Office 365 Alternative for Mac: Why You Should Switch and Which One to Pick
Office 365 Alternative for Mac: Top 10 Office Suites and Apps
If you are a Mac user who needs to work with documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or other types of files that are compatible with Microsoft Office, you might be wondering if there are any alternatives to Office 365 that can meet your needs. While Office 365 is a popular and powerful productivity suite that offers many features and benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks, such as a high subscription cost, a complex interface, and potential compatibility issues with other platforms or devices.
office 365 alternative for mac
Fortunately, there are many other office suites and apps that you can use on your Mac that can provide similar or even better functionality than Office 365. Some of them are free, open source, or cloud-based, while others are paid, proprietary, or offline. Depending on your preferences, budget, and requirements, you can find the best office 365 alternative for Mac that suits you.
In this article, we will review the top 10 office suites and apps that you can use as an office 365 alternative for Mac. We will compare their features, pros and cons, and how to get them for your Mac. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of which office suite or app is the best fit for you.
LibreOffice
What is LibreOffice and what does it offer?
LibreOffice is one of the most popular and widely used open source alternatives to Microsoft Office. It is a free and cross-platform productivity suite that includes six applications:
Writer: a word processor that can create and edit documents in various formats, such as DOCX, ODT, PDF, HTML, RTF, etc.
Calc: a spreadsheet program that can handle complex calculations, data analysis, charts, graphs, etc.
Impress: a presentation software that can create and display slideshows with animations, transitions, multimedia, etc Draw: a vector graphics editor that can create and edit diagrams, flowcharts, logos, icons, etc.
Base: a database management system that can create and manipulate databases, tables, queries, forms, reports, etc.
Math: a formula editor that can create and edit mathematical equations and symbols.
LibreOffice also supports a wide range of extensions and templates that can enhance its functionality and appearance. It is compatible with Microsoft Office formats, as well as other common file formats. It also supports multiple languages and has a large community of users and developers who contribute to its improvement and support.
Pros and cons of LibreOffice
Some of the advantages of using LibreOffice as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is free and open source, which means you can use it without any cost or license restrictions.
It is cross-platform, which means you can use it on different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.
It is feature-rich and versatile, which means you can use it for various purposes and tasks.
It is compatible and interoperable, which means you can open and edit files created by Microsoft Office or other office suites.
It is customizable and extensible, which means you can modify its settings and appearance, or add new features and functions with extensions and templates.
Some of the disadvantages of using LibreOffice as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is not as polished and user-friendly as Microsoft Office, which means you might encounter some bugs, glitches, or crashes.
It is not as updated and innovative as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the latest features and improvements.
It is not as integrated and collaborative as Microsoft Office, which means you might have some difficulties in sharing and working on files with others online.
How to get LibreOffice for Mac
To get LibreOffice for Mac, you can follow these steps:
Go to the official website of LibreOffice at https://www.libreoffice.org/.
Click on the Download button on the homepage.
Select the version of LibreOffice that matches your Mac OS version and language.
Click on the Download button again to start downloading the installation file.
Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the instructions to install LibreOffice on your Mac.
Launch LibreOffice from your Applications folder or Dock and enjoy using it.
iWork Suite
What is iWork Suite and what does it offer?
iWork Suite is Apple's own productivity suite that comes pre-installed on every Mac. It consists of three applications:
Pages: a word processor that can create and edit documents in various formats, such as DOCX, PDF, EPUB, etc.
Numbers: a spreadsheet program that can handle data analysis, charts, graphs, tables, etc.
Keynote: a presentation software that can create and display slideshows with animations, transitions, multimedia, etc.
iWork Suite also integrates with iCloud, Apple's cloud service that allows you to store, sync, and access your files across different devices. You can also collaborate with others online using iWork Suite by sharing links or inviting them to edit your files in real time. iWork Suite supports Microsoft Office formats, as well as other common file formats. It also has a simple and elegant interface that matches the design of Mac OS.
Pros and cons of iWork Suite
Some of the advantages of using iWork Suite as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is free and native, which means you don't have to pay or download anything to use it on your Mac.
It is integrated and collaborative, which means you can easily access and share your files with iCloud and other Apple devices or users.
It is simple and elegant, which means you can enjoy a smooth and intuitive user experience that matches the style of Mac OS.
It is creative and expressive, which means you can use various tools and effects to make your documents look more attractive and professional.
Some of the disadvantages of using iWork Suite as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is not as compatible and interoperable as Microsoft Office, which means you might encounter some formatting or compatibility issues when opening and editing files created by Microsoft Office or other office suites.
It is not as feature-rich and versatile as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the advanced features and functions that Microsoft Office offers.
It is not as cross-platform and accessible as Microsoft Office, which means you might have some difficulties in using it on different operating systems or devices other than Mac or iOS.
How to get iWork Suite for Mac
To get iWork Suite for Mac, you can follow these steps:
Go to the App Store on your Mac and search for Pages, Numbers, or Keynote.
Click on the Get button to download and install the app on your Mac.
Repeat the process for the other two apps if you want to use them as well.
Launch the app from your Applications folder or Dock and enjoy using it.
OpenOffice
What is OpenOffice and what does it offer?
OpenOffice is another popular and widely used open source alternative to Microsoft Office. It is a free and cross-platform productivity suite that includes six applications:
Writer: a word processor that can create and edit documents in various formats, such as DOCX, ODT, PDF, HTML, RTF, etc.
Calc: a spreadsheet program that can handle complex calculations, data analysis, charts, graphs, etc.
Impress: a presentation software that can create and display slideshows with animations, transitions, multimedia, etc.
Draw: a vector graphics editor that can create and edit diagrams, flowcharts, logos, icons, etc.
Base: a database management system that can create and manipulate databases, tables, queries, forms, reports, etc.
Math: a formula editor that can create and edit mathematical equations and symbols.
OpenOffice also supports a wide range of extensions and templates that can enhance its functionality and appearance. It is compatible with Microsoft Office formats, as well as other common file formats. It also supports multiple languages and has a large community of users and developers who contribute to its improvement and support.
Pros and cons of OpenOffice
Some of the advantages of using OpenOffice as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is free and open source, which means you can use it without any cost or license restrictions.
It is cross-platform, which means you can use it on different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.
It is feature-rich and versatile, which means you can use it for various purposes and tasks.
It is compatible and interoperable, which means you can open and edit files created by Microsoft Office or other office suites.
It is customizable and extensible, which means you can modify its settings and appearance, or add new features and functions with extensions and templates.
Some of the disadvantages of using OpenOffice as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is not as polished and user-friendly as Microsoft Office, which means you might encounter some bugs, glitches, or crashes.
It is not as updated and innovative as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the latest features and improvements.
It is not as integrated and collaborative as Microsoft Office, which means you might have some difficulties in sharing and working on files with others online.
How to get OpenOffice for Mac
To get OpenOffice for Mac, you can follow these steps:
Go to the official website of OpenOffice at https://www.openoffice.org/.
Click on the Download button on the homepage.
Select the version of OpenOffice that matches your Mac OS version and language.
Click on the Download full installation button to start downloading the installation file.
Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the instructions to install OpenOffice on your Mac.
Launch OpenOffice from your Applications folder or Dock and enjoy using it.
FreeOffice
What is FreeOffice and what does it offer?
FreeOffice is a free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office. It is a proprietary and cross-platform productivity suite that includes three applications:
TextMaker: a word processor that can create and edit documents in various formats, such as DOCX, ODT, PDF, HTML, RTF, etc.
PlanMaker: a spreadsheet program that can handle calculations, data analysis, charts, graphs, etc.
Presentations: a presentation software that can create and display slideshows with animations, transitions, multimedia, etc.
FreeOffice also supports a range of extensions and templates that can enhance its functionality and appearance. It is compatible with Microsoft Office formats, as well as other common file formats. It also supports multiple languages and has a simple and user-friendly interface that resembles the classic version of Microsoft Office.
Pros and cons of FreeOffice
Some of the advantages of using FreeOffice as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is free and lightweight, which means you can use it without any cost or performance issues.
It is cross-platform, which means you can use it on different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.
It is compatible and interoperable, which means you can open and edit files created by Microsoft Office or other office suites.
It is simple and user-friendly, which means you can enjoy a familiar and intuitive user experience that resembles the classic version of Microsoft Office.
Some of the disadvantages of using FreeOffice as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is not as feature-rich and versatile as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the advanced features and functions that Microsoft Office offers.
It is not as updated and innovative as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the latest features and improvements.
It is not as integrated and collaborative as Microsoft Office, which means you might have some difficulties in sharing and working on files with others online.
How to get FreeOffice for Mac
To get FreeOffice for Mac, you can follow these steps:
Go to the official website of FreeOffice at https://www.freeoffice.com/.
Click on the Download button on the homepage.
Select the version of FreeOffice that matches your Mac OS version and language.
Enter your email address to receive a download link and a product key.
Click on the download link in your email to start downloading the installation file.
Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the instructions to install FreeOffice on your Mac.
Launch FreeOffice from your Applications folder or Dock and enter your product key to activate it.
Enjoy using it.
WPS Office
What is WPS Office and what does it offer?
WPS Office is a free and powerful alternative to Microsoft Office. It is a proprietary and cross-platform productivity suite that includes three applications:
Writer: a word processor that can create and edit documents in various formats, such as DOCX, PDF, HTML, RTF, etc.
Spreadsheets: a spreadsheet program that can handle calculations, data analysis, charts, graphs, tables, etc.
Presentation: a presentation software that can create and display slideshows with animations, transitions, multimedia, etc.
WPS Office also supports a range of extensions and templates that can enhance its functionality and appearance. It is compatible with Microsoft Office formats, as well as other common file formats. It also supports multiple languages and has a modern and user-friendly interface that resembles the latest version of Microsoft Office.
Pros and cons of WPS Office
Some of the advantages of using WPS Office as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is free and powerful, which means you can use it without any cost or performance issues.
It is cross-platform, which means you can use it on different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.
It is compatible and interoperable, which means you can open and edit files created by Microsoft Office or other office suites.
It is modern and user-friendly, which means you can enjoy a smooth and intuitive user experience that resembles the latest version of Microsoft Office.
It is creative and expressive, which means you can use various tools and effects to make your documents look more attractive and professional.
Some of the disadvantages of using WPS Office as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is not as feature-rich and versatile as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the advanced features and functions that Microsoft Office offers.
It is not as updated and innovative as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the latest features and improvements.
It is not as integrated and collaborative as Microsoft Office, which means you might have some difficulties in sharing and working on files with others online.
How to get WPS Office for Mac
To get WPS Office for Mac, you can follow these steps:
Go to the official website of WPS Office at https://www.wps.com/.
Click on the Download button on the homepage.
Select the version of WPS Office that matches your Mac OS version and language.
Click on the Download button again to start downloading the installation file.
Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the instructions to install WPS Office on your Mac.
Launch WPS Office from your Applications folder or Dock and enjoy using it.
Google Suite
What is Google Suite and what does it offer?
Google Suite is a free and cloud-based alternative to Microsoft Office. It is a web-based productivity suite that includes four applications:
Google Docs: a word processor that can create and edit documents in various formats, such as DOCX, PDF, HTML, RTF, etc.
Google Sheets: a spreadsheet program that can handle calculations, data analysis, charts, graphs, tables, etc.
Google Slides: a presentation software that can create and display slideshows with animations, transitions, multimedia, etc.
Google Forms: a form builder that can create and collect surveys, quizzes, feedback, etc.
Google Suite also integrates with Google Drive, Google's cloud service that allows you to store, sync, and access your files across different devices. You can also collaborate with others online using Google Suite by sharing links or inviting them to edit your files in real time. Google Suite supports Microsoft Office formats, as well as other common file formats. It also has a simple and user-friendly interface that resembles the web version of Microsoft Office.
Pros and cons of Google Suite
Some of the advantages of using Google Suite as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is free and cloud-based, which means you can use it without any cost or installation issues.
It is integrated and collaborative, which means you can easily access and share your files with Google Drive and other Google users or services.
It is simple and user-friendly, which means you can enjoy a smooth and intuitive user experience that resembles the web version of Microsoft Office.
It is accessible and cross-platform, which means you can use it on any device or browser that has an internet connection.
Some of the disadvantages of using Google Suite as an office 365 alternative for Mac are:
It is not as feature-rich and versatile as Microsoft Office, which means you might miss some of the advanced features and functions that Microsoft Office offers.
It is not as compatible and interoperable as Microsoft Office, which means you might encounter some formatting or compatibility issues when opening and editing files created by Microsoft Office or other office suites.
It is not as secure and private as Microsoft Office, which means you might have some concerns about the safety and ownership of your data on Google's servers.
How to get Google Suite for Mac
To get Google Suite for Mac, you can follow these steps:
Go to the official website of Google Suite at https://workspace.google.com/.
Click on the Get Started button on the homepage.
Enter your email address and password to sign in to your Google account or create a new one if you don't have one already.
Select the plan that suits your needs and preferences. You can choose between Basic (free), Business (paid), or Enterprise (paid).
Follow the instructions t