Choosing the perfect office suite used to be a pretty straightforward decision. Although Microsoft 365 has been around for a long time, tools like LibreOffice are redefining what an office suite should feel and work like. This guide examines the features of these two giants: Microsoft 365 vs. LibreOffice.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Let’s discuss the first thing you are greeted with when you open these programs. Microsoft 365 is like a sleek office, with every tool imaginable, but organized in a way that makes everything overwhelming – like walking in a tech maze.
It has a modern, professional look that’s perfect for power users who know their way around. However, for beginners, digging to find every tool before you can get your work done may seem a little too much.
LibreOffice, on the other hand, is like that cozy and straightforward office with an easy-to-navigate interface. Although LibreOffice doesn’t look as polished as Microsoft 365, it’s easier to use without a tutorial session.
The menus are less cluttered, and you can easily write that report or crunch those numbers without stress. In addition, it mimics some of Office 365’s look and feel to ease the transition for those who have been in the Microsoft ecosystem for a long time. LibreOffice is ideal if you prioritize simplicity.
System Performance and Resource Usage
Let’s dive into system performance and how much each of these suites will demand from your device. It’s a known fact that Microsoft 365 is resource-heavy. It encompasses robust features with constant updates that rely on your device being new and high-tech to meet its demands.
It isn’t unusual to hear complaints about Office causing 100% CPU usage in Windows, as it takes a toll every time you use it due to its background processes. If you multitask often, you should avoid using Microsoft 365 on older PCs to avoid bottlenecks.
LibreOffice shines here and is more like a trusty bicycle. It is significantly lighter on system resources and doesn’t need much to keep going. Along with being a fantastic choice for older computers, if you are trying to multitask while running many tabs, LibreOffice is perfect.
It’s more about getting the job done rather than wrestling your CPU every time you open a document. Besides, you can also speed up LibreOffice to boost its efficiency.
Cost and Accessibility
Here’s where the paths of these two couldn’t be further apart. Microsoft 365 Copilot operates on a subscription model, where you have to pay recurring fees to use the software, despite workarounds to use Microsoft Office for free.
Think of it as paying rent when you don’t own the apartment. Although you get all the latest updates and online services, the pennies add up quickly, especially if you’re not using all the features.
The subscription packages are grouped into two sections: business and home packages. This may not be a deal-breaker for some, but it’s an issue if you prefer outright ownership.
LibreOffice is more of a free-spirited office software. It’s open source, meaning it’s maintained and updated by a community of worldwide developers. You don’t need a subscription: just download and use it, although you can donate to support the developers.
It’s a no-brainer for anyone who has a low budget or doesn’t like to pay a subscription fee just to use their Office tools. Considering almost everything carries a price these days, getting such a free deal is a good way to save money.
Privacy and Data Control
Data is more valuable than gold in this era, so knowing where your data is or how these suites handle your information is crucial when examining Microsoft 365 vs. LibreOffice. The Microsoft suite integrates with its cloud services and pushes for OneDrive usage.
All your data is nudged into the cloud unless you decide otherwise. While it may be great for collaboration, being continuously pushed into a Microsoft-centric digital life may sound the privacy alarm for others like me.
Meanwhile, LibreOffice saves your documents locally by default. You get to control what you want to push into the cloud, when, and how you want to. If you have sensitive data, LibreOffice helps you prioritize control over it.
Besides, there’s an additional feature to encrypt documents with LibreOffice, ensuring confidentiality. You can’t go wrong with this extra layer of security and control over your data.
Feature Power and Cross-Platform Play
Microsoft 365 is a features powerhouse. It has a tool for almost everything. You can use AI tools like Copilot, integrate into the cloud with OneDrive, collaborate on Teams, and many more. However, the downside is that all the tools do not work equally across platforms.
While the desktop app is stacked, its web versions lack depth and may feel stripped down. Also, the mobile versions are too streamlined and may almost be impossible to achieve similar functions as its desktop counterparts.
LibreOffice, unlike Microsoft 365, is consistent across the platforms supported. What you get on Windows, you get on Mac or Linux. Besides, it has tools for writing, presentations, spreadsheets, and more.
Although not much, it’s enough to make LibreOffice a worthy opponent of Microsoft 365. LibreOffice supports multiple file formats, making it ideal for collaboration. If you are versatile and need cross-platform collaboration, then LibreOffice is an excellent choice.
So which one should you choose: Microsoft 365 or LibreOffice? If you’re all about getting the latest updates, cutting-edge cloud services integration, and a budget-rich pocket, then Microsoft 365 is worth your subscription. But if getting a simple, privacy-focused tool without spending a dime is your goal, then give LibreOffice a chance. In the end, the best office suite is the one that fits your needs without much hassle.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Henderson Jayden Harper.
