# Microsoft Excel vs Arc

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Arc at none against Microsoft Excel's 15. Arc also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Microsoft Excel's advantage is ratings volume (1.5M vs 2) and chart position (#21 vs unranked). On price, 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. Arc asks for nothing beyond the download.

Arc holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Excel has 1.5M ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Microsoft Excel ships an update weekly, Arc every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Excel | Arc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.5M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-excel/id586683407/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arc-for-the-journey/id6751176913/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.5M** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 24.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#21** | — |
| Size | 439 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [Gage Van Kuilenburg](https://appshunter.io/developer/1817275535) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Excel

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

**Currently charting:** #21 Top Free · Productivity, #38 Top Grossing · Productivity, #180 Top Free (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


### Arc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arc-for-the-journey/id6751176913)

This app supports individuals transitioning from incarceration, military service, or trauma. It offers daily check-ins, goal setting, community forums, and a resources hub. AI-powered insights and conversations provide personalized guidance for reentry and recovery.

**Highlights:** Daily check-ins and journaling, To-do lists and goal setting, Community forums and mentorship, Resources hub for reentry, AI-powered insights and conversations, Live audio/video workshops

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microsoft Excel free?

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

### Is Arc free?

Arc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Microsoft Excel or Arc?

Arc is rated higher. Microsoft Excel averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.5M ratings, while Arc averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Microsoft Excel or Arc have ads?

Neither Microsoft Excel nor Arc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Microsoft Excel or Arc?

Microsoft Excel ships an update weekly, and Arc every 2 days. Most recently, Microsoft Excel was updated on October 29, 2026 and Arc on October 24, 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.*