After downloading a free Word document template for your project, business form, or resume, you must decide whether to open it in Microsoft Word or WPS Office.
For the average user, the aim is straightforward: do the job quickly, neatly, and without causing financial damage (or damage to the formatting). Microsoft Word has been the standard for years, but WPS Office has insidiously emerged as a formidable, budget-priced competitor with surprisingly capable tools. So, which one performs better in real-life, day-to-day use?
This comparison puts it all in perspective—features, performance, price, compatibility, and workflow—so you can make an informed decision about which platform has earned a place on your Windows device.
And for a deep dive into making either one more productive for you, WPS Office is your go-to learning site for intelligent document skills and hands-on training.
Interface and user-friendliness: old faces with alternative personalities
Microsoft Word: polished and familiar
With its incredibly polished ribbon interface, Microsoft Word is unquestionably slick. There are numerous tabs, including “Home,” “Insert,” “Layout,” and others. Even though there are a lot of tools, if you’ve used Word previously, you’ll feel completely comfortable.
Pros:
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UI structure that is accepted by all organisations
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Numerous integrated tutorials
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Extensive toolbar customisation
Cons:
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Bloated when performing little tasks
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Older machines load more slowly
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Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for full access
WPS Office: lightweight and intuitive
WPS Writer takes the comfortable layout of Word, so switching over is no problem. But it also includes easy-access features that make creating documents a snap. Tabs are simpler, icons are bigger, and there’s even a “Simple Mode” for uninterrupted writing.
Pros:
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Blindingly fast and lean on system resources
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Easily accessible for new users
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Switching tabs to get between documents
Cons:
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Some features are tucked away behind the premium version
File compatibility: no more “file can’t open” panic
Both WPS and Microsoft support the default Word file types (.doc, .docx) but behave slightly differently when dealing with advanced content.
Simple Free Word documents with minimal formatting, tables, or bullets behave exactly the same in both.
Advanced features such as macros, SmartArt, or advanced tables tend to shift occasionally when used across platforms.
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WPS Office benefit: It provides complete viewing of Microsoft formats as well as PDF editing, allowing you to edit a resume and then export to PDF in a single step.
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Microsoft Word benefit: If you’re working in a business Office 365 environment with collaboration, complete compatibility, and shared commenting is more consistent in native Word.
Templates and productivity tools
Microsoft Word: strong but buried
Word has thousands of templates to choose from, but you usually have to find them yourself or look online. From legal forms to school reports, the list is staggering.
Bonus features are:
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Advanced reference tools
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In-built citation manager
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Translation and review pane
WPS Office: ready-to-use design station
WPS places templates in the spotlight—from CVs and flyers to invoices and business cards. It’s particularly handy for freelancers or students who want something professional without having to have design expertise.
Also includes:
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Resume assistant
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One-click cloud backup
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Batch export to PDF
For day-to-day work, WPS simplifies your life right out of the box. For research or academically intensive work, Word might offer you a more specialized set of tools.
Cloud and cross-device access
WPS Cloud
There’s 1 GB of free cloud storage and syncing with the WPS mobile app automatically. It’s fantastic for storing projects and switching devices without interruption.
Microsoft OneDrive
You get 1 TB of OneDrive storage with Office 365—a big bonus for team collaboration, not least for live editing.
If you primarily work by yourself or prefer light storage, WPS Cloud does the trick. But for complete team collaboration and Office 365 functionality, OneDrive is a better system.
Price and availability: free vs premium
Microsoft Word
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Included in the Office 365 subscription (~US$99.99/year or US$9.99/month for personal users)
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No standalone free version with full editing
WPS Office
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Basic free version with 90% of Word’s functions
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WPS Pro option (~$35.99/year) eliminates ads and unlocks additional tools
If you require basic to intermediate functionality and do not wish to make a subscription commitment, WPS is the value winner hands down.
Step by step: How to replace Word with WPS on Windows
Once you’re ready to test drive WPS Office, here’s how to easily open your Word files:
Step 1: Install WPS Office
Go to the WPS platform and download the most recent version for Windows. The installation is fast and compact.
Step 2: Open your Word file
Open WPS Writer. Drag your .doc or .docx document into the window, or go to File > Open to find it.
Step 3: Start editing or convert to PDF
Take advantage of the familiar editing tools to fine-tune, format, and style your document. Then go to Menu > Export to PDF if you want to share a locked, professional version.
Last word: which one should you use?
If you want to quickly open a free Word document, edit without worrying about compatibility, export high-quality PDFs, and use clever templates without knowing how to code, this is the app for you. Then your new best friend is WPS Office.
To begin with, it is free, strong, and lightweight. Microsoft Word might still be your best option if you’re working in a business setting or want strong integration with Office 365, particularly for cloud-based workflows, collaborative editing, or sophisticated referencing.
But for most of the daily chores? WPS prevails in terms of value, speed, and ease of use. Discover how to master both platforms with tutorials, downloadable templates, and clever writing tips at WPS Office.
Explore your preferred workflow now!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Will WPS Office ruin my Word formatting?
For plain documents (resumes, essays, letters), WPS Office keeps formatting nearly flawless. Problems only arise if the document contains complex macros, SmartArt, or complicated referencing structures. Always test a sample first before sending an important document. Read formatting optimization tutorials on WPS to make transitions seamless!
Can I work with someone on Microsoft Word while I use WPS?
Yes! As long as you’re saving files in .docx format, your collaborator using Word can open and edit them. Just avoid editing at the exact same time unless you’re both on a shared cloud platform like OneDrive or WPS Cloud. Explore cross-platform collaboration tips on WPS Office!
Is WPS Office secure and ad-free?
The ad-free version has occasional banner ads, but it’s malware-free and safe. You can eliminate ads by upgrading to the paid plan. Your files are locally stored unless you prefer to upload to WPS Cloud.
Find more about WPS privacy and user options on WPS!
Is Microsoft Word available in a free version?
There is no completely offline, free alternative. You might use Word Online for minor things, but it needs an internet connection and does not have the majority of the desktop software’s features. WPS, on the other hand, has a free offline program with complete editing.
WPS provides offline workflows and mobile-editing guidelines if you are using limited internet!
Which one is best suited for students?
If you’re composing essays, turning in assignments, or seeking internships, WPS Office provides you with a bundle of powerful tools without paying a dime. Microsoft Word remains the industry standard for scholarly publishing or reference-pitched work, but WPS meets most classroom demands effortlessly.
Explore WPS Office for student-focused writing lessons and free templates!
