Microsoft Word AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Text Editors

The best Text Editor alternative to Microsoft Word is Manuskript, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 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 Zoho Writer, Ulysses, Story Architect (STARC) and Daino Notes.

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. 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.
Microsoft Word iconMicrosoft Word
  927
  • ...

Widely-used word processor offering extensive document editing tools, SmartArt, PDF support, and integrated search features on multiple platforms.

More about Microsoft Word
More about Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word alternatives page was last updated Mar 21, 2025
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  1. Manuskript icon

    Manuskript

     162 likes
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    Manuskript is an open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.

    111 Manuskript alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Manuskript screenshot 1

    Top Manuskript Features

    1.  Outliner
    2.  Tree structure
    3.  Tracking of plots
    4.  Distraction-free Writing
    5.  Tracking of characters
    6.  Track Characters
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Support for MarkDown

    Manuskript VS Microsoft Word

     
    Comments about Manuskript as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Guest
    Negative Aug 17, 2020
    3

    Manuskript is an app for planning and writing books. It is not a word processor, or an appropriate alternative to MS Word.

    Microsoft Word Icon
    Manuskript icon

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

    • Manuskript is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  2. Zoho Writer icon

    Zoho Writer

     58 likes
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    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.

    75 Zoho Writer alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IN flagIndia

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    Zoho Writer screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Unlimited storage
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  Spell Checking
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Annotate Screenshot
    6.  Two-factor Authentication
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Real time collaboration
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Sign PDF files
    11.  Fill PDF Forms
    12.  Text formatting

    Zoho Writer VS Microsoft Word

     
    Comments about Zoho Writer as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    offtheshelves
    Positive Mar 21, 2025
    -1

    DISCONTINUED. Replaced by Zoho WorkDrive which is NOT FREE.

    Guest
    Positive Jun 29, 2019
    1

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

    Microsoft Word Icon
    Zoho Writer icon

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

    • 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. Ulysses icon

    Ulysses

     67 likes
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    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.

    115 Ulysses alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Ulysses screenshot 1

    Ulysses Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Distraction-free Writing
    3.  Export to PDF
    4.  Support for styluses
    5.  Export to EPUB
    6.  Tabbed interface
    7.  Sync with iCloud
    8.  Brainstorming

    Ulysses VS Microsoft Word

     
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zoho Writer icon
    Zoho Writer

    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...

    https://www.zoho.com
    Learn More
  6. Story Architect (STARC) icon

    Story Architect (STARC)

     13 likes
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    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.

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Chrome OS
    • AppImageHub
    • Flathub
    • Android
    Story Architect (STARC) screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Support for Themes
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Outliner
    2.  Screenwriting
    3.  Writing assistance
    4.  Tracking of plots
    5.  Track Characters
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Spell Checking
    8.  Real time collaboration
    9.  Portable
    10.  Autocompletion
    11.  Hierarchical Structure
    12.  No Coding Required

    Story Architect (STARC) VS Microsoft Word

     
  7. Daino Notes icon

    Daino Notes

     8 likes
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    Daino is a fast and elegant place for all your thoughts. Write without fiddling. Store without worrying. Think without distraction.

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Daino Notes screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Support for Themes
    3.  Privacy focused
    4.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  Support for MarkDown
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Full-Text Search
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Hierarchical Structure
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  Kanban Board
    10.  Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
    11.  Native application
    12.  Tagging

    Daino Notes VS Microsoft Word

     
  8. Hemingway Editor icon

    Hemingway Editor

     55 likes
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    Hemingway App makes your writing bold and clear.

    131 Hemingway Editor alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    Hemingway Editor screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Spell Checking
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Writing assistance
    4.  Collaborative writing
    5.  Ebook writer
    6. Readability icon  Readability integration
    7.  Distraction-free Writing
    8.  Automated proofreading
    9.  Writing suggestions

    Hemingway Editor VS Microsoft Word

     
  10. Authorea icon

    Authorea

     22 likes
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    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.

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    Authorea screenshot 1

    Authorea Features

    1. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    2.  Real time collaboration
    3.  WYSIWYG Support
    4.  Collaborative writing
    5.  Export citation
    6. GitHub icon  GitHub Integration

    Authorea VS Microsoft Word

     
    Comments about Authorea as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    milomord
    Positive Oct 4, 2017
    0

    Much better for writing academic papers/documents

    Microsoft Word Icon
    Authorea icon

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

    • Authorea is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
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