Apache OpenOffice vs. Google Sheets

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Apache OpenOffice
Score 9.4 out of 10
N/A
Apache OpenOffice is a free open source office suite that includes six applications: Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (diagramming and graphics), Base (database), and Math (formulas).N/A
Google Sheets
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
Google Sheets is the spreadsheet app available on Google Workspace, or standalone, with a free plan for personal use and accessible via mobile apps for iOS and Android.N/A
Pricing
Apache OpenOfficeGoogle Sheets
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Apache OpenOfficeGoogle Sheets
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Apache OpenOfficeGoogle Sheets
Considered Both Products
Apache OpenOffice
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Apache is the free alternative to MS Office and is enough for basic tasks. It doesn't have all the modern functionality that newer versions of MS Office have, like cloud connectivity and that kind of stuff but for a basic office suite it's really good and it costs nothing to own.
Chose Apache OpenOffice
They are very compatible and very similar overall. If you can use the one, you can use the other. Layouts are also not too dissimilar. So, transitioning from one or the other will not be a problem. Ultimately, pricing may be your deciding factor, not functionality, which is …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
MS Office file formats are native to OpenOffice
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Due to costs mainly, not having to use a ultra expensive app like Microsoft instead. On a big company cost saving is a main driver and apache can fulfill everything even with such a low cost. Initially the team was suspicious of it but now they cannot live without it
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Microsoft Office 2016 required licenses which incurred a cost. Upgrade to Office 2019 or higher is also costly. In terms of functionality, the products are both equally capable, with OpenOffice having a slightly less polished user interface.
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Like OpenOffice, LibreOffice is also an open open source software which ships as the default office suite on Linux operating systems. Libre office is more suited for users using Linux as their primary operating system. Plus it requires 2gb space, same as Microsoft office so …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
For some weird reason, a particular Excel template could not convert properly in QuattroPro so we chose OpenOffice.
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is less intense on our computer systems and saves us a ton of financial resources. Since our document creation and editing needs are typical of a small business and not very complex, Apache OpenOffice is sufficient for us. We think that almost any smaller to …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
OpenOffice comes for free and with almost the same functionalities as Microsoft Office. Even if there may be some small incompatibilities, saving 500+ Microsoft Office licenses can be a real incentive for a small company. Together with moving to OpenOffice, as a part of the …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
OpenOffice is great, free, and easy to use. I enjoy some of this other software, and use Google Drive (and applications) frequently, yet I still find daily use for OpenOffice.
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice (OO) is less complicated than MS Office. This makes it easier for beginners to learn. On the other hand, it does not seem to have some of the more advanced features that power users like (but that can confuse and frustrate basic users). OO could profit by …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
I selected Apache because it provides the same tools and performance (as well as the Microsoft Office formats) for absolutely no price tag. It is produced by people who care about making a product that works— great updates are made periodically. The interface is very similar …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
The big benefits that OpenOffice gives us is the flexibility, the cost, and the ease of licensing. We do have some Office users, and we keep licenses for them. We looked at Office 365, and that was a good way to work for some people, but the requirement to be constantly …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
The products are certainly equivalent, with OOO having a much better price and better performance than the non-Microsoft offerings.

I've used Lotus Smartsuite (now deprecated), Coral Office, Star Office (a previous version of OOO), and Microsoft Office. Functionality across all …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice may not quite have all the bells and whistles of Microsoft Office, but I chose it for one major reason: it is absolutely free. It is also fully functional as a free software. There is no trial, need to upgrade, or subscription plan. As a small business owner, …
Chose Apache OpenOffice
Microsoft Office 365 and Prezi
Chose Apache OpenOffice
I like the look and feel that Apache open office has. The fact that it is Open Source and not costly is great. It has an easy learning curve for people that are used to using Microsoft Office.
Google Sheets
Chose Google Sheets
It's easyest, fully online and fast to start. This is why I always use this tool to do something fast. Something that make it better than Excel as far as I know is the capability to connect to REST api and fetch data easily.
Chose Google Sheets
It's online and easy to use. I know Excel is online too, but it comes with a package, whereas Google gave it for free. Even its free version is out of bounds and can do whatever there is. Great part about this is, it doesn't matter if the data is from XLXS or CSV if you don't …
Chose Google Sheets
In some ways, SeaTable and AirTable provide a little more functionality beyond what Google Sheets provides. It is a little easier to set up different views of different types, not just table formats. They also make it easier to make groups and subgroups with the data set …
Chose Google Sheets
Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel
Chose Google Sheets
Although I use Google Sheets more often than I use Microsoft Excel, I must admit that I frequently use them both. Google Sheets is my go to platform for a few reasons. I can easily use it offline when there's no connection. I don't have to have access to the Microsoft Suite in …
Chose Google Sheets
i use it to track progress on tasks and projects but it can not be used for tracking costs so it doesn't compare
Chose Google Sheets
Google Sheets is worlds superior to Microsoft Excel. Sheets in comparison has a seamless and user-friendly interface, not to mention it is free. Even in my college career thus far that includes (through my university) the entire Microsoft Office collection, I would not ever be …
Chose Google Sheets
Google Sheets is much better because it is already a part of our Google Workspace and we do not have to pay any extra for an extra server or software. We also use gmail for our internal communications and Google Slides for presentations, so it is easier for us to keep …
Chose Google Sheets
Excel definitely has more features, but as long as you are not a finance person, sheets has everything you need and then some! You can do most of the same things you can do with excel, but it is more intuitive and user friendly. The best thing is being able to collaborate with …
Chose Google Sheets
Google Sheets is the best at version history and collaboration, leaving comments, writing formulas, and simple usability.
Chose Google Sheets
Microsoft Excel in terms of singular user continues to be the best one in my opinion, but for collaboration I don't agree in that position, Google Sheets are better. Libre Office and WPS office unfortunately are far away from the quality of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, …
Chose Google Sheets
I use google sheets when need to create very fast teamwork space and manage goals, backlog etc. it is suitable for small business and for big teams. Easy entry and familiar interface
office is enterprise solution with not very easy entry, not every one have a Microsoft account, …
Chose Google Sheets
Google Sheets is the easiest to access to use, and is arguably the most powerful with its third-party integrations. Additionally, Google apps script enhances the ability of Google Sheets to process data in custom ways. For instance, integrating zap year to connect via Web hook …
Chose Google Sheets
It's a necessary building block upon which so many other programs are created. Our most important information is best shared via sheets - information that then gets posted in all of our other platforms.
Chose Google Sheets
As I need to share most of work with my colleagues or partners, Google Sheets is the best choice over Microsoft Office. It's true that MS Office has now an online version, but the sharing capabilities are not to the level of Google Sheets. This is particularly true if you are …
Chose Google Sheets
For my usage, I find these two products absolutely equivalent for personal use. Google sheets has an advantage if you want cooperative sharing capabilities. Google sheets is especially useful if you already rely heavily on the other google products and email system.
Chose Google Sheets
Apple Numbers doesn't have the collaboration tools like Google Sheets does. And if someone isn't working on a Mac, Number will have challenges. Google Sheets works across devices and operating systems.
Chose Google Sheets
I have used Monday.com and Trello for task and project tracking. Those tools are useful in the company-wide setting where multiple people need to have access, though the way I use Google Sheets is strictly for my own eyes. In that situation, I think Google Sheets is far more …
Chose Google Sheets
Google Sheets collaborative mode and integration with google drive makes it much easier to share data across teams or organizations, while also allowing for multiple users on the product. The functionality of equations, appscripts, and AI integrations make it invaluable …
Chose Google Sheets
Way better in terms of online collaboration and sharing.
Way better for simple use-cases that do not require a ton of data cleaning & manipulation, data integration and advanced calculations.
Way worse in terms of shortcuts for productivity.
Chose Google Sheets
It is better than Excel when you need to work with many users at the same file at the same time.

It is better than Excel when you need an web browser tool, since it is faster than the equivalent version of excel.
Chose Google Sheets
Google sheets allows the most cross-team collaboration in balance with the most user-friendly interface and data limits.
Smartsheet is a close second, however some of the interface and tools are trickier for people unfamiliar and it's not as UX friendly.
Excel is fantastic for …
Best Alternatives
Apache OpenOfficeGoogle Sheets
Small Businesses
Google Workspace
Google Workspace
Score 9.1 out of 10
Stackby
Stackby
Score 8.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Google Workspace
Google Workspace
Score 9.1 out of 10
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel
Score 8.9 out of 10
Enterprises
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Score 8.9 out of 10
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel
Score 8.9 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Apache OpenOfficeGoogle Sheets
Likelihood to Recommend
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(0 ratings)
8.7
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.4
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.4
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
5.0
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.7
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Apache OpenOfficeGoogle Sheets
Likelihood to Recommend
In my opinion, Apache OpenOffice is best suited for writing, editing and proofreading texts in any language. You can also download additional language packages that really take up little space in your PC's storage. Of course, Apache OpenOffice is comprehensive of spreadsheet-/drawing-/database-related softwares and so on, but I primarily use it for writing and editing my own texts. I don't see any scenarios where it is less appropriate, at least so far.
Read full review
Google Sheets is perfectly suited for collaborative documentation, it's been really easy for us in situations like cost tracking, permission matrix etc, where no complex third party tools needs to be setup! Just sign in with your google account, and start doing effortless work. But keep in mind about it's performance, it's not so suitable for thousands of rows worth of data as it will start to become sluggish.
Read full review
Pros
  • OpenOffice is ideal to have as an application on your PC versus utilizing an online word archive application like Google Docs.
  • OpenOffice can deal with an assortment of document types like [.doc, .rtf, .xml] , making it a fundamental apparatus for the individuals who don't approach Microsoft Word.
  • OpenOffice is a more profound programming than Word and is more open. I know, openness for a record composing programming, I know. In any case, OpenOffice takes into account rapidly evolving edges, typeface, size, and so forth, and I think shows improvement over Word, and in a simpler arrangement.
  • OpenOffice can deal with bookkeeping pages, essential information bases, introductions, and fundamental drawings. It handles the entirety of the typical Microsoft Office instruments inside one application.
Read full review
  • It is a great way to collaborate in real-time with any member across the organization.
  • It easy very easy to create formulas, data validation options, and pivot tables for data analysis.
  • It is a great way to see the revision history and changes that other collaborators have made on the document.
Read full review
Cons
  • Some people used to Microsoft products can feel it's a little bit old in its style
  • I saves documents in its native format, which is incompatible with MS Word or Excel, unless you change that in the preferences tab
  • The UI is not very pretty
Read full review
  • Pivot tables are different but could be improved upon; sort, totals, filters
  • When entering negative numbers as the first in a formula you need to remember to "+-100+25" instead of "-100+25"
  • The power of the internet of course makes it easy to find solution, but the help function is not easily available
  • Color coding changes on the cell, but there is not an easy way to click on a cell and use the selected color; like excel
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
It is a cheap alternative; however, with Microsoft 365 licenses also dropping significantly, we might opt to go in that direction to maintain uniformity.
Read full review
I am not involved in the purchase/selection process, but my organization is a Google shop, and Sheets meets most of our spreadsheet needs and works seamlessly with our other tools. I don't anticipate our switching anytime soon.
Read full review
Usability
It's good overall, just the UI it's not the prettiest, feels like an older version of MS office, but gets the job done. Once get the hang of it it's easy to use, besides it has great documentation on how to use it and there are many forums that discuss many related topics.
Read full review
It can easily handle most uses and functions. It is only for very large datasets or advanced analysis that it either lacks the proper functions or performance begins to slow. Most employees who continue to use competitors' products do so out of preference, familiarity with the user interface, or other surface-level reasons.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
No answers on this topic
Like most Google products, Google Sheets rarely has outages or slowness, and when it does, connection is always momentarily restored. I can't recall a time when I've been unable to access Google Sheets but able to access other sites just fine. That said, errors aren't uncommon when handling large data volume. You know what they say about using spreadsheets as databases, but sometimes it's just the most convenient option, especially for smaller or one-off projects, and not being able to store large amounts of data hampers our ability to move quickly with scrappy prototypes or full solutions. It would be great if we could better integrate our data manipulation (Apps Script) with big data in the sheet.
Read full review
Performance
No answers on this topic
Again, Google Sheets is no exception to Google's general high speed and reliability, but load times can be slow for larger amounts of data. I've used Sheets with Zapier and have used the Python API, and speed has never been an issue.
Read full review
Support Rating
Is there really support? There is a user forum but I do not see much developer input. Support options are limited. The most recent (Sept 2019) version of the product seems to have issues operating under Windows 10, yet there are few recent comments in the community forum, most comments are regarding older versions.
Read full review
I have never contacted Google Sheets support, but Google Sheets makes it very easy to report an issue or suggest a feature from Sheets itself (Help > Help Sheets improve), and I've had mostly good experiences with support for other Google products.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
We found that it is possible to use Open Office to accomplish everything we need. Some tasks required searching for steps on Google.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
The big benefits that OpenOffice gives us is the flexibility, the cost, and the ease of licensing. We do have some Office users, and we keep licenses for them. We looked at Office 365, and that was a good way to work for some people, but the requirement to be constantly connected to the internet was difficult for some of our field staff. Same with Google Drive, though that was more popular than Office 365. We don't do a ton of collaborative work, so the lack of online collaboration wasn't a dealbreaker for us, though I can see how 365 or Google Drive would be much more helpful for a team of people working on a single document.
Read full review
Microsoft Excel in terms of singular user continues to be the best one in my opinion, but for collaboration I don't agree in that position, Google Sheets are better. Libre Office and WPS Office unfortunately are far away from the quality of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, they are good solutions if you don't want to trust the data on external services, other than that they are not good.
Read full review
Scalability
No answers on this topic
Google Sheets works very well with multiple users. It's convenient to see in real-time who is collaborating in a sheet, down to the specific cell that they're viewing/editing. Linking Sheets across departments is convenient with the IMPORTRANGE function.
Read full review
Return on Investment
  • Moving to OpenOffice will save the company the cost of 500+ of Microsoft Office licenses in our company.
  • Because it is cross-platform, we could also save 500+ of Microsoft Windows licenses if we move everyone to Linux.
  • On the negative side, the lack of online collaboration and browser support may be an issue when you use clouds like Box, Workboard etc.
Read full review
  • Client outreach; it has helped me make a list of customers to reach out to.
  • Accounting; it has made accounting SO much easier and smoother, so I have more time to focus on clients and projects.
  • Cost formulas - it's allowed me to make comfortable margins with fair customer pricing by making breakeven formula sheets.
Read full review
ScreenShots