10 Real-World Scenarios Where VBA Still Beats Python or Power Automate (2025 Edition)

If you’ve been following the buzz in the analytics world, you’ve probably heard it: “VBA is dead — Python and Power Automate have replaced it.”

Not so fast.

While Python and Power Automate are fantastic tools for advanced analytics and cloud automation, VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is still the quickest solution inside Excel — the tool millions of professionals live in every single day.
 

Here are 10 real-world scenarios where VBA still outperforms Python or Power Automate in 2025:

1. Quick Report Formatting Inside Excel

Need to bold headers, resize columns, and add borders across multiple sheets? VBA does this in seconds — without leaving Excel.

Python requires libraries + setup. Power Automate? Overkill for a few clicks.

VBA wins for instant Excel formatting.
 

2. One-Click Macro Buttons for End-Users

Your finance manager doesn’t want to learn Python or set up flows in Power Automate. But they’ll happily click a button in Excel.

VBA lets you assign macros to buttons and shortcuts, making automation user-friendly.
 

3. Cleaning Raw Data on the Fly

Removing extra spaces, fixing text cases, splitting columns — all in the same file.
Python can do it, but it means exporting/importing. Power Automate can, but slower.
 

VBA does it right inside the workbook you’re already working on.
 

4. Bulk Updates Across Multiple Sheets

Need to rename 20 tabs or consolidate them into one?
 

VBA loops through sheets with 5 lines of code — no connectors, no setup.
 

5. Copy-Pasting Data Without Errors

Python needs you to install libraries (openpyxl, pandas).
Power Automate needs connectors.
 

VBA can copy-paste values, formats, and formulas in two lines of code.
 

6. Automating Pivot Table Refreshes

Refreshing multiple pivots in multiple files is still easiest with VBA.
A quick loop refreshes everything.
Power Automate struggles with pivot-heavy tasks. Python? More complex than it needs to be.

7. Sending Quick Emails With Attachments

Need to send the latest report to your manager with one click?

VBA + Outlook can attach, customize, and send instantly.
 

Power Automate can do this too, but only after setting up connectors and flows.
 

8. Custom Excel Shortcuts

Want a shortcut to save a file, clean data, or insert your company’s logo?

VBA lets you create custom hotkeys.
 

Neither Python nor Power Automate integrates into Excel’s UI this smoothly.

9. Small-Scale Automation in Legacy Systems

Not every company has Python environments or Power Automate licenses.
VBA runs on any standard Excel installation — no IT setup required.
 

That’s why so many organizations still rely on VBA daily.
 

10. Speed in Day-to-Day Workflows

When you need a solution right now — not tomorrow, not after IT approval — VBA is unbeatable.
 

• No installations.
• No connectors.
• No permissions.

Just write, run, save hours.

Final Thoughts

Python and Power Automate are incredible tools. They shine in large-scale automation, data engineering, and cross-platform integration. But when it comes to fast, Excel-native automation for the average analyst, VBA is still king in 2025.

Editor’s Note

At ExcelGoodies, we’ve trained thousands of professionals to stop wasting hours on repetitive Excel tasks by mastering VBA. Our Excel VBA Macro Programming Course equips you with real-world automation techniques that still matter today.

Because sometimes, the fastest way to work smarter is to master the tool you already use every single day: Excel.

Courtesy: Excelgoodies Power Users.
 

VBA & Python