Microsoft 365 Alternatives: Best Options for Business & Enterprise

Why Do People Want an Office 365 Alternative?

• Cost: With a per-user pricing model, you will pay more when your team expands.
• Complexity: The admin console is overloaded with a variety of settings. For a small company without any IT staff, it may be difficult to cope.
• Security: Some companies feel more secure having their information on their own server or that of a local company.
• Too many options: Many users only need e-mail, document handling, and calendaring capability. However, they still have to pay for other tools that are never used.
• Vendor lock-in: Having everything – files, mail, teams – on one platform makes switching to something else difficult.

Quick Answer: Best Office 365 Alternative

There are approximately 321 million business users of Microsoft 365, and the application takes about 30 to 48 percent of the global market for productivity software. However, Microsoft 365 is not for everyone. Issues such as increasing cost, numerous features that are rarely used by most teams, and data privacy issues make companies search for alternative applications. 

Microsoft 365 Alternatives for Enterprises

Free Microsoft 365 Alternatives for Small Business

The following platforms are the best free alternatives to Microsoft Office 365:

1. LibreOffice

• LibreOffice: Office suite software that is free and open-source
• Components include: Writer, Calc, Impress, and others

• • Best for: Offline work and basic office tasks
  • Cost: Free

• Pros:

• • Works offline
  • Supports common Office file formats
  • Available on multiple operating systems
  • No monthly subscription
• Cons:
  • Limited cloud collaboration
  • Less integrated than Microsoft 365
  • Some complex Office files may have formatting issues

2. Apple iWork

• Apple iWork: Free productivity application from Apple
• Contains: Pages, Numbers, Keynote

• Best for: Apple users and basic office work
• Cost: Free for Apple users
• Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Works well across Apple devices
  • Supports document, spreadsheet, and presentation files
  • Allows collaboration through iCloud
• Cons:
  • Mainly suited to Apple users
  • Fewer advanced business features
  • Some Microsoft Office files may need formatting adjustments

3. WPS Office

• WPS Office: Office suite for productivity
• Components include: Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF applications

• Suitable for: Individuals and small organizations
• Price range: Free and paid options
• Pros:
  • Familiar and easy-to-use interface
  • Supports common Office file formats
  • Includes PDF tools
  • Available on multiple devices
• Cons:
  • Some features require a paid plan
  • Free version has some limitations
  • May not provide all Microsoft 365 business features

Paid Office 365 Business Alternative

The following platforms are the best paid alternatives to Microsoft Office 365:

1. Google Workspace

• Google Workspace: Cloud-based productivity suite
• Includes: Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and Chat
• Best for: Businesses and remote teams

• Cost: Paid plans with a free trial available
• Pros:
  • Easy real-time collaboration
  • Business email with Gmail
  • Cloud storage through Google Drive
  • Works across different devices
  • Simple file sharing and access controls
• Cons:
  • Requires an internet connection for many features
  • Some advanced Microsoft Office features may not work the same way
  • Switching from Microsoft 365 may require data migration

2. Zoho Workplace: Microsoft 365 Alternatives

• Zoho Workplace: Cloud-based business productivity suite
• Includes: Zoho Mail, Writer, Sheet, Show, WorkDrive, Cliq, and Meeting

• Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses
• Cost: Free and paid plans
• Pros:
  • Business email and office tools in one platform
  • Cloud storage with WorkDrive
  • Team communication and collaboration tools
  • Supports multiple devices
  • More affordable for smaller teams
• Cons:
  • Some advanced features require paid plans
  • Interface may take time to get used to
  •  May not fully replace Microsoft 365 for complex business needs

3. Proton Business Suite: Business productivity suite focused on privacy 

• Contains: Proton Mail, Drive, Calendar, and more
• For: Companies who value their privacy and security
• Cost: Paid plans
• Pros:
  • Strong focus on privacy
  • Secure business email
  • Encrypted cloud storage

• Easy-to-use interface
• Supports business collaboration

• Cons:
  • Fewer office applications than Microsoft 365
  • May not replace all Microsoft 365 features
  • Some advanced features require higher plans

4. ONLYOFFICE: Office productivity suite

• Includes: Document Editor, Spreadsheet Editor, Presentation Editor, and PDF Editor
• Useful for: Business and self-hosting purposes
• Price: Free and paid versions
• Pros:
  • Good compatibility with Microsoft Office files
  • Supports online document collaboration
  • Offers self-hosting options
  • Works across multiple platforms
  • Useful for businesses that want more control over their data
• Cons:
  • Certain advanced functions demand subscription packages
  • Technical skill may be required for self-hosting
  • Not as extensive a range of services compared to Microsoft 365

How to Backup Your Microsoft 365 Data?

Before switching to another platform, it’s important to take a backup of your important emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments. The SysInfo Office 365 Backup & Restore Software is a top-notch utility that backs up your data to multiple Saving Formats. It includes PST, PDF, MBOX, G Suite, IMAP, and more. Supports primary mailbox, shared mailbox, online archive, and public folder. Compatible with all Windows and Mac OS versions. Additionally, it offers several advanced features, such as Preview, Date Filter, Remove Duplicates, and more.

Steps to Backup Microsoft 365 Data:

1. Download the tool and choose Copy Mailbox, SharePoint, OneDrive, or Teams.
2. Enter the source credentials to Sign In and select the user or sites.
3. Then, enter the destination credentials, mapping, and apply features. Start Export.

Note: For detailed steps, check the software guide. It gives you clear instructions with screenshots. Also, if you have any queries related to this tool or procedure, feel free to ask our technical support.

How to Migrate Microsoft 365 Data to Another Tenant?

If you are moving from one Microsoft 365 tenant to another, you can use the SysInfo Microsoft 365 Tenant to Tenant Migration Tool. It helps users migrate Microsoft 365 data between two tenants without manually moving each user’s data. The tool migrates Mailbox, OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams data without any hassle. Along with that, it has a built-in deduplication module to remove duplicates.

Conclusion

Google Workspace is the best overall alternative to Microsoft 365, while Zoho Workplace is a strong budget-friendly premium alternative. For users looking for a free option, LibreOffice is the best free Microsoft 365 alternative. Other options, including ONLYOFFICE, Proton Business Suite, Apple iWork, and WPS Office, also serve different business and productivity needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.