When it comes to office suites, OnlyOffice and LibreOffice are two popular options. Both offer word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. However, there are some differences between the two that may influence which one you choose.
OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a newer office suite that was designed to work with Microsoft Office file formats. This means that it is particularly useful if you need to collaborate with others who use Microsoft Office. OnlyOffice also offers some unique features, such as the ability to collaborate on documents in real-time and to integrate with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
LibreOffice
On the other hand, LibreOffice is a more established office suite that has been around for over a decade. It is open-source software, which means that it is free to use and can be customized by developers. LibreOffice also has a large community of users and developers who contribute to its development and support.
Core Features Comparison
Document Management
When it comes to document management, both OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer similar features. Both allow you to create, edit, and save documents in various formats, including Microsoft Office formats. However, OnlyOffice has better compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, making it easier to work with documents created in Microsoft Office.
Spreadsheets
Both OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer powerful spreadsheet tools. OnlyOffice’s spreadsheet tool is more user-friendly and intuitive, making it easier for users to create complex spreadsheets. LibreOffice, on the other hand, offers more advanced features, such as pivot tables and macros, making it a better option for users who need more advanced spreadsheet functionality.
Presentations
When it comes to presentations, OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer similar features. Both allow you to create and edit presentations with various slide layouts, animations, and transitions. OnlyOffice’s presentation tool, however, is more user-friendly and intuitive, making it easier for users to create professional-looking presentations.
Drawings and Diagrams
OnlyOffice offers a powerful drawing and diagram tool that allows users to create complex diagrams and flowcharts. LibreOffice, on the other hand, does not have a dedicated drawing tool, but its Impress presentation tool can be used to create simple diagrams and flowcharts.
Pricing and Plans
Free and Paid Versions
In terms of pricing, both LibreOffice and OnlyOffice offer free and paid versions. LibreOffice is completely free and open source, while OnlyOffice has both free and paid versions. The free version of OnlyOffice, called OnlyOffice Docs Community Edition, is available for download and use on-premise. It includes document editing, spreadsheet editing, and presentation editing.
On the other hand, LibreOffice offers a completely free and open-source office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet editing, presentation editing, and more. The free version of LibreOffice is available for download on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
OnlyOffice also offers a cloud-based solution, OnlyOffice Workspace, which has a free trial period of 30 days. After the trial period, users need to pay for a subscription. The subscription plans include a range of features such as document editing, collaboration, and communication tools.
LibreOffice does not offer a cloud-based solution, but it does offer a range of extensions and templates that can be downloaded for free and used to enhance the functionality of the office suite.
Customization and Extensions
When it comes to customization and extensions, both OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer a wide range of options that allow you to tailor the software to your specific needs. Here are some of the customization and extension options available with each software.
Templates and Elements
Templates are pre-designed documents that you can use as a starting point for your own work. OnlyOffice and LibreOffice both offer a variety of templates that cover a range of document types, including resumes, business letters, and invoices. Moreover, both software options allow you to create your own templates and save them for future use.
Elements are pre-designed graphics or other design elements that you can use to add visual interest to your documents. OnlyOffice offers a range of elements that you can use, including clipart, icons, and backgrounds. LibreOffice also has a selection of elements available, including clipart and shapes.
API and Plugins
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and plugins allow you to extend the functionality of your software. OnlyOffice and LibreOffice both offer APIs that allow developers to create custom integrations with other software. In addition, both software options have a variety of plugins available that can add new features and functionality to the software.
OnlyOffice has a plugin called Connector for Nextcloud that allows you to access your OnlyOffice documents directly from the Nextcloud file manager. LibreOffice has a range of plugins available, including a PDF import extension that allows you to import and modify PDF files, and a Presenter Console extension that allows you to control your presentation from a separate device.
Collaboration Capabilities
Both OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer various features to help users work together on documents. Here are some of the collaboration capabilities that you can expect from these two office suites.
Cloud and Web-Based Features
OnlyOffice and LibreOffice both offer cloud and web-based features that allow users to work on documents from anywhere and on any device. OnlyOffice provides a cloud-based solution that enables users to access their documents from any device with an internet connection. It also offers a web-based document editor that can be integrated into other web applications.
On the other hand, LibreOffice has an online version called LibreOffice Online, which is a cloud-based solution that allows users to work on documents using a web browser. It also offers integration with various cloud storage services such as Google Drive, SharePoint, and Nextcloud.
Integration with Other Platforms
Both OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer integration with other platforms to help users work more efficiently. OnlyOffice can be integrated with various third-party tools such as Nextcloud, SharePoint, and ownCloud. It also offers integration with popular project management tools such as Trello and Asana.
Similarly, LibreOffice can be integrated with various third-party tools such as Google Drive, SharePoint, and Nextcloud. It also offers integration with popular project management tools such as Redmine and TaskJuggler.
Collaborative Editing
Collaborative editing is an essential feature for any office suite, and both OnlyOffice and LibreOffice offer this feature. OnlyOffice provides real-time collaborative editing, which allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. It also offers version control, which allows users to track changes made to the document.
LibreOffice also offers real-time collaborative editing, which allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. It also offers change tracking, which allows users to see the changes made to the document and accept or reject them.
Additional Features
Let’s take a closer look at some of the additional features offered by OnlyOffice and LibreOffice:
Project Management and CRM
OnlyOffice offers a built-in project management tool that allows you to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate with team members. It also includes a CRM module that lets you manage your customer relationships, track deals, and analyze sales performance. These features can be particularly useful for businesses that need to manage complex projects and customer relationships.
LibreOffice, on the other hand, does not offer a built-in project management or CRM tool. There are several third-party extensions available that can add these functionalities to the software.
Educational Tools
OnlyOffice includes a set of educational tools that can be useful for teachers and students. These tools include a formula editor, a graph builder, and a math editor. The software also includes a built-in plagiarism checker that can help students avoid academic dishonesty.
LibreOffice also includes several educational tools, such as a math formula editor and a graph builder. However, it does not offer a built-in plagiarism checker.
Email and Calendar
OnlyOffice includes a built-in email client that allows you to manage your emails and contacts. It also includes a calendar module that lets you schedule appointments and meetings. These features can be particularly useful for businesses that need to manage their email and calendar in one place.
LibreOffice does not include a built-in email client or calendar module. There are several third-party extensions available that can add these functionalities to the software.
Both office suites offer a variety of additional features that can be useful for different purposes. Evidently, OnlyOffice seems to have an edge when it comes to project management, CRM, and email/calendar management, while LibreOffice offers some useful educational tools.
To help you decide between OnlyOffice and LibreOffice, you can check out this comprehensive review of both office suites below:
Both OnlyOffice and LibreOffice are solid office suites that offer a lot of features and functionality. Which one you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you work with Microsoft Office files frequently, OnlyOffice may be the better choice. If you are looking for a free, open-source office suite with a large community of users, LibreOffice is a great option.