Ever since I completed my college, I treated my Microsoft 365 subscription as a non-negotiable part of my productivity. But as Microsoft started bloating these apps with unnecessary AI add-ons and hiked the prices, I decided to see if I could replicate the entire ecosystem using only free, open-source tools.

I didn’t just want ‘good enough’ clone; I wanted a professional-grade workflow that felt fast and secure. With these four apps, I managed to build a private cloud that is faster, cheaper, and entirely mine.

Joplin

A handy OneNote alternative

When I first decided to cut the cord with Microsoft, OneNote was the hardest app to let go of. I had years of digital scratchpads, web clipping, and meeting minutes in those notebooks. But then I found, and I haven’t looked back.

Joplin has become the brain of my new open-source setup. Unlike OneNote, which can sometimes feel bloated and slow to sync, Joplin is snappy and gives me total control over where my data actually lives.

As someone who writes for the web, being able to use Markdown is quite handy. Joplin also offers end-to-end encryption. Its browser extension is also fantastic, which lets me save entire articles or screenshots directly into my notebooks, just like I used to do in OneNote.

In terms of note organization, I can create notebooks and tags to organize my notes. There is even a handy split view, a robust toolbar, a note properties section, and more. If you are a power user who loves OneNote’s canvas, Joplin’s structured, linear layout might take a day or two to get used to.

OpenCloud

Say goodbye to OneDrive

When it came to replacing OneDrive, I wasn’t just looking for a place to dump my files – I wanted a system that gives me unlimited storage without slowing down my computer with background sync errors. That’s where OpenCloud stepped in.

If you have ever looked into open-source cloud storage, you have probably heard of Nextcloud. But for me, Nextcloud felt like a massive feature bloat. OpenCloud is the high-performance, lightweight alternative that actually feels faster than OneDrive ever did.

My files sync almost the moment I save them, and the web interface doesn’t have that laggy feeling you often get with web-based file managers. Thanks to its self-hosting nature, my files live on my own hardware. There is even a built-in office suite to make quick changes to the files on the go.

OnlyOffice

An excellent office suite

OnlyOffice is the closest thing to a ‘drop-in’ replacement for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Unlike many open-source Microsoft 365 rivals that look like they were designed in 2010 (looking at you, LibreOffice), OnlyOffice has a modern aesthetic with fresh icons.

The ribbon-style layout feels familiar to Microsoft’s traditional apps, and you won’t have a hard time getting started with them. Unlike Microsoft’s approach, I don’t even need to open different programs to refer between files.

I can open my expenses spreadsheet, refer to the client presentation, and write down the marketing plan – all from the same interface. OnlyOffice has a tab-style approach where I can switch between them on the go.

There is also a built-in PDF viewer where I can open a PDF, tweak the text, and even add a signature without needing a separate app or a paid Adobe subscription.

These office apps are feature-packed with editing features, animations, advanced formulas, AI add-ons, and more. Whether you are writing a normal document or going over data analysis in a complex spreadsheet, you won’t have a hard time getting the job done.

Syncthing

To sync your local folders

Finally, I have to talk about Syncthing. Unlike the other apps I have mentioned, Syncthing isn’t a direct rival to a specific Microsoft 365 product. It’s an invisible engine that makes my entire local-first setup actually work.

Syncthing doesn’t use a central server. It simply talks to my devices. If I save a Joplin note on my laptop, Syncthing syncs the change and pushes it directly to my phone over my home Wi-Fi. It’s faster, more private, and works without breaking a sweat.

Once you set it up, you forget it’s there. It just quietly ensures that my Documents folder on my PC is identical to the one on my laptop.

Do note that Syncthing is a synchronization tool, not a backup service. If I delete a file on my laptop, it’s gone on my desktop, too. It’s the glue that holds my OnlyOffice documents and Joplin notes together, while I use OpenCloud media backup.

Stop paying for Office

Overall, by moving my workflow to OnlyOffice, OpenCloud, Joplin, and Syncthing, I have traded a recurring bill for a setup that I truly own. There is a small learning curve, though. After all, you need to deal with a new user interface and go through the manual setups on OpenCloud and Syncthing.

But in exchange, you get a system that respects your privacy, works offline without complaint, and keeps your data in your hands. You don’t have to replace your entire suite overnight.

Start by moving your notes to Joplin or syncing one folder with Syncthing, and slowly ditch Microsoft 365.