Apple Numbers vs Google Sheets

Difference Between Apple Numbers vs Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet application that offers typical spreadsheet features. Users can create, update, and modify spreadsheets and share the data online in real-time. They can organize their data into tables and add, sort, and delete rows and columns. The best feature of Google Sheets is that it allows multiple users who are dispersed geographically to collaborate simultaneously on a worksheet and chat through Google’s messaging system.

Apple Numbers is a spreadsheet application developed by Apple Inc. It is available for Mac and iOS and for Windows in a browser via its cloud edition. Apple Numbers allows users to work with data in tables and provides all the basic features of a good spreadsheet. It has an intuitive interface and provides a good representation of graphs.

Spreadsheet applications are very important in business and finance. They allow data to be input into tables and complex calculations to be performed quickly!

The two spreadsheet applications, Apple Numbers and Google Sheets, are the most sought-after by business users and financial analysts for their fine features. , from inputting data into tables to working with complex formulas and creating graphs and visual data representations. Both Apple Numbers and Google Sheets are excellent spreadsheet applications. In this article, let us compare and contrast them, studying their built-in features and how they differ.   

What are the Apple Numbers?

Apple Numbers is a spreadsheet application that is part of the suite developed by Apple. Users can create, edit, and format spreadsheets by adding tables and all the relevant data in the form of rows and columns. Apple Numbers are used for data analysis, budgeting, and project management. Some of its important features are: 

• Simple and interactive Interface: It is designed to be easy to understand for users of all skill levels.
• Attractive charts and graphs: You can easily create visually attractive charts and graphs using your data. 
• Collaboration: It easily supports collaboration in real-time, so multiple users can simultaneously work on the same document.
• Integration: It seamlessly integrates with other Apple applications and services.
• Free version: Numbers offers a free version as well as a paid version.
• Templates: Over 30 templates for different purposes, including home budgets, checklists, invoices, and mortgage calculators

Example

In Apple numbers, to create any type of chart, you can either add a chart to a sheet first and then select the table cells with the data you require for the chart, or you can select the data first and then create the chart. Creating any chart after uploading the data is very simple in Apple numbers, as shown below.

Image Courtesy: https://support.apple.com/

What is Google Sheets?

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet application that is part of Google Workspace. Here, users can create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online. It is a cloud-based application accessible via any device, and its files are stored in Google Drive.

Functionality: It has various functions and formulas for data analysis and manipulation. You can share your work with others and offer comments on the document.

Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on a spreadsheet simultaneously, and all the changes made will be visible in real time.

Charts and Graphs: You can create multiple charts and graphs with your data.

Integration: It can seamlessly integrate with other Google services like Google Docs and Google Slides.

Templates: It offers plenty of templates for budgeting, project management, etc.

Add-ons: You can get various add-ons in the Google Workspace Marketplace to improve its functionality.

Free version: Like Numbers, it offers a free version as well as a paid version.

Example

For example, below, we have drawn a bar chart to check the ticket sales for a rock star’s concert in different cities.

Here, you just must select the data range. Click the “Insert” menu at the top of your Google Sheets and select “Chart” to open the Chart editor pane.

In the Chart editor pane, go to “Chart type” and click on “bar ” It will generate a bar chart.

Apple Numbers vs Google Sheets – Key Differences

Let us look at some of the key difference in Apple Numbers vs Google Sheets.

Interface and Usability

Google Sheets offers users a simple interface that allows them to focus on their data without any need to understand complex features. The experience with Google Sheets is user-friendly and applies to people of all skill levels. It offers an extensive library of functions where you can perform complex calculations.

On the other hand, Apple Numbers focuses on a visually appealing interface that is also simple and easy to use. The overall look and feel of the interface are sleek and modern. A lot of emphasis is laid on design elements, with beautiful templates and visually stunning graphs for the users.

Data Analysis and Visualization Tools

Google Sheets has a huge library of built-in functions and formulas. Users can perform complex tasks and easily automate them. It is powerful for data analysis, with its wide variety of functions and charts. Users can extract valuable insights from their data. For this, it has powerful data visualization options like charts and pivot tables, and it offers conditional formatting. Google Sheets offers over 400 built-in functions. These include a wide range of functions for mathematical, statistical, text, date/time, and financial functions.

Apple Numbers, again, does not boast formulas and functions as extensive as Google Sheets. However, there are enough functions to fulfill most users’ needs. The data analysis has a simple approach here, while the aesthetics are designed to lease. The charts and graphs on offer here allow users to present their data in visually stunning ways. Apple Numbers could be the choice for those who focus on an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Apple Numbers has fewer built-in functions, with around 270 functions.

Collaboration

When it comes to collaboration, Google Sheets is the best option! Multiple users can work on a spreadsheet simultaneously, allowing for easy collaboration with co-workers in real time. Any change made is automatically saved, allowing everyone to access the latest version of the document. 

Apple Numbers also allows for collaboration, but it is limited when we compare it to Google Sheets. Here, users must save the file on iCloud before they can share it with others when collaborating on a spreadsheet. However, this is an effortless process within the Apple ecosystem. All users can have real-time discussions and track changes effortlessly.

Integration

Google Sheets is a web-based tool; hence, you can access it from any device that has an internet connection and a browser. It can integrate with systems, such as a Mac, Windows PC, or mobile device. You can access and work on your spreadsheets from anywhere.

Apple Numbers is only excellent at integration within the Apple ecosystem. For those who primarily use Apple devices like Mac, iPhone, or iPad, numbers is a good choice for seamlessly integrating with other Apple applications and services.

Pricing Structure

Google Sheets is a free tool in the Google Workspace suite for individuals and small businesses. Subscriptions offer additional features and benefits, including extra storage, enhanced collaboration, advanced security, and priority support.

If you are willing to pay more, these additional features for a fee offer excellent value for money.

Google Workspace plans start at around $6 per month per user. (Business Starter plan.)

Like Google Sheets, Apple Numbers is free for all users of Apple devices. Thus, it is an attractive option for individuals and businesses using Apple products. It can seamlessly integrate with other Apple applications, which is a big advantage for Apple users. For additional features like iCloud storage, you need an Apple One subscription, which starts at around $19.95 per month.

Apple Numbers vs Google Sheets Comparative Table

Let us look at the comparative table for Apple Numbers vs Google Sheets.

Parameters	Apple Numbers	Google Sheets
Collaboration	Collaboration option is available through iCloud.	Collaboration is excellent, with easy communication options while collaborating and with users on multiple platforms.
Interface	A visually pleasing, simple and user-friendly interface is present.	Visually pleasing interface which is easy to understand even for the layman.
Pricing	Anyone with a Google Account can use Sheets. For extra features, the Google Workspace Individual plan starts at $9.99 USD per month(Sep 24′) Google Workspace Business Starter plan costs $7.20 per user per month	Free of charge.
Integration	It can be integrated within the Apple ecosystem.	It can integrate with systems, be it a Mac, Windows PC, or a mobile device.
Knowledgebase	There are plenty of sites to exchange knowledge like the Official Apple Support, Apple User Communities , User Guides and Manuals, etc.	A community forum, and tutorials are available. Definitely Apple Numbers wins here.
Free version	Available	Available
Customer support	Online Support is available in Apple Numbers	More elaborate support is available 24/7 online for paid plans. Support is better than Numbers.
Templates	Available	Available
Compatibility with OS	It is compatible with iOS and macOS.	It is compatible with any device with a web browser.
Cloud Access	It provides access to iCloud.	It provides access to Google Drive.