LibreOffice 4.4 Review: A Compelling Free Alternative to Microsoft Office?

Updated by Tina Sieber on February 28, 2017.

LibreOffice, the popular open-source challenger to Microsoft Office, continues to evolve with major updates. This review examines the significant UI overhaul in version 4.4, drawing from hands-on experience as a productivity software expert.

We've also covered LibreOffice 5.1 features and a quick Ubuntu 5.3 install guide. While it reigns as the top free office suite for everyday users, it's unlikely to fully displace Microsoft Office in enterprise settings. LibreOffice remains an excellent choice for cost-conscious individuals.

Originally a fork of OpenOffice—which faces uncertainty—LibreOffice has addressed longstanding issues like detection errors, clunky UI, and formatting glitches during import/export.

Does 4.4 deliver the breakthrough? Can it sway dedicated Office users and help save on subscriptions? Save on Microsoft Office: Cheap and Free Options

Key New Features in LibreOffice 4.4

Here's a rundown of the highlights:

• Nearly complete UI refresh: Updated menus, toolbars, buttons, rulers, tabs, and more for a sleeker, more intuitive look.
• OpenGL support for presentations: Faster 3D transitions now on Windows (previously on macOS and Linux).
• Enhanced change tracking: Seamlessly navigate comments after accepting/rejecting edits.
• Better Office font compatibility with open-source Carlito and Caladea fonts. Make Windows Fonts Look Like Mac Fonts
• Improved Start Center with community templates.
• Code quality boosted via Coverity Scan analysis.

Hands-On Impressions

LibreOffice 4.4 loads faster than 4.3 and feels polished. The Document Foundation has poured UX expertise into it—it's the most visually appealing version yet.

Sidebar properties, styles, and tabs shine in Writer, Calc, Impress, and Base—right where power users want them.

It's attractive, though not the absolute pinnacle of design.

Superior Change Tracking and Compatibility

Change tracking now flows smoothly: Accept or reject, and it jumps to the next. Collaborate with Track Changes in Word This fix eliminates a major frustration for .ODT collaborators.

Import/export to .docx is smoother, preserving comments and formatting. Carlito/Caladea fonts speed up OOXML handling and minimize glitches.

Enhanced Start Center and Templates

More dropdowns and recent files make it user-friendly, but it lacks robust built-in templates compared to Office. Free OpenOffice Templates Microsoft Office Templates Guide

OpenGL for Impress Presentations

3D acceleration arrives on Windows, matching macOS/Linux—great for PowerPoint switchers.

Code Reliability via Coverity Scan

Analysis fixed ~12,000 of 12,354 defects, ensuring stability.

LibreOffice vs. Microsoft Office

LibreOffice 4.4 impresses with beauty and zero cost. Top Microsoft Office Alternatives Excel vs. Access

Yet, it trails in advanced features. Word and Excel's depth keeps me anchored, despite LibreOffice's strengths.

Ready to try LibreOffice? What would switch you from Microsoft Office? Share in the comments!