Microsoft Office vs. Libreoffice — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 28, 2023
Microsoft Office is a proprietary suite of office applications; LibreOffice is its open-source counterpart.
Difference Between Microsoft Office and Libreoffice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
From a compatibility perspective, Microsoft Office has been noted for its seamless integration across devices and platforms. LibreOffice, though compatible with many file formats, might occasionally have hiccups when dealing with complex Microsoft Office files.
Both suites cater to a wide audience; Microsoft Office often being the choice for businesses that prioritize standardization and support, and LibreOffice for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness and open-source values.
A key distinction between Microsoft Office and LibreOffice is the business model. Microsoft Office operates on a proprietary model, often requiring users to purchase licenses or subscriptions. In contrast, LibreOffice operates on an open-source model, allowing users to download, modify, and distribute the software freely.
Microsoft Office is a suite of applications developed by the tech giant, Microsoft. It includes popular tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This software suite is widely recognized and used across the globe in various professional and educational settings. On the other hand, LibreOffice is an open-source office suite developed by The Document Foundation. While it offers similar applications such as Writer, Calc, and Impress, they serve as alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint respectively.
Comparison Chart
Licensing Model
Proprietary
Open-source
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Development Entity
Microsoft Corporation
The Document Foundation
Primary Applications
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Writer, Calc, Impress, Base
Pricing
License or subscription-based
Free
Customizability
Limited to available features
Can be modified and customized due to open-source nature
Compare with Definitions
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is developed and maintained by Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft regularly releases updates and new features for Microsoft Office.
Libreoffice
LibreOffice includes applications like Writer, Calc, and Impress.
For his project, John created a presentation using LibreOffice Impress.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office offers cloud-based solutions through Office 365.
With Microsoft Office 365, users can access their documents from any device.
Libreoffice
LibreOffice can be downloaded and used for free.
To save costs, the NGO decided to install LibreOffice on all their computers.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is a commercial suite of productivity applications.
Many businesses rely on Microsoft Office for their daily operations.
Libreoffice
LibreOffice is developed by The Document Foundation.
The Document Foundation ensures that LibreOffice remains up-to-date and secure.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office includes tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Students often use Microsoft Office to prepare their assignments and presentations.
Libreoffice
LibreOffice supports a wide range of document formats.
Sarah opened her Word document seamlessly in LibreOffice Writer.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office requires a purchased license or subscription.
After the trial period, you need to buy a subscription to continue using Microsoft Office.
Libreoffice
LibreOffice is an open-source office suite.
LibreOffice is favored by many who support the open-source movement.
Common Curiosities
Who develops Microsoft Office?
Microsoft Office is developed by Microsoft Corporation.
What is Microsoft Office primarily used for?
Microsoft Office is primarily used for productivity tasks such as document creation, spreadsheet calculations, and presentations.
Can I use Microsoft Office for free?
No, Microsoft Office requires a purchased license or subscription, though there's often a trial period.
Are updates for Microsoft Office automatic?
If you have a subscription like Office 365, updates are usually automatic. Otherwise, they can be manual.
How often is LibreOffice updated?
LibreOffice receives regular updates, often multiple times a year, thanks to its active community.
Which one, Microsoft Office or LibreOffice, is more secure?
Both suites prioritize security, but Microsoft Office, with its proprietary model, might have more dedicated resources for security updates.
Which suite is more customizable, Microsoft Office or LibreOffice?
LibreOffice, due to its open-source nature, is more customizable in terms of its code and functionality.
What is LibreOffice?
LibreOffice is a free, open-source suite of office applications comparable to Microsoft Office.
Is LibreOffice compatible with Microsoft Office files?
Yes, LibreOffice can open and edit most Microsoft Office files, though there might be some formatting differences.
Can I use both Microsoft Office and LibreOffice on the same computer?
Yes, you can have both suites installed and use them concurrently on the same machine.
Which suite is more popular in the corporate world?
Microsoft Office is generally more popular in the corporate world due to its widespread recognition and support.
Can I convert Microsoft Office files to LibreOffice formats and vice versa?
Yes, both suites allow for conversions, but there might be some minor formatting changes.
Are extensions and plugins available for both suites?
Yes, both Microsoft Office and LibreOffice support a variety of extensions and plugins to enhance functionality.
Can I modify the source code of LibreOffice?
Yes, being open-source, LibreOffice's source code can be modified by users.
Do both Microsoft Office and LibreOffice offer cloud solutions?
Microsoft Office offers cloud solutions through Office 365. LibreOffice doesn't have a dedicated cloud service but supports cloud integrations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
