Moving from Microsoft Office to something else on Ubuntu 24.04 or 22.04 isn’t hard. There are lots of free programs out there that do all the same stuff like writing documents, making spreadsheets, or creating slideshows. In 2025, you’ve got plenty of good choices that work well with Office files.
If you need to switch from Microsoft Office, this list of the top 5 free alternatives for Ubuntu will show you the best options to keep you working smoothly.
Best Free Microsoft Office Alternatives on Ubuntu 24.04
#1. LibreOffice
Key Features of LibreOffice:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Extensive File Format Support: Handles Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) and others, ensuring easy file sharing.
- Customizable Interface: Offers flexible UI options, including different toolbar layouts and themes.
- Extensions and Templates: A wide range of extensions and templates enhances functionality and customization.
- No Licensing Fees: Free to use, modify, and distribute as open-source software.
- Advanced Tools in Writer: Features like Navigator and Styles sidebar help streamline document management and formatting.
- Regular Updates: Supported by a vibrant community, with frequent updates that improve security and add new features.
#2. Google Docs
Google Docs is a free, online office suite developed by Google, deeply integrated with Google Drive, Google’s cloud-based storage service. This integration allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents in real-time with others, regardless of location. Google Docs supports a range of document types, including word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings. It also offers robust compatibility, allowing users to edit Microsoft Office documents without any issues. One of the key advantages of Google Docs is its offline functionality, which allows you to continue working even without an internet connection.
Key Features of Google Docs:
- Real-Time Collaboration: Work simultaneously with others, with changes visible instantly.
- AI-Powered Features: Includes smart suggestions, grammar and spell check, and new AI-driven features like Gemini for enhanced document management and related content links.
- Seamless Integration with Google Workspace: Easily integrates with other Google apps like Sheets, Slides, and Drive, offering a unified experience.
- Extensive Accessibility Options: Features like voice typing, screen reader support, and document accessibility settings help make Google Docs usable for everyone.
- Offline Mode: Continue working on documents offline; changes sync automatically once reconnected to the internet.
- Enhanced Search and Organization: Advanced search filters and file suggestions make it easier to manage documents and find what you need quickly.
- Security and Control: Includes robust sharing and permission settings, as well as options for data loss prevention and content compliance.
#3. Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is a free, open-source office productivity suite that serves as an alternative to commercial office software like Microsoft Office. Designed for various platforms (Windows, macOS, and Linux), it provides tools for creating, editing, and managing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases, and more. With its user-friendly interface and a commitment to open standards, OpenOffice is a popular choice for individuals, businesses, and educational institutions.
Features of Apache OpenOffice:
- Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Comprehensive Suite: Includes Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (graphics), Base (database), and Math (formula editor).
- File Compatibility: Opens/saves Microsoft Office formats and uses the open-standard ODF.
- Free and Open-Source: No licensing costs, even for commercial use.
- Customizable: Supports themes, extensions, and multiple languages.
- Lightweight: Optimized for older or low-resource systems.
#4. FreeOffice
FreeOffice is a free, feature-rich office suite from SoftMaker that provides a robust alternative to Microsoft Office. It includes three core applications: TextMaker (word processing), PlanMaker (spreadsheets), and Presentations (slideshows). The 2024 version offers modern functionality and a user-friendly interface, making it a suitable option for both personal and business use. Unlike previous versions, FreeOffice 2024 allows users to choose between a modern ribbon interface or classic menus and toolbars, providing flexibility for different user preferences.
Key Features of FreeOffice 2024:
- Modern Ribbons or Classic Menus: Choose between a contemporary or traditional interface.
- Enhanced Compatibility: Supports Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX), allowing seamless file sharing and editing.
- Touch Mode: Optimized for touchscreens with larger icons and increased spacing.
- Advanced Editing Options: Includes features like ‘Paste special’ for formatting control and support for inserting WebP images.
- Dynamic Presentations: PowerPoint-compatible transitions and multimedia playback on Linux.
- Comprehensive Spreadsheet Tools: PlanMaker supports importing/exporting to SQLite databases, advanced sorting, and pivot tables.
#5. Microsoft Office Online
Office for the web allows users to access and work with browser-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, enabling document creation, editing, and real-time collaboration from anywhere with an internet connection. The suite is part of Microsoft 365 and integrates seamlessly with OneDrive, offering robust cloud storage and sharing capabilities.
Key Features of Office for the web:
- Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on documents simultaneously, with changes synced instantly.
- Expanded Format Support: Edit and view various document types, including newer formats and backward compatibility with older Microsoft Office versions.
- Enhanced Accessibility Tools: Features like improved dictation in multiple languages, better layout tools in Word, and enhanced navigation in Excel help make the suite more accessible.
- Offline Functionality: Users can work on documents offline in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or on mobile devices with the OneDrive app; changes sync once reconnected.
- Integration with Microsoft Teams: Easily share and collaborate on documents directly within Teams, streamlining workflows for businesses and education.
- New Features for Excel: Improved PivotTable and PivotChart interactions, new filter options, and enhanced formula functionalities.
- Presentation Enhancements in PowerPoint: Features like online video insertion, dynamic transitions, and the ability to present directly in Teams meetings.
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