Is ONLYOFFICE Completely Free? A Comprehensive Guide

In the ever-evolving world of productivity software, ONLYOFFICE has emerged as a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike. Known for its robust features and compatibility with various document formats, ONLYOFFICE offers a suite of tools that cater to a wide range of needs. However, one question that often arises is whether ONLYOFFICE is completely free. In this article, we will delve into the pricing structure of ONLYOFFICE, explore its free and paid offerings, and help you determine which option is best suited for your requirements.

Understanding ONLYOFFICE

Before we dive into the pricing details, it's essential to understand what ONLYOFFICE is and what it offers. ONLYOFFICE is a comprehensive office suite that includes tools for document editing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It is designed to be a versatile solution for both personal and professional use, with features that rival those of other well-known office suites like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

ONLYOFFICE is available in multiple versions, including a desktop application, a cloud-based solution, and an enterprise edition. Each version comes with its own set of features and pricing options, which we will explore in detail.

ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors: The Free Version

The most straightforward answer to the question "Is ONLYOFFICE completely free?" is yes, but with some caveats. ONLYOFFICE offers a free version of its desktop editors, which can be downloaded and installed on your computer without any cost. This free version includes:

• Document Editor: Create and edit text documents with advanced formatting options.
• Spreadsheet Editor: Manage and analyze data with powerful spreadsheet tools.
• Presentation Editor: Design and deliver professional presentations.
• PDF Viewer and Converter: View and convert PDF files to editable formats.

The desktop editors are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making them accessible to a broad audience. The free version is particularly appealing to individuals and small businesses that need a reliable office suite without the financial burden of subscription fees.

Features of the Free Desktop Editors

The free version of ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is packed with features that make it a viable alternative to other office suites. Some of the key features include:

• Compatibility: ONLYOFFICE supports a wide range of file formats, including DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and ODT. This ensures that you can work seamlessly with documents created in other office suites.
• Collaboration Tools: While the free version does not include cloud-based collaboration, you can still share documents via email or other file-sharing services.
• Templates: Access a variety of templates for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to streamline your workflow.
• Plugins: Extend the functionality of ONLYOFFICE with plugins that add features like translation, spell checking, and more.

Limitations of the Free Desktop Editors

While the free version of ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is feature-rich, it does come with some limitations:

• No Cloud Integration: The free version does not include cloud storage or real-time collaboration features. If you need these capabilities, you will need to explore the paid options.
• Limited Support: Free users have access to community support, but priority support is reserved for paid customers.
• No Advanced Features: Some advanced features, such as document versioning and advanced security options, are only available in the paid versions.

ONLYOFFICE Cloud: The Paid Version

For those who require more advanced features and cloud-based collaboration, ONLYOFFICE offers a paid version known as ONLYOFFICE Cloud. This version is designed for businesses and teams that need to work together on documents in real-time, with additional features that enhance productivity and security.

Features of ONLYOFFICE Cloud

ONLYOFFICE Cloud includes all the features of the free desktop editors, plus several additional capabilities:

• Cloud Storage: Store your documents in the cloud and access them from anywhere, on any device.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work on documents simultaneously with team members, with changes reflected in real-time.
• Document Versioning: Keep track of document changes and revert to previous versions if needed.
• Advanced Security: Protect your documents with encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security measures.
• Integration: Integrate ONLYOFFICE with other tools and services, such as CRM systems, project management software, and more.

Pricing for ONLYOFFICE Cloud

ONLYOFFICE Cloud is available through a subscription model, with pricing based on the number of users and the level of features required. Here is an overview of the pricing plans:

• Personal Cloud: Starting at $5 per user per month, this plan is ideal for individuals and small teams. It includes 2 GB of cloud storage per user and basic collaboration features.
• Business Cloud: Starting at $8 per user per month, this plan is designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It includes 10 GB of cloud storage per user, advanced collaboration features, and priority support.
• Enterprise Cloud: Custom pricing is available for large enterprises with specific needs. This plan includes unlimited cloud storage, advanced security features, and dedicated support.

Free Trial for ONLYOFFICE Cloud

If you're considering upgrading to ONLYOFFICE Cloud, you can take advantage of a free trial to test out the features before committing to a subscription. The free trial typically lasts for 30 days and includes access to all the features of the Business Cloud plan.

ONLYOFFICE Workspace: The Enterprise Solution

For larger organizations with more complex needs, ONLYOFFICE offers an enterprise solution known as ONLYOFFICE Workspace. This version includes all the features of ONLYOFFICE Cloud, plus additional tools for project management, customer relationship management (CRM), and more.

Features of ONLYOFFICE Workspace

ONLYOFFICE Workspace is a comprehensive solution that goes beyond document editing and collaboration. Some of the key features include:

• Project Management: Plan, track, and manage projects with tools for task management, Gantt charts, and time tracking.
• CRM: Manage customer relationships with tools for contact management, sales tracking, and marketing automation.
• Email and Calendar: Integrate email and calendar functionality to streamline communication and scheduling.
• Customization: Customize the workspace to meet the specific needs of your organization, with options for branding, user roles, and permissions.

Pricing for ONLYOFFICE Workspace

ONLYOFFICE Workspace is available through custom pricing, which is tailored to the size and requirements of your organization. To get a quote, you will need to contact the ONLYOFFICE sales team and discuss your needs in detail.

ONLYOFFICE Docs: The Self-Hosted Solution

For organizations that prefer to host their own office suite, ONLYOFFICE offers a self-hosted solution known as ONLYOFFICE Docs. This version allows you to install ONLYOFFICE on your own servers, giving you full control over your data and infrastructure.

Features of ONLYOFFICE Docs

ONLYOFFICE Docs includes all the features of the cloud and desktop versions, with the added benefit of self-hosting. Some of the key features include:

• Full Control: Host ONLYOFFICE on your own servers, with complete control over your data and infrastructure.
• Customization: Customize the installation to meet the specific needs of your organization, with options for branding, user roles, and permissions.
• Integration: Integrate ONLYOFFICE Docs with other tools and services, such as CRM systems, project management software, and more.
• Scalability: Scale your installation to meet the needs of your organization, with options for adding users, storage, and features as needed.

Pricing for ONLYOFFICE Docs

ONLYOFFICE Docs is available through a subscription model, with pricing based on the number of users and the level of features required. Here is an overview of the pricing plans:

• Community Edition: Free for up to 20 users, this plan is ideal for small teams and organizations. It includes basic document editing and collaboration features.
• Enterprise Edition: Starting at $1200 per year for 50 users, this plan is designed for larger organizations. It includes advanced features such as document versioning, advanced security, and priority support.
• Custom Edition: Custom pricing is available for organizations with specific needs. This plan includes unlimited users, advanced features, and dedicated support.

Conclusion: Is ONLYOFFICE Completely Free?

In conclusion, ONLYOFFICE offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. The free version of ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is a powerful and feature-rich office suite that is completely free to use, making it an excellent choice for individuals and small businesses. However, if you require advanced features such as cloud storage, real-time collaboration, and enterprise-level security, you will need to explore the paid options, including ONLYOFFICE Cloud, ONLYOFFICE Workspace, and ONLYOFFICE Docs.

Ultimately, whether ONLYOFFICE is completely free depends on your specific needs. If the free version meets your requirements, you can enjoy a robust office suite without any cost. However, if you need more advanced features and capabilities, the paid versions offer a range of options to enhance your productivity and collaboration.

By understanding the different versions and pricing options available, you can make an informed decision about which ONLYOFFICE solution is right for you. Whether you choose the free desktop editors or opt for a paid subscription, ONLYOFFICE provides a versatile and reliable office suite that can help you achieve your productivity goals.