The best free alternatives to Office, whether you’re using privately or at work, these are the top 5 programs we recommend in 2025
Note: All programs in this guide are tested and functional in 2025. They are compatible with .docx,.xlsx,.pptx and other standard formats.
The Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is expensive — especially if you don’t have an Office 365 subscription. Many users in Serbia, BiH, Montenegro and the region are looking for reliable, free tools for writing documents, working with tables and making presentations.
The advantages of free alternatives:
- Completely free (no hidden costs)
- Works on older computers.
- Compatible with Office formats (.docx,.xlsx,.pptx)
- Supports synchronization with the cloud.
- Available for Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile devices
1. LibreOffice-the most powerful free alternative
Website: libreoffice.org
LibreOffice it is the most popular open-source Microsoft Office. Its developed by The Document Foundation.
Components of the package:
- Writer – For writing documents (equivalent to Word) it supports dark mode.
- Calc – Spreadsheet calculations (equivalent to Excel)
- Impress – Presentations (equivalent to PowerPoint)
- Draw, Math, Base – Additional tools for diagrams, formulas, databases
Advantages:
- Supports all Office formats.
- Powerful tools for Styles, content, index
- Extensions for additional functions.
- No advertising or user tracking
Cons:
- The interface looks ‘older’ compared to the Office
- Some complex macros do not work identically
Ideal for: students, teachers, administrators, companies who want to reduce software costs.
2. Apache OpenOffice-stable but slow development
Website: openoffice.org
One of the oldest free packages. A former leader, today it has limited development, but it still works well.
Components:
- Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math, Base
Advantages:
- Fast learning doesn’t require more powerful computers.
- Good compatibility with old documents.
- Supports macros and templates
Cons:
- Development almost stalled (the last major upgrade was in 2022. years)
- Less secure due to rare security updates.
Recommendation: Use Only if you have specific old documents that do not work in LibreOffice.
3. WPS Office Free-modern look, close to the original
Website: wps.com
Chinese software with a very modern interface. It looks exactly like Microsoft Office.
Advantages:
- Great support for .docx,.xlsx,.pptx
- Built-in PDF reader and converter
- Mobile app available for Android and iOS
- Synchronization across the cloud.
Cons:
- The free version has advertisements (they can be turned off by purchasing the premium version
- Supports the collection of anonymous data (can be turned off in Settings)
- A limited number of premium templates in the free version
A great choice for users who want to ‘light up’ Office look without paying.
4. Google Docs, Sheets – Slides-online option
Website: Google Workspace
If you use Gmail, you already have access to the Google Docs family of tools.
Advantages:
- Work in real-time with more people
- Automatic storage of documents in Google Drive.
- It works in every browser.
- Integration with other Google tools.
Cons:
- Need a permanent internet connection for full functionality
- Limited possibilities for complex documents (e.g. books, theses)
- Some features for advanced users are missing
Recommended for: teamwork, fast writing, educational institutions.
5. OnlyOffice-a professional alternative for companies
Website: onlyoffice.com
Designed for business use, with strong support for collaboration.
Advantages:
- The same as Microsoft Office
- Great support for macros and complex formulas.
- Can be hosted locally (for people who want privacy)
- Integration with Nextcloud, ownCloud, Seafile
Cons:
- The Free version has a limited number of users
- More technically complex tuning program
Great for: small businesses, IT departments, associations that want control over data.
How to choose the right program?
The answer depends on your needs.:
| If you’re looking… | We recommend |
|---|---|
| The best free software | LibreOffice |
| The Modern look of the Office | WPS Office |
| Collaborating in a team | Google Docs |
| Privacy and control. | OnlyOffice + Nextcloud |
| Simplicity for beginners | Google Docs |
Conclusion
You don’t have to pay for Microsoft Office to have access to quality writing, budgeting, and presentation tools.
LibreOffice it remains the best choice for most users in the region — free, secure, and powerful.
If you need a modern look, try it. WPS Office and for online collaboration. — Google Docs.
Share this guide with friends who are still using the trial version of Office!
