March 27, 2025, 9:27 am | Read time: 3 minutes
AI features are now also included in Microsoft’s Office programs. The software company wants to be paid for this — and is increasing prices by more than 30 percent. Subscription customers don’t have to go along with this.
The AI assistant Copilot now also works in Microsoft 365. In addition, the familiar Office package with Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint now includes the AI-supported image editing tool Microsoft Designer.
Microsoft 365 Now More Expensive
Microsoft has seized this opportunity to raise the subscription prices for the Office package. However, existing customers who do not want to pay more or simply do not need the AI functions can switch to the new “Single Classic” or “Family Classic” tariffs, reports Stiftung Warentest.
You Have to Find the AI-Free Subscriptions First
However, finding the option to switch is “not particularly straightforward.” In order to be offered the new AI-free subscriptions, users first have to log in to their account on the Microsoft website, then go to “Subscription,” and finally click on “Cancel subscription.”
Once a new Classic subscription is selected, the switch will automatically occur at the next subscription renewal, explain the product testers. According to Microsoft, it is only possible to switch “for a limited period of time,” but an exact end date is not specified.
Existing customers who do not make any changes will otherwise pay 99 euros per year instead of 69 euros (single subscription) or 129 euros per year instead of 99 euros (family subscription) from the next subscription renewal.
More Expensive Subscription Does Not Mean Unlimited AI Use
However, even after the price increase, Copilot cannot be used an unlimited number of times. The product testers note that there is a monthly quota of “AI credits” that does not carry over to the next month. If that’s insufficient and you need more, you must subscribe to Copilot Pro at a cost of 22 euros per month.
According to Stiftung Warentest, new customers who do not want any AI features only have the option of first booking one of the more expensive tariffs, including Copilot, and then switching to the Classic subscription via the conversion described above.
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Alternatives to Microsoft 365
Ultimately, cancellation is also a viable option. There are good alternatives to Microsoft 365 that are free of charge. One such option is the free office suite LibreOffice, which excels in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
Replacement for Microsoft Office: LibreOffice
Compatibility is seamless: Documents and spreadsheets created with Microsoft 365, such as Word and Excel files, can be effortlessly opened and, if necessary, saved back in Microsoft’s file formats.
LibreOffice is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Collabora Office, which is based on LibreOffice, is available for iOS and Android.
Replacement for Microsoft Outlook: Thunderbird
And how can you replace Outlook? Mozilla Thunderbird stands out as a recommended free alternative, offering not only email but also calendar and contact management features. Thunderbird is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.