If you are looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Office, you may have come across OnlyOffice and OpenOffice. Both are open-source office suites that offer similar functionalities to Microsoft Office, including word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation creation.
However, there are some differences between the two that you should be aware of before deciding which one to use.
OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a cloud-based office suite that offers real-time collaboration, document management, and mobile support. It also has a paid version that offers additional features such as CRM, project management, and mail server. OnlyOffice supports a wide range of file formats, including Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats, making it easy to work with files created by other office suites.
OpenOffice
On the other hand, OpenOffice is a desktop-based office suite that offers word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation creation. It is free and open-source software that supports a wide range of file formats, including Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats. OpenOffice has a simple and easy-to-use interface that makes it a popular choice among users who don’t need advanced features.
Core Features Comparison
When comparing OnlyOffice and OpenOffice, it is crucial to take a closer look at their core features. This section will provide a brief comparison of the features of both applications.
Documents
OnlyOffice and OpenOffice both offer a word processor for creating and editing documents. OnlyOffice offers additional features, such as real-time collaboration and version control. OpenOffice, on the other hand, offers a simpler interface that may be more suitable for users who do not require advanced features.
Presentations
OnlyOffice and OpenOffice both offer a presentation application for creating and editing slideshows. OnlyOffice offers a more modern interface with more advanced features, such as real-time collaboration and the ability to add multimedia content. OpenOffice offers a simpler interface that may be more suitable for users who do not require advanced features.
Spreadsheets
OnlyOffice and OpenOffice both offer a spreadsheet application for creating and editing spreadsheets. OnlyOffice offers a more modern interface with more advanced features, such as real-time collaboration and the ability to add charts and graphs. OpenOffice offers a simpler interface that may be more suitable for users who do not require advanced features.
Plugins and Apps
OnlyOffice offers a wide range of plugins and apps that can be used to extend the functionality of the application. OpenOffice also offers plugins, but the selection is more limited. OnlyOffice’s plugins and apps include integrations with various cloud storage providers, such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
Functionality
OnlyOffice and OpenOffice both offer a similar set of functionality for creating and editing documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. OnlyOffice offers more advanced features, such as real-time collaboration and version control. OpenOffice may be more suitable for users who require a simpler interface and do not require advanced features.
Pricing and Licensing Options
When it comes to pricing and licensing options, OnlyOffice and OpenOffice take different approaches.
OpenOffice is completely free and open-source software, meaning that it is available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute without any cost or licensing fees. This makes it an attractive option for individuals and organizations who are looking for a low-cost alternative to Microsoft Office.
On the other hand, OnlyOffice offers both a free Community Edition and a paid Enterprise Edition. The Community Edition is available for free and can be downloaded from the OnlyOffice website. It is licensed under the AGPL v.3 license and includes basic document editing and collaboration features. The Enterprise Edition ($1500 for lifetime access), on the other hand, is a paid subscription-based service that includes additional features such as advanced document editing, project management, and CRM integration.
If you are using OnlyOffice for personal or non-critical business processes, the Community Edition may be sufficient for your needs. However, if you require more advanced features or need to use OnlyOffice for critical business processes, you may want to consider upgrading to the Enterprise Edition.
When it comes to licensing, OpenOffice is licensed under the Apache License 2.0, which is a permissive open-source license that allows for the software to be used, modified, and distributed without any restrictions. OnlyOffice, on the other hand, is licensed under the AGPL v.3 license for the Community Edition and a proprietary license for the Enterprise Edition.
Compatibility with Microsoft Office Formats
In terms of compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, OnlyOffice and OpenOffice have some differences. OnlyOffiice was constructed to work with Microsoft’s DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX formats from the bottom up, while OpenOffice and LibreOffice have decided not to play by Microsoft’s rules.
OnlyOffie Docs provides the highest compatibility with Microsoft Office files, making it a great alternative for those who need to work with Microsoft Office formats. The tool uses Office Open XML as a core format, which allows for easy editing of DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files.
OpenOffice has a decent level of compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, but it is not 100%. The most widely used file formats that can be edited using Microsoft Office are .doc and .docx. While OpenOffice can edit some of the file formats of Microsoft Office, there are still limitations to the compatibility between the two.
Operating System Support
Both OnlyOffice and OpenOffice are cross-platform, meaning they can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, there are some differences worth noting.
OnlyOffice has a desktop version that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as a web-based version that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection and a web browser. The desktop version of OnlyOffice is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
OpenOffice, on the other hand, has a desktop version that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it does not have a web-based version. The desktop version of OpenOffice is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems as well.
In terms of system requirements, OnlOffice requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 2 GB of free disk space, while OpenOffice requires at least 256 MB of RAM and 400 MB of free disk space. Therefore, OnlyOffice might be a better choice for those with more powerful computers, while OpenOffice might be a better choice for those with less powerful computers.
Collaboration and Project Management Capabilities
Both OnlyOffice and OpenOffice offer a range of features to help you and your team work together efficiently.
OnlyOffice offers a complete suite of collaboration tools, including real-time co-authoring, commenting, and chat. This makes it easy for teams to work together on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, and to communicate with each other in real-time. On top of that, OnlyOffice Workspace provides a project management module that enables you to create and manage projects, tasks, and milestones, and to track progress and deadlines.
OpenOffice, on the other hand, offers some basic collaboration features, such as the ability to share documents and collaborate on them with others. However, it lacks real-time co-authoring and chat capabilities, which can make it difficult for teams to work together on projects efficiently. OpenOffice also does not offer any built-in project management tools, which means you will need to use a separate project management software to manage your projects.
Extension and Integration Possibilities
Both OnlyOffice and OpenOffice offer a range of possibilities to enhance your experience and make your work more efficient.
OnlyOffice provides a wide range of plugins and add-ons, including the Mail Merge, YouTube, and QuickBooks Online plugins, among others. These plugins can be easily installed from the OnlyOffice Marketplace, which is accessible directly from the OnlyOffice interface. In addition, OnlyOffice integrates with a variety of third-party services, including Office 365, Box, and Nextcloud.
OpenOffice also offers a range of extensions, including the popular LanguageTool, PDF Import, and Presenter Console extensions. These extensions can be installed directly from the OpenOffice Extension Repository. OpenOffice also integrates with a range of third-party services, including Google Drive and Dropbox.
Pros and Cons of OnlyOffice and OpenOffice
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of OnlyOffice and Open Office:
OnlyOffice
Pros
- User-friendly interface: OnlyOffice has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use.
- Comprehensive feature set: OnlyOffice offers a wide range of features, including real-time collaboration, document management, and mobile support.
- Supports many file formats: OnlyOffice supports a variety of file formats, including Microsoft Office formats, PDFs, and OpenDocument formats.
- Native apps for multiple platforms: OnlyOffice has native apps for Windows, Linux, Mac, and mobile devices, making it easy to access and use from anywhere.
Cons
- Relatively expensive: OnlyOffice is a paid product, which may be a disadvantage for some users who are looking for a free or low-cost option.
- Difficult to set up: Some users may find OnlyOffice difficult to set up and configure, which can be a barrier to adoption.
- Weak community support: OnlyOffice has a smaller community of users and developers compared to other options, which may limit the availability of support and resources.
OpenOffice
Pros
- Free and open-source: OpenOffice is a free and open-source option, which makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Wide range of features: OpenOffice offers a comprehensive set of features, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Supports multiple platforms: OpenOffice has versions available for Windows, Linux, and Mac, making it accessible to users on different platforms.
- Large community support: OpenOffice has a large and active community of users and developers, which provides a wealth of resources and support.
Cons
- Outdated interface: OpenOffice has an outdated interface that may be less intuitive and user-friendly compared to other options.
- Limited file format support: OpenOffice may have limited support for some file formats, which can be a disadvantage for users who need to work with a variety of file types.
- Slow development: OpenOffice has had a slow development cycle in recent years, which may limit the availability of new features and updates.
As you can see, both OnlyOffice and OpenOffice have their strengths and weaknesses. OnlyOffice is more suitable for teams that need real-time collaboration and document management features. It also has better mobile support, making it easier to work on documents on the go. OpenOffice, on the other hand, is more suitable for individual users who need a simple and easy-to-use office suite. It is also a good choice for users who don’t have a stable internet connection and prefer to work offline.
Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you need advanced features such as CRM and project management, OnlyOffice may be a better choice for you. If you prefer a simple and easy-to-use office suite, OpenOffice may be a better choice.