Three apps remain the core of every office suite: a word processor, a spreadsheet editor, and a presentation app. Many office suites offer the latest version to existing users at a discount, so you might not need to pay full price when you decide it's time for an upgrade. That's an important benefit, but if you don't really care about getting the absolute newest updates, you might prefer to purchase a static standalone version. With any subscription-based office suite, your apps automatically stay up to date with all the latest features and security updates. The cost of a subscription depends on how many devices you need to use the software on, as well as which apps you need. Google Workspace is a subscription-based service (we refer to the free version as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides), while Microsoft 365 and SoftMaker Office both offer standalone and subscription-based versions.

Others, such as Corel WordPerfect, require you to pay a one-time cost. Some office suites-such as those from Apple, Google, and LibreOffice-are free.

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