Number-Crunching: Numbers is a good example of how the best Apple software takes difficult tasks and makes them look easy. As soon as you type '=' into a cell, the Inspector palette on the right-hand side of the spreadsheet displays a list of available functions, and to help new users get started it even displays explanations and examples of how to use each function.

Numbers doesn't have the sheer range of functions that you'll find in Excel, or support for advanced features such as pivot tables, but it provides a good basic set of functions that will be useful for home users, education and small businesses. And, of course, Numbers also allows you to import and export spreadsheets in Excel format if you need to.

Graphs And Charts: Apple describes numbers as "the most beautiful spreadsheet ever", and it does put a lot of emphasis on its graphics tools. A Numbers spreadsheet is really just a blank page where you can place data tables, text and graphics in any layout that you choose. The program includes tools for quickly creating 2D and 3D graphs and charts, and even interactive charts that can include simple animations to illustrate changes in data.

Collaboration: You can share your spreadsheets online with other people by using the online version of Numbers at www.icloud.com, and the online program can warn you if there are conflicts between changes made by different people. (Read more here: How to open Apple Numbers files on a Windows PC.)

However, you can't track changes made to a spreadsheet, and Numbers lacks the more comprehensive collaboration tools found in Google Sheets and Microsoft's Office Online.

Pros: Free with new Macs, lots of help for new users, simple tools for creating charts and attractive layouts

Cons: Fewer functions and analytical tools than Excel, limited collaboration tools

Update 16 September 2016: Since our review, Apple has added real-time collaboration to its iWork suite. We're pleased to see an update to the iWork suite, as real-time collaboration will help those working in teams, such as global teams in businesses and even students taking part in university group projects.

The new version brings the following collaboration updates (among others):

Edit a spreadsheet with others at the same time in Numbers on Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iCloud.com

Share your spreadsheet publicly or with specific people

See who else is in a spreadsheet

See participants’ cursors as they’re editing

You can read all our iWork reviews here: Apple Pages, Keynote & Numbers reviews

Further information and alternatives to Apple's productivity tools:

Alternatives to Pages

Alternatives to Keynote