Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SoftMaker FreeOffice VS Apache OpenOffice

Compare SoftMaker FreeOffice VS Apache OpenOffice and see what are their differences

SoftMaker FreeOffice logo SoftMaker FreeOffice

SoftMaker Office is an office suite for Windows, Linux, Android, Windows Mobile, and Windows CE.

Apache OpenOffice logo Apache OpenOffice

Apache OpenOffice is an open source, office document productivity suite.
  • SoftMaker FreeOffice Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-19
  • Apache OpenOffice Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-13

SoftMaker FreeOffice features and specs

  • Cost
    SoftMaker FreeOffice is completely free to use, which makes it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses looking for an office suite without any financial commitment.
  • Compatibility
    It offers good compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats, allowing users to open, edit, and save documents in formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    FreeOffice is available on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS, providing flexibility for users on different operating systems.
  • User Interface
    It provides a clean and intuitive user interface, making the transition from other office suites like Microsoft Office easier for new users.
  • Performance
    FreeOffice is known for being lightweight and fast, even on older or less powerful computers, ensuring good performance and responsiveness.

Possible disadvantages of SoftMaker FreeOffice

  • Feature Limitations
    While it offers a comprehensive set of tools, FreeOffice lacks some advanced features found in paid office suites, which may be important for power users.
  • Limited Cloud Integration
    Unlike some modern office suites, FreeOffice does not have native cloud integration, potentially complicating workflows for those who rely heavily on cloud services.
  • Customer Support
    As a free product, it does not offer the same level of customer support as paid alternatives, which could be a drawback for users who need technical assistance.
  • Advertising for Paid Version
    Users might encounter nudges or advertisements for the paid version, SoftMaker Office, which could be distracting or annoying for some users.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    FreeOffice may receive updates and new features less frequently compared to paid office suites, possibly affecting long-term usage.

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.

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.

SoftMaker FreeOffice videos

Softmaker FreeOffice - 2020 Review

Apache OpenOffice videos

Apache OpenOffice Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SoftMaker FreeOffice and Apache OpenOffice)
Office Suites
18 18%
82% 82
Project Management
22 22%
78% 78
Office & Productivity
21 21%
79% 79
Office Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Apache OpenOffice seems to be more popular. 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.

SoftMaker FreeOffice mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SoftMaker FreeOffice yet. Tracking of SoftMaker FreeOffice recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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 2 years ago
  • What software is so good you can’t believe it’s free?
    Apache Open Office - it does everything Microsoft Office does but it's free. Just go to openoffice.org. Source: about 2 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 2 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 2 years ago
  • I am so burned out from any “Admin” 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: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SoftMaker FreeOffice and Apache OpenOffice, 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 – download for free. Originally based on OpenOffice.org.

ONLYOFFICE - ONLYOFFICE is a complete office and productivity suite.

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

WPS Office - Would you need Office Word, Excel or PowerPoint for Home, business or School? WPS.com would give you right version for you.

CryptPad - CryptPad is a collaborative office suite that is end-to-end encrypted and open-source.

SoftMaker Office - SoftMaker Office is one of the most powerful and reliable office suite that is fully compatible with the MS Office Suite.