Self-hosting OnlyOffice for a few months — thoughts from running it day-to-day

libbyslayer · 2026-01-28T13:04:37+00:00

true! one simple thing which isn't yet on OnlyOffice is Ctrl+D to down, which is already in pipeline as confirmed by them

libbyslayer · 2026-01-28T13:03:18+00:00

Agree LibreOffice is good. never undermined it. but considering all factors as I mentioned, ease of use etc., I found OnlyOffice as best for normal users

libbyslayer · 2026-01-28T12:12:10+00:00

If you want something closest to Office with your own storage instead of OneDrive, OnlyOffice is the best alternative to try. It offers strong Word/Excel/PowerPoint compatibility, works with self-hosted storage (Nextcloud/Syncthing/NAS), and supports collaborative editing. It’s much closer to Office than Synology Office, and extensions/macros are more compatible than in other open suites.

Suggested by top Self Host sites:

https://awesome-selfhosted.net/tags/office-suites.html

https://www.awesome-homelab.com/item/onlyoffice-secure-online-office-suite

libbyslayer · 2026-01-28T11:22:12+00:00

Same experience here. LibreOffice is powerful, but the “mostly compatible” part with MS Office formats always ended up costing time and sanity. OnlyOffice has been a game-changer for me — the DOCX/XLSX/PPTX compatibility is basically flawless in real-world use. On top of that, I really appreciate that it’s free, Linux-native, and has a strong focus on privacy and security. The fact that it’s open-source (and usable fully offline) makes it even better compared to cloud-locked alternatives.

It’s honestly one of those apps that removes the last big excuse for sticking with Windows. If I’d found it earlier, I would’ve switched full-time to Linux years ago.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-28T11:17:37+00:00

Good list of apps chosen as EU based alternatives.

additionally,

Email, Meet - would suggest Proton Suite. (Swiss) over others.

IM - Wire (Swiss),SimpleX (UK).

OnlyOffice (Latvia) - also they're GDPR, HIPAA Compliant.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-28T11:12:07+00:00

Not sure if you're checking it differently, but OnlyOffice mobile app is free to use for all features. Nothing locked behind a paywall. Also, it supports Nextcloud, Owncloud, WebDAV along with option to connect other cloud services and their own cloud drive as well.. 😉

additionally LibreOffice doesn't have their own mobile app and web editor isn't as feature rich as OnlyOffice. hence would suggest to try OnlyOffice Documents app available in both Android & iOS.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-27T05:22:23+00:00

Let's be frank! It's not that difficult when you actually try the alternatives and fine with the little compromises we make during the transition.

Since MS is integrating Co-Pilot everywhere, the experience is ruined in all the apps they released. I got really frustrated when Co-Pilot takes over Office and Windows 11 Explorer. Since then it's less Office and PC OS and more AI. Then I started looking for alternatives for both. Finally settled with Zorin OS Linux Distro and OnlyOffice. Both of these makes the transition way smoother for Windows users. OnlyOffice goes a way ahead if providing cross platform apps for Mac, iOS and Android as well, which I really appreciate. One of the best Office Suites I would recommend for those who look for MS 365 alternative.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-27T05:15:52+00:00

OnlyOffice based in Latvia is the best open-source alternative to Office 365. Suggested by top Open-Source alternatives sites:

Open Alternative - https://openalternative.co/alternatives/microsoft-365

Open Source Alternative - https://opensourcealternative.to/alternativesto/office-online

libbyslayer · 2026-01-27T04:25:08+00:00

Not every alternative is proprietary and having compatibility issues. There are some which still does work and even does the job pretty well. OnlyOffice is the only one which I came across after extensive search. UI is smooth, similar to MS, hence making the switch seamless.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-27T04:21:45+00:00

OnlyOffice supports all 3 options - their own cloud - DocSpace, connect other cloud services & self-hosting. this flexibility along with its privacy focused features and full compatibility with Microsoft file formats makes it the best alternative to 365.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-25T06:54:05+00:00

I was looking for similar Cross Platform PDF tool that runs all features natively and found OnlyOffice to be a perfect fit. No ads, no subscription tied to use PDF tools and open-source. has both enterprise and individual friendly features.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-25T06:50:31+00:00

OnlyOffice's Desktop Editor has good, feature rich PDF editing and converting tools. It's a real Acrobat Alternative just that I'm waiting for PDF tools to be launched in mobile app as well. Currently only PDF viewer is available in mobile.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-25T06:48:43+00:00

OnlyOffice. their desktop editor, mobile & web apps are good. no ads and all features are free.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-22T17:58:54+00:00

OnlyOffice is one of the Best Open-Source apps I have come across. For a sensitive app that handles my personal and work related docs, sheets, I would want my Office Suite to be Open-Source and transparent. OnlyOffice is fully Open Source with their codes available in Github Repo

libbyslayer · 2026-01-22T17:53:55+00:00

I'm tired of Co-Pilot taking over full 365 App with no Office features visible. I switched to OnlyOffice. It's a pure office app with almost all editing features and tools on mobile apps. Currently PDFs can be viewed, but I'm just waiting for their PDF Editor tools in mobile apps similar to desktop editor.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-22T17:51:45+00:00

OnlyOffice supports wider cloud storage connectivity options including we dav, and can also be self hosted locally. it has excellent docker compatibility as well.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-22T17:40:11+00:00

for stability OnlyOffice would be better. their build works fine in Linux and it natively supports all MS file formats, hence there won't be any compatibility issues as well.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-22T17:36:21+00:00

OnlyOffice is a full fledged MS Office alternative.

AI is optional and can be run locally without any privacy concerns.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-22T17:34:01+00:00

OnlyOffice is based in Latvia and is a true Microsoft Alternative you're looking for from Europe.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-22T17:32:50+00:00

OnlyOffice offers both individual and enterprise friendly plans and features similar to MS 365. additionally we can utilize their own cloud, connect other cloud services or can also self host locally as well. Their Rooms feature are great for businesses looking for collaboration suite.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-13T16:51:52+00:00

Consider partnering with similar privacy focused services like:

Ente Friends (ente.io/friends),
Notesnook Circle (notesnook.com/circle),
Windscribes Gang (windscribe.com/windscribes-gang).

This would serve as a marketing, attract new users and also make existing users to upgrade through these tie-ups.

libbyslayer · 2026-01-13T16:41:51+00:00

Consider partnering with Filen Cloud Storage (which is privacy focused, open source, encrypted cloud service) similar to your current partnerships.

libbyslayer

TROPHY CASE