Nobody has a bigger footprint in the world of office productivity software than Microsoft Office. With the exception of a few niches or specialisations, Redmond has created software for almost every task required in the modern office. It’s hardly fair, though, for the tech behemoth to hold all the cards. Alternatives to Microsoft Office exist, and you should be aware of them.
Microsoft Office apps such as Word, Powerpoint, and Excel now contain so many features that learning the ins and outs of an single product requires weeks of classes (almost as many features as text editors). Then there’s the price tag, which is a feature that most people dislike. Do you like to discover some amazing free Microsoft Office alternatives in 2022 to make you with your tasks?
Some people require certain features or contact compatibility, which is understandable; nonetheless, it is expected to cost money. What about those who don’t require a lot of out-of-office software? Even if technically inclined, the average individual doesn’t require much from a word processor (it’s not like it’s a text editor or anything).
So, should you spend money on something you don’t require? It’s probably none of my business, so I’ll just offer you the facts so you can make an informed decision about which Microsoft Office alternative is best for you.
The 8 Best Free Microsoft Office Alternatives (2022)
At a glance, these are the Microsoft Office alternatives:
1. Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets are all free to use.
Google is famed for its omnipresence in all things technological, and the office is not one of them. Its own sets of Google Docs web apps can be utilised as a good alternative to Microsoft Office apps because they are free and cloud-based, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of installing them.
A word processor (Docs), an presentation app (Slides), and a spreadsheet are all part of the Google Docs online office suite (Sheets). Apart from these essential office apps, the free office suite also includes Google Drawings and Forms.
All you need is an Google account and an active internet connection to use Google’s office suite apps for free from anywhere on the planet.
However, the greatest benefit may be a deal-breaker for users who do not have access to the internet. Although there is an official plugin that allows you to use Google Drive files offline, it only works for Google Drive files.
Google Docs allows you to export to a variety of industry-standard document formats, including Microsoft’docx’, PDF, and others. Sheets and Slides, for example, are similar to other Google office apps. Google Sheets now has a feature that includes you to quickly create pie charts and bar graphs for any data by simply typing the description into a text box.
You can either upload files from your device or edit files directly in Google Drive. Google office apps allow you to share documents with friends securely or openly. You may now invite people to edit with you in real-time collaboration in addition to sharing
What are the advantages of using Google Docs?
Google Docs is without a doubt the greatest and most free cloud-based office software, and it competes with Microsoft Office Online. You can also use a number of third-party or Google-built add-ons to extend the functionality of Google Docs.
The free Microsoft Office alternative can be useful for home users and students looking for a cost-effective set of office apps; you only have to pay for internet access.
Google, on the other hand, sells these apps as part of a G Suite subscription (here’s a free G Suite trial), which also includes Google’s other cloud-based solutions. G Suite includes Gmail, Calendar, Google+, Hangouts, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Sites, among other things. It also includes the Jamboard, a digital interactive whiteboard.
Google Docs is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and other operating systems via a web browser. Apps for Android and iOS are available.
Meanwhile, read our comprehensive explanation to the differences between the.doc and.docx file formats to check which is best for you
2. LibreOffice
For political reasons, LibreOffice was forked from OpenOffice some time ago. They are nearly identical for all intents and purposes, with the difference that the community embraced the LibreOffice branch, and OpenOffice hasn’t seen nearly as much work since.
If you want something that instals on your computer and works without an internet connection, LibreOffice is an very feature-rich free MS Office alternative suite.
It’s difficult to beat in terms of cost-effectiveness. It has several peculiarities, such as the requirement to convert the default document formats to Microsoft Office formats. Aside from that, this free office software is a great solution for anyone who doesn’t need all of the bells and whistles thats come with a professional package.
What are the Benefits of Using LibreOffice?
If you use Linux, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with LibreOffice. It has a nice appearance, receives regular updates, supports MS Office file types, and even has a couple of its own.
The open-source office suite is also one of the best for Microsoft Windows, therefore Windows users may wish to consider it instead of the closed-source MS Office.
Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android are all supported by LibreOffice (only for viewing documents)
Also, if you’re frequently experiencing hangs and lags in Google Chrome, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the best chrome tab suspender here!
3. Apache OpenOffice
It’s a derivative of the defunct OpenOffice.org managed by Apache Software Foundation, and it’s a popular name among the greatest free office suites. Because of its adaptability, this office productivity software is a viable solution for the general public.
What are the Benefits of Using Apache OpenOffice?
Apache OpenOffice, like its predecessor, is free and open-source software that comes with a plethora of features and is available in more than 40 languages. It has a simple and clean user interface and includes a spreadsheet, word processor, presentation programme, vector graphics editor, and more. Some users, however, may find the interface a touch dated.
The USP of this Microsoft office alternative is that it comes with a variety of templates, and you can enhances the functionality by using the dedicated extensions store.
Apache OpenOffice runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
4. WPS Office
WPS Office is another brand that can be mentioned as the finest Microsoft Office alternative in 2022. You may have heard of Kingsoft Office before; it was rebranded WPS Office, which is a well-known Android office programme.
WPS Office 2022 Free is now available to Windows users for free, however it does come with non-interrupting adverts while the software starts up. It comes with a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. WPS Office has a similar look and feel to MS Office.
Why should you choose WPS Office?
WPS Office has a cloud sync feature that includes users to keep track of document progress across several devices. For varied applications, you can use the many integrated templates.
It also has a built-in Word to PDF converter, however the free edition only includes for a certain number of conversions. That’s the downside of software that comes in both free and paid editions. In a nutshell, it may prove to be an excellent solution for anyone looking for free Microsoft Office alternatives. If you desire more features, you can upgrade to the paid version.
WPS Office is compatible with Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.
5. Office Online
If you like Microsoft-made office apps, Office Online is a good alternative to Microsoft Office Suite, which we usually install on our PCs and Macs. It works in your web browser and can be accessed via your Microsoft account, similar to Googe’s set of office apps.
Office Online currently includes cloud-based versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Sway (for creating presentations), Flow (for automating processes), and other applications. You may edit files stored on your OneDrive or computer in a similar way to Google Docs and Sheets.
These apps should not be confused with Office 365, which is a subscription-based service. It’s not out of the question that Microsoft may remove some features from these cloud-based Office apps.
Why should you use Office Online?
One advantage of using Office Online is that it does not require you to learn a new set of office apps. It even has the same user interface as MS Office 2016 or later versions. Technically, Office Online is a Microsoft Office alternative, but it had to make the list due to its lack of knowledge among average users.
Skype integration in Office Online allows users to talk with others while updating a shared document or a PowerPoint presentation. Users can install the Office Online extension for Chrome, which allows them to easily create and edit new and existing files using Office Online.
Windows, macOS, Linux, & other operating systems via a web browser are supported by Office Online.
6. Apple iWork
Apple has traditionally been Microsoft’s largest consumer operating system opponent, but the company has invested a lot of effort into their iWork office suite. It’s exclusively for macOS (OS X), but it’s completely free (though not free as FOSS).
Word processing (with a focus on design), spreadsheets, and presentation software are all capable in iWork. Some people (like myself) find iWork to be so basic that it makes them feel stupid, and it takes some time to gets used to. Despite this, this Mac version of Microsoft Office is still a good suite for a small office.
Yes, it lacks many of the feature’s of Microsoft Office as an office alternative. Do you, however, require them?
Why Should You Use Apple’s iWork?
Many popular and easy-to-use features are available in iWork. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require any extra effort.
iWork for iCloud, a cloud-based version, is also available. Previously, iCloud was exclusively available to Apple users, but thanks to iCloud’s free office suite, other platforms can now use iWork apps. All you need is an Apple ID to get started.
ICloud supports the following platforms: Mac, iOS, and a variety of operating systems (via iCloud version).
7. Calligra Office
In 2010, the Calligra Office programme split from KOffice, and KOffice went away soon after. Calligra Office is a free and open-source office suite based on the Qt programming language. It has a larger number of applications than LibreOffice, although they lack many of LibreOffice’s features.
This free Microsoft Office alternatives might be for you if you want a simple office suite with a few more applications like flowcharts, database administration, and image manipulation. If this is all you need, it’s highly cost-effective, exactly like LibreOffice.
Why Should You Hire Calligra Office?
While many users prefer LibreOffice, Calligra includes additional applications, such as a project management tool.
Platforms that are supported: Linux and FreeBSD are fully supported. Support for Windows and Mac is currently in beta.
8. DropBox Paper
DropBox used to be only a place where you could save your papers. With DropBox Paper, it now aspires to become a viable alternative to Microsoft Office Online and Google Docs. You may create and edit documents, collaborate with friends and coworkers, and take advantage of several project management and team communication features.
Dropbox Paper has reached the end of its test period. Although the web-based work platform lacks its own presentation and spreadsheet apps, suitable files made using Google Docs application
s or Microsoft Office files stored on your computer, Dropbox, or Google Drive can be added.
Why should you use Dropbox Paper?
DropBox is attempting to break out of its shell and become more than a file storage platform with Paper. Paper is an excellent alternative for collaborative editing if you prefer a minimalistic and clean layout.
Platforms supported: Works on all platforms, but requires an internet connection.
There are a plethora of other premium and free office apps capable that can meet the needs of the average user. So, in 2022, there are a plethora of alternatives to Microsoft Office, including alternative applications such as AbiWord and LYX.
Alternatives to Microsoft Office that the Editors Recommend:
If you don’t want to use a cloud-based solution, LibreOffice is without a doubt the best free Microsoft Office alternative. It includes all of the features that are loaded to complete common tasks. Google Docs is a terrific way to create and share documents if you have constant internet access.
Was this article useful to you? Let us know which office productivity suites you prefer (or individual applications).
Most Commonly Asked Questions
What is the best MS Office alternative?
Google Workspace, which includes Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, is the greatest alternative to MS Office if you don’t mind always being connected to the internet.
Is LibreOffice a secure programme?
Yes, LibreOffice is a perfectly secure, open-source, and free software.
