This entry is compiled from primary sources: ONLYOFFICE Docs's own documentation, release notes, and licensing or pricing pages.
It has not been hands-on tested by us. Where a limit, a price or a requirement is stated below, it is the published figure at the time of writing rather than a measured result.
Anything we have not verified is left out instead of guessed at.
ONLYOFFICE Docs Review (2026) — Honest Take for Free Users
Freeopen-sourceAscensio System SIA
ONLYOFFICE Docs, from Ascensio System SIA, is a free and open-source alternative to paid desktop software. On its Open Source plan it is genuinely usable, not a teaser.
Below: what you actually get for free, where the limits sit, and who should skip it.
What it does well
- Real opensource capability on the Open Source tier — no credit card to start.
- Practical for everyday use; outputs are usable, not just demos.
- Actively maintained by Ascensio System SIA; Collaborative is a current highlight.
Pros
- No-cost entry with meaningful features.
- Backed by Ascensio System SIA, so it is actively maintained.
- Good fit for users who want a free and open-source alternative to paid desktop software without paid subscriptions.
Cons
- Support is community forums and issue trackers unless you pay for a support plan.
- Less specialized than dedicated tools for adjacent tasks.
- No one owes you a fix on a deadline — roadmap and bug priority are the maintainers' call.
What it costs
ONLYOFFICE Docs is open source, so the core product is free to use and stays that way.
Plenty of open-source projects also sell hosting, support or an enterprise edition alongside the free release — check the project's own pricing page for what, if anything, is sold on top.
Best alternatives
- LibreOffice — Full desktop office suite for documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases (opensource).
- GIMP — Powerful free image editor with layers, masks, plugins and scripting (opensource).
- Kdenlive — Non-linear video editor for serious free video workflows (opensource).
FAQ
Is ONLYOFFICE Docs free? Yes — it is open source and free to use in full.
Do I need a credit card? No, to start.
Best for? a free and open-source alternative to paid desktop software without paying.
← Back to all open source alternatives · Visit ONLYOFFICE Docs ↗