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Excel Online vs Highlights

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Excel Online icon
Excel Online
Highlights icon
Highlights

Excel Online vs Highlights: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Excel Online: Excel Online is the web-based version of Microsoft Excel that allows users to view, edit, and share Excel documents directly in a web browser. It provides core Excel features like formatting, calculations, and basic charting capabilities for free with an Office 365 subscription.

Highlights: Highlights is a PDF annotation and note taking app for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. It allows users to highlight, underline, strikethrough, add text notes, shapes and freehand drawings to PDF documents. Key features include organization of annotations by color category and easy export of notes.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Excel Online Highlights
Sugggest Score — —
Category Office & Productivity Office & Productivity
Pricing Freemium —

Product Overview

Excel Online
Excel Online

Description: Excel Online is the web-based version of Microsoft Excel that allows users to view, edit, and share Excel documents directly in a web browser. It provides core Excel features like formatting, calculations, and basic charting capabilities for free with an Office 365 subscription.

Type: software

Pricing: Freemium

Highlights
Highlights

Description: Highlights is a PDF annotation and note taking app for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. It allows users to highlight, underline, strikethrough, add text notes, shapes and freehand drawings to PDF documents. Key features include organization of annotations by color category and easy export of notes.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Excel Online
Excel Online Features
  • Online editing and viewing of Excel spreadsheets
  • Real-time co-authoring
  • Access Excel files from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Basic Excel features like formatting, calculations, charts
  • Integration with OneDrive for cloud storage and sharing
Highlights
Highlights Features
  • Highlight text
  • Add text notes
  • Draw shapes
  • Strikethrough text
  • Organize annotations by color
  • Export notes

Pros & Cons Analysis

Excel Online
Excel Online

Pros

  • Free with Office 365 subscription
  • Access files anywhere
  • Real-time collaboration
  • No need to install full Excel application
  • Lightweight alternative to desktop Excel

Cons

  • Lacks some advanced Excel features like macros, add-ins
  • Formatting limitations
  • Slower performance than desktop Excel
  • Requires internet connection
  • File size limits for editing
Highlights
Highlights

Pros

  • Intuitive interface
  • Available on multiple platforms
  • Useful annotation tools
  • Syncs annotations across devices

Cons

  • Limited free version
  • No OCR text search
  • No collaboration features

Pricing Comparison

Excel Online
Excel Online
  • Freemium
Highlights
Highlights
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

Excel Online
Excel Online
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Highlights
Highlights
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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