Apache OpenOffice vs Microsoft Word
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Apache OpenOffice is a free, open-source office suite with a word processor (Writer), spreadsheet (Calc) and presentation tool (Impress). It opens common Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Microsoft Word is a word processor for writing, formatting and sharing documents. The full desktop app comes with a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time Office purchase, while a more limited Word for the web is available free with a Microsoft account.
- Completely free and open source
- Opens .docx, .xlsx and .pptx as well as OpenDocument files
- No account or subscription
- Industry-standard .docx format
- Rich formatting, review and track-changes tools
- Real-time collaboration through OneDrive
- Integrates with Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Slower development than LibreOffice
- Dated interface
- Less faithful with complex Microsoft documents than newer suites
- Full desktop version needs a paid Microsoft 365 subscription or Office purchase
- Web version has fewer features than the desktop app
- No native Linux app
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataApache OpenOffice is the safe default for cost‑sensitive users who need basic office functions, while Microsoft Word offers richer features and ecosystem integration at a price.
Key differences
- •Pricing model – OpenOffice is completely free; Word requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription for full desktop features.
- •Feature depth – Word provides advanced formatting, review tools, and real‑time collaboration; OpenOffice offers a more basic set.
- •Ecosystem integration – Word integrates natively with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive; OpenOffice has no such Microsoft ties.
- •Platform support – OpenOffice runs on Linux; Word has no native Linux desktop app.
- •File compatibility – Both open .docx/.xlsx/.pptx, but Word handles complex Microsoft documents more faithfully.
Pricing & value
OpenOffice is free and open source; Word’s full desktop version requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription.
Features & depth
Word includes rich formatting, review, track‑changes, and real‑time collaboration tools not listed for OpenOffice.
Integrations & ecosystem
Word integrates with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive; OpenOffice has no comparable Microsoft ecosystem.
Collaboration
Word offers real‑time collaboration via OneDrive; OpenOffice’s collaboration capabilities are not mentioned.
Platform support
OpenOffice runs on Linux; Word has no native Linux desktop application.
Choose Apache OpenOffice if…
Students, small businesses, or Linux users needing a free, basic office suite.
Choose Microsoft Word if…
Professionals or enterprises needing advanced Word features, Microsoft ecosystem integration, and real‑time collaboration.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use Apache OpenOffice?
No, OpenOffice is completely free and open source.
Can I collaborate on documents in real time with OpenOffice?
Real‑time collaboration is not listed as a feature for OpenOffice.
Does Microsoft Word run on Linux?
No, Word has no native Linux desktop app.