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.
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Microsoft Word Alternatives
Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used word processors, known for document editing, formatting, collaboration, and AI-assisted writing. Still, many users look for alternatives—often because of cost, licensing, or platform preferences.
On this page, you’ll find Microsoft Word alternatives that cover a wide range of needs. Some focus on being open source, others on strong real-time collaboration, and many work across platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can use the filters to narrow the list based on what matters most to you.
If you prefer a free and open solution, LibreOffice Writer and ONLYOFFICE are popular choices, offering desktop apps and good Microsoft Word file compatibility. For users who mainly work in a browser, Google Docs emphasizes easy sharing and live co-editing without installing anything. Privacy-focused users may want to explore Proton Docs, which stores documents with end-to-end encryption.
Word alternatives generally fall into two groups: offline desktop editors for working without an internet connection, and cloud-based editors designed for teams collaborating in real time. Some tools support self-hosting for full data control, while others prioritize convenience and instant access from any device.
Use the filters above to compare features like PDF export, spell checking, collaboration tools, platform support, and licensing—and find the Word alternative that best fits your workflow.
Alternatives list
167 Ulysses alternatives
67 Story Architect (STARC) alternativesA smooth yet powerful writing experience for devoted authors. With only wanted features and native workflow it runs faster than all your previous apps combined.
Cost / License
- Freemium
- Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Chrome OS
- AppImageHub
- Flathub
- Android
+7
106 Word Online alternativesEdit 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.
Cost / License
- Free Personal
- Proprietary
Application type
Platforms
- Online
- Chrome OS
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Atlantis is an innovative, no-nonsense word processor carefully designed with the end-user in mind. Compact, fast-loading, but still powerful and efficient, Atlantis will be the perfect companion for a wide range of your word processing tasks, – from simple to most complex.
Atlantis Word Processor vs Microsoft Word Comments
Superfast, supercompact, packed with tons of features, and offers plenty of customization options.
- Atlantis Word Processor is Paid and Proprietary
- Atlantis Word Processor is Lightweight
104 Quoll Writer alternativesFocus on your words not the interface. Quoll Writer is a writing application that helps you focus on your words. Clean and uncluttered. Feature rich. Features are where you would expect them to be.
83 Zoho Writer alternativesCloud-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
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Chrome OS
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Google Chrome
+5
Zoho Writer vs Microsoft Word Comments
offtheshelvesDISCONTINUED. Replaced by Zoho WorkDrive which is NOT FREE.
Awesome interface, is does not conform to the previous stigma and innovates
- Zoho Writer is Free Personal and Proprietary
- Zoho Writer is Privacy focused
293 Walling alternativesWorking 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.
Cost / License
- Freemium
- Proprietary
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Online
- iPhone
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
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Edit, create, and view your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations — all without internet access.
Cost / License
- Free
- Proprietary
Platforms
- Windows
- Google Chrome
Dropbox Paper is more than a doc—it’s a workspace that brings creation and coordination together in one place.
+2
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.
Authorea vs Microsoft Word Comments
milomordMuch better for writing academic papers/documents
- Authorea is Freemium and Proprietary
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
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
+1
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Israel
Super lightweight (5mb!) and it is feature-rich. Just do it.