SheetsBat vs Microsoft Excel
Excel is the standard desktop spreadsheet and the deepest tool in the category. SheetsBat is a browser spreadsheet that opens and saves .xlsx files, with live collaboration and AI included. Here is how they differ, including where Excel is the better pick.
Side by side
A summary of the main differences. Products change often, so check each vendor's site for the latest details.
| Aspect | SheetsBat | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPhone, iPad and Android. Nothing to install. | Desktop apps for Windows and macOS, plus web and mobile apps with a smaller feature set. |
| Functions | 536 functions, including dynamic arrays, XLOOKUP, LET, LAMBDA, GROUPBY and PIVOTBY. | Around 500 worksheet functions, and usually the first place new functions appear. |
| File format | Opens and saves .xlsx, plus .csv, .tsv, .ods and PDF. | .xlsx is its native format, so every detail of the file is supported. |
| Automation | No macros. Formulas, LAMBDA and AI actions cover many automation needs. | VBA macros, Office Scripts, Power Query and add-ins. |
| Data modelling | Pivot tables, tables, named ranges and array formulas. | Pivot tables plus Power Pivot, the Data Model and Power Query for large data. |
| Collaboration | Real time co-editing, comment threads, share links with roles and version history on every plan. | Co-authoring when files are stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, with comments and version history. |
| AI | Writes and explains formulas, builds tables, analyzes and cleans data. Monthly credits on every plan. | AI features are available with some Microsoft 365 subscriptions. |
| Price | Free plan. Pro is $10.99 a month and covers every Bats app. | Included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions, or sold as a one time desktop licence. |
| Offline | Needs an internet connection. | The desktop app works fully offline. |
Where Excel is stronger
- The desktop app works offline and handles very large workbooks with millions of rows quickly.
- VBA macros, Power Query, Power Pivot and a large add-in ecosystem for heavy automation and data modelling.
- Native .xlsx support, so advanced features like slicers, sparklines, form controls and external data connections are fully supported.
- Decades of training material, certifications and people who already know it.
Where SheetsBat is stronger
- Runs anywhere with a browser, including Chromebooks and phones, with nothing to install or update.
- Live collaboration, share links and version history on the free plan, without a separate cloud storage setup.
- AI that writes and explains formulas, included with monthly credits on every plan.
- One low price for a whole suite of apps: documents, PDFs, presentations, forms and accounting as well as spreadsheets.
you rely on macros, Power Query or Power Pivot, work offline a lot, or build very large models every day.
you want a capable spreadsheet in the browser that opens your .xlsx files, lets a team work together live and costs little or nothing.
Microsoft Excel is a trademark of its owner. SheetsBat is not affiliated with or endorsed by it. Information checked November 2026.
Common questions
Can SheetsBat open my Excel files?
Yes. SheetsBat opens .xlsx, .xlsm and .xltx files with their formulas, formatting, tables, conditional formatting, validation and charts, and saves them back as .xlsx.
Does SheetsBat run Excel macros?
No. VBA macros are not run or kept. The data, formulas and formatting of a macro enabled file still open.
Are the formulas the same?
SheetsBat uses the same function names, arguments and error values for its 536 functions, so most formulas work unchanged.
Is SheetsBat a replacement for Excel?
For many everyday spreadsheets, yes. For heavy automation, Power Query or very large data models, Excel remains the stronger tool.
Try it with your own files
Open an .xlsx file or a template in SheetsBat. Free, in your browser.