5 Microsoft Office Alternatives: Can Anything Compare?
I have to admit, the software I’m about to mention might not be as fancy as some of the other options out there. If you’re big on collaboration, you might want to keep scrolling. However, when you’re in a tight spot and need to throw together a document, presentation, or spreadsheet, OpenOffice is there for you.
One of the great things about OpenOffice is that you can import and export Microsoft Office documents. This feature is especially handy if you often work with others.
OpenOffice works on Windows, OS X, and Linux. You can easily download it right here, by the way.
2. Google Docs
When it comes to Microsoft Office alternatives, Google Docs is probably the first one that pops into your head. It’s renowned for a reason. Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other programs offer powerful alternatives to the Microsoft Office suite, and the best part is, they’re free!
What sets Google Docs apart is that it’s entirely cloud-based. This means your documents are stored online, and the apps themselves are web-based. So, as long as you have a stable internet connection at home or in the office, you’re good to go. Of course, if your internet connection is a bit spotty, you might run into some problems. But the convenience for most people outweighs that small hiccup.
Google deserves another point because of its top-notch collaboration tools for Google Docs. You and your team can easily and quickly share documents, and multiple people can work on a document together. Plus, Google Docs has a great spellcheck system, which is a big help when you’re working with editors and proofreaders.
You don’t have to worry about collaborating with people who use different programs, because Google Docs allows you to import and export Microsoft Office documents.
Sheets and Slides, which are Google’s versions of Excel and PowerPoint, are also great. They let you easily create modern presentations and share them with others.
In the end, if you’re okay with using web-based applications, Google Docs is probably your best bet as an alternative to Microsoft Office.
3. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is similar to OpenOffice in many ways. It’s completely free, and it was actually created as part of the same initiative as OpenOffice.
However, since breaking away from Apache in 2010, LibreOffice has become a much more powerful alternative to Microsoft Office. With LibreOffice, you can create documents, spreadsheets, diagrams, databases, presentations, and more. It has even more advanced features than OpenOffice, like a built-in Wikipedia editor.
Let me tell you something important: LibreOffice has come a long way in recent years. They’ve put in a lot of work, resulting in a brand new toolbar that will make you feel right at home if you’re used to Microsoft Office. Plus, it’s way less buggy than OpenOffice. If you’re an advanced user, choosing LibreOffice over OpenOffice might be your best bet.
If you want to download LibreOffice, just head on over here.
4. Apple iWork
If you’re all about Apple, then you might want to consider this next option.
Apple has their own set of productivity apps called iWork, which includes Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. As you would expect from Apple, these apps are beautifully designed, simple to use, and packed with features.
Creating professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations has never been easier thanks to these programs. And the best part? They’re compatible with Word, so collaborating with others is a breeze. Plus, if you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem, they work seamlessly with iCloud.
But wait, there’s more! The iWork suite is also completely free. You can easily download Pages, Numbers, and Keynote from the Apple App Store without spending a dime.
5. WPS Office
Once upon a time, Kingsoft Office was seen as a cheap imitation of Microsoft Office. But now, after rebranding itself as WPS Office, this software stands strong as a true competitor to its Microsoft counterpart.
When it comes to office applications, WPS Office has got you covered. With its Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets applications, it offers all the tools and features you need to get the job done. And the best part is, it’s free!
WPS Office may not be as well-known as Microsoft Office, but it’s just as powerful. It can do everything you’re used to with Microsoft, and it runs smoothly on both Windows and Mac, as well as mobile devices.
If you’re a heavy user and want a few extra features, there’s a premium version available for $29.99/year. But for the average user, the free version is more than enough.
Now, let’s compare these office suites. Are any of them as good as Microsoft Office? It really depends on what you need.
Microsoft Office is still the king when it comes to sheer power and versatility. But if you just need to write up a few documents, any of these alternatives will do the job just fine.
Google Docs is great for collaboration, and iWork is known for its simplicity. However, there’s nothing quite as good as Microsoft Office yet.
| OpenOffice | Free | 7/10 | Yes | Windows, OS X, Linux |
| Google Docs | Free | 9/10 | Yes | Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone |
| LibreOffice | Free | 8/10 | Yes | Windows, OS X, Linux, Android |
| iWork | Free | 9/10 | Yes | OS X, iOS |
| WPS Office | Free | 8/10 | Yes | Windows, Linux, Android, iOS |
Have you tried any of these Microsoft Office alternatives? Or are you considering giving them a shot? Let us know in the comments or start a discussion in our community forum.
