# Microsoft Excel vs Google Cloud Search

The clearest difference is rating: Microsoft Excel at 4.7 against Google Cloud Search's 3.7. Microsoft Excel also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and ratings volume (1.5M vs 39). Google Cloud Search's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 15) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Microsoft Excel sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Google Cloud Search asks for nothing beyond the download.

Microsoft Excel holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Excel has 1.5M ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 24% of Microsoft Excel's written reviews are positive against 27% of Google Cloud Search's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Microsoft Excel ships an update weekly, Google Cloud Search every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Excel | Google Cloud Search |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.5M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-excel/id586683407/reviews)** | [3.7 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-cloud-search/id1210181597/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5M** | 39 |
| Positive reviews | 24.4% of reviews | **27.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#27** | — |
| Size | 436 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [Google LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Excel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-excel/id586683407)

**Currently charting:** #27 Top Free · Productivity, #36 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

This powerful productivity app allows you to create, view, and edit spreadsheets on the go. Manage data, perform calculations, and analyze information with robust formatting and charting tools. Share your work easily with others.

**Highlights:** Create, view, and edit spreadsheets, Data analysis with charts and graphs, Budgeting and accounting tools, Customizable tables and formatting, Share files with collaborators, Draw and annotate with ink

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Office 365 Personal | $5.99 | per month |
| Office 365 Personal | $6.99 | per month |
| Microsoft 365 Personal Student | $9.99 | per month |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $9.99 | per month |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $12.99 | per month |
| Office 365 Home | $12.99 | per month |
| Microsoft 365 Premium Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Microsoft Copilot Pro | $20.00 | per month |
| Office 365 Personal | $69.99 | per year |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $99.99 | per year |
| Office 365 Home | $129.99 | per year |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $129.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Powerful and feature-rich
- 🔍 Useful for data management and analysis
- 🔧 Convenient for on-the-go work
- 🤝 Good integration with Microsoft ecosystem
- 🤩 Excellent for personal and professional use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Subscription required for full functionality
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 📱 Limited features compared to desktop version
- 🤔 Confusing user interface changes
- 🤯 Frustrating syncing and file management issues

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to open or edit files
- Unexpected app closures
- Syncing problems with OneDrive
- Formatting issues when copying and pasting
- Slow performance on high-end devices

**Requested features**

- Conditional formatting options
- Ability to open password-protected files
- Improved Apple Pencil and keyboard support
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Better compatibility with Dropbox and other cloud storage


### Google Cloud Search

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-cloud-search/id1210181597)

Search across your organization's G Suite content, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Calendar. Get answers to your questions and proactive recommendations to stay organized throughout your workday. Quickly find colleagues and the information you need.

**Highlights:** Search across G Suite content, Find information in Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, Proactive recommendations, Find colleagues, Answers work-related questions

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microsoft Excel free?

Microsoft Excel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Google Cloud Search free?

Google Cloud Search is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Microsoft Excel or Google Cloud Search?

Microsoft Excel is rated higher. Microsoft Excel averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.5M ratings, while Google Cloud Search averages 3.7 from 39 ratings.

### Do Microsoft Excel or Google Cloud Search have ads?

Neither Microsoft Excel nor Google Cloud Search shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Microsoft Excel or Google Cloud Search?

Microsoft Excel ships an update weekly, and Google Cloud Search every 6 weeks. Most recently, Microsoft Excel was updated on September 27, 2026 and Google Cloud Search on July 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*