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

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Microsoft’s latest price increase for consumer Microsoft 365 plans, driven in part by bundled Copilot AI features, is prompting many users to reassess whether the subscription is worth it or even necessary. Commenters highlight that you can avoid the hike by switching to “classic” or perpetual Office licenses or by using alternatives such as LibreOffice, Google Docs, OnlyOffice, or dedicated cloud storage. The exchange widens into a broader critique of SaaS lock‑in, recurring fees for largely mature desktop software, and the practical trade‑offs between self‑hosting, open source tools, and large integrated suites from Microsoft or Google.

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.