A free office suite gives you a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation app without a subscription. Desktop suites suit offline work and private files, while browser suites suit sharing and working together in real time. Decide which file format your team and clients use first, because that shapes everything else.
Running a small business means documents, numbers and the occasional pitch deck. You can do all three with a free office suite, and for many teams it's all they'll ever need.
Here are ten free office suites in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from community projects to big-brand web apps. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If your team works remotely, my guide to collaboration tools for teams covers what sits around the office apps.
Before you switch, list the files you open every week. If they're mostly from clients using one particular format, choose a suite that handles that format well.
Free office suites side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iWork | Apple's office apps | Documents and slides on Apple devices | Yes |
| Calligra Suite | Open-source office and graphics apps | A free suite on Linux | Yes |
| Collabora Online | Self-hostable online office | Hosting office tools yourself | Yes |
| FreeOffice | Desktop office suite | Microsoft-style files on the desktop | Yes |
| LibreOffice | Open-source desktop suite | A full suite that works offline | Yes |
| Microsoft 365 for the web | Browser versions of Office apps | Opening Office files online | Yes |
| OnlyOffice | Office suite for desktop and web | Teams working on shared files | Yes |
| SSuite Office | Lightweight Windows office apps | Basic office jobs on older PCs | Yes |
| WPS Office | Suite for desktop and mobile | A familiar layout on phones | Yes |
| Zoho Workplace | Online office and email suite | Office apps with email for teams | Yes |
Ten free office suites to compare
Apple iWork
Best for: Mac, iPad and iPhone users who want free documents, spreadsheets and presentations already designed for Apple devices.
Calligra Suite
Best for: Linux users who want a set of office and graphics apps that all come from one open-source project.
Collabora Online
Best for: Organisations that want browser-based office apps they can host on their own servers.
FreeOffice
Best for: Small businesses who want a free desktop suite that handles Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
LibreOffice
Best for: Anyone who wants a full desktop suite with documents, spreadsheets, slides and databases that stays on their computer.
Microsoft 365 for the web
Best for: People with a Microsoft account who want to open and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files in a browser.
OnlyOffice
Best for: Teams who co-edit documents and spreadsheets and want them to stay compatible with Microsoft formats.
SSuite Office
Best for: People with older Windows computers who want small, simple office apps that don't need much power.
WPS Office
Best for: Users who want documents, sheets and slides on a phone that look much like the desktop apps they know.
Zoho Workplace
Best for: Small teams who want online documents, sheets and slides alongside business email in one place.
The open file standard chosen for UK government
Here's something few businesses know. GOV.UK guidance from the Government Digital Service says the Open Standards Board selected the ODF 1.2 standard for use across government, because it's an open standard that lets suppliers build office tools that work together. LibreOffice is one of the suites built around that format.
You don't have to follow the government's lead, but it's a good reminder that the file format is a choice. If you work with public bodies, ask which format they expect before you send anything.
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What to check in a free office suite
- File formats: does it open and save the formats your clients use?
- Offline access: can you work without an internet connection?
- Co-editing: can two people edit the same file at once?
- Storage: where are your files saved, and how much space do you get?
- Templates: are there invoice, report and slide templates to start from?
How to move a team onto a free office suite
- Pick five real files your team uses every week and test them.
- Agree one default file format for internal documents.
- Rebuild your most-used templates in the new suite.
- Run both old and new apps side by side for two weeks.
- Switch fully once the test files open and print correctly.
Office suite mistakes that waste time
- Mixing formats. Pick one default so files don't multiply.
- Ignoring templates. Rebuild your invoice and letter templates once.
- Skipping the macro test. If you rely on macros, test them first.
- No shared folder. Agree where files live before you switch.
Getting the whole office working together matters more than the apps themselves, and my post on making your office connected covers that side.
Do you make office software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free office suites
Choose based on the people you share files with, not on feature lists. A suite that opens your clients' files cleanly is worth more than any number of extras.
And test with your messiest spreadsheet, not your tidiest letter. That's where the differences between suites show up.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Office?
Yes. Several free suites open and save Office files, with some differences in complex layouts and macros.
Can I use a free office suite for business?
Many free suites allow business use. Check each suite's own terms to be sure.
Do free office suites work offline?
Desktop suites do. Browser suites usually need a connection, with some offline options.
Will my Word and Excel files open cleanly?
Most do. Complex formatting, macros and some charts may need a quick check after opening.
What's ODF?
OpenDocument Format is an open file standard for documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
Can I share files with people who use Microsoft Office?
Yes. Save in the Microsoft format, or send a PDF if they only need to read it.
Do free office suites include email?
Some online suites bundle email. Desktop suites usually don't.
Which free office suite is best for teams?
Online suites with real-time co-editing suit teams best, as long as file compatibility works for you.
Can I use a free suite on a phone?
Several have free mobile apps for documents, spreadsheets and slides.
Do I lose anything by switching?
Usually very little for everyday work. Heavy spreadsheet macros are the main thing to test.
