Apache OpenOffice vs OnlyOffice
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Apache OpenOffice provides a full-featured office suite including Writer, Calc, and Impress, compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats. It runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering a cost‑free solution for students, small businesses, and open‑source enthusiasts. The suite is community‑maintained, supports a wide range of file types, and includes tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and databases, all without any licensing fees.
OnlyOffice provides a full-featured office suite for creating, editing, and collaborating on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It offers both cloud‑based and self‑hosted deployments, allowing teams to keep data on‑premise or in the cloud. The platform integrates tightly with popular file storage services and includes real‑time co‑authoring, version control, and granular permission settings, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes that need a secure, standards‑compliant productivity solution.
- Completely free with no hidden costs
- Runs on all major desktop operating systems
- Supports both Microsoft and OpenDocument formats
- Extensible via community extensions
- High fidelity with Microsoft Office formats
- Both cloud and self‑hosted options
- Robust permission and security controls
- Extensive API for custom integrations
- No native cloud‑based collaboration like some competitors
- Limited mobile support; primarily desktop only
- User interface feels dated compared to newer suites
- User interface can feel less polished than some commercial rivals
- Advanced features may require paid enterprise license
- Mobile app functionality is limited compared to desktop
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataApache OpenOffice is a completely free, desktop‑only suite ideal for low‑cost, individual use; OnlyOffice adds cloud collaboration, security controls, and integrations at a cost for teams.
Key differences
- •Collaboration: OnlyOffice offers real‑time online editing; OpenOffice has none.
- •Deployment model: OpenOffice is desktop‑only; OnlyOffice provides both cloud and self‑hosted options.
- •Integrations: OnlyOffice lists native connectors to Nextcloud, SharePoint, Google Drive, etc.; OpenOffice has no listed integrations.
- •Pricing structure: OpenOffice is 100% free; OnlyOffice uses a freemium model with paid enterprise features.
- •Security features: OnlyOffice includes encryption and granular access controls; OpenOffice provides no such details.
Pricing & value
OpenOffice is fully free; OnlyOffice requires paid licenses for advanced features.
Ease of use / learning curve
OnlyOffice’s web‑based, mobile‑responsive UI is newer than OpenOffice’s dated desktop interface.
Features & depth
OnlyOffice adds real‑time collaboration, PDF editing, and granular permissions beyond core office functions.
Integrations & ecosystem
OnlyOffice lists integrations with Nextcloud, SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack; OpenOffice lists none.
Collaboration
OnlyOffice supports simultaneous editing; OpenOffice has no native cloud collaboration.
Security & privacy
OnlyOffice mentions encryption and role‑based access controls; OpenOffice provides no security specifics.
Support
OnlyOffice offers email, ticket system, and community forum; OpenOffice only email and forums.
Choose Apache OpenOffice if…
Students, freelancers, or small businesses needing a free, offline desktop office suite.
Choose OnlyOffice if…
Enterprises or collaborative teams that require online editing, security controls, and third‑party integrations.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use OnlyOffice?
OnlyOffice is freemium; basic use is free but advanced or enterprise features require paid licenses.
Can I edit documents together in real time with OpenOffice?
No, OpenOffice lacks native cloud‑based collaboration; editing is limited to single users on a desktop.
What integrations does OnlyOffice support that OpenOffice does not?
OnlyOffice integrates with Nextcloud, ownCloud, SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack, per the provided specs.