Did everybody get the Microsoft 365 rate-hike notice? The non-public plan goes from $70 a 12 months to $100 a 12 months.
In line with the e-mail, my monetary dedication is getting me “safe cloud storage, superior safety in your knowledge and units, and cutting-edge AI-powered options,” amongst different goodies.
However the actual purpose I subscribe? Microsoft Phrase. We’ve all used it and many people depend on it. However many individuals even aren’t utilizing all of the bells and whistles that include Phrase and the bigger Microsoft 365 package deal.
In order Microsoft hits us with a worth hike to go together with all the opposite worth hikes customers have been dealing with up to now 12 months, now may be the proper time to discover some glorious—and utterly free—alternate options.
Google Docs
You in all probability have already got a Google account, which suggests you have already got entry to Google Docs. That’s probably probably the most frictionless change from Phrase.
And simply because Google Docs is free and straightforward doesn’t imply its a slouch. It’s cloud-based, has glorious collaboration options, plus real-time enhancing, voice typing, auto-saving, and seamless integration with different Google companies.
When you’re in search of collaboration, sharing paperwork with a number of folks, and fast doc creation that gained’t really feel vastly totally different from Phrase, that is it.
LibreOffice Author
When you want a desktop utility, want superior formatting choices, and desire a highly effective, feature-filled Phrase substitute, try LibreOffice Writer. It’s a part of the LibreOffice suite, an open-source different to Microsoft Workplace, so in the event you’re additionally seeking to exchange the desktop variations of Excel, PowerPoint, and the like, you’re coated.
Although LibreOffice Author can really feel a bit outdated in comparison with some fashionable choices and there’s an preliminary studying curve for these used to Phrase’s interface, it is a tried-and-true different for grizzled word-processing professionals.
WPS Workplace Author
When you’re in search of a Phrase-like expertise with out the worth tag and don’t thoughts occasional advertisements, give WPS Office Writer a glance.
It’s acquired an analogous interface to Microsoft Phrase, good compatibility with Microsoft Phrase codecs, and good extras equivalent to free templates, cloud saves, and cellular apps.
And although it comprises advertisements within the free model, there’s an inexpensive $36 per 12 months premium subscription that removes advertisements and throws in some additional options you could or could not use.
Give the free model a good shake first, although: The advertisements aren’t tremendous intrusive and the function record is lots full for what you get.
