Softwr

Accounting · head to head

Microsoft Excel vs Stampli

Microsoft Excel logo

Microsoft Excel

Accounting

Spreadsheet software for data analysis and visualization

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stampli logo

Stampli

Accounting

AI-powered accounts payable automation

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Microsoft Excel has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft Excel free tier limited to 5 GB cloud storage and web-only access; Stampli no transparent pricing published; quote-based model required
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Excel covers Advanced formulas, Stampli covers AI invoice processing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft Excel and Stampli actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft Excel and Stampli differ
AttributeMicrosoft ExcelStampli
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Web, Ios, AndroidWeb, Ios, Android
Founded19752014

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Accounting).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Microsoft Excel

  • Advanced formulas
  • Pivot tables
  • Data visualization
  • Charts and graphs
  • Conditional formatting
  • Data analysis tools
  • Macro automation
  • Collaboration features

Only in Stampli

  • AI invoice processing
  • Approval workflows
  • Vendor management
  • Payment processing
  • NetSuite
  • Sage Intacct
  • QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Dynamics

Both cover

  • Audit trails

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Microsoft Excel

  • Financial modelingnot Stampli
  • Data analysisnot Stampli
  • Budget planningnot Stampli
  • Reportingnot Stampli
  • Business intelligencenot Stampli
  • Statistical analysisnot Stampli

Stampli

  • Accounts payable automationnot Microsoft Excel
  • Invoice processing and capturenot Microsoft Excel
  • Vendor managementnot Microsoft Excel
  • Expense management and procurementnot Microsoft Excel

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Microsoft Excel

  • Free tier limited to 5 GB cloud storage and web-only access
  • Paid plans have per-user costs increasing significantly with more users
  • AI features like Copilot limited or unavailable on lower-tier plans

Stampli

  • No transparent pricing published; quote-based model required
  • Specific pricing for individual modules or add-ons not available on pricing page
  • Cost varies based on invoice volume, complexity, and customization needs

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft Excel

Free
  • Microsoft Excel (Free)Free
    • Excel for the web
    • Real-time collaboration
    • 5 GB cloud storage
  • Microsoft 365 Personal$9.99/month
    • Desktop Excel app
    • 1 TB cloud storage
    • Single user on up to 5 devices
  • Microsoft 365 Family$12.99/month
    • 1-6 users (AI features for subscription owner)
    • Up to 6 TB cloud storage (1 TB per person)
    • Each user up to 5 devices
  • Microsoft 365 Premium$19.99/month
    • 1-6 users
    • Extensive Copilot feature access
    • Exclusive advanced AI capabilities

Stampli

$29/month
  • Essential$undefined/month
    • Invoice processing
    • Basic approvals
    • Email notifications
  • Professional$undefined/month
    • AI-powered coding
    • Advanced workflows
    • ERP integrations
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Custom workflows
    • API access
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft Excel if

  • You need advanced formulas.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want pivot tables.
Microsoft Excel review

Choose Stampli if

  • You need ai invoice processing.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want approval workflows.
Stampli review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Excel or Stampli better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Excel starts at Free and Stampli at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Excel or Stampli?
Microsoft Excel has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Microsoft Excel and $29/month for Stampli.
Does Microsoft Excel or Stampli run on more platforms?
Microsoft Excel runs on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android. Stampli runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Microsoft Excel for free?
Yes. Microsoft Excel has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Stampli starts at $29/month.
What is Microsoft Excel best used for?
Microsoft Excel is most often used for financial modeling, data analysis, budget planning, reporting. Of those, financial modeling and data analysis are not what Stampli is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Excel do that Stampli cannot?
Microsoft Excel covers Advanced formulas, Pivot tables, Data visualization, Charts and graphs. Stampli covers AI invoice processing, Approval workflows, Vendor management, Payment processing. Both handle Audit trails.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Microsoft Excel: How much does Microsoft Excel cost?

Microsoft Excel is free as a web app with 5 GB storage. Paid options include Microsoft 365 Personal at $9.99/month for desktop apps and 1 TB storage, Family at $12.99/month for 1-6 users with 6 TB total storage, and Premium at $19.99/month with extended Copilot access.

Source
Stampli: What does Stampli cost?

Stampli does not publish fixed pricing. The company uses a custom quote-based model. Visitors are directed to 'Request a Quote' and meet with an AP expert to discuss pricing based on their specific invoice volume and requirements.

Source
Microsoft Excel: Is there a free version of Excel?

Yes, Excel for the web is free and includes sharing, real-time collaboration, and 5 GB cloud storage accessible on web, iOS, and Android without subscription.

Source
Stampli: What is included in Stampli's standard offering?

Stampli's core accounts payable solution includes unlimited invoice capture, entities/locations, vendors, and PO matching; automated processing via Stampli Cognitive AI; 12 pre-built reports; interactive dashboards; a dedicated Customer Success Manager; and support with under 90-second response time.

Source
Microsoft Excel: What is the difference between Microsoft 365 Family and Premium tiers?

Family tier at $12.99/month supports 1-6 users with 6 TB total storage and standard features. Premium tier at $19.99/month allows extensive Copilot feature access and exclusive advanced AI capabilities including image creation and audio generation.

Source
Stampli: How long does it take to implement Stampli?

Stampli uses a 'fulfillment-first' implementation approach and deploys in weeks versus competitors requiring months or longer.

Source
Stampli: What add-on modules are available with Stampli?

Optional modules include Procurement, Direct Pay functionality, credit card programs, advanced vendor management, and expense management. Pricing for add-ons requires requesting a custom quote.

Source
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