Introduction
Microsoft 365 is a top choice for office software, but recent price increases have many users thinking about other options. The cost increase impacts students, home users, and businesses, making it less appealing for those on a budget. Also, Microsoft’s free version now has ads. They can be distracting and hurt productivity.
As Microsoft 365 gets pricier and adds ads, now is a great time to explore other options. WPS Office stands out as a great option. It provides a complete set of office apps at an affordable price. This article covers Microsoft’s price changes and Best Free Alternatives to Microsoft Office (2025 Edition). It also explains why WPS Office is the best choice for users seeking a low-cost, ad-free option.
Understanding Microsoft’s Price Increase
Microsoft has arisen the prices of its 365 inclusion plans. This change affects both individuals and businesses, making it costlier for everyone. This increase has caused frustration among users who now must pay more for the same features. Below is a breakdown of the price changes:
| Plan | Old Price | New Price |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $69.99/year | $79.99/year |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $99.99/year | $119.99/year |
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic | $5/user/month | $6/user/month |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | $12.50/user/month | $15/user/month |
This increase adds a financial burden. It affects students who need Office apps for school. Businesses that use productivity tools for employees are also affected. Home users wanting easy access to documents and spreadsheets feel the pinch too.
Microsoft defends the price hikes by pointing to new features and security updates. However, many users believe the extra costs aren’t worth the small improvements. Users can save money by exploring alternatives like WPS Office. It offers similar features without the high fees.
Stop Overpaying for Microsoft 365 – Try These Cost-Saving Tips
Stop overpaying for Microsoft 365 by optimizing your subscription with smart cost-saving strategies. Start by assessing your actual needs—many businesses pay for features they don’t use. Think about Stop Overpaying for Microsoft 365 – Try These Cost-Saving Tips for Business Basic. It’s a good choice if you need key tools like Teams and OneDrive. Use annual billing discounts to save money compared to monthly payments. Use Microsoft’s volume discounts to save money if you have many licenses. Review your user list at regular intervals. Remove inactive accounts to avoid extra charges. Additionally, explore third-party resellers for potential discounts on licenses. Check for Microsoft’s special pricing schedule if you’re a not-for-profit or student. Finally, equate plans to ensure you aren’t paying for laid off features. Use these strategies to cut costs while staying productive. This maintains your Microsoft 365 subscription’s efficiency while being friendly to your budget.
Microsoft’s Free Version Comes with Ads
Microsoft provides a free, limited web version of its Office apps. However, this free version now comes with advertisements, which disrupt the user experience.
Issues with Microsoft’s Ad-Supported Free Version:
- Distractions – Ads can pop up when working on an important document, making it difficult to focus.
- Limited Functionality – The free version misses key features. It doesn’t offer offline access or advanced formatting options.
- Cloud Storage Limits – Microsoft gives just 5GB of free OneDrive storage. It fills up fast.
- Inconsistent Performance – The web apps run slower and are less reliable than the desktop versions.
Due to these limits, the free version isn’t a good option for serious users. Switching to WPS Office is a smarter choice. You won’t have to deal with ads or limited features.
Why WPS Office is a Great Free Alternative
WPS Office is a free office suite. It works well as a replacement for Microsoft 365. It offers:
- Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation computing that work like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- A free, built-in PDF editor for reader, editing, and transforming PDFs.
- Full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, assure smooth file sharing and concert.
- Support for many platforms, included Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Offline access, so users can work outside an internet context.
WPS Office offers a smoother encounter than Microsoft’s free version. It doesn’t flow users with ads, so you can centre on your work.
WPS Office vs. Microsoft 365: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Below is a direct comparison of WPS Office and Microsoft 365:
| Feature | WPS Office | Microsoft 365 (Paid) | Microsoft 365 (Free) |
| Word Processor | Yes | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Spreadsheet | Yes | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Presentation Software | Yes | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| PDF Editor | Yes | No (requires Adobe Acrobat) | No |
| Cloud Storage | 1GB (free) | 1TB OneDrive | 5GB OneDrive |
| Offline Access | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ads | No | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Expensive | Free (with ads) |
This table clearly shows that WPS Office posing the best value, largely for users who want a free, ad-free choice.
The Benefits of Switching to WPS Office
Switching to WPS Office comes with several advantages:
1. Save Money
WPS Office is free to use. You won’t have to stress about rising subscription fees. WPS Office has key features for free. In contrast, Microsoft 365 requires regular payments.
2. No Annoying Ads
Unlike Microsoft’s free version, WPS Office do not include a prying announcement. This allows users to work without redundant distractions, improving productivity and efficiency.
3. Works on Low-End Devices
WPS Office runs well on older or low-spec devices. It’s designed for great performance. Microsoft 365 needs more system resources. This makes it less ideal for users with budget computers.
4. Highly Rated by Users and Tech Experts
WPS Office has received sure reviews from both users and method staff. Users enjoy its simple interface, great deals, and strong support for Microsoft Office formats.
5. Cross-Platform Support
WPS Office works on many stage. You can avail it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This lets users access their credentials from any tool. They aren’t tied to a specific ecosystem.
Conclusion
Microsoft 365’s higher prices and new ads in the free version make it less appealing. Users seeking dependable productivity software may want to consider other options. If you want to avoid price hikes and annoying ads, WPS Office is the perfect choice.
WPS Office has a lot of office apps. It has no ads, lets you edit PDFs for free, and works on many platforms. It’s a great choice for individuals, students, and businesses. Switching to WPS Office gives users a smooth, affordable, and efficient experience. It won’t cost a lot.
Don’t wait for Microsoft’s next price hike—try WPS Office today and start saving!