A Microsoft 365 subscription can be expensive, however, there are many ways to access Word as well as other Office applications without spending a dime for it. Here are some options
A few years back, Microsoft released a new version of Word as well as its other Office applications every couple of years. The releases were widely looked forward to, with only a few new features being released.
Although Microsoft continues to create independent versions of its applications a majority of the new features are offered as part of the cost in Microsoft 365. The subscription provides plenty of features that go beyond Word, Excel, and PowerPoint however if you’ll only use the basic features it’s difficult to justify the price.
There’s no need to worry, there are plenty of alternatives when you’re trying to start using Word and additional Microsoft Office apps. They are accessible on every device, regardless of whether you’re on the phone, tablet, or laptop, as well as a PC.
We’ve listed some of the free solutions below, and also significant discounts on other options If you decide to try all of this and decide to not want Microsoft Word at all, there are many alternatives to Microsoft Word that work with Microsoft’s Word software.
Download the no-cost Office applications available for iOS, Android, and Windows
Microsoft’s goal is to allow all of your files to seamlessly connect between your devices through OneDrive. In this regard, its Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications is free for download on Android as well as iOS. All relevant links are provided below.
iOS apps
Android apps
Windows applications for Windows
While they’re free on every device available, they do not provide you with access to all of the features however, they also offer the full capabilities being restricted to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
It’s always possible to read and open documents for free, however you they can only be edited and created them using a device that has a screen size of fewer than 10.1 inches. This means that you have the ability to modify Word documents using smartphones or smaller tablets however when you’re on larger tablets, laptops, or desktop PC, it’s only possible to read the documents.
On iOS there is a distinction more straightforward You can edit and create documents for no cost on any iPhone or normal iPad, iPad Air, or Mini However, iPad Pro users can only access documents.
It’s important to note that even when using a device that has smaller screens it’s only what Microsoft describes as the “core” Office experience, which includes some options for editing and tools that are not accessible to users who are not paying.
Test Microsoft 365 for free
The ability to read documents on their own is only of application, so if using a device that has more than 10.1in you’ll need additional features.
The simplest method is to sign-up for Microsoft 365, the company’s cloud-based subscription service that begins at PS5.99/ US$6.99 per month for Personal accounts. It has the same applications that are mentioned above but allows you to access their entire feature set for any device, and save your work to the cloud, so you are able to access it no matter where you are. Additionally, you can access applications like SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, and SharePoint Online.
A number of new features were introduced during the April 2020 redesign of Office 365 to Microsoft 365 however none of them will fundamentally alter the way you interact with the applications. These include a more consumer-focused Teams subscription, a brand new Family Safety app, as well as several new features that are available across the basic Office applications.
The good news is that there’s a one-month trial for free for Microsoft 365, so you can experience it without having to pay the full amount.
Download Microsoft Teams for free
If you are often working with others, you can additionally join Microsoft Teams for free which comprises Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote Online apps. Teams allow you to chat, share files, and make video calls directly from the platform. Premium plans are available as well, starting at PS3.80/month for each user.
Microsoft offers a one-month trial period for all subscriptions.
Take advantage of Microsoft 365 Education no cost
Students and teachers can download Microsoft 365 Education for free It comprises Office Online (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) as well as Microsoft Teams, as well as unlimited cloud storage.
You must be a full-time or part-time faculty member, staff member or a student with an email address from the school to be qualified.
Find more details regarding Microsoft 365 Education here and schools are able to sign up through the link below.
Microsoft Home Use Program Discount
Although it’s not free it is possible to save 30% off the cost of a Microsoft 365 subscription through your employer through Microsoft’s Home Use Program for Family or personal subscriptions.
You will need to verify the eligibility of your company email address. If your company is eligible for the program, you will be sent a verification email to confirm your Microsoft account, which grants access to the discount of 30. Check if you are eligible here.
Free Office alternatives
If you’re looking for more functions beyond what the Office apps offer you for free, but you don’t need to spend money on Office 365 There are many options in place of Microsoft Office out there that are totally free.
Our recommendation is LibreOffice because it’s a complete suite that’s frequently updated and allows users to open and save files that are in Microsoft formats.
If you are not a fan of Libre Office, you can consider other alternatives for free like WPS Office, Free Office, and Google Drive, which includes Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
