If you’re looking for a more affordable—or even free—alternative to Microsoft Office for Mac (now renamed Microsoft 365 with Copilot), you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best office suite replacements for Mac users this year.
Microsoft continues to evolve its offerings. What was once known as Office for Mac became Microsoft 365 in 2022, and now emphasizes its cloud-based Copilot AI features. That said, if you prefer to avoid subscriptions and AI tools, you can still make a one-time purchase of Office for Mac 2024. There are also limited ways to get Microsoft 365 for free, though these methods aren’t available to everyone.
You might not need the full Microsoft 365 suite, either. Sometimes, all you need is a great word processor or spreadsheet tool. We’ve got you covered there, too.
How to Pick the Right Microsoft 365 Alternative
The best office suite for you depends on your specific needs, team size, and budget. A few key factors to consider:
- File Compatibility: Look for support for Microsoft formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, as well as older DOC, XLS, and PPT files.
- Formatting Integrity: Be aware that even when apps claim compatibility, complex documents might require reformatting.
- Collaboration Tools: If you work with a team, cloud-based collaboration can be essential.
- Platform Support: Make sure the suite works on your Mac, whether it’s Intel or Apple Silicon.
With that in mind, here’s a quick comparison of the top Microsoft 365 alternatives for Mac, followed by a detailed review of each.
Comparison Table
| Product | Pricing | Best For |
| Google Workspace | From $6/user/month | Cloud collaboration & real-time editing |
| LibreOffice | Free | Free, full-featured desktop suite |
| iWork | Free (with new Macs) | Mac users seeking seamless integration |
| FreeOffice | Free | Home users needing basic MS compatibility |
| WPS Office | Free; Premium from $30/year | Students & light business use |
| Zoho Workplace | From $3/user/month | Small businesses using integrated cloud apps |
| Polaris Office | Free; Premium from $4/month | Users who need mobile + desktop access |
| OnlyOffice | Free; Paid from $5/user/month | Open-source fans + collaborative teams |
| SoftMaker Office | From $30/year | Low-cost alternative with high compatibility |
| NeoOffice | Discontinued | Legacy open-source suite for Mac |
1. Google Workspace
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is one of the most popular cloud-based alternatives to Microsoft 365. It includes Docs, Sheets, and Slides—comparable to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—along with tools like Gmail, Meet, and Calendar.
It now incorporates Google’s Gemini AI, which can help with meeting notes, email drafting, and summarizing content. Its collaboration tools are among the best, allowing multiple people to work on the same document in real time.
Google Workspace supports opening and editing Microsoft Office files and exporting them back to Office formats. It works on any Mac via a browser and offers mobile apps, though there’s no dedicated desktop application for macOS.
Pros:
- Free plan available
- Strong support for Microsoft file formats
- Excellent real-time collaboration
- Works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
- Great mobile apps
Cons:
- No offline desktop app
- Fewer advanced features than Microsoft 365
2. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a powerful, free, open-source office suite that includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It evolved from OpenOffice and is now more frequently updated with better Microsoft format support.
It’s a fully offline desktop suite, making it ideal for users who don’t need cloud collaboration. You can open, edit, and save Microsoft Office files, though formatting may occasionally require tweaks.
Pros:
- Completely free
- Works offline
- Good Microsoft format compatibility
- Supports both Intel and Apple Silicon
- Active development community
Cons:
- No built-in collaboration
- Dated user interface
- Some features require extra downloads
3. iWork
Apple’s iWork suite—Pages, Numbers, and Keynote—comes free with new Macs and offers deep integration with macOS. The apps are beautifully designed and produce professional-looking documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
While you can import and export Microsoft Office files, you may run into formatting issues with complex documents. iWork supports collaboration through iCloud, though it’s not as robust as Google or Microsoft’s solutions.
Pros:
- Free for Mac users
- Optimized for macOS
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Great template selection
- Fully supports Apple Silicon
Cons:
- Limited collaboration features
- Occasional formatting issues with Office files
4. FreeOffice
SoftMaker’s FreeOffice offers a familiar ribbon-style interface similar to Microsoft’s. It includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation apps and supports Microsoft file formats.
It also includes a basic PDF editor and works across Mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version is ad-free, but advanced features require upgrading to the paid version.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Microsoft-like interface
- Good format support
- Touch-optimized
Cons:
- No collaboration tools
- Can feel slow at times
- Formatting may not be perfect
5. WPS Office
WPS Office provides a modern, all-in-one office experience with strong macOS integration. It includes Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, and PDF tools, and works smoothly with Apple Silicon Macs.
The free version supports ads, while the premium version removes them and adds extra features like PDF editing and cloud storage.
Pros:
- macOS-integrated UI
- Lots of templates
- Supports Apple Silicon
- Includes PDF tools
Cons:
- Free version shows ads
- No cloud collaboration in free tier
- Occasional performance lag
6. Zoho Workplace
Zoho Workplace is a cloud-based suite aimed at businesses. It includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, chat, and more. Its collaboration features are robust, making it a good choice for teams.
It supports Microsoft file formats and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs through browsers or desktop apps.
Pros:
- Strong collaboration tools
- Good Microsoft format support
- Affordable business plans
- Reliable and secure
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Less integrated with macOS than iWork
7. Polaris Office
Polaris Office is used by companies like Amazon and Samsung. It offers desktop and mobile apps with support for Microsoft formats and PDF editing. A free ad-supported version is available, with premium plans for more features.
Pros:
- Good format compatibility
- Cloud sync and collaboration
- One-time purchase option
- Works on Apple Silicon
Cons:
- Free version includes ads
- Desktop version sold separately
8. OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a secure, open-source office suite with strong collaboration tools, including built-in chat and video conferencing. It supports Microsoft formats well and offers a clean interface.
You can self-host it or use the cloud version. The free plan allows up to five users.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Good collaboration features
- High security standards
- Supports AI tools
Cons:
- Limited documentation
- Can be complex to set up
9. SoftMaker Office NX
SoftMaker Office focuses on maximum compatibility with Microsoft formats. It offers a familiar interface and works offline. You can choose between a subscription or one-time purchase.
Pros:
- High Microsoft format fidelity
- Fast and lightweight
- Affordable pricing
- Native Apple Silicon support
Cons:
- No real-time collaboration
- Less well-known than competitors
10. NeoOffice
NeoOffice was a Mac-specific version of LibreOffice with better macOS integration. It’s no longer actively developed but can still be used on older Macs. For most users, LibreOffice is now a better option.
Pros:
- Designed for Mac
- Classic office features
- One-time purchase
Cons:
- Discontinued
- No updates or support
- Not for modern macOS versions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best Microsoft 365 alternative for Mac?
It depends on your needs. For collaboration, choose Google Workspace. For a free desktop suite, try LibreOffice. For deep macOS integration, iWork is excellent.
Are there free alternatives?
Yes—LibreOffice, iWork, and FreeOffice are all free to use.
Can I use Microsoft 365 on a Mac?
Yes. Microsoft 365 with Copilot is available for Mac via subscription.
Which alternatives work best with Microsoft files?
SoftMaker Office, WPS Office, and OnlyOffice are all strong choices for format compatibility.
Do these work on Apple Silicon Macs?
Most do, including iWork, LibreOffice, FreeOffice, and others.
Is real-time collaboration available?
Google Workspace and Zoho Workplace offer the best collaboration tools.
Is NeoOffice still a good option?
No. It’s no longer developed. Use LibreOffice instead.
About the Author
