How to Compare Excel Files Without Microsoft Excel

Don't have Microsoft Excel installed? You're not alone. Whether you're on a Mac without Office, using a Chromebook, or simply don't want to pay for an Excel license, you can still compare Excel files effectively.

In this guide, we'll explore the best methods to compare XLSX and XLS files without needing Microsoft Excel. From online tools to open-source alternatives, we've got you covered.

Online comparison tools are the fastest and easiest way to compare Excel files without any software installation.

DiffSheets (Recommended)

DiffSheets is a free, browser-based tool specifically designed for spreadsheet comparison.

How to use:

1. Go to diffsheets.com
2. Drag and drop your first Excel file
3. Drag and drop your second Excel file
4. Click "Find Difference"

Why it's the best option:

• No Excel installation needed
• Works on any operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS)
• 100% private - files are processed in your browser, not uploaded
• Supports XLSX, XLS, CSV, and ODS formats
• Handles large files efficiently
• Completely free

Limitations:

• Requires internet access to load the tool
• Can't edit the files directly (view-only comparison)

Verdict: For most users without Excel, DiffSheets is the perfect solution. It's fast, secure, and requires zero setup.

LibreOffice is a free, open-source office suite that includes Calc, a spreadsheet program compatible with Excel files.

How to compare files with LibreOffice:

1. Download and install LibreOffice (free)
2. Open both Excel files in separate windows
3. Arrange windows side by side
4. Manually compare or use the "Compare Document" feature

Pros:

• Completely free and open source
• Works offline
• Full Excel file compatibility
• Can edit files, not just view
• Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux

Cons:

• Requires software installation
• Comparison features are basic
• Side-by-side comparison is manual
• Not as fast as dedicated diff tools

Best for: Users who also need to edit Excel files and want a free offline solution.

Google Sheets can open Excel files and provides basic comparison capabilities through version history.

How to use Google Sheets:

1. Go to sheets.google.com
2. Upload your Excel files
3. Open the first file
4. Use "File > Version History" to see changes

For comparing two separate files:

1. Open both files in separate tabs
2. Manually compare side by side
3. Use VLOOKUP formulas to identify differences

Pros:

• Free with Google account
• No installation needed
• Works on any device
• Collaborative features
• Auto-saves changes

Cons:

• Requires uploading files to Google servers (privacy concern)
• Must convert Excel to Google Sheets format
• Some Excel features may not convert perfectly
• Manual comparison is time-consuming

Best for: Users already in the Google Workspace ecosystem who don't handle sensitive data.

If you're comfortable with the command line, you can use tools like csvdiff or Python scripts.

Using csvdiff:

# Install csvdiff
npm install -g csvdiff

# Convert XLSX to CSV first (using ssconvert or online converter)
csvdiff file1.csv file2.csv

Using Python with pandas:

import pandas as pd

# Load Excel files
df1 = pd.read_excel('file1.xlsx')
df2 = pd.read_excel('file2.xlsx')

# Compare
comparison = df1.compare(df2)
print(comparison)

Pros:

• Powerful and flexible
• Can be automated
• No GUI needed
• Good for CI/CD pipelines

Cons:

• Requires programming knowledge
• Setup overhead
• Not user-friendly for non-technical users
• No visual comparison

Best for: Developers and data scientists who need to automate comparisons or integrate into workflows.

Microsoft offers a free web version of Excel that can open and view XLSX files.

How to use Excel Online:

1. Go to office.com
2. Sign in with a free Microsoft account
3. Upload your Excel files to OneDrive
4. Open files in Excel Online

Note: Excel Online has limited comparison features. You'll need to:

• Open files in separate tabs
• Manually compare side by side
• Or use formulas like VLOOKUP

Pros:

• Free Microsoft account sufficient
• Authentic Excel experience
• No installation needed
• Files sync with OneDrive

Cons:

• Requires uploading to Microsoft servers
• No built-in diff tool in free version
• Comparison is manual
• Requires internet connection

Best for: Users who want the real Excel experience without paying, and don't mind manual comparison.

*DiffSheets requires internet to load but processes files locally

For most users: Use DiffSheets. It's the fastest way to compare Excel files without installing anything, and your data stays completely private.

If you need offline access: Install LibreOffice Calc. It's free, powerful, and works without internet.

If you're a developer: Use Python with pandas for automation and flexibility.

If you're in Google Workspace: Google Sheets works well for basic comparison, but be aware of privacy implications.

If you need the real Excel: Use Excel Online for free, though comparison will be manual.

The bottom line: You absolutely don't need to buy Microsoft Excel to compare Excel files. DiffSheets gives you professional-grade comparison for free, with better privacy than cloud-based alternatives.