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Comparison · updated 31 October 2026
Free alternatives to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Microsoft 365 is convenient, and Office on the web stays free. If you want desktop apps without a subscription, several free options read and write Office files. This page compares them and links to a neutral guide for each switch.
App by app
| If you use | ArtCraft alternative (guide) | Other free options |
|---|---|---|
| Word | WordCraft Alpha (v0.8), about 60% ready | LibreOffice Writer, ONLYOFFICE, Word on the web |
| Excel | GridCraft Alpha (v0.11), about 50% ready | LibreOffice Calc, ONLYOFFICE, Excel on the web |
| PowerPoint | DeckCraft Alpha (v0.5), about 55% ready | LibreOffice Impress, ONLYOFFICE, PowerPoint on the web |
ArtCraft apps are free and open source but still in early development; maturity is shown in the developers' own words. Commercial apps remain the reference for professional work.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free version of Microsoft Office?
Yes. Word, Excel and PowerPoint on the web are free with a Microsoft account. Free desktop alternatives include LibreOffice, ONLYOFFICE and the ArtCraft office apps.
What happens to my files if I stop paying for Microsoft 365?
They stay yours. Desktop apps become view-only and OneDrive drops to 5 GB; download or move files before the account becomes read-only.
Do free office apps open DOCX, XLSX and PPTX?
Yes, most do. Macros, SmartArt and complex charts are the usual weak points, so test your own files.