WPS Office vs. Microsoft Office: Which is better for you?

Whether you're a student, a newcomer to the workforce, or a seasoned professional, choosing the right office software is crucial. As a heavy user of office software, I've spent years using Microsoft Office but recently decided to try WPS. I want to share my honest experience with both, hoping it helps you make a better choice.

Cost Comparison

When it comes to cost, WPS and Microsoft Office are quite different. WPS mainly offers a free version that covers word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDF reading—most features you need without paying a cent. This is great for individuals or small teams on a budget.

In contrast, Microsoft Office requires a paid license or subscription, which can be a significant expense. This was a key reason I decided to give WPS Office a shot, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much it offers.

Format Compatibility

WPS does an excellent job with format compatibility. It supports all Microsoft Office file formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. So, if you're switching from Microsoft Office to WPS, there's no need to worry about file compatibility. You can easily open and edit files from colleagues or friends who use Microsoft Office, and vice versa—this peace of mind is a big plus.

Interface and Usability

Though WPS and Microsoft Office have different interface designs, their core functions are quite similar. If you're familiar with Microsoft Office, you'll be able to switch to WPS in just half a day. Even if you're new to office software, WPS is easy to pick up. Personally, I find WPS's interface more modern and user-friendly, while Microsoft Office feels a bit outdated. For someone who enjoys fresh designs, this was a big reason for my switch.

PDF Support

WPS goes beyond the basics with a handy feature—PDF editing. PDFs are essential in everyday office work, and with WPS, you don't need a separate PDF editor. This saves you both time and money. Microsoft Office, on the other hand, is somewhat lacking in this area.

Collaboration Edit

WPS shines in cloud collaboration. You can easily share documents via links, QR codes, or other devices, enabling real-time editing with different permission levels like view-only or edit. Plus, every update is automatically saved, allowing you to revert to previous versions if needed.

Microsoft Office doesn’t have built-in collaboration features, but you can use OneDrive, another Microsoft product, to share and co-edit documents. Between the two, I find WPS more convenient.

Feature Updates

WPS is committed to continuous innovation, releasing new features and improvements every month. These updates often incorporate user feedback to ensure the features meet real needs. In contrast, Microsoft Office's features remain mostly static after purchase unless you upgrade to Microsoft 365, which requires a subscription. This makes WPS the clear winner for me.

AI Features

WPS integrates several AI features like spell check, full-text translation, ChatPDF, and text generation. These advanced tools help users work more efficiently and can save smaller companies on labor costs. Imagine reducing the time it takes to write a sales email from a whole day to just a few minutes—it's a game-changer. Currently, only Microsoft 365 offers AI capabilities; standard Office versions don’t support AI.

Plugins

Microsoft Office supports open-source plugins, offering more functionality, which is a strong point. However, while WPS doesn’t support external plugins, it comes with a powerful built-in toolbox that includes resume assistants, OCR, screen recording, and more. These tools cover most work scenarios, so you won’t miss plugins too much.

Summarize

Overall, both WPS and Microsoft Office have their strengths. If you've used both, like me, you'll find WPS excels in format compatibility, cloud collaboration, and built-in tools. And since most features are free, it's a great option for budget-conscious users. WPS’s interface is simple and user-friendly, making it easy to get started, even if you're not tech-savvy.

Microsoft Office, on the other hand, offers more in terms of feature variety and plugin support but comes at a cost. It’s a solid choice for those who need advanced tools. If you’ve already downloaded WPS Office, I encourage you to explore it—I think you'll be impressed with what it can do.