Top 6 alternatives to popular Microsoft apps

While Microsoft offers a suite of top-tier productivity and communication apps, they might not be the best fit for everyone. Additionally, unlocking the full potential of these apps often requires a Microsoft 365 subscription. Fortunately, many robust alternatives exist, allowing users to seamlessly replace most built-in Microsoft apps on their devices. Below are six excellent alternatives to consider.

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides: Microsoft 365 Replacement

Robust offering from Google with a focus on real-time collaboration

• Google Workspace apps, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides, are exceptional alternatives to Microsoft’s Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These web-based tools are free to use, work across all devices, and offer extensive features through templates and add-ons from Google Workspace Marketplace. Their real-time collaboration capabilities allow team members to share comments and leave emojis for smooth communication. Integration with other Google apps like Keep, Calendar, and Meet enhances their functionality.

Google Drive: OneDrive Alternative

The most popular cloud storage service out there

• Google Drive is a compelling alternative to Microsoft OneDrive, offering 15GB of free storage and superior upload and download speeds. It has native apps for all platforms, a user-friendly web interface, and collaboration tools. Starting at $2 per month for 100GB, Google Drive also includes additional perks like advanced image editing tools in Google Photos and priority support through Google One.

Craft: OneNote Alternative

An ideal replacement for OneNote and Microsoft Loop

• Craft is a modern note-taking and collaboration app that can replace both OneNote and Loop. With a block-based editor, a rich template library, and an AI assistant, Craft makes note-taking efficient and enjoyable. Features like whiteboards, third-party app integrations, and web publishing enhance its versatility. Craft’s paid plans start at $8 per month.

Todoist: Microsoft To-Do Replacement

A superior task management app

• Todoist surpasses Microsoft To-Do with its advanced task management features. It allows for project management, team collaboration, and integration with over 80 apps. The Quick Tasks feature simplifies creating recurring tasks. Todoist’s premium plan, starting at $4 per month, offers calendar views, subtasks, and priority filters, making it an excellent choice for managing tasks and projects.

Slack: Microsoft Teams Alternative

Move your teams out of Teams

• Slack is a strong contender against Microsoft Teams, particularly due to its extensive third-party app integrations. Users can link apps like Trello, Jira, and Zoom to their Slack channels for real-time updates. Slack’s recent UI redesign and upcoming project management feature enhance its functionality. Pricing starts at $8.25 per user per month, unlocking unlimited search, app integrations, and group calls.

Spark: Go-to Pick to Replace Outlook

Don’t settle with the cumbersome web-based Outlook client

• Spark is the top alternative to Outlook, offering native apps on all platforms and features like a Smart Inbox to prioritize important emails. Its user-friendly interface and AI tools for email writing, proofreading, and summarizing make it a standout choice. Advanced features are available for $5 per month.

Get Out of Microsoft’s Ecosystem

Switching from Microsoft’s apps is straightforward with these alternatives. For those in the Apple ecosystem, consider Apple’s iCloud, iWork suite, Reminders, Notes, and Mail. Adobe’s creative apps are another option, though they require a Creative Cloud subscription. Explore our dedicated guide for alternatives to Lightroom, Photoshop, and other Adobe apps.