The Future of VBA: Is It Still Relevant in 2025?

When people talk about automation in 2025, the usual buzzwords come up—Power Automate, Python, artificial intelligence, cloud platforms. One name that almost never makes the list? VBA. Many even dismiss it as outdated or call it “a relic of the past.”

But step into any finance department, supply chain office, or operations team, and chances are VBA is still hard at work. It might not be shiny or new, but VBA is quietly keeping critical processes running—generating reports, cleaning messy data, and powering custom Excel functions. And the best part? It does all of this fast, reliably, and without extra cost.

That’s the interesting paradox. VBA doesn’t grab headlines, it won’t trend on LinkedIn, and it probably won’t win you bragging rights at a tech conference. But when a deadline is looming or a messy dataset lands on your desk, VBA is often the tool that quietly saves the day.
 

This isn’t an attempt to argue that VBA is the future of automation. Instead, it’s about giving VBA the credit it deserves in 2025—while also acknowledging where it fits alongside newer tools like Power Automate and Python. Because sometimes, the simplest tool that “just works” is far more valuable than the complex one making all the noise.

Why People Think VBA Is Fading Out

In the last few years, you’ve probably scrolled past more than a few LinkedIn debates or blog posts declaring VBA “dead.” And on the surface, the argument sounds convincing:

• The Rise of Power Automate: Microsoft is pouring massive investment into Power Automate and Power Apps. They’re sleek, cloud-friendly, and no longer need deep coding knowledge.
• Python’s Dominance: With Pandas, NumPy, and a thriving open-source ecosystem, Python has become the language of choice for analysts and data engineers.
• The Cloud Shift: As organizations move workflows online, desktop-only tools like VBA feel like they belong to a different era.

Put those together and it’s easy to conclude VBA’s days are numbered. But here’s the twist—what’s popular isn’t always what’s practical.

Why VBA Still Matters in 2025

Despite the shiny alternatives, VBA continues to hold its ground for very practical reasons:

• It’s Everywhere
  Millions of companies still depend on VBA-heavy Excel processes. Rebuilding them in Power Automate or Python is expensive and time-consuming.
  Example: A logistics firm I worked with still uses a VBA macro that auto-generates delivery schedules every morning. Migrating this to Power Automate would take months. The macro? It runs in seconds, error-free, day after day.
   
• Easy for Excel Users
  If you can build formulas, you can start with VBA. Its learning curve is gentle, making it the natural next step for anyone who lives in spreadsheets but doesn’t want to dive into full-scale programming.
   
• Offline Reliability
  Power Automate and cloud tools need connectivity. VBA doesn’t. Manufacturing floors, mining sites, or fieldwork often rely on VBA scripts that run even without internet access.
   
• Cost-Free Advantage
  No extra licenses, no hidden costs. If you have Microsoft Office, you already have VBA. For small teams and cash-conscious businesses, that’s a huge plus.

The Realistic Outlook

 

So, should you bet on VBA in 2025? The answer: Yes—but with perspective.

 

• For day-to-day Excel power users: VBA remains a time-saving lifesaver. Learning it pays back in hours saved almost immediately.
• For long-term career growth: VBA alone isn’t enough. Pairing it with Power Automate, Python, or SQL gives you the edge—leveraging VBA where it shines and relying on modern tools for bigger, integrated workflows.

Think of VBA like a manual transmission car. Automatics (like Power Automate) are more common today, but if you know how to handle a stick shift, you’ve got control and flexibility most people don’t.

Final Thoughts

The “death of VBA” has been predicted for more than a decade. Yet here we are in 2025, with VBA still running behind the scenes in finance, logistics, HR, and manufacturing.

Is VBA the future? Probably not.
Is VBA still relevant? Absolutely.
 

If you’re just starting, record a macro, explore the code, and watch how quickly it simplifies your work. If you’re more advanced, build custom functions or automate recurring processes. And if you’re aiming for a broader career in automation, balance your VBA skills with emerging tools—because knowing both the “old reliable” and the “new exciting” makes you twice as valuable.

Editor’s Note

At Excelgoodies, we help business professionals stay ahead in the world of data. Our program, “Microsoft Excel Reporting: Business Reporting & Model Building”, bridges the gap between raw spreadsheets and actionable insights.

Whether you’re starting with Excel, stepping into automation with VBA, or looking to future-proof your career with advanced tools, our training ensures you work smarter—not harder.

👉 Explore our course: “Microsoft Excel VBA Macro Programming” and take your first step toward becoming an Excel power user.

Courtesy: Excelgoodies Power Users.
 

VBA & Python