automations in Plaky<\/a> and similar software are built-in and easy to use. You just pick triggers and resulting actions \u2014 no technical knowledge needed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-google-sheets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Google Sheets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Sheets has notably expanded its integration with Gemini AI. For instance, it can explain formula errors in natural language and suggest corrections. Additionally, the AI function now supports generating text, summarizing information, categorizing data, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google Workspace Starter<\/td><td>$6.30\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google Workspace Standard<\/td><td>$12.60\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google Workspace Plus<\/td><td>$22\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google Workspace Enterprise Plus<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want an even more detailed comparison of Excel and Google Sheets? Read this article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/google-sheets-vs-excel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Sheets vs Excel: Hands-On App Comparison<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"3-airtable-best-for-database-syncing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airtable.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Airtable<\/a> \u2014 best for database syncing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Airtable is a platform that blends spreadsheets with the functionality of a database. It helps users organize basically any kind of structured information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-airtable\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Airtable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This tool allows you to connect multiple tables or external sources like CSV files, making it easier to manage complex projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Modern UI<br>&#8211; Easy database sync<br>&#8211; Lots of handy templates<\/td><td>&#8211; Limited free plan<br>&#8211; AI feels half-baked and forced<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These features make Airtable modern and more visually versatile than Excel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sleek interface<\/strong> \u2014 The interface feels familiar but richer than standard spreadsheets thanks to different field types besides formulas (email, attachment, creator, and more).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Views and layouts <\/strong>\u2014 Apart from the grid, you can also use calendar, Gantt, Kanban, and other views to visualize data according to your needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Templates<\/strong> \u2014 Airtable provides lots of pre-made templates for <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/what-is-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">project management<\/a>, sales, finance, etc., which saves setup time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaboration<\/strong> \u2014 Multiple users can work on the same base in real time, with comments and revision history supporting communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"593\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Airtable-templates.png\" alt=\"Airtable templates\" class=\"wp-image-14529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Airtable-templates.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Airtable-templates-607x300.png 607w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Airtable-templates-1110x549.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Airtable-templates-768x380.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Airtable-templates-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Airtable templates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a built-in AI assistant (Omni) that lets you describe your needs using natural language, and then it builds\/modifies parts of your Airtable app to save you some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This was introduced as part of Airtable\u2019s relaunch as an AI-native tool in July 2025, leaving some users displeased, judging from their remarks on Reddit. They claim that Airtable is slower now and that AI sometimes feels less useful than promised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Back to the positives: I consider Airtable\u2019s<strong> relational databases<\/strong> its strongest feature. You can use:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Linked tables<\/strong> \u2014 It\u2019s easy to connect one table to another (e.g., clients to their projects) without complex formulas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrations<\/strong> \u2014 There are 20+ integrations linking Airtable with tools for social networking, payments, analytics, etc., ensuring data flows across apps seamlessly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>APIs and sync <\/strong>\u2014 Developers can connect Airtable to other apps using an API, and it\u2019s possible to pull data from outside sources like CSVs or Google Calendar. All of this makes Airtable feel almost like a living database.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Share-and-sync-option-in-Airtable.png\" alt=\"Share and sync option in Airtable\" class=\"wp-image-14530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Share-and-sync-option-in-Airtable.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Share-and-sync-option-in-Airtable-583x300.png 583w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Share-and-sync-option-in-Airtable-1110x572.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Share-and-sync-option-in-Airtable-768x396.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Share-and-sync-option-in-Airtable-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Share and sync option in Airtable<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, Airtable is far from cheap. The free plan may be enough for small teams with simple needs, but if you want advanced features, be ready to set aside at least $20\/seat\/month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-airtable\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Airtable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Airtable recently relaunched as an AI-native app, so now there are advanced AI features to manage complex workflows without traditional coding. Critical path highlighting, App Sandbox (environment for testing changes), and several UI improvements are also new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0 (up to 5 editors)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team<\/td><td>$20\/seat\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business<\/td><td>$45\/seat\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise Scale<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"4-zoho-sheet-best-for-teams-in-the-zoho-ecosystem\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoho.com\/sheet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zoho Sheet<\/a> \u2014 best for teams in the Zoho ecosystem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoho Sheet is a cloud-based spreadsheet platform (part of the broader Zoho Suite) where you can enter data, use formulas, build charts, and collaborate online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-zoho-sheet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Zoho Sheet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This app is ideal for those already using other Zoho apps, such as Zoho CRM (for <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/what-is-crm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">customer relationship management<\/a>), Zoho Books (accounting), Zoho Desk (customer support ticketing), and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Data cleaning tools<br>&#8211; Zoho Suite integration<br>&#8211; Native group chat<\/td><td>&#8211; Impractical automation system<br>&#8211; Limited template library<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As I started exploring Zoho Sheet, I quickly noticed several helpful features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Real-time collaboration <\/strong>\u2014 Multiple users can edit data, leave comments, and use an in-app group chat for smooth collaboration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data cleaning <\/strong>\u2014 This feature helps you find duplicates, fix data inconsistencies, and fill missing values.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Charts<\/strong> \u2014 Much like in Excel, there are multiple chart options to help you visualize different data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automations <\/strong>\u2014 Conditional formatting ensures easier data reading. Additionally, macros let you record a set of steps and then run them anytime \u2014 which isn\u2019t as convenient as built-in automations, but it\u2019s better than nothing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI assistant<\/strong> \u2014 Zia helps you analyze data, create pivot tables, apply macros, and more to speed up your processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing I noticed: the selection of templates is very limited, so that\u2019s an area of improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheets-interface.png\" alt=\"Zoho Sheet's interface\" class=\"wp-image-14531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheets-interface.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheets-interface-600x300.png 600w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheets-interface-1110x555.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheets-interface-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheets-interface-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zoho Sheet&#8217;s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Unsurprisingly, Zoho Sheet is a reasonable choice for <strong>teams already in the Zoho environment<\/strong> thanks to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Direct integration<\/strong> \u2014 Use the Data Connection feature to integrate the Sheet app with Zoho CRM, Sprints, Books, and more, pulling data in or out without much effort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shared user management <\/strong>\u2014 Save setup time with permissions and roles syncing across apps, as they are under the same Zoho account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unified experience<\/strong> \u2014 Avoid juggling multiple platforms and subscriptions since everything (spreadsheets, invoices, emails, etc.) lives inside the Zoho ecosystem.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheet-connecting-with-other-Zoho-apps.png\" alt=\"Zoho Sheet connecting with other Zoho apps\" class=\"wp-image-14532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheet-connecting-with-other-Zoho-apps.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheet-connecting-with-other-Zoho-apps-525x300.png 525w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheet-connecting-with-other-Zoho-apps-1110x635.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheet-connecting-with-other-Zoho-apps-768x439.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zoho-Sheet-connecting-with-other-Zoho-apps-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zoho Sheet connecting with other Zoho apps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Overall, the app is functional, there\u2019s just a small learning curve. But what\u2019s a bigger issue for me is the outdated feel \u2014 Zoho Sheet\u2019s dull colors and sharp-edged buttons make the design seem almost archaic in my eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-zoho-sheet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Zoho Sheet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoho Sheet has the new Pattern Fill feature \u2014 it leverages AI to detect and replicate data patterns across cells, streamlining data entry. Additionally, this platform now lets you convert data from an image into a spreadsheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, macOS, Windows (Beta), iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Workplace Standard<\/td><td>$3\/user\/month* (with other Zoho apps)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Workplace Professional<\/td><td>$6\/user\/month* (with other Zoho apps)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Workplace Enterprise<\/td><td>POA (with other Zoho apps)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"5-smartsheet-best-for-flexible-work-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartsheet.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smartsheet<\/a> \u2014 best for flexible work management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Smartsheet is a cloud-based platform that combines spreadsheets with project management features (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/kanban-project-management\/#What%E2%80%99s_a_Kanban_board\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kanban boards<\/a> and task assignments).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-smartsheet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Smartsheet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This app is for those who want the familiarity of Excel combined with adaptability to different project styles \u2014 Smartsheet isn\u2019t tied to one way of working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Dynamic project tracking<br>&#8211; Built-in automation<br>&#8211; 170+ integrations<\/td><td>&#8211; Overkill for basics<br>&#8211; No free plan<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re used to Excel, the transition to Smartsheet should feel easy to you. Here\u2019s what makes this tool suitable for collaborative project planning and tracking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Conditional formatting <\/strong>\u2014 Set rules to get quick visual cues and spot <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/missed-deadlines-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">missed deadlines<\/a>, urgent issues, bottlenecks, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rich template library <\/strong>\u2014 Speed up the setup with templates; Smartsheet has a wide selection for many industries (IT, marketing, HR, and so on).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conversations <\/strong>\u2014 Add comments and tag teammates to exchange ideas and updates without leaving the app.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI tools <\/strong>\u2014 Use the AI functionality to generate formulas and analyze data. This can help you work faster and manage tasks more efficiently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also powerful add-ons for resource management, portfolio management, intelligent workflows, and more, but those are locked behind Smartsheet\u2019s highest tier.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"595\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smartsheets-interface-1.png\" alt=\"Smartsheet's interface\n\" class=\"wp-image-14535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smartsheets-interface-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smartsheets-interface-1-605x300.png 605w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smartsheets-interface-1-1110x550.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smartsheets-interface-1-768x381.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smartsheets-interface-1-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smartsheet&#8217;s interface\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>To me, Smartsheet stands out for its<strong> flexible work management abilities<\/strong>. It\u2019s designed to turn datasets into a connected, automated, and adaptable project management system thanks to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Task-level intelligence<\/strong> \u2014 Rows aren\u2019t just numbers; you can add owners, deadlines, <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/dependencies-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">task dependencies<\/a>, and more, turning a sheet into a real work management tool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multiple views<\/strong> \u2014 With different views (grid, card, calendar, and more), managers, analysts, and team members can look at projects in the way that suits them best.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Built-in automation<\/strong> \u2014 You can set triggers, conditions, and actions to actively help the team move work forward while reducing repetitive tasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strong integrations<\/strong> \u2014 Smartsheet connects with 170+ tools for communication, enterprise systems, security and governance, etc. to help you centralize work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"1180\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-details-in-Smartsheet.png\" alt=\"Task details in Smartsheet\" class=\"wp-image-14537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-details-in-Smartsheet.png 1160w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-details-in-Smartsheet-295x300.png 295w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-details-in-Smartsheet-1007x1024.png 1007w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-details-in-Smartsheet-768x781.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Task-details-in-Smartsheet-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Task details in Smartsheet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>That said, I must point out that with all the menus, integrations, and automations, Smartsheet\u2019s interface can get cluttered and overwhelm users, especially beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And let\u2019s not forget there\u2019s no free plan \u2014 a notable issue for budget-conscious teams!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-smartsheet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Smartsheet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like many apps on this list, Smartsheet has introduced AI tools, so you can now use AI to generate charts and metrics. Also, Smartsheet has improved its seat management system, providing admins with greater control and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Pro<\/td><td>$9\/member\/\u200bmonth* (1-10 members, unlimited viewers)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business<\/td><td>$19\/member\/\u200bmonth* (3+ members, unlimited guests and viewers)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise<\/td><td>POA (10+ members)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Advanced Work Management<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"6-rows-best-for-connecting-data-from-apis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#6 <a href=\"https:\/\/rows.com\/product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rows<\/a> \u2014 best for connecting data from APIs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rows is a cloud-based spreadsheet app that helps you analyze data, create forms, and collaborate with your team in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-rows\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Rows?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rows has built-in API connectors, so it\u2019s easy to centralize and refresh data without relying on additional tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Native API integrations<br>&#8211; Versatile templates<br>&#8211; Forms for easy data collection<\/td><td>&#8211; Basic automations<br>&#8211; Limited UI and formatting<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the expected Excel-like features (e.g., functions, charts, conditional formatting), Rows offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Collaboration features<\/strong> \u2014 Comments and version history ensure the entire team can share ideas and keep track of changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rich templates <\/strong>\u2014 There\u2019s a library of detailed, editable templates, so you\u2019re not just getting a skeleton but something close to a working solution right away.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Forms <\/strong>\u2014 Rows lets you build forms, share their links, and have responses flow into your sheet (great for surveys, lead capture, or internal requests).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI functionality<\/strong> \u2014 You can use built-in AI tools to generate, summarize, and translate content with ease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Just note that Rows isn\u2019t built like Plaky or Smartsheet \u2014 you can\u2019t assign tasks or set deadlines, so naturally, the automation feature doesn\u2019t include such things either. Automations in Rows are more data-focused, allowing only for repeating formulas, data refresh, and similar actions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marketing-budget-template-in-Rows.png\" alt=\"Marketing budget template in Rows\" class=\"wp-image-14538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marketing-budget-template-in-Rows.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marketing-budget-template-in-Rows-608x300.png 608w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marketing-budget-template-in-Rows-1110x548.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marketing-budget-template-in-Rows-768x379.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Marketing-budget-template-in-Rows-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marketing budget template in Rows<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>What makes Rows practical for many teams is <strong>connecting data from APIs<\/strong> \u2014 useful for those that monitor metrics from multiple SaaS tools. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Native API integrations<\/strong> \u2014 Rows comes with built-in connections to popular tools (Google Ads, HubSpot, Stripe, to name a few), so you can add data to your spreadsheets without exporting files or writing code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Custom API support<\/strong> \u2014 If the app you use doesn\u2019t have a pre-built connector, Rows lets you connect to almost any REST API by entering the endpoint and credentials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>All-in-1 setup<\/strong> \u2014 You don\u2019t need extra tools like Zapier to move data between apps. Rows handles both fetching and sending data inside your spreadsheet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"807\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-an-API-key-in-Rows.png\" alt=\"Creating an API key in Rows\" class=\"wp-image-14539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-an-API-key-in-Rows.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-an-API-key-in-Rows-446x300.png 446w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-an-API-key-in-Rows-1110x746.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-an-API-key-in-Rows-768x516.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-an-API-key-in-Rows-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Creating an API key in Rows<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Overall, Rows is good for live data and collaboration, but there are some small Excel conveniences that are either missing or limited. For instance, there\u2019s no built-in zoom slider \u2014 you can rely on your browser to zoom instead, but it adds friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-rows\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Rows?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rows has expanded its AI Analyst capabilities, letting users add interactive elements like dropdowns and checkboxes. Plus, the AI analyst now supports Python and lets you save and reuse Python scripts. There are also AI Replays to automate repetitive AI Analyst actions (data cleaning, for example).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, PWA (Progressive Web App)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plus<\/td><td>$6\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pro<\/td><td>$59\/month + $6\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-default pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5 pb-lg-4 pr-0\" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                Manage projects from anywhere with Plaky's mobile app            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">Want a spreadsheet tool with a native mobile app? Plaky by CAKE.com offers one for iOS and Android users!<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid px-lg-0\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"7-onlyoffice-spreadsheet-editor-best-for-preserving-excel-features-in-the-cloud\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlyoffice.com\/sheets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor<\/a> \u2014 best for preserving Excel features in the cloud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor (part of the ONLYOFFICE Docs suite) is a cloud-based and desktop spreadsheet tool that allows you to create and edit spreadsheets both online and offline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-onlyoffice-spreadsheet-editor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While tools like Airtable and Smartsheet might not always preserve advanced Excel features when moving files from Excel, ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor maintains them and guarantees a trouble-free transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Cross-platform availability<br>&#8211; Seamless transition from Excel<br>&#8211; Solid integrations<\/td><td>&#8211; Automations require coding<br>&#8211; No templates in the web version<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what I highlighted as this tool\u2019s main advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Advanced spreadsheet features <\/strong>\u2014 an array of advanced functionalities, such as pivot tables, conditional formatting, and 400+ functions for robust data analysis,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Real-time collaboration <\/strong>\u2014 co-editing, comments, and chat for enhancing collaborative efforts,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-platform availability<\/strong> \u2014 desktop apps (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile apps (iOS, Android), and browser access, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrations and plug-ins <\/strong>\u2014 connecting with numerous popular apps for CRM, productivity, content management, etc. to support smooth workflows.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly to some other tools on this list, ONLYOFFICE uses macros for automating repetitive steps, but there\u2019s an additional catch here. They\u2019re written in JavaScript, so you need at least a basic understanding of coding concepts to create automations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-Spreadsheet-Editor.png\" alt=\"ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor\u2019s interface\" class=\"wp-image-14540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-Spreadsheet-Editor.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-Spreadsheet-Editor-598x300.png 598w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-Spreadsheet-Editor-1110x557.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-Spreadsheet-Editor-768x385.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-Spreadsheet-Editor-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor\u2019s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now, although lots of teams use its alternatives, many still rely heavily on Excel too. What I\u2019m trying to say is \u2014 even with a new app, you still want to be sure it can handle Excel files seamlessly if your clients or external collaborators send them to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what makes ONLYOFFICE particularly good at <strong>preserving advanced Excel features in the cloud<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>High compatibility with Excel formats<\/strong> \u2014 ONFLYOFFICE allows XLSX, XLS, ODS, and CSV formats, so you won\u2019t experience compatibility issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintaining complex formulas<\/strong> \u2014 The app supports Excel formulas almost identically, so your calculations work the same online as they do in Excel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preserving formatting and styles <\/strong>\u2014 Conditional formatting, cell styles, and number formats stay intact when moving files between desktop and cloud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As for downsides, a big one for me is the lack of built-in templates in the web version. I managed to download one from the ONLYOFFICE website and import it into the Spreadsheet Editor, but it took more time than I wanted for a template.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-spreadsheet-templates-source-ONLYOFFICE.png\" alt=\"ONLYOFFICE spreadsheet templates (source: ONLYOFFICE)\" class=\"wp-image-14542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-spreadsheet-templates-source-ONLYOFFICE.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-spreadsheet-templates-source-ONLYOFFICE-469x300.png 469w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-spreadsheet-templates-source-ONLYOFFICE-1110x710.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-spreadsheet-templates-source-ONLYOFFICE-768x492.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ONLYOFFICE-spreadsheet-templates-source-ONLYOFFICE-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ONLYOFFICE spreadsheet templates (source: ONLYOFFICE)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-onlyoffice-spreadsheet-editor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The integration of AI-powered tools is a standout feature in ONLYOFFICE\u2019s latest version of the spreadsheet editor. This helps users apply smart formulas and carry out complex data analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for:<\/strong> web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>ONLYOFFICE DocSpace STARTUP (cloud)<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ONLYOFFICE DocSpace BUSINESS (cloud)<\/td><td>$20\/admin\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ONLYOFFICE DocSpace ENTERPRISE (on-premises)<\/td><td>from $6,550\/server<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"8-seatable-best-for-turning-spreadsheets-into-apps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#8 <a href=\"https:\/\/seatable.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SeaTable<\/a> \u2014 best for turning spreadsheets into apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SeaTable is a tool that combines spreadsheets with database features and process automation. It supports both cloud usage and on-premises deployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-seatable\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose SeaTable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This platform offers no-code\/low-code app building, letting anyone create apps and custom data frontends \u2014 great for taking raw data and making it interactive and user-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Flexible data management<br>&#8211; App-building features<br>&#8211; Self-hosting and data control<\/td><td>&#8211; API limitations<br>&#8211; Automation locked behind the Enterprise tier<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing I noticed about SeaTable was the clean, minimalistic feel. However, its features are far from basic, offering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Versatile columns and relational links<\/strong> \u2014 There are 20+ column types for full flexibility. Plus, you can link data across tables for reliable data management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaboration and versioning <\/strong>\u2014 Multiple users can modify spreadsheets simultaneously, ensuring smooth teamwork. SeaTable\u2019s base log (the history of who changed what) achieves the same.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Templates<\/strong> \u2014 There are around 100 templates for various industries, helping you save time and standardize processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"598\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTables-interface.png\" alt=\"SeaTable's interface\" class=\"wp-image-14544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTables-interface.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTables-interface-602x300.png 602w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTables-interface-1110x553.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTables-interface-768x383.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTables-interface-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SeaTable&#8217;s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Moreover, SeaTable advertises its<strong> no-code app building <\/strong>a lot, so I looked into it. Basically, if you want to turn structured data into interactive, workflow-driven tools, you can rely on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Forms as input interfaces<\/strong> \u2014 Use the web form functionality to let internal users or external collaborators submit data without touching the raw table (e.g., when a client submits a support ticket, it\u2019s automatically added to your Tickets table).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Custom views as app screens<\/strong> \u2014 Look at data in formats other than grids (timeline, calendar, gallery, and more). Each view acts as a different screen in an app, meeting different user needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automations<\/strong> \u2014 Set up triggers and resulting actions to reduce manual work (for instance, add\/lock entries or execute a Python script for more advanced logic). This is reserved for Enterprise plan users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>API and webhooks<\/strong> \u2014 Use APIs to let other apps automatically read and update SeaTable data and webhooks to instantly notify other apps when something changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Self-hosting<\/strong> \u2014 To turn SeaTable into a private, fully controllable platform, install it on your own server.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTable-plugins.png\" alt=\"SeaTable plugins\" class=\"wp-image-14545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTable-plugins.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTable-plugins-514x300.png 514w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTable-plugins-1110x648.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTable-plugins-768x448.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SeaTable-plugins-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SeaTable plugins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Just note that SeaTable\u2019s API has some gaps. For instance, certain filtering settings can\u2019t be fully managed via API, and large datasets slow everything down. And, I\u2019d say using APIs in SeaTable definitely requires technical knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-seatable\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in SeaTable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SeaTable hasn\u2019t had new releases since June 2025, when it introduced variable row heights for table pages and passwords for protecting public apps. More notable new features are expected in Version 6.0 in the summer of 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>\u20ac0 (up to 25 users for cloud and 3 users for on-premises)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plus (cloud)<\/td><td>\u20ac7\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise (cloud)<\/td><td>\u20ac14\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dedicated Cloud<\/td><td>POA (minimum 100 users)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>On-Premises 10 user<\/td><td>\u20ac500 1-year licence\u20ac950 2-year licence\u20ac1,350 3-year licence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>On-Premises 25 user<\/td><td>\u20ac1,250 1-year licence\u20ac2,375 2-year licence\u20ac3,375 3-year licence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>On-Premises 50+ user<\/td><td>\u20ac90\/user 1-year licence\u20ac171\/user 2-year licence\u20ac243\/user 3-year licence<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"9-stackby-best-for-extensive-template-options\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#9 <a href=\"https:\/\/stackby.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stackby<\/a> \u2014 best for extensive template options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stackby is a cloud-based work management tool whose 3 main pillars are spreadsheets, databases, and APIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-stackby\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Stackby?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This platform enables you to build customizable workflows without writing code. It also provides ready-made solutions for numerous use cases thanks to the rich template collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Solid integrations<br>&#8211; 500+ templates<br>&#8211; Cross-platform accessibility<\/td><td>&#8211; Occasional loading delays<br>&#8211; Limited mobile experience<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Stackby offers a flexible environment for organizing and automating data. Truth be told, its design isn\u2019t my favorite (it seems a bit utilitarian and uninspired), but the platform is generally neat and easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of Stackby\u2019s standout features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Relational databases<\/strong> \u2014 Stackby offers relational links, making it easier to manage complex data structures compared to flat spreadsheets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Column types and views <\/strong>\u2014 With 30 column types, you can easily have a flexible but structured workspace. Plus, the different columns allow Stackby to render data appropriately in views like Kanban, calendar, and others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaboration<\/strong> \u2014 Checklists, reminders, and comments reduce confusion and miscommunication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Native integrations and APIs<\/strong> \u2014 Stackby has 40+ native integrations, API columns, and a REST API, all of which is a plus for teams that want live, auto-updated information in their spreadsheets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also know there might be some loading delays with particularly large datasets.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stackbys-interface.png\" alt=\"Stackby's interface\" class=\"wp-image-14546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stackbys-interface.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stackbys-interface-600x300.png 600w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stackbys-interface-1110x555.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stackbys-interface-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Stackbys-interface-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stackby&#8217;s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you ask me, the <strong>template library<\/strong> is Stackby\u2019s main advantage because the choices are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Numerous and versatile<\/strong> \u2014 There are over 500 ready-made templates for a wide range of use cases (design, SEO, inventory, and many more).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quick to implement <\/strong>\u2014 Applying a template takes just a few clicks, so both pros and complete beginners can have one ready in seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easy to adjust <\/strong>\u2014 All templates can be customized and extended, giving you a strong starting point rather than a lock-in system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest benefit here is that Stackby\u2019s templates can save you lots of time and make complex tasks accessible even for users with limited spreadsheet experience.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Stackby.png\" alt=\"Templates in Stackby work management software\" class=\"wp-image-14547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Stackby.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Stackby-598x300.png 598w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Stackby-1110x557.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Stackby-768x385.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Stackby-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Templates in Stackby<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As for what could be better, I\u2019ll say Stackby\u2019s mobile functionality. Compared to the browser use, most features are view-only or non-existent in the mobile version (like formula columns and automations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re like me and sometimes like to work on the go, you should opt for a more functional mobile app than Stackby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-stackby\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Stackby?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stackby has mostly focused on bug fixes lately, after introducing list and timeline views and improving the form functionality in the first half of 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for:<\/strong> web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0 (up to 5 users)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Economy<\/td><td>$4.2\/user\/month* (est. 3 users)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business<\/td><td>$8.3\/user\/month* (est. 3 users)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pro<\/td><td>$12.5\/user\/month* (est. 3 users)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"10-zapier-tables-best-for-advanced-automations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#10 <a href=\"https:\/\/zapier.com\/tables\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zapier Tables<\/a> \u2014 best for advanced automations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Zapier Tables is a spreadsheet-database hybrid tool for storing and editing data with robust automation \u2014 all within Zapier\u2019s ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-zapier-tables\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Zapier Tables?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tables are built around workflows, so changes in a Zapier table can immediately trigger automations without exports\/imports or manually moving data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; 8,000+ integrations<br>&#8211; Building web pages with Interfaces<br>&#8211; Automating with Zaps<\/td><td>&#8211; Limited free plan<br>&#8211; No mobile app<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some general advantages of Zapier Tables that make it versatile and dynamic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Numerous integrations<\/strong> \u2014 Zapier connects with 8,000+ apps (for CRM, communication, productivity, etc.), so you can easily push\/pull data to\/from many places.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>10+ field types<\/strong> \u2014 Structured fields ensure consistency and cleaner data entry, a strong foundation for reducing errors when using automations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Formulas and functions<\/strong> \u2014 You can use formulas to create calculations and multiple functions. However, there are fewer functions compared to Excel, as Zapier focuses more on workflow automation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What irks me a little about Zapier Tables is being unable to create a new row by pressing <em>Enter<\/em> at the end of the previous one. Instead, you have to explicitly click the <em>Add record <\/em>button, which feels clunky.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zapier-Tables-UI.png\" alt=\"Zapier Tables UI\" class=\"wp-image-14548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zapier-Tables-UI.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zapier-Tables-UI-585x300.png 585w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zapier-Tables-UI-1110x569.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zapier-Tables-UI-768x394.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Zapier-Tables-UI-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zapier Tables UI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Still, I believe this tool can come in handy when you need <strong>advanced automations<\/strong>, with 2 other segments within the Zapier app:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Interfaces<\/strong> \u2014 custom forms and web pages that let people interact with your table data without seeing the full backend, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zaps<\/strong> \u2014 <em>When this happens, do that <\/em>rules (e.g., when a customer fills out a form, the sales team gets notified).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This means you can focus on meaningful work while Zaps handle routine tasks like updating fields or sending alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bonus: <\/strong>The button field gives you more control as human-in-the-loop automation, letting you fire off a rule when you decide instead of a predetermined trigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mastering more advanced workflows can be tricky, though, especially if you\u2019re new to logic-driven tools.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-a-Zap.png\" alt=\"Creating a Zap in Zapier Tables software\" class=\"wp-image-14549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-a-Zap.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-a-Zap-603x300.png 603w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-a-Zap-1110x552.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-a-Zap-768x382.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Creating-a-Zap-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Creating a Zap in Zapier Tables software<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I must also point out the limited free plan. For example, it only allows 2-step automations. And my biggest shock \u2014 no customer support for free users <em>at all<\/em>, so cost-conscious teams might feel less valued as Zapier users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, there\u2019s no native mobile app, which is a minus for those who like working on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Want web and mobile access? Use Plaky<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-zapier-tables\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Zapier Tables?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tables, Interfaces, and MCP (Multi-Call Platform) are now bundled into Free, Pro, and Team tiers, so you don\u2019t need to pay for these as separate add-ons anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Professional<\/td><td>$19.99\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team<\/td><td>$69\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"11-baserow-best-for-developers-and-technical-teams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#11 <a href=\"https:\/\/baserow.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Baserow<\/a> \u2014 best for developers and technical teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Baserow is an open-source platform that combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with the power of relational databases. It\u2019s browser-based with optional self-hosting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-baserow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Baserow?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to developer-friendly features, Baserow offers a bridge between a no-code tool and a developer-oriented database, with flexibility and control that Excel alone can\u2019t match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; API-first design<br>&#8211; Open source and self-hosting<br>&#8211; Intuitive UI<\/td><td>&#8211; Less powerful for complex calculations<br>&#8211; No mobile app<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Baserow offers several advantages for collaborative and structured data projects, namely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Intuitive, no-code interface <\/strong>\u2014 drag-and-drop design, filters, multiple views, and easy sorting,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automation and integration<\/strong> \u2014 a built-in REST API that makes automations easier to create and scale, enabling seamless updates and integrations with tools like Zapier or Make, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Real-time collaboration<\/strong> \u2014 in-row comments and trail audits to support collaborative efforts and transparency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me just underline that the REST API has some limitations in cloud tiers, unlike in self-hosted installations. In addition, row comments and coloring are reserved for paid plan users.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baserows-interface.png\" alt=\"Baserow's interface\" class=\"wp-image-14550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baserows-interface.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baserows-interface-581x300.png 581w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baserows-interface-1110x574.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baserows-interface-768x397.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baserows-interface-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Baserow&#8217;s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As for what makes Baserow suitable for <strong>developers and technical teams<\/strong>, this is what I would highlight:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>API-first architecture<\/strong> \u2014 Developers don\u2019t need to build a custom API, as it\u2019s available as soon as you create your table. This way, Baserow becomes a lightweight backend for apps or internal tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Self-hosting and customization <\/strong>\u2014 Being open source, Baserow can be self-hosted, which gives developers control over performance and security. Plus, they can extend it by modifying the source code or building custom plugins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaboration with non-technical teams<\/strong> \u2014 With Baserow, non-technical staff can still work in a spreadsheet-style interface, while developers can hook into the API and keep data in sync across systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Token-authentication-for-API-access-in-Baserow.png\" alt=\"Token authentication for API access in Baserow\" class=\"wp-image-14551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Token-authentication-for-API-access-in-Baserow.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Token-authentication-for-API-access-in-Baserow-444x300.png 444w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Token-authentication-for-API-access-in-Baserow-1110x749.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Token-authentication-for-API-access-in-Baserow-768x518.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Token-authentication-for-API-access-in-Baserow-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Token authentication for API access in Baserow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>That said, Baserow also has some downsides. Compared to Excel, it\u2019s less powerful for complex calculations, and it doesn\u2019t natively support pivot tables. So, teams that want advanced calculations would need to integrate Baserow with a dedicated analytics tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, much like a couple of other tools on this list, Baserow doesn\u2019t have a native mobile app. Relying on the browser version on your phone usually feels less smooth and harder to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-baserow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Baserow?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Baserow has several new features \u2014 pie and donut charts, two-way data sync with PostgreSQL, and a new Send Email action in the app builder, along with formula system improvements and bug fixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Free<\/td><td>$0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Premium (cloud or self-host)<\/td><td>$10\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Advanced (cloud or self-host)<\/td><td>$18\/user\/month*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enterprise (self-host)<\/td><td>POA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"container plaky-gradient-features pt-5 ps-lg-5 z-0 mb-5 pb-lg-4 \" >\n    <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-between gap-1 gap-lg-5\">\n        <div class=\"banner-text text-center text-lg-start text-white\">\n            <span class=\"translation-block lh-1 fs-16 text-white\">\n                Best PM tool for software development            <\/span>\n            <p class=\"translation-block mw-300 fs-12 mb-2\">Want an app that'll help you manage complex software dev projects with ease? Try Plaky by CAKE.com!<\/p>\n            <div class=\"cta-btns pt-4 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center justify-content-lg-start gap-4 mb-4 mb-lg-0\">\n                <a aria-label=\"Sign up\" href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" class=\"btn rounded py-1 px-2 fs-12 btn-light\">\n                    Sign up                <\/a>\n                                <a aria-label=\"Learn more\" class=\"text-white px-2 fs-12\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\">\n                    Learn more                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Plaky logo\" media=\"(min-width: 998px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-350 img-fluid \" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\" alt=\"Plaky screenshot\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"12-numbers-best-for-apple-users\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#12 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/in\/numbers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Numbers<\/a> \u2014 best for Apple users<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Numbers is Apple\u2019s free spreadsheet app that offers some of Excel\u2019s functionality with better layout flexibility and a cleaner UI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-numbers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Numbers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you and your team are part of Apple\u2019s ecosystem, this app guarantees smooth syncing, native features, and Apple Pencil support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Sleek and flexible<br>&#8211; Ideal for Apple enthusiasts<br>&#8211; Drawing and writing with Apple Pencil<\/td><td>&#8211; Limited functions compared to Excel<br>&#8211; Automations possible but niche<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of an Excel-like endless grid, Numbers gives you a blank canvas where you can add:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tables,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Charts,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Images,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audio files,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comments, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The freedom to position those elements anywhere in your page makes them look more like polished documents \u2014 great for pitch decks and visually driven reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some other features in Apple Numbers that caught my eye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Design-ready templates <\/strong>\u2014 There are dozens of customizable templates for creating sleek spreadsheets with minimal effort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Functions and pivot tables<\/strong> \u2014 Numbers supports hundreds of functions and offers Smart Categories, which is similar to Excel\u2019s pivot tables. These enable easy data calculation and organization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaborative spreadsheets<\/strong> \u2014 You and your teammates can see each other\u2019s edits as you make them and receive notifications, improving teamwork.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"603\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Apple-Numbers.png\" alt=\"Templates in Apple Numbers\" class=\"wp-image-14552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Apple-Numbers.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Apple-Numbers-597x300.png 597w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Apple-Numbers-1110x558.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Apple-Numbers-768x386.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Templates-in-Apple-Numbers-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Templates in Apple Numbers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Of course, as an Apple product, Numbers is <strong>optimized for all Apple hardware and services<\/strong>. So, if you\u2019re in this ecosystem, you\u2019ll benefit from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Deep device integration<\/strong> \u2014 Your spreadsheets look the same on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iCloud, which means minimal friction if you start working on one device and continue on another.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pencil and iPad workflows <\/strong>\u2014 You can use Apple Pencil to sketch diagrams and annotate data in Numbers on an iPad, boosting creativity and clarity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Native security and convenience<\/strong> \u2014 Quick unlocking via Face ID\/Touch ID and integration with Apple account security make access even more secure and simple.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"584\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Numbers-\u2014-Apple-iCloud.png\" alt=\"Numbers \u2014 Apple iCloud\" class=\"wp-image-14553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Numbers-\u2014-Apple-iCloud.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Numbers-\u2014-Apple-iCloud-616x300.png 616w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Numbers-\u2014-Apple-iCloud-1110x540.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Numbers-\u2014-Apple-iCloud-768x374.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Numbers-\u2014-Apple-iCloud-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Numbers \u2014 Apple iCloud<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In terms of downsides, I\u2019ll mention that Numbers has fewer advanced functions than Excel, but that isn\u2019t a major issue for lightweight use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What inconvenienced me more was the complicated workflow automation, requiring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shortcuts app on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS<\/strong> \u2014 for automating actions such as spreadsheet duplication or adding new rows with current dates and times, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AppleScript and JavaScript on macOS<\/strong> \u2014 for more complicated automations in Numbers if you\u2019re comfortable with scripting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And, unfortunately, there\u2019s no automation feature in the iCloud version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-numbers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Numbers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Numbers recently added over 30 new advanced functions. Plus, the app now supports so-called spilling formulas, meaning a single formula can populate multiple cells automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, you can now use Writing Tools (proofread, rewrite, compose) directly inside spreadsheets (but this requires Apple Intelligence).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web (iCloud), macOS, iOS, iPadOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"13-tadabase-best-for-data-reporting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#13 <a href=\"https:\/\/tadabase.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tadabase<\/a> \u2014 best for data reporting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tadabase is a no-code platform for managing data and building custom applications. It\u2019s designed for users looking to replace static spreadsheets with a robust solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-tadabase\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose Tadabase?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This platform offers solid reporting and analytics, surpassing the capabilities of traditional spreadsheet tools like Excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; No-code custom apps<br>&#8211; Built-in automations<br>&#8211; Custom reporting<\/td><td>&#8211; Learning curve<br>&#8211; No free plan and no mobile app<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll start with some general advantages that Tadabase has over flat-structure spreadsheet apps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Relational data management <\/strong>\u2014 creating relational databases to reflect more complex data connections and integrity,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customizable apps <\/strong>\u2014 designing both internal and customer-facing apps without much effort, using a drag-and-drop interface, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automations<\/strong> \u2014 built-in automations to streamline business processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One remark, though: while Tadabase allows real-time collaboration and has page versioning, there are no inline comments or a fully transparent, automatic version history like in Plaky or Google Sheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without those more traditional collaboration features, Tadabase is less convenient for teams that need to discuss or review data directly inside the app.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"621\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Tadabases-interface.png\" alt=\"Tadabase's interface\n\" class=\"wp-image-14554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Tadabases-interface.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Tadabases-interface-580x300.png 580w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Tadabases-interface-1110x574.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Tadabases-interface-768x397.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Tadabases-interface-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tadabase&#8217;s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And now, here\u2019s why I consider Tadabase a solid tool for <strong>reporting and analytics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dynamic reports<\/strong> \u2014 Use a drag-and-drop report builder to create one from scratch or rely on a pre-built template to track goals and performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interactive charts and graphs <\/strong>\u2014 Visualize and understand data more easily with charts and graphs in reports (e.g., customer engagement, <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/project-management\/deliverable-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tracking deliverables<\/a>, financial reporting).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Export options<\/strong> \u2014 Export your reports as PDF, Excel, and CSV files when you need to present them to your team or stakeholders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Real-time updates <\/strong>\u2014 Reports are connected to your tables, reflecting changes immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"623\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Drag-and-drop-report-builder-in-Tadabase.png\" alt=\"Drag-and-drop report builder in Tadabase\" class=\"wp-image-14555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Drag-and-drop-report-builder-in-Tadabase.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Drag-and-drop-report-builder-in-Tadabase-578x300.png 578w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Drag-and-drop-report-builder-in-Tadabase-1110x576.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Drag-and-drop-report-builder-in-Tadabase-768x399.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Drag-and-drop-report-builder-in-Tadabase-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Drag-and-drop report builder in Tadabase<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>All things considered, Tadabase is a robust platform, but it was probably the most unintuitive one for me compared to all the other apps on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, formulas aren\u2019t cell-based Excel formulas \u2014 you need the equation field for more complex logic. Additionally, charts exist only as report components, not inside the table grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was also overwhelmed by Tadabase\u2019s terminology. Terms like records, pipes (outward integrations), and DataBridge (bulk sync tool) are intimidating when you\u2019re used to Excel\u2019s familiar rows\/columns model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, one final remark: there\u2019s no native mobile app, which means limited on-the-go access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Want an easy-to-use app? Try Plaky<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-tadabase\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in Tadabase?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tadabase has recently made its PDF workflows more powerful, allowing you to duplicate PDF forms, auto-detect embedded form fields, protect PDFs with passwords, and add watermarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Starter (teams and individuals)<\/td><td>$42\/month (3 apps)*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Growth (teams and individuals)<\/td><td>$105\/month (5 apps)*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Professional (teams and individuals)<\/td><td>$210\/month (10 apps)*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Elite (teams and individuals)<\/td><td>$375\/month (15 apps)*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>HIPAA Edition Add-On<\/td><td>$450\/month<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*billed annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"14-ethercalc-best-for-ad-hoc-usage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#14 <a href=\"https:\/\/ethercalc.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EtherCalc<\/a> \u2014 best for ad-hoc usage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>EtherCalc is an open-source, web-based spreadsheet tool, available to everyone for free. Unlike Excel, it doesn\u2019t require accounts or licenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"why-choose-ethercalc\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose EtherCalc?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since there\u2019s no signup or installation, EtherCalc is ideal for one-off projects, temporary data collection, and similar cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Zero setup &amp; free<br>&#8211; Easy collaboration<br>&#8211; Ephemeral by design<\/td><td>&#8211; Limited advanced features<br>&#8211; Security risks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me point out right away that EtherCalc prioritizes accessibility over advanced functionality. In other words, it lacks many of Excel\u2019s advanced features, like pivot tables, advanced charting, and macros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, EtherCalc can handle many spreadsheet-standard formulas, reference ranges, and link cells. What makes it particularly useful is the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Real-time collaboration<\/strong> \u2014 You can co-edit the same sheet with other people, with instant updates for everyone. There\u2019s no permission management, you just send the URL (each sheet gets a unique one) to your collaborator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Control<\/strong> \u2014 This open-source, self-hostable tool is appealing to teams that don\u2019t want to depend on Microsoft or Google infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-platform simplicity<\/strong> \u2014 EtherCalc works on any device with a browser, requiring no special apps or accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lightweight use <\/strong>\u2014 Thanks to its simplicity, EtherCalc runs faster than bloated spreadsheet programs, especially with simpler datasets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"623\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EtherCalcs-interface.png\" alt=\"EtherCalc's interface\n\" class=\"wp-image-14556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EtherCalcs-interface.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EtherCalcs-interface-578x300.png 578w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EtherCalcs-interface-1110x576.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EtherCalcs-interface-768x399.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EtherCalcs-interface-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">EtherCalc&#8217;s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Considering everything, I\u2019d say EtherCalc is excellent for <strong>ad-hoc usage <\/strong>\u2014 anyone with the link can jump in instantly, which means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Low-commitment setup <\/strong>\u2014 perfect when you need temporary data collection that doesn\u2019t need to live forever (like meeting notes or sign-up lists),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No IT bottlenecks<\/strong> \u2014 no need to request software access or admin approval, speeding up spontaneous collaboration, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flexibility for mixed groups<\/strong> \u2014 great when collaborators are outside your organization and may not share the same tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"693\" src=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Audit-trail-in-EtherCalc-1.png\" alt=\"Audit trail in EtherCalc\n\" class=\"wp-image-14562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Audit-trail-in-EtherCalc-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Audit-trail-in-EtherCalc-1-519x300.png 519w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Audit-trail-in-EtherCalc-1-1110x641.png 1110w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Audit-trail-in-EtherCalc-1-768x444.png 768w, https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Audit-trail-in-EtherCalc-1-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Audit trail in EtherCalc\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All that said, EtherCalc\u2019s simplicity obviously comes at a cost. The interface is very basic, so it feels outdated compared to mainstream spreadsheet software. Plus, there\u2019s no robust version history, making it harder to track and reverse changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And \u2014 perhaps the biggest concern of all \u2014 since everyone with the link can edit, I wouldn\u2019t recommend EtherCalc for sensitive projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To sum up, this is a decent choice for quick collaboration, but not for professional, large-scale, or data-heavy work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"whats-new-in-ethercalc\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s new in EtherCalc?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I found no information about any major updates in EtherCalc recently. The latest official releases seem to date back a bit, focusing mostly on bug fixes and maintenance rather than large additions, which makes sense considering the app\u2019s ephemeral nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>web<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong>free<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"go-for-plaky-the-smarter-more-flexible-alternative-to-excel\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Go for Plaky \u2014 the smarter, more flexible alternative to Excel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the best Excel alternative depends on your needs and priorities, but when it comes to managing projects and team collaboration, you\u2019ll hardly find a more well-rounded solution than <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/team-collaboration-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky<\/a> by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our platform strikes the right balance between user-friendliness, affordability, and security thanks to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Neat UI <\/strong>\u2014 Intuitive boards and custom fields make work management simple, both in the browser and <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/ios-project-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky for iOS<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/android-project-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky for Android.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pricing for various budgets<\/strong> \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky\u2019s pricing<\/a> ranges from the generous free plan to the comprehensive Enterprise tier with useful premium features.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/features\/user-roles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>User roles and permissions<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Admins can choose who can see\/edit what in Plaky to ensure top-notch security and prevent unauthorized changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick demo video to help you grasp everything Plaky has to offer:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Plaky Demo Video\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aHoyPj77TFg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Say goodbye to messy spreadsheets \u2014 it\u2019s time to take control of your projects and your time. Get Plaky today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.plaky.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get started with Plaky by CAKE.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Need an Excel alternative? We tested Plaky, Google Sheets, Airtable, and more. Read the reviews to find your match!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":14672,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14521","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comparisons"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14521","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14521"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14521\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17176,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14521\/revisions\/17176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14521"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14521"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14521"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}