For a locked Microsoft Office file you own: free first if it is old (RC4 .doc / .xls) or the password was short; paid if it is modern AES-256 (.docx / .xlsx / .pptx) and you still think the password is guessable.
There is no honest single “success rate” for all Office files. Random passwords stay closed.
What to look at
| Factor | Free / Fast Check | Paid / Deep Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Success expectation | Low; weak or legacy files | Higher only if the password is human; still not 100% |
| Security | Same rule: TLS, policy, prefer hash extract | Same; read failure/refund text |
| Turnaround | Slow queue | Faster queue, more GPU time |
Catpasswd Office publishes free vs Professional $7.49 vs custom from $89.99 (pricing). Also: OfficePassword.net, Office Password Remover.
Success rate (honestly)
| Makes it easier | Makes it harder |
|---|---|
| RC4-era Office | AES-256 Office 2007+ |
| Password in a dictionary | Password-manager random string |
| Paid wider search | Free narrow list |
Catpasswd labels free success low and Professional higher—not guaranteed. Professional terminal failure may be refunded (small handling fee) for eligible orders from 1 August 2026 (terms). That is not success-based pricing.
Desktop Passware, Elcomsoft, PassFab, Passper sell licenses; they do not weaken AES-256.
Security checklist
| Look for | Catpasswd |
|---|---|
| Legal scope | Terms: files you own |
| Transport | HTTPS |
| Original can stay local | Hash extract |
| After success | Destroy record (privacy); no ZK claim |
Turnaround (Catpasswd, published)
| Mode | Queue | When |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ~7 days; free reveal may wait 30 days | Low urgency |
| Professional | ~24 hours | Wider search this week |
| Custom | From $89.99 | After terminal failure / odd formats |
Live estimate is on the task page (FAQ).
Practical choice
| Situation | Start with |
|---|---|
| Legacy Office or a password you almost remember | Free online |
| Modern AES-256, human password, need speed | Professional cloud |
| File cannot be uploaded | Hash extract or desktop |
| Random 16-character password | Do not buy a miracle |
Landscape: Choosing password recovery tools in 2026.
FAQ
Will recovery delete my spreadsheet?
Recovering the file-open password does not wipe cells. Damage is a different problem.
Is it legal?
Yes, for documents you lawfully possess.