Recently I had a client who despite my recommendation for Linux or macOS chose instead to opt for Microsoft Windows 11. They purchased a nice Windows 11 laptop and of course it came with an invitation to use Office 365. Are there other options? Yes, I told her. There is LibreOffice which is my go to Office suite on the desktop. I explained to my client the advantages of open source software and how in the case of LibreOffice that any documents she created would be hers for however long she chose to keep them because she now had software on her computer that did not lock her into an ecosystem that trapped her.
Our conversation prompted me to explore some of the other desktop choices for Windows and macOS users when it comes to desktop productivity software. I have a MacBook Air and despite the fact that my computer came with Apple Pages installed I chose instead to install LibreOffice and use it instead because of its versatility.
Threre are other options for free word processor, spreadsheet and presentation softwares and I have used many of them. Maybe you’re not familiar with all the options available to you. Here’s a good feature comparison and links to the software listed.
| Suite Name | Key Features | File Compatibility | Offline Access | Open Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LibreOffice | Full-featured suite (Writer, Calc, Impress); strong community support | Excellent with DOCX, XLSX, PPTX | Yes | Yes |
| WPS Office | Modern UI; includes Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation; cloud sync available | Good with MS formats | Yes | No |
| OnlyOffice | Clean interface; collaborative editing; good for teams | Very good with MS formats | Yes | Yes |
| Google Docs | Cloud-based; real-time collaboration; auto-save | Good with MS formats | No (online only) | No |
| Apache OpenOffice | Older but stable; includes Writer, Calc, Impress | Decent with MS formats | Yes | Yes |
| FreeOffice | Lightweight; compatible with older systems; includes TextMaker, PlanMaker | Good with MS formats | Yes | No |
In a world increasingly shaped by proprietary ecosystems and subscription models, it’s empowering to know that free alternatives like LibreOffice and others exist—and thrive. Whether you’re using Windows 11, macOS, or Linux, you have real choices that respect your autonomy, preserve your data, and support long-term sustainability. By exploring these options, you’re not just saving money—you’re investing in tools that align with values of transparency, accessibility, and control.