You don't have to pay the Microsoft 365 price increase

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Alternatives to Microsoft 365

  • Many home users report using LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, Google Docs, or iWork instead of 365.
  • LibreOffice is praised on Linux but criticized on macOS and for imperfect DOCX compatibility.
  • OnlyOffice is seen as more polished and more compatible with Office formats.
  • Some avoid word processors entirely, using markdown + pandoc, org‑mode, LaTeX, or Python instead.
  • Several note Google Docs is now the default in many schools and universities, creating a “Google‑native” generation.

Subscriptions, Value, and Lock‑in

  • Strong resentment toward paying recurring fees for largely static desktop software; subscriptions are called a modern “con.”
  • Others argue 365 is good value, especially for businesses, when counting Exchange, identity (AAD), Teams, SharePoint, MDM, Windows Enterprise, security, etc.
  • Many describe being effectively trapped in SaaS ecosystems (email, SSO, CRM, ticketing, collaboration) despite discomfort with vendor risk.

Perpetual Office Licenses and Pricing

  • Microsoft still sells one‑time Office 2024 licenses (home and business), but:
    • Non‑commercial vs business SKUs differ in price and Outlook inclusion.
    • Limited to a single PC; multiple devices quickly erase savings vs subscription.
  • Grey‑market “lifetime” keys (e.g., via deal sites) are discussed; some trust them, others call them illegitimate.

OneDrive and Cloud Storage

  • Many use 365 primarily as cheap cloud storage: family plans with 6×1 TB are viewed as very cost‑effective.
  • Others dislike OneDrive’s reliability, UX, and “lock‑in,” preferring Dropbox or dedicated backup services.

AI/Copilot and Price Increases

  • Anger that price hikes are bundled with Copilot rather than exposed as a separate, optional add‑on.
  • Limited monthly Copilot “credits” inside 365 plus a separate expensive Copilot Pro tier are viewed as a dark pattern and forced paid trial.
  • Several explicitly say they do not want AI in Office at all, let alone pay more for it.

Self‑Hosting, Reliability, and Security

  • Some insist self‑hosting email and core services is still viable (often with outbound relays).
  • Others counter that deliverability, phishing, DNS/MX/SPF issues, and outages still require in‑house expertise; even SaaS frequently “breaks” and needs a tech person.
  • Running very old Office (e.g., 2010) is flagged as risky due to unpatched RCEs, though some users downplay the threat by avoiding “untrusted” documents.