Apache OpenOffice

Looking for a solid office suite that won't cost you a dime? Apache OpenOffice is a completely free, full featured productivity package that's been around for years. Originally known as StarOffice, it got its current name after Oracle handed the code over to the Apache Software Foundation. You can grab it for Windows, macOS, and Linux no strings attached.

If you're familiar with Microsoft Office, you'll feel right at home. OpenOffice includes tools for pretty much everything: writing documents, crunching numbers, making presentations, managing databases, creating drawings, and even working with mathematical formulas. It opens and edits Microsoft file formats like .doc, .xlsx, and .pptx without a hitch, which is super handy if you’re collaborating with people using Office.

That said, OpenOffice isn’t the only free option out there. LibreOffice, which was actually built by many of the same developers, is often considered its more modern sibling. Both are great alternatives to paid software like Microsoft 365, but LibreOffice tends to get updates more frequently and runs a bit faster. Still, OpenOffice is perfectly capable and yes, it’s safe to use, since it’s open source and backed by the Apache License.

One thing to keep in mind: while OpenOffice is free and fully functional, it can feel a little slower compared to LibreOffice or commercial tools. Also, if you want to save files in Microsoft formats by default, you’ll need to tweak the settings under Tools → Options → Load/Save. It’s not complicated, but it’s an extra step.

All in all, Apache OpenOffice is a reliable choice for students, home users, or anyone who needs a free office suite without sacrificing compatibility. It may not be as flashy as some alternatives, but it gets the job done and you really can’t beat the price.