Office Software and Apps for Mac

Maximize your productivity with these programs and apps

Updated on February 5, 2020

Find your best office software suite productivity solution for Mac by investigating these popular options.

This list takes you through several alternatives, because you have other options than just Apple's iWork or Microsoft's Office/365 for Mac, though those popular options are available as well.

Free Versus Premium Options

This list begins with free options then moves to premium alternatives if you have a little money to invest in your productivity software. Many free suites offer plenty of tools for some users, so you may be able to save money.

That said, keep in mind that premium office software suites may offer the additional features you may need, so for some users, the value can be worth the cost.

OpenOffice for Mac (Desktop) - FREE

Apache Software Foundation

The Apache Software Foundation administers an open source software suite that is one of the most popular worldwide, in part because it is compatible with so many operating systems.

What We Like

Free.
Capably tackles most common Microsoft 365 tasks.

What We Don't Like

Installation occasionally glitchy.
Intuitive interface, but not as sleek as Microsoft 365.

LibreOffice for Mac (Desktop) - FREE

The Document Foundation

LibreOffice was voted by this site's community to be the Readers' Choice Award Winner of Favorite Office Software for Mac.

A free office suite, LibreOffice is nonetheless a powerful rival to more expensive office software suites.

What We Like

Open-source, with frequent updates.
Extensive help through documentation and large community.
Reliably compatible with Microsoft formats.

What We Don't Like

No integrated cloud storage.
No real-time collaborative editing.

iWork for iCloud (Online) - FREE

Apple

You can also check out iWork for iCloud, the free online version of iWork. This requires an online account, which implies needing an internet connection.

This can be a great option for someone who wants to stay within the Apple lineup of products.

What We Like

Free.
No Apple device necessary, enabling cross-platform collaboration.
Documents accessible from anywhere.

What We Don't Like

Requires internet connection.
Not as fully featured as Apple’s desktop versions.

Google Docs / Apps for Mac (Online) - FREE

Access the free web-based Google Docs and mobile Google Apps by signing up for Google Drive.

Google's online suites are not as function-rich as iWork or Microsoft 365 but are still robust and very popular as accessible, user-friendly versions of tasks for the average user. You will find free and business versions.

What We Like