Microsoft Word AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Text Editors

The best Text Editor alternative to Microsoft Word is Story Architect (STARC), which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Microsoft Word and many of them are Text Editors so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Text Editor alternatives to Microsoft Word are Ulysses, Zoho Writer, Daino Notes and Hemingway Editor.

filter to find the best alternatives

Microsoft Word alternatives are mainly Text Editors, but if you're looking for Word Processors or Note-taking Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Free, Mac, Android, Linux, iPad and Windows. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Microsoft Word.
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Microsoft Word alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. A smooth yet powerful writing experience for devoted authors. With only wanted features and native workflow it runs faster than all your previous apps combined.

    51 Story Architect (STARC) alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Chrome OS
    • AppImageHub
    • Flathub
    • Android
     
  2. Ulysses icon
     70 likes

    Ulysses is a text editor for creative writers. Used by bloggers, poets, students and published novelists all over the world, it offers an integrated environment to brainstorm, draft, revise and even submit text on a professional level.

    140 Ulysses alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  3. Zoho Writer icon
     58 likes

    Cloud-based word processor with AI assistant for improved writing, document publishing across platforms, e-signature, mobile apps, and MS Word compatibility. Offers collaborative tools, custom workflows, secure cloud storage, and seamless integration with other Zoho applications.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
     
    |
    2
    Zoho Writer vs Microsoft Word Comments
    offtheshelves
    Positive
    -1

    DISCONTINUED. Replaced by Zoho WorkDrive which is NOT FREE.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Awesome interface, is does not conform to the previous stigma and innovates

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Zoho Writer is Free Personal and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • Zoho Writer is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  4. Daino Notes icon
     9 likes

    Offers fast, distraction-free note-taking via a high-performance editor with real-time Markdown, local-first storage, image support, Kanban task boards, intuitive drag-and-drop, keyboard shortcuts, configurable themes, fast search, and cross-platform access.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  5. Authorea icon
     23 likes

    Authorea is the online document editor for researchers that allows researchers to write, cite, host data, and publish research documents. Authorea is trusted worldwide by leading researchers writing and publishing content in every discipline, from astrophysics to zoology.

    54 Authorea alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
     
    |
    1
    Authorea vs Microsoft Word Comments
    milomord
    Positive
    0

    Much better for writing academic papers/documents

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Authorea is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  6. Script icon
     1 like

    Script is a text editor for digitally interconnected documents. A bit like Notion but for formal business & industrial processes. It turns text into dynamic workflows for seamless collaboration across work streams.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  7. Jarte icon
     21 likes

    The Jarte word processor uses Microsofts reliable, fast starting WordPad word processing engine while adding many features missing in WordPad.

    54 Jarte alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
     
    |
    1
    Jarte vs Microsoft Word Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    The look of it is not the same.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Jarte is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  8. Papyrus Autor icon
     4 likes

    A professional word processor, supporting writers in every phase of their book production – planning, wirting, editing and publishing.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  9. Bean icon
     40 likes

    Bean is a small, easy-to-use word processor that is designed to make writing convenient, efficient and comfortable. Bean is lean, fast and uncluttered. It starts up quickly, has a live word count, and is easy on the eyes. Also, Bean is available free of charge.

    69 Bean alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
    |
    1
    Bean vs Microsoft Word Comments
    primetap112
    Positive
    0

    Clean, light, fast, easy to use; no problems. Have used it for years. Like it better than Word or any other word processor I have used. It's what a Mac user would expect of Mac native software.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Bean is Free and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • Bean is LightweightMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  10. Growly Write icon
     3 likes

    It’s a word processor, not a nuclear reactor Perhaps the word processor you’ve been using has 100 times more features than you need. Or it won’t work the way you want it to — too many views or too few, and nothing makes any sense.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
12 of 28 Microsoft Word alternatives