Microsoft Office Mobile on iPad: is it worth it?

Microsoft Office has recently been launched on the iPad. We answer the question whether the software is worth it for you.

Microsoft Office on the iPad against Apple's iWork

The main competitor to the iPad version of Microsoft Office is Apple's iWork software.

• Costs: While Apple offers iWork for free with every new iDevice, you need a 365 account for Microsoft Office. That costs either 10 euros per month or 99 euros per year. But you also get 5 licenses for the PC or Mac, additional cloud storage in Microsoft's OneDrive and free minutes in Skype.
• Word vs. Pages: Both apps go beyond the basic functions and are therefore very extensive. Nevertheless, Microsoft Word wins the duel, since many format options work much less complicated, you can mark texts more easily and place pictures more precisely.
• Excel vs. Numbers: Unlike Excel, Numbers still contains some bugs. This is particularly evident when you format your documents or want to insert extensive formulas. Excel is also much easier to use by touch yesterday than Numbers.
• PowerPoint vs. Keynote: Both programs are an absolute gold standard if you want to create presentations. Microsoft manages to offer all functions of the desktop version touch-optimized with Powerpoint for iPad. Apple scores with many effects that even beginners can use immediately.

Conclusion: is Microsoft Office Mobile worthwhile on the iPad?

You have to decide individually whether Microsoft Office Mobile is worthwhile for you. You can find some clues here:

• Office for iPad is optimally adapted to the touch surface and contains an unbeatable number of features and functions.
• If you already have a Microsoft 365 account or want to take advantage of the other benefits of the account, Office for iPad is the best package you can find on the App Store.
• If compatibility is important to you, you should also use Microsoft Office: In contrast to iWork, you have no problems opening other formats.
• If you only work with Mac and iWork anyway, the corresponding iPad app is far better than Microsoft Office. You also get the much cheaper solution here.

If you have acquired a Microsoft Office 365 account, you will find another practical tip on how you can also link the 365 account with Skype.