Microsoft 365 isn't the only way to get a document written or a spreadsheet balanced, and a month-long trial by XDA Developers makes the case for skipping the subscription altogether. The outlet tested four free office suites, LibreOffice, WPS Office, FreeOffice and OnlyOffice, and came away naming OnlyOffice the one it would actually keep using.
The appeal is straightforward. All four suites write documents, build spreadsheets and put together presentations without a monthly fee, and all four claim to open and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
LibreOffice, the report found, has an interface that feels closer to older desktop software than anything modern, with menus and toolbars that take some getting used to. Once past that, XDA found it a capable suite that works fully offline and gives users granular control over settings, which matters to people who don't want their workflow dictated by an app.
WPS Office impressed the tester with a ribbon layout and tabbed documents that feel closer to Microsoft's own interface, plus PDF tools built into the same suite. The catch, according to the report, is that some features sit behind a paid plan and promotional prompts show up during use.
FreeOffice, made by SoftMaker, came across as the leanest of the four. Its TextMaker, PlanMaker and Presentations apps cover the basics on the desktop without needing a browser, but XDA noted a more limited feature set and weaker collaboration tools than the others.
Why OnlyOffice won out
OnlyOffice is the suite XDA Developers says it would stick with. The report points to an editing experience that closely mirrors Microsoft Office, solid handling of Microsoft's file formats in everyday use, and a ribbon layout that didn't force a change in workflow. It also offers desktop apps for working offline alongside cloud and self-hosted versions, which gives it more flexibility for people who need to collaborate or who want to keep their files on their own servers rather than someone else's cloud.
None of this makes Microsoft 365 obsolete. Word, Excel and PowerPoint still carry advantages in file compatibility with large organizations and in features like Teams integration that free suites don't match. But for anyone paying for a Microsoft 365 subscription purely to write documents, build spreadsheets and make slides, XDA's month of testing suggests there's a free option that won't feel like a downgrade.
The suites themselves aren't new. LibreOffice, WPS Office, FreeOffice and OnlyOffice have all been available for years, and the comparison reflects one outlet's hands-on experience rather than a change in any of the products themselves. Anyone curious can install all four for free and judge the fit against their own files and habits before deciding whether a Microsoft 365 renewal is worth it.
SDFiled by The Software Desk
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