Choose the path based on what you already know

Best browsing path by situation
Your situation Best path Why it helps
You are browsing for ideas Main spreadsheet Broad lists help you discover item types and styles before narrowing down.
You know the item type Category page Similar products sit together, so comparison takes less effort.
You have a product name or link Search A specific query avoids scanning unrelated rows.
You already found a few options Shortlist Comparing saved candidates is more useful than continuing to scroll.

What makes an alternative better than a spreadsheet?

The better path is the one that reduces uncertainty fastest. If a category page shows only the item type you care about, it is better than a mixed spreadsheet. If search takes you directly to matching products, it is better than browsing. If your shortlist already has enough comparable options, stopping is better than adding more noise.

Practical recommendation

Use the spreadsheet for discovery, categories for comparison, and search when you already have a specific product name or link. Switching between those three modes creates a smoother experience than trying to make one giant list solve every shopping problem.