Comparison

PlanMaker vs Grain SA

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PlanMaker

This app offers a full-featured spreadsheet program for mobile devices, compatible with Excel files. Work on your spreadsheets anywhere with a comprehensive set of tools, including extensive calculation functions, data analysis, and charting capabilities. Seamlessly exchange data with desktop versions and save files locally or in the cloud.

Highlights
  • Excel file compatibility (XLSX, XLS)
  • Over 430 calculation functions
  • 1 million rows and 16384 columns
  • Conditional formatting
  • 80+ chart types
  • Cloud storage integration
Features
Read full description

■ PlanMaker ► The only complete Office spreadsheet program for your Excel files ► Work on your Excel spreadsheets wherever and whenever you want. ► When working on the go, take advantage of a feature set that you would otherwise only know from your PC or Mac. ► Almost all features can be used permanently free of charge. The complete set of features that you know from Microsoft Excel or PlanMaker on your Mac or PC is now offered by PlanMaker on your iPhone and iPad. Compatibility without compromise: PlanMaker uses the Microsoft Office XLSX format as its native format. This guarantees seamless data exchange. You can open your spreadsheets directly in Microsoft Excel without having to convert them. Intuitive operation on iPhone and iPad: PlanMaker always provides an ideal user experience, regardless of whether you're using it on your iPhone or an iPad. On an iPhone, you can use the practical toolbars with just one finger. On an iPad, you work with ribbons similar to those on your Mac or PC. Save locally or in the cloud: PlanMaker not only enables you to open and save documents stored on your device, but it also allows you to access your files in iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive and all other cloud storage services. The PlanMaker user interface is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and more than 20 other languages. PlanMaker brings the features of a desktop spreadsheet program to your iPhone and iPad. You shouldn't settle for less. ■ Working with files ► Worksheets can be losslessly exchanged with PlanMaker for Windows, Mac and Linux. ► Open and save XLSX and XLS files with full fidelity from Microsoft Excel 5.0 to 2021 and Excel 365, also with password protection ► Import and export assistant for text files ■ Extensive calculation capabilities ► More than 430 calculation functions ► 1 million rows and 16384 columns ► Complex numbers and array functions ► AutoSum, AutoProduct, AutoFill, etc. ► External references ■ Editing and formatting ► Conditional formatting ► Format painter for the rapid transfer of formatting ► Borders, shading, fill patterns ► Cell styles ► Forms with input fields, checkboxes, dropdown lists, etc. ► Syntax highlighting ► Input validation (data validation) ► Sheet, workbook and document protection with encryption ■ Analyzing data ► AutoFilter ► Data grouping (outliner) ► Detective ("formula auditing") for troubleshooting worksheets ■ Comprehensive graphics functions ► Draw and design directly in the worksheet ► Excel-compatible AutoShapes ► Insert images ► Crop pictures, change brightness, contrast and gamma ► TextArt function for striking font effects ■ Presenting and visualizing data ► More than 80 types of 2D and 3D charts, for example, column and pie charts ► Impressive effects on charts: soft shadows, rounded edges, etc. ■ Other features Almost all features of PlanMaker for iOS can be used free of charge. The following additional features are available to you via an inexpensive subscription: ► Printing ► Export to PDF and PDF/A ► Pivot tables ► Distributing text to cells ► Scenarios ► Data consolidation ► Sharing documents directly from PlanMaker ► Free customer support A single subscription unlocks these features simultaneously in PlanMaker, TextMaker and Presentations for iOS. License agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Grain SA

Features
Read full description

Mobile survey data capturing for authorized users of the Grain SA platform. The app makes capturing pig farm data more efficient and works online and offline. Features include: • Open and submit surveys in your account • View your completed survey history • Mobile data registration for grain producing business entities • Authorized veterinarians gain access the Passive Disease Surveillance surveys. • Authorized business development managers gain access to Farm Visit- and Mentorship surveys The Grain SA is an integrated platform that offers stakeholders in the South African grain value chain a protected environment to share information and facilitate interactions that create value and drive competitiveness, sustainability and food safety in the grain industry. Our app is free to download and use by authorized users. Authorization is granted by the Grain SA administration. Administration can be contacted at members@grainsa.co.za. Don't forget to synchronize unsynced actions before updating the app.

Screenshots

PlanMaker4 screens
Grain SA4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Grain SA at none against PlanMaker's 2. Grain SA also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (10.2 vs 14.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PlanMaker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Grain SA asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PlanMaker ships an update every 2 months, Grain SA monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PlanMaker versus Grain SA: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlanMakerGrain SA
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (174 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews82.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings174 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.010.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size66 MB98 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSoftMaker Software GmbH4SIGHT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD

Bugs and requests

PlanMaker

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • Spreadsheet corruption and data deletion
  • Blue line appearing in the center of the screen
  • Freezing when changing font/font size
  • Loading spinner and blue line persist after saving
  • App crashes when selecting cells and background color
Show 1 more
  • Graphical glitches/flickering with original keyboard

Requested features

10 requests
  • Support for ODS file saving
  • Ability to adjust image size within cells
  • More robust cloud support (OneDrive, Dropbox)
  • Numeric keyboard integration
  • Drag and drop cells functionality
Show 5 more
  • PDF import and annotation
  • Dark theme/mode
  • Improved zoom functionality for better column visibility
  • Option for one-time purchase instead of subscription for printing
  • Ability to import/export files via more cloud services

Grain SA

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PlanMaker

Subscriptions2
  • Unlock all features7 Days trial$1.491 Month
  • Unlock all features7 Days trial$13.491 Year
None

Grain SA

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PlanMaker free?
PlanMaker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Grain SA free?
Grain SA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PlanMaker or Grain SA have ads?
Neither PlanMaker nor Grain SA shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PlanMaker or Grain SA?
PlanMaker ships an update every 2 months, and Grain SA monthly. Most recently, PlanMaker was updated on September 19, 2026 and Grain SA on September 8, 2026.

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