A CLOSER LOOK
LibreOffice vs Microsoft 365
Both cover documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Microsoft 365 is a subscription with cloud storage and Copilot; LibreOffice is presented as free and open source. Test your real files, macros and collaboration needs before switching.
Unknown fields are not negative results. Prices reflect the documented plan and billing terms.
| Compare | LibreOffice | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Verified platforms | windows, macos, linux | windows, macos, ios, android, web |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Unknown | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Unknown |
| Self-hosted | Unknown | Unknown |
| Offline | Unknown | Unknown |
| API | Unknown | Unknown |
| AI features | Unknown | Yes |
| Cloud | Unknown | Yes |
| Commercial use | Unknown | Unknown |
| Beginner friendly | Unknown | Unknown |
| Professional | Unknown | Unknown |
| License | Mozilla Public License 2.0 | Unknown |
| Verified features | word processing, spreadsheets, presentations | word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, team collaboration |
| Use cases | Writing documents and reports, Analysing data in spreadsheets, Preparing presentations without a subscription | Writing documents, spreadsheets and presentations, Sharing files with cloud storage and collaboration, Using AI assistance inside office apps |
LibreOffice: the trade-offs
A free, open-source office suite with a word processor, spreadsheet, presentations, drawing, database and formula tools.
What it offers
- Six tools in one suite: Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math.
- Presented as free of cost, with source code under the Mozilla Public License v2.0.
- Supports Windows, macOS and Linux according to the system requirements page.
What to check
- Test your real Microsoft Office documents, formatting and macros before migrating.
- The reviewed pages do not describe cloud storage or real-time co-editing as part of the suite.
- Collaboration and support arrangements should be checked separately from the free download.
Editorial guidance, not a hands-on review or a guarantee of compatibility.
Microsoft 365: the trade-offs
Microsoft's subscription bundle of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote with cloud storage and Copilot AI features.
What it offers
- Free web and mobile versions with 5 GB of storage are listed alongside the paid plans.
- Paid plans include the desktop apps for Windows and Mac, cloud storage and Copilot features.
- Word documents can be shared and edited collaboratively, including on the web.
What to check
- AI features are not available in Microsoft 365 Basic and have usage limits.
- Subscriptions renew automatically; the trial requires a payment card.
- Desktop apps require a subscription; the free version is limited to web and mobile.
Editorial guidance, not a hands-on review or a guarantee of compatibility.