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LibreOffice vs OnlyOffice: Which Software is The Right Office Suite for You?

August 23, 2023 3.3K views

Office software is essential for working with documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Microsoft Office is the most common option, but it is also expensive. LibreOffice and OnlyOffice are two cheaper and open-source alternatives that can do the same things. But which one is better for you? In this article, we will compare LibreOffice and OnlyOffice in detail, so you can make an informed decision.

Part 1: LibreOffice vs OnlyOffice: Overview

What is LibreOffice?

LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office formats. It includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, diagrams, databases and more.

What is OnlyOffice?

OnlyOffice is another office suite that is also free and open-source. It uses OOXML as a core format which guarantees the highest compatibility with Microsoft Office files. It offers web-based, desktop and mobile versions of its editors for documents, spreadsheets and presentations. You can also create forms and templates with OnlyOffice.

Part 2: Difference between LibreOffice and OnlyOffice

Aspect

LibreOffice

OnlyOffice

Website

libreoffice.org

onlyoffice.com

Price

Free

Free for up to 5 users

Size

1.5 GB (Windows)

214 MB / 337 MB (Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 x64)

Language

119 languages

23 languages

Compatibility

Not fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats; great at ODF, docx, xlsx, and pptx

Good compatibility with Microsoft Office formats; great at OOXML

Deployments

Does not support Android, iPhone, iPad

Supports Android, iPhone, iPad

Training

Provides videos

Provides live online, webinars, documentation, videos

Document Compatibility

Excellent support for ODF format

Superior compatibility with MS Office

Interface

Traditional and feature-rich

Modern and user-friendly

Mobile Support

Limited mobile app support

Comprehensive mobile app integration

  • Please note that this table provides a general overview and some features may vary depending on specific versions and updates of each software.

Part 3: Similarities between LibreOffice and OnlyOffice

While LibreOffice and OnlyOffice have their differences, there are also several similarities between the two office suites. Here are some key similarities:

Aspect

LibreOffice

OnlyOffice

Applications

  • Basic applications

  • Suite access

  • Templates

Calculating

  • Functions

  • Auto Recalculation

Insights 

  • Charts and Graphs

  • Tables

Collaboration 

  • Cloud collaboration

  • Annotations

  • Simultaneously editing

Editing

  • Templates

Management 

  • File Type Support

  • Auto save

Part 4: How to Download LibreOffice for Free

Step 1 Go to the LibreOffice official download website

Step 2 Select the LibreOffice version (7.5.4 or 7.4.7) and the operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS).

Step 3 Wait for the setup file to be downloaded to your computer.

Step 4 Run the setup file and follow the on-screen installation instructions.

Enjoy using LibreOffice for free.

Part 5: How to Download OnlyOffice for Free

Step 1 Go to the official download website of OnlyOffice

Step 2 Choose the OnlyOffice version you want (7.4.0 or 7.3.3) and the operating system you are using (Windows, Linux or macOS).

Step 3 After selecting your operating system, the download process will begin automatically.

Step 4 Follow the on-screen instructions to install OnlyOffice on your device. Make sure to review and accept the terms of use if prompted.

Step 5 Once the installation is complete, you should be able to launch OnlyOffice and start using it.

Part 6: Top Alternative Office Suite: WPS Office

Website: https://www.wps.com

WPS Office is a top alternative office suite with a user-friendly interface. It offers powerful tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDF management. It is compatible with Microsoft Office formats and supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.

Pros

  • Price: WPS Office is available for free, providing a cost-effective solution for users.

  • Ease of Use: The software offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners and experienced users alike.

  • Simple Interface: WPS Office features a clean and straightforward interface, allowing for easy navigation and intuitive usage.

  • File Format Compatibility: WPS Office excels in supporting popular file formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, ensuring seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office files.

Trustpilot

stars

4.8
WPS Office- Free All-in-One Office Suite
  • Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

  • Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

  • Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

  • Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

5,820,008 User

avator

Algirdas Jasaitis

How to Use Microsoft Office for Free in WPS Office

WPS Office is another office suite that can open and edit Microsoft Office files for free. To use Microsoft Office for free in WPS Office, you can follow these steps:

Step 1 Download and install WPS Office

Step 2 Launch WPS Office on your PC and choose the application you want to use (Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet or PDF).

Step 3 In the program window, go to the "Menu” and select "Open".

Step 4 Navigate to the location where your Microsoft Office file is saved and select it.

WPS Office will automatically detect the file format and open the document in Compatibility Mode, allowing you to view and edit the file without any restrictions.

Step 5 You can make changes to the document, apply formatting, add or delete content, and perform other editing tasks just like you would in Microsoft Office.

Step 6 When you're done editing the file, go to the "File" menu and select "Save As" or click on the "Save" icon to save your changes.

WPS Office will save the file in its native format (.docx for Word, .xlsx for Excel, .pptx for PowerPoint) while preserving the compatibility with Microsoft Office.

FAQs

Is LibreOffice Safe or Not?

Yes, LibreOffice is just as safe as any other sort of software. Because it was created using an open-source manner, any malicious code would be detected fast. Furthermore, LibreOffice does not save your files online or gather your personal data, so using it is as safe as using the hard disk on your office computer.

What is the Most Stable Version of LibreOffice?

LibreOffice 7.4.7 is the most stable version. It does not include the most recent features, but it has been upgraded for dependability and security. For corporate installations, this version or a long-term support version from certified partners is suggested.

Why do People Use LibreOffice?

LibreOffice is a robust and cost-free office suite. This implies that anybody may use, alter, and distribute it without paying any royalties or licensing costs. Its simple design and feature-rich tools allow you to unleash your creativity while also increasing your productivity.

Summary

In this comprehensive comparison of LibreOffice and OnlyOffice, we explored the features, similarities, and differences between the two office suites. Both LibreOffice and OnlyOffice offer free and open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office, making them cost-effective options for users.

However, when considering a top alternative office suite, my natural recommendation is WPS Office. With its user-friendly interface, seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, and a comprehensive range of features, WPS Office provides a compelling solution for individuals and businesses seeking a cost-effective and powerful office suite.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.