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Microsoft 365 vs Collabora Online
Microsoft 365 vs Collabora Online
A side-by-side look at Microsoft 365 (the paid SaaS) and Collabora Online (the open source alternative). Use this page to decide if the switch fits your team and workflow.
| Microsoft 365 | Collabora Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Office suite in the cloud — Word, Excel, PowerPoint. | Browser-based LibreOffice for collaborative editing. |
| License | Proprietary SaaS | MPL-2.0 |
| Pricing | Personal from $6.99/month. | Free to self-host · optional paid hosted plan |
| Self-host option | No | Yes — difficulty 3/5 |
| Hosted cloud available | Yes (only option) | Yes |
| Desktop apps | Varies by product | Web only |
| Mobile apps | Official apps typically available | None official |
Ad slot — between tables
Best for
Browser-based collaboration with LibreOffice engine.
Collabora Online strengths
- True LibreOffice engine in the browser.
- Plugs into Nextcloud, ownCloud and more.
- Strong at ODF-first workflows.
Collabora Online weaknesses
- MS Office fidelity is good but below ONLYOFFICE in places.
- Requires integration with a file server (no standalone UI).
- Server resource usage is noticeable.
What's the catch with Microsoft 365?
- Subscription-only model for full features.
- Heavy client, frequent updates.
- Cloud storage quota included but limited.
Still unsure?
Check the full list of alternatives to Microsoft 365: see Microsoft 365 alternatives, or learn more about Collabora Online on its project page.