Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Apache OpenOffice VS Gnumeric

Compare Apache OpenOffice VS Gnumeric and see what are their differences

Apache OpenOffice logo Apache OpenOffice

Apache OpenOffice is an open source, office document productivity suite.

Gnumeric logo Gnumeric

Gnumeric
  • Apache OpenOffice Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-13
  • Gnumeric Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-16

Apache OpenOffice features and specs

  • Cost
    Apache OpenOffice is free to use, eliminating the need for purchasing licenses, which is particularly beneficial for individuals or businesses with limited budgets.
  • Compatibility
    OpenOffice supports a variety of file formats, including those from Microsoft Office (e.g., .docx, .xlsx), making it easier to work with files created in other office software.
  • Open-Source
    Being open-source, the software allows users to view, modify, and distribute the source code, promoting transparency and enabling community-driven improvements.
  • Cross-Platform
    It runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility and versatility for users across different platforms.
  • Functionality
    Offers a comprehensive suite of applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and databases, covering the majority of office needs.

Possible disadvantages of Apache OpenOffice

  • User Interface
    The user interface is considered outdated compared to more modern office software, which may affect user experience and ease of use.
  • Performance
    OpenOffice can be slower and less responsive than contemporary office suites, especially when handling large documents or complex tasks.
  • Limited Support
    While there is community support, professional or immediate customer service options are limited, which could be a disadvantage for users requiring timely assistance.
  • Development
    The pace of development and updates for OpenOffice has been slower compared to competitors, potentially missing out on new features and improvements.
  • Interoperability Issues
    Despite broad file support, there may still be occasional compatibility issues with certain Microsoft Office documents, leading to formatting or functionality discrepancies.

Gnumeric features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Gnumeric is known for being lightweight and faster to load compared to other spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc, making it ideal for users with older hardware or for those who need quick access to spreadsheets.
  • Accuracy
    Gnumeric is renowned for its calculation accuracy, often outperforming other spreadsheet programs in complex mathematical computations, which is beneficial for users who require precise numerical results.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source application, Gnumeric allows users to modify and distribute the software according to the GPL license, fostering a community of contributors and enabling transparency and customizability.
  • Compatibility
    Gnumeric supports a wide range of file formats, including Excel (.xls and .xlsx), allowing users to open and save documents in these formats which ensures interoperability with other spreadsheet tools.

Possible disadvantages of Gnumeric

  • Limited Features
    While Gnumeric covers most basic and advanced spreadsheet functionalities, it lacks some of the more sophisticated features found in Excel or Google Sheets, such as advanced data visualization tools and certain analytic functions.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of Gnumeric may seem outdated or less intuitive compared to modern spreadsheet applications, which might not appeal to users accustomed to more polished UIs.
  • Ecosystem Integration
    Gnumeric does not integrate as seamlessly into productivity ecosystems compared to solutions like Microsoft Excel, which benefits from integration with other Microsoft Office applications.
  • Community Support
    Although Gnumeric is open-source, the community is smaller compared to bigger suites like LibreOffice or Microsoft Office, which might limit the availability of tutorials, forums, and third-party support resources.

Analysis of Apache OpenOffice

Overall verdict

  • While Apache OpenOffice remains a viable option for many users due to its no-cost advantage and solid basic features, it has been overshadowed by competitors like LibreOffice, which often offer more frequent updates, better support for modern file formats, and improved performance. Recent concerns have also been raised regarding the infrequency of its updates and the potential security risks associated with that.

Why this product is good

  • Apache OpenOffice is a free, open-source office software suite that provides users with word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and database management applications. Its accessibility and cost-free nature make it an attractive option for individuals or organizations looking for basic office suite functionality without incurring licensing fees. It also supports a wide array of file formats, including Microsoft Office formats, making it a flexible tool for document sharing and collaboration.

Recommended for

    Apache OpenOffice is recommended for users who need a straightforward, cost-free office software suite and do not require the most cutting-edge features or high-level collaboration tools. Additionally, it may be suitable for users who prioritize stability over frequent updates and those operating on older systems where lightweight software is preferred.

Analysis of Gnumeric

Overall verdict

  • Gnumeric is a good choice for users who need a reliable, fast, and accurate spreadsheet tool, particularly for complex calculations and data analysis. It may lack some advanced features found in mainstream commercial products, but it makes up for this with its precision and performance.

Why this product is good

  • Gnumeric is a free and open-source spreadsheet application that is part of the GNOME Free Software Desktop Project. It is highly regarded for its accuracy, especially in statistical operations, and it offers a wide range of features comparable to other spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel. Gnumeric is lightweight, which makes it fast and efficient, and it supports various file formats, including Excel, making it easy to share and collaborate with users of other spreadsheet programs.

Recommended for

    Gnumeric is recommended for data analysts, researchers, and students who require a robust spreadsheet application for statistical analysis and computational tasks. It is also suitable for Linux users seeking a native spreadsheet solution, as well as users who prefer open-source software solutions.

Apache OpenOffice videos

Apache OpenOffice Review

Gnumeric videos

Gnumeric.....Abiword's twin sister.....

More videos:

  • Review - Gnumeric Portable
  • Review - Gnumeric online XLS editor

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Apache OpenOffice and Gnumeric)
Office Suites
80 80%
20% 20
Office & Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
Spreadsheets
0 0%
100% 100
Project Management
73 73%
27% 27

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Apache OpenOffice should be more popular than Gnumeric. It has been mentiond 13 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Apache OpenOffice mentions (13)

  • "Why people pirate Microsoft Word" and the problems with everyday software like Microsoft Office being ridiculously expensive.
    These people need openoffice.org lol. Most of the tools that micro$oft makes are easily found in open source elsewhere, if one just looks around a bit. Source: about 3 years ago
  • What software is so good you canโ€™t believe itโ€™s free?
    Apache Open Office - it does everything Microsoft Office does but it's free. Just go to openoffice.org. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Anyone else have this issue?
    For those who want to write it, read it, and delete it at any time, there is an easy, free alternative: OpenOffice. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Ex Muslim needs a helping hand
    You can try to use canva.com to help design pieces or work or projects for clients. Try using openoffice.org or libreoffice.org create documents, slide presentations, or posters. You can learn basic programming and coding through https://www.freecodecamp.org/ and khanacademy.org with other sites listed at https://skillcrush.com/blog/64-online-resources-to-learn-to-code-for-free/, learn digital marketing and... Source: over 3 years ago
  • I am so burned out from any โ€œAdminโ€ position
    Lets roll back 20 years to 2002. We looked after PC's running 2000 and XP. A couple of servers, Exchange 5.5/2000, maybe venturing onto a server for File storage and a few app servers. Nothing really broke all that often (even though back then we thought it did). We would upgrade some PC's, deal with printer driver issues, Installed Roxio countless number of times and if we had time looked at implementing a... Source: almost 4 years ago
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Gnumeric mentions (2)

  • Ask HN: Why did Visual Basic die?
    Gnumeric is actually a good excel. The stats routines are shared with R so if ever someone demonstrates a bug, it is fixed! Free, fast, accurate. Pick any three! http://gnumeric.org. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Any Suckless Excel like tool?
    I can recommend http://gnumeric.org/. It is really fast, accurate and relative light weight compared to libreoffice calc. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Apache OpenOffice and Gnumeric, you can also consider the following products

LibreOffice - Free office suite, open source, and compatible with .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx files. Updated regularly โ€“ download for free. Originally based on OpenOffice.org.

Microsoft Office Excel - Microsoft Office Excel is a commercial spreadsheet application.

Microsoft 365 - Boost your productivity with reliable access anywhere with services like email, calendar, file sharing, meetings, instant messaging, and Office Online

Google Sheets - Synchronizing, online-based word processor, part of Google Drive.

ONLYOFFICE - ONLYOFFICE is a complete office and productivity suite.

Apple Numbers - Numbers lets you build beautiful spreadsheets on a Mac, iPad, or iPhone โ€” or on a PC using iWork for iCloud. And itโ€™s compatible with Apple Pencil.