In short: Compare complete Excel workbooks on Mac or Windows, including formulas, formatting, VBA, structure, names, comments, protection, and connections, without uploading files.
When Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare is the right choice
Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare is a Windows tool included with eligible Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise and Office Professional Plus editions. It is a strong choice when your organization already has an eligible edition and needs a detailed workbook audit inside the Microsoft Office toolset.
- Windows only
- Requires an eligible Microsoft Office edition
- Compares values, formulas, formatting, structure, names, VBA, and connections
- Exports comparison results to Excel
When xlLens is the better fit
Use xlLens when you need the same local workflow on macOS and Windows, do not have an eligible Office edition, or need Smart alignment for inserted and deleted rows and columns. Both products keep workbook comparison on the computer; xlLens reads supported workbook packages directly instead of automating an installed copy of Excel.
- Native macOS and Windows application
- No Microsoft Excel installation required
- Basic, Smart, and key-based Table comparison modes
- XLSX and CSV audit reports with source hashes and original cell addresses
What xlLens compares
xlLens classifies input values, calculated values, formula source, number formats, fonts, fills, borders, alignment, rows, columns, merged cells, sheet order and visibility, defined names, protection, comments, VBA source, and external connection metadata. It reports workbook semantics rather than flattening XLSX into plain text.
- Values and calculated values
- Formulas and array-formula ranges
- Cell formatting and workbook structure
- VBA, names, comments, protection, and connections
Limits to check before choosing
xlLens does not visually compare rendered charts, pivot tables, shapes, or embedded images. If visual pixel differences are the main requirement, use a dedicated visual comparison tool alongside a workbook-semantic comparison.
- Run the three-day trial with representative workbooks
- Check encrypted and legacy formats you rely on
- Verify the exported report contains the evidence your review process needs