Microsoft Office is still a leading productivity suite, but many comparable alternatives offer similar functionalities and collaboration tools. COMPARE.EDU.VN helps you evaluate these options, focusing on features, pricing, and compatibility to determine the best fit for your needs. Explore alternatives with robust features and cross-platform compatibility, empowering users with document creation, spreadsheet management, and presentation design functionalities.
1. Best Microsoft Office Alternative Overall
1. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a flexible and lightweight Microsoft Office alternative.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Open source
- Cross-platform
- Powerful suite
- Free to use
Reasons to avoid
- Extra templates have to be downloaded and installed manually
LibreOffice, a creation of The Document Foundation, emerged from OpenOffice in 2010. This free and open-source suite includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, available in 110 languages. It primarily uses the ODF (OpenDocument) format but also supports Microsoft Office formats. LibreOffice is standard on most Linux distributions and also available for Windows and macOS, with a viewer for Android.
Support is mainly online, given its user-friendliness. The platform supports exporting files to PDF and other formats. Extensions from the website can add extra features, like document templates.
Read our full LibreOffice review.
2. Best Similar Microsoft Office Alternative
2. FreeOffice
FreeOffice offers a familiar interface similar to MS Office.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Familiar interface
- Touchscreen compatibility
- For Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Free to use
Reasons to avoid
- Slows down with large worksheets
FreeOffice, developed by SoftMaker since 1987, provides a free and straightforward alternative to Microsoft Office, closely resembling its look and feel. It is available for both home and workplace use, supporting Windows, Linux, and offering a basic version for Android.
The suite is fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats, allowing users to view and save files in DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, as well as older formats like PPT and XLS. The updated interface provides options for modern or classic menus and toolbars, easing the transition from Microsoft Office. Touchscreen PC users can utilize touch mode with larger icons in both interface styles.
Read our full FreeOffice review.
3. Best Microsoft Office Alternative for Features
3. WPS Office
WPS Office offers advanced features for subscribers and has a generous free tier.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Generous free tier
- Multi-language support
Reasons to avoid
- Some features premium-only
WPS Office, launched by Kingsoft in 2016, is available for Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. The suite is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and Russian and offers both free and premium tiers. The free tier includes Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets, closely resembling Microsoft Office. WPS also provides a fast and easy-to-use PDF to Word converter, supporting bulk exportation and PDF splitting/merging.
The suite provides 1GB of free cloud storage for iOS and PC users, though this service is not yet available for Android. The Premium tier allows users to connect up to 9 devices simultaneously and removes ads.
Criticisms include limited collaboration beyond track changes and comments and occasional interface slowness when loading documents. Linux users may need to install fonts separately, and Android users find the installation large.
Read our full WPS Office review.
4. Best Microsoft Office Alternative for Formats
4. Polaris Office
Polaris Office has impressive compatibility with Microsoft formats.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Excellent free tier
- Cross-platform
Reasons to avoid
- Ads can be distracting
Polaris Office, developed by Intraware and launched in March 2014, is a free office suite available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. It is popular among businesses and is used by Amazon and Samsung.
While the free version is generous, there is a business version available via upgrade. The cheapest plan, Polaris Office Smart, can be used on any device for about $40 per year. A lifetime fee limited to one PC is available for around $80.
This suite allows editing of PPT, XLS, DOCX, and HWP formats. With account synchronization across devices, users can edit and create from anywhere. All data is secured by AWS (Amazon Web Services). The latest edition allows users to convert and edit PDF documents and convert voice and image files to documents. The suite supports languages such as French, German, Korean, English, and Russian.
The main criticism of Polaris is that while the free edition offers a huge range of features, the ads can be distracting.
Read our full Polaris Office review.
5. Best Microsoft Office Alternative for Experts
5. OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a smart choice for users who do not need extensive documentation.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Free and open source
- Excellent free version
Reasons to avoid
- Support issues
OnlyOffice, an open-source suite developed by Ascensio Systems SIA, is available in over 22 languages and counts Oracle among its clients. The completely free Community Edition is suited for small businesses and allows up to 20 connections. Besides word processing and spreadsheets, it supports order fulfillment and sales documentation.
The calendar feature helps users track personal and work tasks and deadlines. Third-party integration is supported, and users can create mailboxes with the Mail tool. Like other suites, it allows creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, with collaboration and commenting features.
Read our full OnlyOffice review.
6. Best Browser-Based Microsoft Office Alternative
6. Google Workspace
Google Workspace is the best browser-based Microsoft Office alternative.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Cross-platform
- Integrates with Google Drive
- Mobile apps available
Reasons to avoid
- Formatting issues
- Quirky
Google Workspace is a Microsoft Office alternative designed for collaborative and group work. The key tools run in any web browser and are available as mobile apps for Apple and Android devices. Google’s free office suite lacks the advanced tools of Microsoft 365 but offers a clear, logical layout with automatic file saving and syncing.
A primary disadvantage is the cumbersome process of opening files created with other office software, often resulting in improper file formatting. This is partly due to Google’s use of web fonts and Microsoft documents containing unsupported features. Additionally, Google Docs has quirks that make it less user-friendly. While suitable as free software, it lags behind Microsoft Office in features and functionality as a paid product.
You can save on your Google Workspace subscription with our Google Workspace promo codes.
Read our full Google workspace review.
7. Best All-In-One Microsoft Office Alternative
7. WordPerfect
WordPerfect is a great Microsoft Office alternative for legal professionals.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Free trial version
- MS Office compatible
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive
WordPerfect, developed in the late 1970s, was acquired by Corel in 1996 to compete with Microsoft and Adobe. Popular in the 80s for its DOS and Microsoft Windows versions, it was later eclipsed by Microsoft Office.
It is an all-in-one suite with a word processor, spreadsheet program, and slideshow creator. The latest version includes improved photo-editing and management. A free trial version is available for download.
Like other suites, it saves to formats such as DOCX, PDF, and HTML, with WPD as the common file extension. It also offers ebooks publishing and macro management.
The PDF feature allows users to edit and fill in forms and change their appearance. WordPerfect supports opening multiple documents at once.
While a reasonable program, its pricing is not competitive compared to the rest of the market.
Read our full WordPerfect review.
8. Best Microsoft Office Alternative for Small Teams
8. Zoho Workplace
Zoho Workplace is an exciting option for small teams.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Well-presented
- Better than rivals
- Site creation tool
Reasons to avoid
- Some tools are too simple
While Google Docs is widely used, Zoho Workplace stands out as a strong competitor, closely resembling a desktop office package. It has attracted businesses like the BBC and Nike as regular users.
Zoho’s new word processor features a formatting sidebar and produces professional-looking documents. It includes a sterling spreadsheet and reasonable presentation package, along with a powerful site creation tool, a file management solution, and collaborative tools. While some tools are simplistic, Zoho is a good starting point for small businesses.
The free version requires searching the pricing page for the “Forever free” plan and completing a signup process that begins with providing details of an existing business domain.
Read our full Zoho Workplace review.
9. Best Microsoft Office Alternative for Tools
9. OfficeSuite
OfficeSuite is a great choice with excellent editing tools for those willing to pay.
[Our expert review:]
Reasons to buy
- Allows syncing across devices
- Free tier
Reasons to avoid
- Free tier is basic
OfficeSuite, developed by MobiSystems, is available for Android, iOS, and Windows. It often comes pre-installed on devices from Amazon, Toshiba, Sony, and Alcatel. The Android app has been named among the top applications for business.
Users can synchronize between devices using their OfficeSuite account, needing only one license for all devices.
It has several tiers to choose from. The Basic tier is free, allowing users to view and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. The suite has full compatibility with most formats such as ODT, RTF, CSV, DOC, and ZIP. The free tier also enables users to view PDF documents and offers cloud support via services like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive.
The Personal tier enables the suite on one desktop, one tablet, and one phone. It offers all the free tier features along with the ability to track changes, export PDFs to other editable formats, and advanced PDF features such as digital signatures and passwords.
Read our full OfficeSuite review.
10. Best Open Source Microsoft Office Alternative
10. Calligra
Calligra provides some excellent advanced features.
Reasons to buy
- Available for Linux
- Free, open source software
- Mind map and project management tools
Reasons to avoid
- MS Office compatibility issues
Calligra Office Suite, initially released in October 2000 as part of KOffice, is developed by KDE for graphic art design and general office use. It is available on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android.
Calligra is free and can be downloaded directly from its website or from KDE’s downloads page. It is distinct from LibreOffice.
Unlike the familiar look and feel of MS Office found in LibreOffice, Calligra places usable features tabs on the right-hand side of the screen, not on the top. One standout feature is its mind-mapping and project managing tool, typically an extra cost in other suites.
Calligra allows reading DOCX and DOX formats but not editing them, which can cause difficulties if contacts send you Microsoft Office documents.
Also check out our feature on the best free word processor.
Microsoft Office Alternatives FAQs
How to Choose the Best Microsoft Office Alternatives for You?
When choosing Microsoft Office alternatives, assess your work requirements, including team size, operating systems (Windows, macOS, or Linux), and the need for collaboration. Then, consider your budget. Free options are useful if you’re on a tight budget, while paid plans may suit those with a substantial budget, looking for advanced features.
How We Tested the Best Microsoft Office Alternative
To test the best Microsoft Office alternatives, we first examined pricing plans, considering whether each suite was free, freemium, or paid.
We considered the platforms each suite ran on, interface appeal, the number of included apps, and performance. We also assessed the ability to open and edit Microsoft file formats, such as DOX and DOCX.
Additionally, we evaluated collaboration ease and whether the tools could run in web browsers.
Read how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
Choosing the right office suite can significantly impact productivity and workflow. Understanding the nuances of each alternative allows you to make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.
To help you make the best choice, here’s a detailed comparison of the key features, pricing, and compatibility of the leading Microsoft Office alternatives:
| Feature/Suite | Microsoft Office 365 | LibreOffice | FreeOffice | WPS Office | Polaris Office | OnlyOffice | Google Workspace | WordPerfect | Zoho Workplace | OfficeSuite | Calligra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Free | Free | Freemium | Freemium | Free/Paid | Subscription | Paid | Freemium | Freemium | Free |
| Core Applications | Word, Excel, PPT | Writer, Calc, Impress | TextMaker, PlanMaker, Presentations | Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation | Writer, Sheet, Slide | Docs, Sheets, Slides | Docs, Sheets, Slides | WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Presentations | Writer, Sheet, Show | Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Words, Sheets, Stage |
| Platform Support | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (Viewer) | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (Basic) | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Windows | Web, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| File Compatibility | DOCX, XLSX, PPTX | ODF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX | DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX | DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX | DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, HWP | DOCX, XLSX, PPTX | DOCX, XLSX, PPTX | DOCX, PDF, HTML, WPD | DOCX, XLSX, PPTX | DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX, ODT, RTF, CSV | ODF, DOCX, DOC, but limited editing |
| Collaboration Features | Real-time co-authoring, sharing, comments | Limited, mainly via track changes and comments | Limited, mainly via track changes and comments | Track changes, comments | Real-time co-authoring, sharing | Real-time co-authoring, sharing, comments | Real-time co-authoring, sharing, comments | Track changes, comments | Real-time co-authoring, sharing, comments | Track changes, comments, sharing | Track changes, comments, sharing |
| Cloud Storage | OneDrive (1TB) | None | None | 1GB (iOS & PC) | Limited (5GB) | Varies | Google Drive (15GB shared) | None | Limited | Limited | None |
| Additional Features | Outlook, Access, Publisher, Teams | Extensions, templates | Touch mode interface | PDF to Word converter | PDF editing, voice/image to doc conversion | Calendar, Mail tool | Extensive integration with Google services | eBook publishing, macro management | Site creation tool, file management | Sync across devices, PDF editing | Mind mapping, project management |
This table provides a quick reference to compare the essential features and capabilities of each Microsoft Office alternative. Depending on your specific requirements—whether it’s the need for robust collaboration, extensive file compatibility, or specific platform support—you can identify the suite that aligns best with your needs.
Understanding User Needs
To effectively choose a Microsoft Office alternative, consider these common user scenarios:
- Students: Need a free or low-cost suite for writing papers, creating presentations, and managing spreadsheets. Essential features include basic word processing, compatibility with common file formats, and cloud storage for easy access.
- Professionals: Require a comprehensive suite with advanced features such as real-time collaboration, project management tools, and extensive file compatibility. Cloud storage and mobile apps are also important for on-the-go access.
- Small Businesses: Look for a suite that offers a balance between cost and functionality, with a focus on collaboration tools, file sharing, and integration with other business applications.
- Large Enterprises: Demand a robust suite with advanced security features, extensive collaboration capabilities, and seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure.
- Home Users: Prefer a simple and user-friendly suite for basic document creation, personal finance management, and occasional presentations. Cost and ease of use are key considerations.
Comprehensive Feature Comparison
A detailed comparison of features will help you assess which Microsoft Office alternative is best suited for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of key features across different suites:
- Word Processing:
- Microsoft Word: Offers advanced editing tools, templates, and collaboration features.
- LibreOffice Writer: Provides a robust set of features suitable for most users, with strong file compatibility.
- FreeOffice TextMaker: Offers a familiar interface and excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word formats.
- WPS Writer: Includes a free version with a wide range of features and a premium version with advanced tools.
- Google Docs: Excels in real-time collaboration but may have limitations in advanced formatting.
- Zoho Writer: Offers a well-presented interface and is capable of producing professional-looking documents.
- Spreadsheet Management:
- Microsoft Excel: Leads the market with advanced features, formulas, and data analysis tools.
- LibreOffice Calc: Provides a strong set of features for spreadsheet management, with good file compatibility.
- FreeOffice PlanMaker: Offers a user-friendly interface and excellent compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats.
- WPS Spreadsheets: Includes a free version with essential features and a premium version with advanced tools.
- Google Sheets: Excels in real-time collaboration but may have limitations in advanced formulas.
- Zoho Sheet: A capable spreadsheet application that is part of the Zoho Workplace suite.
- Presentation Design:
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Offers a wide range of templates, animations, and multimedia tools.
- LibreOffice Impress: Provides a solid set of features for creating presentations, with good file compatibility.
- FreeOffice Presentations: Offers a user-friendly interface and excellent compatibility with Microsoft PowerPoint formats.
- WPS Presentation: Includes a free version with essential features and a premium version with advanced tools.
- Google Slides: Excels in real-time collaboration but may have limitations in advanced design options.
- Zoho Show: A reasonable presentation application that integrates well with other Zoho Workplace tools.
- Collaboration and Integration:
- Microsoft Office 365: Seamless integration with OneDrive, Teams, and other Microsoft services.
- Google Workspace: Excellent real-time collaboration features and integration with Google Drive and other Google services.
- Zoho Workplace: Offers a range of collaboration tools and integrates well with other Zoho applications.
- LibreOffice: Limited real-time collaboration features but strong file compatibility for sharing documents.
- FreeOffice: Limited real-time collaboration features but good file compatibility for sharing documents.
- WPS Office: Offers track changes and comments for collaboration but may lack advanced co-authoring features.
Pricing Considerations
Pricing models vary significantly among Microsoft Office alternatives:
- Free Suites:
- LibreOffice: Completely free and open-source.
- FreeOffice: Offers a free version for personal and business use.
- Calligra: Completely free and open-source.
- Freemium Suites:
- WPS Office: Offers a free version with basic features and a premium version with advanced tools.
- Polaris Office: Provides a free version with ads and premium plans for ad-free use and additional features.
- OfficeSuite: Offers a free version for basic use and premium plans for advanced features and cross-platform support.
- Subscription-Based Suites:
- Microsoft Office 365: Requires a subscription fee but provides access to the latest versions of all applications and cloud services.
- Google Workspace: Offers various subscription plans based on storage and additional features.
- One-Time Purchase Suites:
- WordPerfect: Available as a one-time purchase, but the cost may be higher compared to subscription-based alternatives.
Compatibility and Platform Support
Ensuring compatibility with existing file formats and support for your preferred platforms is crucial:
- File Formats:
- All alternatives support common file formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.
- LibreOffice and FreeOffice offer excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.
- Google Workspace may have some formatting issues when opening files created in Microsoft Office.
- Platform Support:
- Most alternatives support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- LibreOffice and Calligra offer strong support for Linux.
- Google Workspace is primarily web-based but offers mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Making an Informed Decision
By carefully evaluating your needs, understanding the features of each alternative, and considering pricing and compatibility, you can make an informed decision about which Microsoft Office alternative is right for you. Remember to consider trial periods or free versions to test the software before committing to a purchase.
Leveraging COMPARE.EDU.VN for Detailed Comparisons
For more in-depth comparisons and user reviews, visit COMPARE.EDU.VN. Our platform provides comprehensive analyses and side-by-side comparisons to help you find the best solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Additional Resources
Explore these external resources for more information and reviews:
- TechRadar: Offers detailed reviews and comparisons of office suites.
- PCMag: Provides expert analysis and product reviews.
- G2: Features user reviews and comparisons of software solutions.
By using these resources and leveraging the detailed information available on COMPARE.EDU.VN, you can make a confident decision and select the Microsoft Office alternative that best fits your requirements.
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