SheetCompareFeature-by-feature
| Feature | SheetCompare | Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | — |
| Runs in browser (no upload) | ||
| Free tier | ||
| Cross-format diff (CSV ↔ XLSX) | ||
| Cell-by-cell highlighting | ||
| Header-name column matching | ||
| No signup required | ||
| Desktop app |
SheetCompare
Browser-based spreadsheet diff that compares CSV, XLSX, XLS, and TSV files cell-by-cell without uploading them anywhere — files are parsed and diffed entirely in the browser.
Strengths
- client-side parsing — files never leave your browser
- cell-by-cell comparison with per-cell highlighting
- added, removed, and changed row detection
- header mismatch detection across files with different column orders
- junk-row detection for messy real-world exports
Limits
- no formula or VBA-level comparison — values only
- no desktop app
- free tier capped at 5,000 rows per file
Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare
Built-in Excel comparison tool available via the Inquire add-in — requires Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise or Office Professional Plus.
Strengths
- cell-by-cell Excel workbook comparison
- color-coded diff by content type (values, formulas, formats, named ranges)
- VBA code comparison line-by-line
- workbook relationship mapping
- worksheet relationship visualization
Limits
- requires Microsoft 365 Enterprise or Office Professional Plus — not available on standard/personal plans
- both files must be open in Excel before comparing
- Windows-only
- no browser-based option
- no CSV support
- no PDF export of comparison results
- hidden/unknown to most users
Choose SheetCompare when
Analysts, accountants, ops teams, and developers who need to spot differences between two spreadsheet exports without installing software or trusting an upload.
Choose Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare when
Enterprise Excel users on Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise who need a built-in comparison tool without installing third-party software.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference between SheetCompare and Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare?▾
Browser-based spreadsheet diff that compares CSV, XLSX, XLS, and TSV files cell-by-cell without uploading them anywhere — files are parsed and diffed entirely in the browser. Built-in Excel comparison tool available via the Inquire add-in — requires Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise or Office Professional Plus. The practical difference: SheetCompare keeps your data in the browser tab; Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare also runs locally but is built for enterprise excel users on microsoft 365 apps for enterprise who need a built-in comparison tool without installing third-party software.
Is SheetCompare cheaper than Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare?▾
SheetCompare starts free (5,000 rows per file, no signup). Pro is $12/month. Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare is free for the base tier. For most spreadsheet diff workflows the price gap isn't the deciding factor — the privacy model and the cross-format support usually are.
Can Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare compare CSV against XLSX?▾
Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare is primarily focused on cell-by-cell Excel workbook comparison, so cross-format diffs typically require converting one file first. SheetCompare handles cross-format natively — the parser layer normalizes both inputs before the diff runs.
When should I pick Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare over SheetCompare?▾
Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare is the right choice if your workflow needs: cell-by-cell Excel workbook comparison, color-coded diff by content type (values, formulas, formats, named ranges), VBA code comparison line-by-line. Those are real strengths and we don't try to match all of them.
Where does SheetCompare run?▾
Entirely in your browser. JavaScript parses both files in-tab, the diff runs in-tab, and nothing is uploaded to a server. You can verify this in your browser's network tab while using the tool.