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FreeOffice vs LibreOffice - Which One to Choose (Detailed Comparison)

November 7, 2023 9.5K views

FreeOffice and LibreOffice are both excellent alternatives to Microsoft Office for those seeking a no-cost version or considering a lighter-weight option. With plenty of choices available in the market, both strive to establish themselves as the premier alternatives. In this guide, we will commit to a comprehensive analysis of these FreeOffice vs LibreOffice to determine which one might best suit your needs, while also considering any superior alternatives.

Introduction to FreeOffice & LibreOffice

What is FreeOffice?

FreeOffice is developed by SoftMaker Software GmbH, a reputable German-based software company established in 1989. It is a commendable alternative to Microsoft Office and other office suites, offering a cost-free and streamlined experience. FreeOffice comprises a comprehensive set of fundamental functionalities, including a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation maker, making it a suitable choice for your professional and academic tasks.

What is LibreOffice?

LibreOffice is developed by The Document Foundation, a non-profit organization headquartered in Germany, established in 2010. This robust office suite is both powerful and free, offering open-source functionality. Serving as the successor to Apache OpenOffice, LibreOffice enjoys a vast user base, with millions of individuals relying on its capabilities. It is a cross-platform solution, outshining FreeOffice in versatility, and it further distinguishes itself by providing additional applications such as formula editing software (Math), equation editing tools, and database software (Base), among others.

Aspects

LibreOffice

FreeOffice

User Interface

Minimalistic UI with a single tab, pale colors

MS Office-like UI with bright colors, command groups, and tabs


Smaller icons for easy tool identification

Smaller icons for command identification

Performance

Lightweight, fast, and resource-efficient

Lightweight, fast, and resource-efficient

Workflow

User-friendly and efficient

User-friendly and efficient

Utilities Provided

  • Writer Document

  • Calc Spreadsheet

  • Impress Presentation

  • Draw Drawing

  • Math Formula

  • Base Database

  • TextMaker (Word Processor)

  • PlanMaker (Spreadsheet)

  • Presentations (PowerPoint)

Additional Tools

Drawing, math equation, formula tools


File Format Support

  • Supports a wide variety of extensions

  • Wide file format compatibility

  • Strong compatibility with MS Office files

  • Exclusive drawing, math, and database applications

License

Completely free and open-source

Requires registration and has feature limitations

Customer Support

Active community and various support options

Limited support without the paid version


24/7 online support, mailing lists, documentation

Community forums and limited assistance

Integration

Incorporating AI for improved productivity

Not specified

Ease of Transition

Familiar UI resembling Google Docs

Familiar MS Office-style UI


Smooth transition for Google Docs users


Availability

Cross-platform compatibility

Cross-platform compatibility

Version

The successor to Apache OpenOffice

Developed and maintained by SoftMaker Software GmbH

License & Cost

Free and open-source

Free but may require registration for full features

Community

Large and active user community

Smaller and less active community

Detailed Comparison: FreeOffice vs LibreOfficeHow to Download and Install FreeOffice & LibreOffice

FreeOffice

Here is a thorough and simple guide on how to download FreeOffice:

Step 1: Go to your computer and open your web browser and visit the official website of FreeOffice.

Alt text: FreeOffice Homepage

Step 2: Scroll down on the website until you find the "Free Download" button. Click on it.

Step 3: Now, navigate to your computer's downloads folder and locate the "FreeOffice2021.msi" file.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions, which includes agreeing to terms and conditions.

Step 5: Proceed by clicking "Install" to begin the installation.

Step 6: Once the installation is complete, click on the "Finish" button to finalize the process.

Step 7: You can now use FreeOffice on your systems!

LibreOffice

Step 1: Visit the official LibreOffice website.

Step 2: In the main menu, find the "Download" option.

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select "Download LibreOffice".

Step 4: Choose your operating system and click "Download" to start the download.

Step 5: Once the download is complete, locate the "LibreOffice_7.6.2_Win_x86-64" file on your system.

Step 6: Double-click the file to initiate the installation.

Step 7: The LibreOffice installation wizard will appear. Click "Next" to begin the installation.

Step 8: Select the setup type. "Typical" includes all main features, while "Custom" allows you to choose specific features. After making your selection, click "Next".

Step 9: Choose whether you want a shortcut on your desktop. Click "Install" according to your preference.

Step 10: The installation process may take a few moments. Once installation is complete, click "Finish". You're now ready to use LibreOffice on your system!

Best Free Alternative to FreeOffice & LibreOffice - WPS Office

While one can debate the merits of LibreOffice and FreeOffice, WPS Office takes the lead in not only being the best Microsoft Office alternative but being the best office suite out there with a very simplistic approach to provide users the tools for productivity. It does have premium features but is still cheaper than Microsoft Office and is better with all the premium features it has, including extensive templates for all kinds of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Also, WPS Office integrates AI, making tasks more efficient and accurate. The user-friendly interface and smooth performance further set it apart, ensuring users have a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for all their office needs. WPS Office's versatility and affordability make it the preferred choice for many.

Pros of WPS Office

  • Value for Money: WPS Office is a cost-effective solution suitable for professionals and beginners alike.

  • Ease of Use: Its user-friendly interface ensures a straightforward experience for all users.

  • Features: WPS Office offers a rich set of features, including AI integration and an extensive template library.

  • Customer Support: Reliable customer support is available to assist users when needed.

  • Likelihood to Recommend: Based on our experience, we highly recommend WPS Office for its affordability, versatility, and comprehensive feature set.

Trustpilotstars4.8
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.

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FAQs

Q1. Can LibreOffice open Excel files?

Yes, LibreOffice can open Excel files, including both .xls and .xlsx formats. It also supports the Open Document Format (ODF). However, please be aware that in some cases, advanced features may alter the formatting, and compatibility issues may arise if the Excel file contains macros.

Q2. Are there other office suites better than LibreOffice & FreeOffice?

Here are a few office suites better than LibreOffice and FreeOffice;

  • WPS Office: A standout option for replacing LibreOffice, it offers tools for document writing, spreadsheet creation, and presentation design. It's completely free, making it a cost-effective choice for your office needs. It offers advanced features, including PDF editing, cloud storage, and compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.

  • Zoho Office Suite: a cloud-based office suite that offers a range of applications and services that facilitate collaboration, productivity, and document management.

  • Microsoft 365 (Office): A comprehensive substitute to LibreOffice, featuring Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, and Teams. It offers web versions for free with paid plans for modern features.

Reimagining Office Suites

WPS Office serves as a noteworthy alternative to all office suites and caters to a broad audience, including professionals and beginners alike. In this article, we explored the comparison between FreeOffice and LibreOffice, offering personal insights. It's advisable to try all office suites firsthand before making a decision on the one that best suits your needs.Nevertheless, WPS Office stands out with its amazing features, templates, and AI integration. Download WPS Office now and experience a free office suite like never before.


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