The office suite apps or software for your Windows computer or device depend on your preferences for features such as user interface, document compatibility, price, and cloud options.

Here are some of your most popular software suites to begin looking at. You can buy software or apps for Windows desktop from a variety of sites​ but we suggest focusing on each software manufacturer’s site. Be careful to always download from reputable sources.

Also, keep in mind that the last few on this list are cloud or online options. In those cases, you need to create an online account to access those programs.

Microsoft Office

Naturally, Microsoft Office is an important productivity option to consider for your Windows device. While opinions certainly vary regarding how intuitive the world’s most popular office suite really is, it is still the standard for document compatibility.

  • Create documents that are easy to exchange without compatibility issues.

  • Large assortment of templates.

  • Vast array of features and capabilities.

  • Confusing navigation.

  • Significant cost, but has a free trial and monthly subscription plans.

  • Bloated, with many features some users won’t use.

Corel WordPerfect

Corel’s office suites are feature-rich programs comparable to Microsoft Office. Check out Corel WordPerfect Office X6 or later for interesting features such as eBook Publisher functionality.

  • Reveal Codes to diagnose formatting issues quickly and easily.

  • Easy to create useful macros.

  • Generates files that are compatible with Microsoft Office.

  • Not as widely used as Office, so fewer third-party add-ons are available.

  • Spreadsheet program not as powerful as alternatives.

At the time of this writing, it is only available as a desktop version.

Kingsoft Office

The Kingsoft Office suite is offered by a popular software manufacturer based in China.

  • Full complement of features, despite low or no cost.

  • Customizable interface that’s similar to Microsoft Office.

  • Free version is ad-supported.

  • No grammar checking.

For Windows, you can select an affordable mobile or desktop version, or try the OfficeSuiteFree version if available.

LibreOffice Suite

LibreOffice software is free as an open-source project from The Document Foundation. The suite offers impressive language options and continually improves the suite with each new version release.

  • Free.

  • Large user community means lots of support and templates.

  • Interface looks dated.

  • Impress (for presentations) not fully compatible with PowerPoint.

OpenOffice Suite

OpenOffice is a free software suite under the Apache Software Foundation, an open-source community. With hundreds of thousands of developers and other professionals donating their skills, OpenOffice remains a robust alternative to Microsoft Office.

  • Free.

  • Able to handle a variety of formats from other programs.

  • No email or calendar application.

  • Occasionally slow and buggy.

ThinkFree Office

ThinkFree Office by Hancom comes in a desktop (premium) or online version (free) you may be interested in. This suite includes Write, Calc, and Show.

  • Optimized for tablet and phone use.

  • Offers basic functionality of other office suites.

  • Macros and templates are lacking or unavailable.

  • Compatibility issues with Microsoft Office files.

Microsoft Office Online

Microsoft also features a free, streamlined version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Users access these programs through their internet browser. 

  • Easy, real-time collaboration.

  • Accessible from anywhere.

  • Annual subscription fee.

  • Can’t run macros or access password-protected files.

Google Docs and Google Apps

The web-based Google Docs and mobile Google Apps are accessed through the software company’s cloud environment, Google Drive. The free version is impressive and compatibility issues keep decreasing with this productivity option. You can buy a subscription for a business version similar to Microsoft 365 which includes additional features.

  • Free.

  • Documents are automatically and frequently saved in the cloud.

  • Seamless, convenient online collaboration.

  • Limited selection of templates.

  • Not as robust as Microsoft Office.

  • Working with images can be a bit finicky.

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