Sep 25, 2018 - When people think of an office productivity suite Microsoft and Google tend to spring to mind. And for good reason: while there are other.
For small businesses, every red cent counts. Sometimes, that means getting creative with your tech decisions. There's no doubt that Microsoft Office is the most widely used office productivity suite, but if you're purchasing new computers or replacing old software, buying new copies is going to cost you. Before you pony up for new software, these free Microsoft Office alternatives might be the money-saving solutions you're looking for.
Free office suites
You can download these free office suites to a wide range of devices. Some offer full suite alternatives to Microsoft Office, while others offer core programs with their own versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Apache OpenOffice
The popular https://www.businessnewsdaily.com]
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is another free, open-source office suite. It runs with the same underlying source code as OpenOffice and also offers a full-featured office suite comprised of Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math and Base. LibreOffice differs in having a more-active community of dedicated volunteers all over the world who continue to develop the software. You can download LibreOffice for Windows, OS X and GNU/Linux computers. LibreOffice also comes in a portable version, so you can work on LibreOffice files from a USB, cloud or local drive.
NeoOffice
NeoOffice is essentially the OpenOffice of the Mac world. It caters to Mac users' needs and sensibilities, and offers features not available on the Mac version of OpenOffice. This includes the inherent look and feel of Mac software, Versions (a Mac OS X feature that automatically saves copies of documents before any changes are made), the ability to choose which or if any program opens at launch, native Mac OS X highlighting, full-screen mode, extended support and more. You can download NeoOffice from the Mac App Store.
Kingsoft Office
Kingsoft Office is the closest you'll get to Microsoft Office. Although it offers limited services — it includes only the three core products, in Writer, Presentation and Spreadsheets — these products offer the same familiar look and robust features as their Microsoft Office counterparts. And given the replicated layout and design, those users already accustomed to Word, PowerPoint and Excel will find Kingsoft Office easy to use. You can download Kingsoft Office for Windows, Linux and Android devices. An iOS app is coming soon.
SoftMaker FreeOffice
The office suite SoftMaker FreeOffice also resembles Microsoft Office — in style, speed and capabilities. The package includes TextMaker, PlanMaker and Presentations — all of which are compatible with Word, Excel and PowerPoint, respectively. You can download FreeOffice for Windows and Linux computers. It is the free version of the popular Microsoft Office alternative SoftMaker Office, which starts at $79.95 for Windows and Linux, and $29.99 for Android.
SSuite Office
The more-comprehensive SSuite Office includes everything from office programs to financial and communications software. Its wide range of products consists of the WordGraph word processor, Accel Spreadsheet, MonoBase database creator, FaceCom videoconferencing and more. You can download Ssuite Office as an entire software package (there are many options based on user needs and machines), as individual programs or as portable apps. Although it is only available for Windows, instructions are available on how to run the suite or its programs on Mac and Linux computers.
Free cloud-based office suites
Cloud-based office suites are accessible from any device connected to the Internet. They can be run using any web browser, eliminating the need to download and install them on your computer. Files are stored in the cloud and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Users can also share files or invite others to collaborate. Here are the most popular cloud-based office suites available:
Google Drive
Google Drive'sproductivity and cloud storage platform lets users create, edit and collaborate on all types of files. It includes the Google Docs word processor, https://www.businessnewsdaily.com spreadsheet editor, Slides presentation maker, Forms form maker and other products. Users can also connect additional apps, such as the PicMonkey photo editor, WeVideo video editor, Convert to PDF, RingCentral CloudFax, DocuSign and more. Google Drive requires a Google account and comes with 15GB of free storage. You can also get a paid version, Google Apps for Business, which has more features and costs $5 a month per user.
Office Online
Office Online (formerly Office Web Apps), offers Web-based versions of Microsoft Office's most widely used programs. Users can save, edit and store files, as well as collaborate in real-time using a Web browser. The service also features sharing capabilities, with which users can either create unique links to files or directly insert documents, spreadsheets and presentations into their websites or blogs. The free version of Office Online comes with 7 GB of free online storage and online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Paid plans start at $9.99 a month and come with 20 GB of extra storage, mobile access and a full online version of Microsoft Office that includes Outlook, Publisher and Access.
iWork for iCloud
Apple's iWork for iCloud offers a suite of productivity apps that includes the Pages word processor, Numbers spreadsheet editor and Keynote presentation creator. It is accessible to anyone with an iCloud ID, and can run on both Mac and PC browsers and mobile devices. Users can also share documents with non-iCloud members via unique links for real-time collaboration and presentations, regardless of the devices everyone is using. With iWork for iCloud, you get 5GB of free storage, and you can purchase additional storage starting at 10 GB (for a total of 15 GB) for $20 a year.
Zoho Docs
The Zoho Docs all-in-one productivity solution offers both an online productivity suite and a file storage, sharing and management platform. First, users can create, manage, share and publish files using Zoho's Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Presentation programs. Then, they can invite other users to collaborate, as well as assign tasks to keep track of progress. Although Zoho is limited to those three office programs, users can store documents and files in any format and share them with anyone using dedicated links. Zoho Docs is available on the Web and on iOS and Android devices. Free plans come with 5 GB of free storage, while paid plans start at $5 a month and come with 250 GB of storage and advanced features.
![Suite Suite](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125743161/146319825.jpg)
iPhone and iPad owners have an amazing problem — iOS is the only platform with all major office suites. The good news is: we get to choose between Apple iWork (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote), Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and Google Docs (Docs, Sheets, and Slides). The bad news is: we have to choose between Apple iWork, Microsoft Office, and Google Docs. And it can be a tough choice! iWork is great for consumers. Microsoft Office is the enterprise standard. Google Docs is increasingly everywhere. So, which one is best? We put them to the test so you can find out!
Word processing: Pages vs Word vs Docs
One of the most common things we do with an Office suite is create documents or PDFs. Whether you need to update your resume, complete an assignment for school, or create a flyer for an event, or something else, you need to be able to get the text in efficiently and format it effectively.
In terms of templates, both Pages and Word offer a decent selection to choose from. Everything from reports to resumes to outlines to fliers and more. Google Docs doesn't offer templates and simply launched you right into a blank text document. So if you're looking for templates, you're going to want to use either Pages or Word.
When it comes to feature set and editing tools, Pages uses interactive formatting in order to let you select different elements. Editing tools and the format menu will change depending on what you have selected. When you're typing, a formatting bar will appear over the keyboard so you can easily adjust fonts, alignment, breaks, and more. You can also add tables, charts, graphs, shapes, and photos in just a few taps. Overall, Pages offers a robust feature set that remains easy to use and works great on a touch interface. When it comes time to export your documents, Pages supports .doc and .docx as well. Pair Pages with a Bluetooth keyboard and it's almost comparable to the desktop version of Pages.
Microsoft Word has been completely designed around a touch screen interface, but will be familiar to desktop Office users as well. (This is true across all the Microsoft apps.) There are tabs for creating, formatting, and editing your documents. In just two taps you can insert or format pretty much any object you'd like. Some features such as tracking and reviewing changes, section breaks, and a few others will require an Office 365 Premium subscription. Either way, the free version of Word offers enough features that a good majority of folks will be able to accomplish what they need with zero issues. One thing I do wish Word had was the formatting toolbar similar to what Pages offers.
Google Docs is simpler than either Pages and Word, and the editing tools more basic. Like Word, I do wish Google had placed a formatting bar directly over the keyboard instead of at the top of the screen. Image insertion is also missing, which will be a deal breaker for many. (You can go back to the web version to do it, but that's a terrible work around.)
When it comes to word processing, Pages and Word are equal in terms of feature set. However, certain features such as review tracking, section breaks, and more are free with Pages but require premium subscription with Microsoft Word. So unless you need Word or simply prefer the layout, Pages currently offers the best value for most people.
Spreadsheets: Numbers vs Excel vs Sheets
Numbers proves that doing calculations doesn't have to be painful on an iPad or iPhone. Just plot your data and then choose what kind of table, graph, or chart you'd like to use to represent it. The keyboard also changes dynamically in order suit what you're doing. So if you type an = sign in order to start a formula, Numbers automatically gives you a full number pad and relevant buttons you may want to use. There are also lots of templates to choose from in Numbers including ones to create budgets, calculate net worth, track grades (great for teachers), plan travel, and much more.
There's no disputing that Microsoft Excel has been the king of spreadsheets. The main reason for that is the robust feature set. There's no denying in networked office environments, Excel can't be beat. Microsoft did good job bringing the experience to the iPhone and iPad as well. When using formulas in Excel, the formatting bar automatically brings up suggestions to make handling complex formulas an easier job. The keyboard also is suited for entering numbers and editing formulas, a feature I wish the Word application received as well in terms of a formatting bar. Some features, however, will require a premium subscription.
Google Sheets is a barebones spreadsheet application that allows you to create spreadsheets but without the help of a lot of formatting tools and templates that are offered in competitor apps such as Excel and Numbers. However, if your main purpose is to track data between large groups of people, Google's collaboration tools are some of the best around. Just share sheets with whoever you need to via email and once they accept you can view changes, make comments to each other, and even see who's changing what in real time.
If feature set and advanced tools are your main concern, there's none better than Excel. If you're new to spreadsheets and would appreciate a balance between ease of use and feature set, Numbers is for you. If collaboration tools are what you're after and your feature requirements are minimal, Google Sheets will suit you just fine.
Presentations: Keynote vs PowerPoint vs Slides
Keynote has always been Apple's best office app, and the same holds true on iOS. Aside from offering gorgeous templates to choose from, Keynote's interface feels as it if were made for the touch screen. Adding slides couldn't be easier, and neither could tweaking them to your liking. Just like the other iWork apps, formatting and editing is interactive, so the menus will change depending on what type of content you're working with. The Keynote Remote feature also lets you use one iOS device as a remote to control a presentation on another, or even on a Mac.
PowerPoint is no a slouch when it comes to creating presentations either. You can create animations, transitions, and much more in just a few taps. If you've ever used PowerPoint on the desktop computer, the experience is very much the same on iPad and iPhone. Inserting objects is also easy and includes support not only for tables and pictures, but videos as well.
Unfortunately Google Slides doesn't provide as great of an experience as either Keynote or PowerPoint do. Slides are technically 'editable' but not functionally. You can add text into existing text boxes but there isn't a way to add, move, or edit them. Basically, you have to pick from Google's pre-made slides and be happy with text-only slides with no image support, unless, of course, you are okay with finishing things up from a web browser. You can choose themes on the web and then they'll sync down to the mobile version, but again, not very convenient.
Keynote and PowerPoint run neck and neck when it comes to creating presentations. Both support inserting images, videos, and other kinds of objects as well as the option to choose from many great looking templates. Google Slides can't really offer any of that.
Syncing, sharing, and collaborating
All of Apple's iWork apps tie in with iCloud. That means no matter what device you create something on, you'll be able to access it on any other iOS device or Mac that's linked to your account. (You can also use Continuity to Handoff documents between devices as you go.) All of Apple's iWork apps also support the most popular file formats and let you easily share what you create via email or by sharing an iCloud link.
Microsoft Office syncs with Office 365 so you can access all your work on the web from anywhere. You can also link Dropbox and pull files from there into any of the Office apps. Dropbox integration isn't something Google or Apple offer (though that may change in the future thanks to iOS 8's third-party storage provider support), so if you're tied into that ecosystem due to file sharing or some other factor, Office may be the best option for you.
Google uses Google Drive as a hub. There, you can view all your Docs, Sheets, and Slides files in one place, and they'll sync anywhere you can access Google Drive, including any desktop browser. You can easily share documents or export them from the apps and online. And when it comes to collaboration, Google can't be beat. Not only can you share Google Docs files with others so they can view and edit them, you can see what changes they're making live, which makes Google Docs a great option for workgroups and teams that need live collaboration options.
Who should use iWork?
If you're tied into an Apple ecosystem consisting of Macs and multiple iOS devices, and iCloud is your main syncing service of choice, Pages, Keynote, and Numbers will serve you well. All of the iWork apps manage to strike a great balance between feature set and ease of use. If you don't need the most advanced tools on the planet, the iWork apps are a great place to start. Also, if you're new to working with office documents, iWork is a great place to start.
- Pages - $9.99, free for newer iPhones, iPads, and Macs - Download Now
- Numbers, $9.99, free for newer iPhones, iPads, and Macs - Download Now
- Keynote, $9.99, free for newer iPhones, iPads, and Macs - Download Now
Who should use Microsoft Office?
Microsoft Office has always been the most advanced productivity suite on the market. Anyone that's already familiar with Office 365 on the PC will feel right at home with Office for iPad or iPhone. Office is also the only offering that includes Dropbox integration, which is something you'll want to consider if you keep most of your documents there. The more advanced features of Office will require a 365 subscription, however. If you already have an Office subscription, Microsoft Office is hands down the best option for you considering all the premium features you already have access to.
- Word - Free - Download Now
- Excel - Free - Download Now
- PowerPoint - Free - Download Now
Who should use Google Docs?
Google Docs is a barebones productivity suites but it's completely free and offers some of the best collaboration tools you can ask for. If you don't need all the fancy formatting and media capabilities, want to work with multiple people, and like having everything in the cloud, Google Docs is your best option. (If you work with presentations, however, you'd be well advised to pick up Keynote or PowerPoint as well...)
- Docs - Free - Download Now
- Sheets - Free - Download Now
- Slides - Free - Download Now
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