Microsoft Office is not just the only suite that can help you juggle Word documents, complex data-driven spreadsheets, or create winning PPT presentations. There are some great cost-effective and feature-packed alternatives. Let’s dive in, shall we?
| Top Software Reviews | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.LibreOffice | ||
| 2.WPS Office | ||
| 3.FreeOffice | ||
| 4.Polaris Office | ||
| 5.Calligra Office | ||
| 6.Apache OpenOffice | ||
| 7.Google Workspace | ||
| 8. OfficeSuite | ||
| 9.OnlyOffice | ||
| 10.Zoho Office Suite | ||
Looking for some of the best office suites that can help create and edit all kinds of documents and presentations? Let’s uncover some of the best alternatives.
In this post, we’ll discover the key functionalities to look for in an alternative suite, ensuring compatibility, user-friendly interfaces, and seamless collaboration. As we embark on this exploration, each option will be unveiled, presenting a range of choices to empower your digital journey.
Why Choose MS Office Alternatives?
Sure Microsoft Office applications have a lot to offer, however, on a larger scale especially if you are planning to run a business venture, consider Microsoft Office alternatives. Here are some reasons why you should have alternatives that you can switch to –
- Cost – The Microsoft 365 Business basic costs $6/ month/ user which might not come across as very cost-effective especially if your business is new. There are several free and open-source alternatives that you can try that won’t break your bank.
- AI Integration – There are some great MS Office alternatives out there that rope in the power of AI. For instance, WPS Office has a writer application that can use AI to craft better documents, hence it can be a great alternative to Microsoft Word.
- Collaboration Features – Some free Microsoft Office alternatives are either at par or surpass MS Office applications when it comes to real-time document co-editing and sharing.
- Better Version History Management –There are alternatives that let you track changes or manage document versions in a much better manner. Furthermore, you can easily revert back to a specific version when needed.
- Better Customization – Alternatives like Calligra Office allow extensive UI customization where you can customize toolbars and menus as per your preference.
We are not saying that you completely negate MS Office applications. You can instead use the alternatives as standalone applications for your tasks or substitute for MS Office applications.
What Should You Look For In A Microsoft Office Alternative?
If you are considering switching to Microsoft Office alternatives, here are the kinds of features you should look for –
- Compatibility With MS Office Applications – Your existing MS Office documents from Word, PowerPoint, and Excel should seamlessly work with your existing MS Office alternative application.
- Simple User Interface – The layout should be something that you are familiar with, easy, and customizable.
- Multiple Applications – For creating spreadsheets, word documents, powerpoint presentations and various other abilities such as creating vector graphics, handling management-related data, etc.
- Robust Security – Look for features that ensure the security of your documents especially when dealing with sensitive data.
- Support for Extensions – Many MS Office alternatives offer add-ons or extensions that you can install for specific requirements and increase productivity.
- Seamless Collaboration – Ensure that your chosen application offers features like version tracking, a cloud storage medium (where you can sync files), and document sharing capabilities.
- Cost – Considering that there are some great free and open-source Microsoft Office alternatives, you may want to compare the features and then choose which one suits your needs.
Best Microsoft Office Alternatives For Windows 10/11
- 1
LibreOffice- Document themes to make your documents more consistent.
- Comes with spreadsheet, word, and processor software.
- OpenDocument format support.
- A built-in wizard guides you across various features.
- FreeDownload Here
- 2
WPS Office- Tools for PDFs, documents (Writer), Spreadsheets, and Presentations (Powerpoint presentations).
- Ability to integrate AI into the WPS Office suite.
- 10000+ templates for Word, PDF, Sheet, Slides and many others.
- Ability to build separate workspaces.
- $5.99 / month Download Here
- 3
FreeOffice- Switch between classic menu toolbars and modern ribbons.
- Comes with feature-rich TextMaker (word processor), PlanMaker (Spreadsheet), and Presentations (Powerpoint)
- Comes with a wide range of templates, OpenGL-based animations and slide transitions.
- Over 430 computational functions.
- $49.90 / year Download Here
- 4
Polaris Office- Edit PDF, MS Office, TXT, ODT, and other documents.
- Cross-device functionality.
- AI Integration for easier documentation.
- Easily convert and edit PDF. For more advanced PDF converters, check out this post.
- FreeDownload Here
- 5
Calligra Office- Comes with several project management and mind-mapping tools.
- With Kexi you can design database applications, insert and edit data, and perform and process data and queries.
- With Karbon, you can design Vector art.
- Easily create presentations with Stage.
- FreeDownload Here
- 6
Apache OpenOffice- Comes with ‘Writer’ which is a feature-rich alternative to Microsoft Word.
- Calc is a spreadsheet that comprises tools to calculate, present, and analyze numerical data.
- Impress helps create multimedia presentations.
- Multi-lingual support.
- FreeDownload Here
- 7
Google Workspace- Comes with applications like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and many others.
- Cloud-based.
- Offline document editing.
- Great sharing capabilities where you can restrict access user-wise.
- $6 / month Download Here
- 8
OfficeSuite- Consists of apps for Sheets, Documents, Slides, Mail, and PDF.
- You get 20 GB of free cloud storage.
- Compatible with MS Office, OpenOffice, and other major formats.
- Organize and schedule your emails.
- $39.99 / year Download Here
- 9
OnlyOffice- View, collaborate, and edit docs, slides, and sheets.
- Built-in chat functionality.
- Compare and review documents and track changes.
- Generate texts with an AI helper.
- FreeDownload Here
- 10
Zoho Office Suite- Tools for presentation, word processing, spreadsheet, and note-taking.
- Cloud storage platform for easy sharing and access.
- Real-time editing and collaboration.
- Various automation tools to help automate tasks.
- FreeDownload Here
1. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a free and open-source MS Office alternative that lets you create Word documents (Writer), comprehensive spreadsheets (Calc), and impressive presentations (Presentations). Apart from these Microsoft Office-like applications, it also offers ‘Draw’ with which you can create flowcharts and vector graphics.
Notable Features
- Document themes to make your documents more consistent.
- Comes with spreadsheet, word, and processor software.
- OpenDocument format support.
- A built-in wizard guides you across various features.
- Repository for a large number of templates.
- Support for a wide range of Microsoft file formats.
- Free and open source.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Support for a large number of extensions.
- Lacks advanced features as many of its competitors.
Pricing – Free and open-source.
2. WPS Office
WPS Office is an office suite. It is highly compatible with Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It is trusted by some of the world’s leading organizations for the simple reason that it offers impeccable file handling and facilitates a collaborative work environment where you can sync files and upload them on a cloud storage medium.
Notable Features
- Tools for PDFs, documents (Writer), Spreadsheets, and Presentations (Powerpoint presentations).
- Ability to integrate AI into the WPS Office suite.
- 10000+ templates for Word, PDF, Sheet, Slides and many others.
- Ability to build separate workspaces.
- With Automatic Backups you can ensure that documents are saved every 1 minute.
- Support for all Microsoft Office file formats.
- Effortlessly handle and sync files.
- Cloud storage.
- End-to-end data encryption.
- Lacks auto spell-check integration.
Pricing – Free
3. FreeOffice
As the name suggests, FreeOffice is one of the best free Microsoft Office alternatives for Windows 11/10 computers. It packs inside a word processor, a spreadsheet application, and a program with which you can create presentations. Additionally, you can also download FreePDF and create, edit, view, and annotate documents. Here are some other feature-rich PDF editors.
Notable Features
- Switch between classic menu toolbars and modern ribbons.
- Comes with feature-rich TextMaker (word processor), PlanMaker (Spreadsheet), and Presentations (Powerpoint)
- Comes with a wide range of templates, OpenGL-based animations and slide transitions.
- Over 430 computational functions.
- Free PDF viewer.
- Compatible with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Optimized for touch screens where it offers larger icons and bigger spacing between UI elements.
- Share files directly with Microsoft Office and you needn’t export them first.
- The Quick Access toolbar lets you access important functions quickly.
- No cloud storage.
Pricing – Free trial available. Pricing starts at US$49.90 per year
4. Polaris Office
Polaris Office is a cloud-based office suite offering productivity tools for creating, editing, and sharing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It supports various file formats, allowing seamless collaboration across devices and platforms. One of the highlights of Polaris Office is the integration of Artificial Intelligence that can take your productivity to the next level.
Notable Features
- Edit PDF, MS Office, TXT, ODT, and other documents.
- Cross-device functionality.
- AI Integration for easier documentation.
- Easily convert and edit PDF. For more advanced PDF converters, check out this post.
- Intelligent Quick Menu displays five frequently used menus on the ribbon menu.
- Save and edit work in Polaris Drive.
- Various co-editing features with which you can collaborate with other users to view and edit documents.
- Easily track changes.
- Advanced printing capabilities where margins are automatically reduced.
- Comes bundled with ads.
Pricing – Free
5. Calligra Office
Calligra Office is a popular Microsoft Office alternative created by KDE. It can seamlessly adapt to the screen size of most modern devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets. It not only lets you create documents, make presentations, or manipulate spreadsheets but it even lets you create vector graphics, manage project databases, and do a lot many things.
Notable Features
- Comes with several project management and mind-mapping tools.
- With Kexi you can design database applications, insert and edit data, and perform and process data and queries.
- With Karbon, you can design Vector art.
- Easily create presentations with Stage.
- Free and open-source software
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Calligra Gemini helps switch between interfaces in desktop and touchscreen devices. such as laptops with touchscreens, tablets, etc.
- Sometimes, it displays MS Office compatibility issues.
Pricing – Free and open source
6. Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office. It is developed and maintained by a community of volunteers. The suit comprises applications for creating Word documents, spreadsheets, graphics, presentations, and much more. It offers compatibility for a wide range of file formats. What makes it accessible to a wider user base is its multi-lingual support.
Notable Features
- Comes with ‘Writer’ which is a feature-rich alternative to Microsoft Word.
- Calc is a spreadsheet that comprises tools to calculate, present, and analyze numerical data.
- Impress helps create multimedia presentations.
- Multi-lingual support.
- Free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office.
- Draw within Apache OpenOffice lets you create dynamic 3D illustrations.
- You also get a GUI to create mathematical equations.
- Lacks advanced features as some of its competitors.
Pricing – Free and open-source
7. Google Workspace
While this may not be a standalone software like many other Office suites on the list, you can access Google Workspace from anywhere on any device which also includes Windows 11/10 desktops or laptops. You can create documents, presentation slides, spreadsheets, and many other things while enjoying great collaboration features.
Notable Features
- Comes with applications like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and many others.
- Cloud-based.
- Offline document editing.
- Great sharing capabilities where you can restrict access user-wise.
- Real-time editing capabilities.
- Auto saves work promptly, as such no fear of losing saved work.
- Great version management.
- Lacks some advanced features as some of the other competitors on the list.
8. OfficeSuite
It is a cross-platform office suite developed by MobiSystems. It offers full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats. With OfficeSuite, you can open, export, and edit MS Office documents. Apart from that, you can also edit PDF documents, even PDF camera scanning documents as well.
Notable Features
- Consists of apps for Sheets, Documents, Slides, Mail, and PDF.
- You get 20 GB of free cloud storage.
- Compatible with MS Office, OpenOffice, and other major formats.
- Organize and schedule your emails.
- You can connect your Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box cloud accounts.
- Functionality to sync Outlook Calendar, Gmail inbox, and work email.
- Cross-device functionality.
- Hasn’t been updated in a while.
Pricing – Free
9. OnlyOffice
Nextt, we have OnlyOffice which stands as a free alternative to Microsoft Office applications. Apart from offering editors for spreadsheets, text documents, presentations, forms, and PDFs, it facilitates a seamless collaborative platform. If you are used to working with Microsoft Office applications, the interface of OnlyOffice won’t feel any much different.
Notable Features
- View, collaborate, and edit docs, slides, and sheets.
- Built-in chat functionality.
- Compare and review documents and track changes.
- Generate texts with an AI helper.
- Convert docs to HTML and Markdown.
- Collaborate by making audio and video calls with Rainbow and Jitsi.
- There are three levels of security – at rest, in transit, and end-to-end.
- Users have reported compatibility issues when trying to access complex MS Office documents.
Pricing – Free
10. Zoho Office Suite
Zoho Office Suite is an online productivity platform offering word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools. It facilitates real-time collaboration and comes with features like cloud storage, offline access, and mobile apps. It receives regular updates through which developers ensure that new features are rolled out and performance is enhanced.
Notable Features
- Tools for presentation, word processing, spreadsheet, and note-taking.
- Cloud storage platform for easy sharing and access.
- Real-time editing and collaboration.
- Various automation tools to help automate tasks.
- Cross-integration with other Zoho applications like Zoho CRM which is one of the best CRM software.
- You can personalize the user interface as per your needs.
- Offline access lets you work if you don’t have internet access.
- Offline limitations.
Pricing – Free trial available. Pricing based on request
Discover Top Microsoft Office Replacements for 2024
As you can infer from the list above, these Microsoft Office alternatives have a lot to offer. You can create and edit interactive Word documents, data-driven spreadsheets, and impeccable presentations.
Now that you have some of the best Microsoft Office alternatives that are both cost-effective and feature-rich, do let us know in the comments section which is the one alternative you’d choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Office?
Some of the best alternatives to Microsoft Office include LibreOffice, WPS Office, FreeOffice, Polaris Office, SoftMaker Office, Calligra Office, Apache OpenOffice, OfficeSuite, and OnlyOffice.
Q2. Can I find a good Microsoft Word alternative that is free?
Yes, FreeOffice is a great free alternative to Microsoft Word. It offers a feature-rich word processor with compatibility for Word documents and a user-friendly interface.
Q3. Are there any MS Office alternatives that are compatible with MS Office file formats?
Yes, many alternatives like LibreOffice, WPS Office, Apache OpenOffice, and OnlyOffice are compatible with MS Office file formats, ensuring seamless document sharing and editing.
Q4. What is the best Microsoft Office alternative for Windows 10?
LibreOffice is one of the best Microsoft Office alternatives for Windows 10 and even the latest Windows 11. It provides applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, supporting various file formats.
Q5. Are there cloud-based alternatives to Microsoft Office that offer online collaboration?
Yes, Polaris Office and OnlyOffice are cloud-based alternatives to Microsoft Office that facilitate online collaboration. They allow real-time editing, document sharing, and synchronization across devices for efficient teamwork.
