The Best Microsoft Word AlternativesTop Word Processors and other similar apps like Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a full-featured word processor for creating, formatting, and editing documents, including real-time collaboration and AI-assisted writing. Users frequently praise its comprehensive features, though many seek alternatives due to high costs or preference for open-source solutions.

LibreOffice Writer ranks as the top alternative, offering a free, open-source replacement that handles most Word workflows without licensing fees. ONLYOFFICE takes second place with strong Microsoft-format compatibility and office-style co-editing that teams need for collaborative document work. Google Docs rounds out the top three with web-first editing and real-time collaboration, though some users raise privacy concerns about surveillance.

For specialized writing needs, Story Architect adds character tracking, plot management, and scene organization that goes well beyond typical office tools. Framapad brings built-in group chat with color-identified participants for live brainstorming sessions. The landscape splits between full office suites and collaboration-first web editors, giving users options across different workflow preferences.

filter to find the best alternatives

Microsoft Word is a word processor, with alternatives spanning full office suites and web collaboration editors. Open source options like LibreOffice Writer, ONLYOFFICE, and AbiWord provide transparent licensing and offline-friendly editing for users who prioritize open-source software.

Linux users have native support in LibreOffice Writer, ONLYOFFICE, and AbiWord without Windows dependencies. For self-hosted collaboration, ONLYOFFICE, Etherpad, and Framapad offer control over where documents live, useful for organizations that need data sovereignty. Web-based editing through Google Docs, ONLYOFFICE, and Word Online serves teams that need browser-based workflows with collaboration features for distributed teams. Cross-platform users can choose ONLYOFFICE, WPS Writer, and Zoho Writer for editing across desktop and mobile devices.

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Alternatives list

  1. LibreOffice - Writer icon

    LibreOffice - Writer

     1298 likes
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    An open-source word processor offering rich formatting and style options across multiple platforms. Versatile enough to handle both simple memos and complex book publishing, it supports a wide range of document formats and Microsoft Word compatibility, enhancing productivity through templates and layouts.

    85 LibreOffice - Writer alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • ReactOS
    LibreOffice - Writer screenshot 1
     
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    61
    801
    Comments about LibreOffice - Writer as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Comment summary: LibreOffice Writer is frequently praised as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Word. Users commend its open-source nature and compatibility across multiple platforms. Its capability to handle a wide range of functions like Word, without a price, is highlighted. However, some users note challenges with certain features, such as image cropping and citation management. While newer versions may face compatibility issues with DOCX files, many find it a suitable replacement for Word.
    Top Positive Comment
    KuboFHromoslav
    41

    If you do not need some very rare functions, LibreOffice Writer is better and totally libre alternative!

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It's the best alternative I could find for Microsoft Office.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    harrietwintrose
    Positive
    0

    Probably has more functionality, but more important is that fid the UI much cleaner and so much easier to use.

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    3 of 61 comments
    Microsoft Word Icon
    LibreOffice - Writer icon

    • Almost everyone thinks LibreOffice - Writer is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • LibreOffice - Writer is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Microsoft Word.

    • LibreOffice - Writer is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Microsoft Word.

    • LibreOffice - Writer is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • LibreOffice - Writer is Privacy focused and LightweightMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  2. ONLYOFFICE icon

    ONLYOFFICE

     636 likes
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    Open-source office suite offering document, spreadsheet, and presentation editing with co-editing modes, plugin support, integration across 30+ services, robust security, and mobile access. Available in Community, Enterprise, and Home Server editions for versatile deployment.

    71 ONLYOFFICE alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak
    • Cloudron
    ONLYOFFICE screenshot 1
     
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    7
    82
    Comments about ONLYOFFICE as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Top Positive Comment
    Alternative Software
    2

    Very easy to use and has a familiar interface. It’s much better than LibreOffice for both compatibility with MS Word and its overall design.

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    2

    Best alternative I tested to date.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    3

    If you know how to use Word, the you will feel at home using OnlyOffice. It's feature rich, supports all platforms and even the browser. You can collaborate with other people, and OnlyOffcie respects your privacy.

    Compared to something like Apple Pages, it's not the cleanest and smoothest experience, but if you have used MS Word og LibreOffice, it won't be a problem.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 7 comments
    Microsoft Word Icon
    ONLYOFFICE icon

    • Almost everyone thinks ONLYOFFICE is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • ONLYOFFICE is the most popular Web-based, Android, iPhone, iPad, SaaS, Android Tablet & Self-Hosted alternative to Microsoft Word.

    • ONLYOFFICE is Free Personal and Open SourceMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • ONLYOFFICE is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  4. Google Docs icon

    Google Docs

     952 likes
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    Powerful online word processor with real-time collaboration, document conversion from Word, extensive formatting options, revision history, and multilingual capabilities, all integrated within the Google Drive ecosystem, accessible through any internet-connected device.

    109 Google Docs alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Google Docs screenshot 1
     
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    19
    285
    Comments about Google Docs as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Comment summary: Google Docs is praised for its online accessibility, ease of use, and collaboration features, making it attractive for simple document handling and sharing. However, users criticize its limited functionality compared to Microsoft Word, with concerns over privacy and surveillance. Some prefer alternatives like LibreOffice or OnlyOffice due to these issues.
    Top Positive Comment
    n10m
    5

    Cloud based document storage and editing.

    Top Negative Comment
    freedom lover
    5

    Worst than Microsoft Word. Their enormous surveillance and privacy violations are very dangerous. I suggest LibreOffice instead.

    maurosoft391
    Negative
    0

    good software, but the privacy is a problem. too much surveillance make it risky. it's better to use Onlyoffice

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    3 of 19 comments
    Microsoft Word Icon
    Google Docs icon

    • Most users think Google Docs is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • Google Docs is Free and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
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    Saga.so

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  6. Apache OpenOffice Writer icon

    Apache OpenOffice Writer

     682 likes
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    Writer, part of the Apache OpenOffice suite, is an open-source word processor. It supports the ISO standard Open Document Format (ODF) for data interchange as its default file format, as well as Microsoft Office 97-2003 formats, Microsoft Office 2007...

    72 Apache OpenOffice Writer alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Main window
     
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    10
    108
    Comments about Apache OpenOffice Writer as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Top Positive Comment
    chtfn
    6

    Unfortunately, is lagging far behind LibreOffice. Would be great to see development pick up and take a different direction, but it seems very much stalled, with the latest major in 2014 (7 years ago at the time of writing). I strongly recommend using LibreOffice instead, for security reasons, and also for newer features.

    Top Negative Comment
    AndreStork
    1

    It's pretty much the worst Office alternative available. It has a bad UI and I shouldn't talk about compatibility with .docx files

    KuboFHromoslav
    Positive
    1

    OpenOffice was a great alternative to Word about 15 years ago. Since then, the development has staled and the new leader is LibreOffice. Unless you are using OpenOffice for some obscure, niche reason (compatibility with very old stuff, "not fixing what is not broken", etc) a much better alternative to MS Word would be LibreOffice.

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    3 of 10 comments
    Microsoft Word Icon
    Apache OpenOffice Writer icon

    • Most users think Apache OpenOffice Writer is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • Apache OpenOffice Writer is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • Apache OpenOffice Writer is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  7. WPS Writer icon

    WPS Writer

     113 likes
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    WPS Writer, part of WPS Office , is dependable and fast word processing software that is highly compatible with Microsoft Word , and can read and edit DOC and DOCX formats.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
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    22
    177
    Comments about WPS Writer as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Comment summary: WPS Writer is praised for its similarity to Microsoft Word, featuring a comparable interface, low system requirements, and cross-platform stability. Users enjoy its wide range of features, including PDF conversion, and note its compatibility with DOCX files. Despite positive feedback, some users express concerns about limited open-source availability, lack of an equation editor on Linux, spell-check issues, and occasional document navigation frustrations.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    7

    I think WPS Office is the closest you can get to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). It handels .docx witch was my main problem. The WPS Writer may be in a early stage but I see alot of potential of it becomming better, more easy to use, beautiful and more stable.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    8

    Very poor multi language / proofing support.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    2

    The tool almost same as microsoft office. I think It's the closest to microsoft office

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 22 comments
    Microsoft Word Icon
    WPS Writer icon

    • Almost everyone thinks WPS Writer is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • WPS Writer is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  8. TextMaker icon

    TextMaker

     64 likes
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    TextMaker is the word processor in SoftMaker Office – fast, powerful, compatible and GDPR-compliant.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    TextMaker screenshot 1
     
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    8
    65
    Comments about TextMaker as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    5

    If you are like me: one who only needs the necessary to fulfill your needs, and really like when the response of the software comes quickly (think that the MS Office in general certainly does not). This is the right solution. It is fully compatible with outputs formats from MS Word; it is fast; and it does everything you need to white a nice and organized document, whatever that is.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    it's the absolute #1 alternative to Micro$oft !!!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Similar feature set; much much faster with larger documents.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 8 comments
    Microsoft Word Icon
    TextMaker icon

    • Almost everyone thinks TextMaker is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • TextMaker is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • TextMaker is LightweightMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  10. Pages icon

    Pages

     212 likes
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    Pages is a powerful word processor that lets you create stunning documents, and comes included with most Apple devices. And with real-time collaboration, your team can work together from anywhere, whether they’re on Mac, iPad, iPhone, or using a PC.

    77 Pages alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Online
    Pages screenshot 1
     
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    4
    54
    Comments about Pages as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    rose64bit
    Positive
    7

    Microsoft Office Word is expensive and slow, but Pages is free, fast, responsive, and integrates very well with the rest of macOS.

    maurosoft391
    Negative
    1

    Pages is free, but it's not compatible with Windows and linux. Pages is apple-only and if you don't have a mac or an iPhone, you have to select buggy software like libreoffice.

    George Garner
    Positive
    7

    Clean, simple, yet powerful app design puts all of the editing tools within easy reach and without clutter.

    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Microsoft Word Icon
    Pages icon

    • Most users think Pages is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • Pages is Free and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  11. AbiWord icon

    AbiWord

     260 likes
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    AbiWord is a free word processing program similar to Microsoft® Word. It is suitable for a wide variety of word processing tasks.

    66 AbiWord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • GTK
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    AbiWord on Linux
     
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    3
    42
    Comments about AbiWord as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    thomaszoschke
    Positive
    2

    It does what the user wants. It's a full featured text processor. It is affordable. It is not coded like a swamp.

    kaylinTechAU
    Positive
    8

    AbiWord is a great simple word processor. However it doesn't have many advanced features. Just a simple text document. And it's free!

    Daria Nowacka
    Positive
    1

    Very simple to use, I really like it

    Microsoft Word Icon
    AbiWord icon

    • Most users think AbiWord is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • AbiWord is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • AbiWord is LightweightMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  13. Word Online icon

    Word Online

     21 likes
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    Edit and create documents online with Word Online. Work collaboratively in real-time using your browser. Requires Microsoft 365 sign-in. Save and share documents in OneDrive. Use alongside desktop Office applications for a flexible workflow.

    98 Word Online alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Word Online screenshot 1
     
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    13
  15. Walling icon

    Walling

     44 likes
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    Working on a project, researching a topic or writing an article? Walling makes it easy to break down your ideas, refine them and visually organize them.

    277 Walling alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • iPhone
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Walling screenshot 1
     
12 of 96 Microsoft Word alternatives