Data Format and Accessibility

Our data comes in easy-to-use CSV or XLS format, depending on the specific database. These formats are accessible through Microsoft Excel for viewing, filtering, and sorting. However, recognizing that not everyone has access to MS Excel, we’ve assembled a comprehensive suite of 100% free, high-quality software alternatives for viewing, sorting, filtering, and exporting your data.

System Requirements

This free software collection is compatible with modern operating systems including:

  • Windows 10 (supported until October 14, 2025)

  • Windows 11 (requires 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0)

  • macOS (various versions supported by different applications)

  • Linux (supported by most open-source alternatives)

Note: Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025.

Recommended Free Spreadsheet Software (2025)

1. LibreOffice Calc – Best Overall Free Alternative

LibreOffice Calc is a powerful, open-source spreadsheet application with extensive compatibility.

Key Features:

  • Over 1 million rows and 16,384 columns support

  • 400+ functions including advanced statistical and financial calculations

  • Full Microsoft Excel compatibility (.xlsx, .xls, .xlsm formats)

  • Dynamic arrays and spilling formulas

  • Pivot tables and advanced data analysis tools

  • Works offline without internet connection

  • Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux

2. Google Sheets – Best for Collaboration

Google Sheets offers excellent real-time collaboration and cloud integration.

Key Features:

  • Free with Google account

  • Real-time collaboration with multiple users

  • Offline mode available (requires Chrome browser and Google Docs Offline extension)

  • Automatic saving and version history

  • 350+ functions and chart creation tools

  • Cross-platform compatibility (web, mobile apps)

3. ONLYOFFICE – Professional Alternative

ONLYOFFICE provides a comprehensive office suite with strong Microsoft Office compatibility.

Key Features:

  • 100% free for personal use

  • Full Microsoft Office compatibility (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)

  • AI-powered features for text generation and data analysis

  • Real-time collaboration tools

  • Available online and as desktop application

  • PDF editing capabilities

4. WPS Office – Microsoft Office-like Experience

WPS Office offers the most similar interface to Microsoft Office.

Key Features:

  • Completely free basic version

  • All-in-one application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint equivalent)

  • High compatibility with Microsoft Office formats

  • Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux)

  • Free templates library

  • Real-time collaboration features

5. Zoho Sheet – Feature-Rich Alternative

Zoho Sheet provides advanced features with AI-powered insights.

Key Features:

  • Completely free to use

  • Over 350 functions (more than Google Sheets)

  • AI-powered data assistant (“Ask Zia”)

  • ChatGPT integration for data questions

  • User-level filters for collaborative work

  • Import from CSV, RSS feeds, and web pages

6. Apple Numbers – For Mac/iOS Users

Numbers offers unique design-focused spreadsheet capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Free for Apple device users

  • Over 30 new advanced functions including LAMBDA, FILTER, SORT

  • Dynamic arrays and spilling formulas

  • AI integration (Apple Intelligence on supported devices)

  • 3D objects support and advanced visualization

  • Cross-platform collaboration (Mac, iPad, iPhone, PC via iCloud)

Specialized CSV Tools

Modern CSV Editor

For users specifically working with CSV files, Modern CSV offers professional-grade editing capabilities.

Features:

  • Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

  • Large file handling capabilities

  • Advanced find/replace with highlighting

  • Column manipulation and sorting tools

  • Local data processing (no cloud dependency)

Getting Started

  1. Choose your preferred software based on your needs:

    • LibreOffice Calc: Best overall free alternative

    • Google Sheets: Best for collaboration

    • ONLYOFFICE: Best for professional use

    • WPS Office: Most similar to Microsoft Office

  2. Download and install from official websites:

    • LibreOffice: libreoffice.org

    • Google Sheets: Access via Google account

    • ONLYOFFICE: onlyoffice.com

    • WPS Office: wps.com

  3. Import your data using the CSV or XLS import functions in your chosen software.

All recommended software supports CSV, XLS, and XLSX formats and provides the essential tools needed for data analysis, sorting, filtering, and reporting.