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Accounting · head to head

Microsoft Excel vs Wise

Microsoft Excel logo

Microsoft Excel

Accounting

Spreadsheet software for data analysis and visualization

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Wise logo

Wise

Personal Finance

International money transfers at the real exchange rate

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft Excel free tier limited to 5 GB cloud storage and web-only access; Wise exchange rate fees start at 0.31% plus corridor-specific transfer fees
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Excel covers Advanced formulas, Wise covers International transfers.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft Excel and Wise differ
AttributeMicrosoft ExcelWise
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Web, Ios, AndroidWeb, IOS, Android
CategoryAccountingPersonal Finance
Founded19752011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Wise

  • International transfers
  • Real exchange rates
  • Multi-currency accounts
  • Bill payments
  • Bank accounts
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Web support
  • IOS support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft Excel

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

Wise

  • Budget Managementnot Microsoft Excel
  • Expense Trackingnot Microsoft Excel
  • Investment Trackingnot 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

Wise

  • Exchange rate fees start at 0.31% plus corridor-specific transfer fees
  • Transfer speed dependent on destination country banking infrastructure
  • No published documentation of maximum transfer limits
  • Multi-currency account features may have regional restrictions

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

Wise

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Wise review.

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 Wise if

  • You need international transfers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want real exchange rates.
Wise review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Excel or Wise better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Excel starts at Free and Wise at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Excel or Wise?
Microsoft Excel starts at Free and Wise at Free.
Does Microsoft Excel or Wise run on more platforms?
Microsoft Excel runs on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android. Wise runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use Microsoft Excel for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Wise is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Excel do that Wise cannot?
Microsoft Excel covers Advanced formulas, Pivot tables, Data visualization, Charts and graphs. Wise covers International transfers, Real exchange rates, Multi-currency accounts, Bill payments.

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
Wise: What are Wise's transfer fees and exchange rates?

Wise uses mid-market exchange rates without hidden markups and charges a flat fee starting from 0.31% plus a currency transfer fee depending on the corridor. Volume discounts are available for larger transfers.

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
Wise: How long do international transfers take with Wise?

Transfers can arrive same-day within seconds according to Wise marketing materials, though actual timing depends on the destination country and banking infrastructure.

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
Wise: Is there a cost for a Wise account or monthly subscription?

Opening a Wise account is free with no monthly subscription. You only pay fees when you send money or convert currency.

Source
Wise: Can I send money between Wise users for free?

Sending or receiving the same currency between Wise contacts is free. Converting to a different currency costs less than standard rates but is not free.

Source
Wise: What security features does Wise offer?

Wise includes two-factor authentication for account protection, holds funds with established financial institutions, maintains 24/7 customer support, and has dedicated fraud and security teams.

Source
Wise: How much money can I transfer with Wise?

Wise does not publicly specify transfer limits on the main site. Limits may vary by country, sender verification level, and corridor.

Source
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