ONLYOFFICE vs Microsoft 365
Is switching from Microsoft 365 to ONLYOFFICEworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
ONLYOFFICE and Microsoft 365 both serve document editing and spreadsheets, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Microsoft 365 costs $9.99/month ($119.88/year), while ONLYOFFICE is available for Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from $5/user/mo. As an open-source tool, ONLYOFFICE's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to ONLYOFFICE saves you $119.88/year — $359.64 over 3 years
Microsoft 365 costs
$119.88/yr
3-year cost
$359.64
ONLYOFFICE costs
Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from $5/user/mo
Best for
- +Teams wanting self-hosted office suite
- +Organizations with data sovereignty needs
- +Users who need MS format compatibility
Not ideal for
- −Users heavily dependent on Excel macros
- −Teams needing deep Microsoft ecosystem integration
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Microsoft 365Subscription | ONLYOFFICEAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $9.99/mo $119.88/year | Freemium· Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from $5/user/mo |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WindowsmacOSLinuxWebSelf-hostedAndroidiOS |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | ✓Full offline |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Mostly offline |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
Microsoft 365
$9.99/mo
$119.88/year
ONLYOFFICE
Freemium· Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from $5/user/moPlatforms
Microsoft 365
Web, Desktop (typical)ONLYOFFICE
Offline Support
Microsoft 365
Limited (typical)ONLYOFFICE
✓Full offlineOpen Source
Microsoft 365
NoONLYOFFICE
✓Open sourceOwnership
Microsoft 365
RentingONLYOFFICE
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Microsoft 365
High (typical)ONLYOFFICE
Mostly offlineMigration
Microsoft 365
—ONLYOFFICE
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with ONLYOFFICE
- +Self-hosted option
- +No subscription required
- +MS Office format compatibility
- +Real-time collaboration
−What you lose
- −Some advanced Excel features
- −Smaller template ecosystem
- −Less macro support
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for ONLYOFFICE
- +Teams wanting self-hosted office suite
- +Organizations with data sovereignty needs
- +Users who need MS format compatibility
✗Should keep using Microsoft 365
- −Users heavily dependent on Excel macros
- −Teams needing deep Microsoft ecosystem integration
Migration Guide
Switching from Microsoft 365 to ONLYOFFICE is rated as medium. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Microsoft 365's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install ONLYOFFICE
Download ONLYOFFICE from the official website. It offers a free trial, so you can test before committing.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into ONLYOFFICE. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident ONLYOFFICE meets your needs, cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ONLYOFFICE a good alternative to Microsoft 365?
Yes, ONLYOFFICE is a solid alternative to Microsoft 365. It offers a free tier with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. ONLYOFFICE handles the core functionality that most Microsoft 365 users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Microsoft 365 to ONLYOFFICE?
Switching from Microsoft 365 ($119.88/year) to ONLYOFFICE (Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from $5/user/mo) can save you approximately $119.88 per year, or $359.64 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Microsoft 365 to ONLYOFFICE?
The main trade-offs include: Some advanced Excel features, Smaller template ecosystem, Less macro support. However, ONLYOFFICE still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from Microsoft 365 to ONLYOFFICE?
Yes. Most Microsoft 365 data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into ONLYOFFICE. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is ONLYOFFICE a one-time purchase?
Yes, ONLYOFFICE costs Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from $5/user/mo. You pay once and own it forever — no monthly or annual subscription fees.
Does ONLYOFFICE work on the same platforms as Microsoft 365?
ONLYOFFICE is available on windows, macos, linux, web, self hosted, android, ios. This covers all major platforms, so you can use it on all your devices.
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Ready to stop renting Microsoft 365?
ONLYOFFICE is a free to start alternative that lets you own your tools.