Microsoft Word Alternatives

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. Script icon
     1 like
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    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 (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  2. Jarte icon
     21 likes
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    The Jarte word processor uses Microsofts reliable, fast starting WordPad word processing engine while adding many features missing in WordPad.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
     
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    Comments about Jarte as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    The look of it is not the same.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Microsoft Word Icon
    Jarte icon
    • Most users think Jarte is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • Jarte is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  3. Framapad icon
     10 likes
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    • Create a pad.
    • Start at write your text
    • and invite your employees.
    • Each participant is distinguished by a color
    • and can chat with the group.
    • If necessary, restore an old version from history
    • and when your work is done, export it.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
     
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    1
    Comments about Framapad as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It is an alternative to google docs rather than MS Office Word because it is online. A great tool for collaborative work.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Microsoft Word Icon
    Framapad icon
    • Framapad is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • Framapad is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  4. SMASHDOCs icon
     8 likes
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    SMASHDOCs is a web-based intelligent word processor for collaborative writing and editing, featuring revolutionary change tracking technology. All changes are tracked in one single version of a document instead of creating multiple versions.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
     
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    1
    Comments about SMASHDOCs as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Much better track changes functionality. Version control on a paragraph level so every paragraph has its own history. Commenting is also much more powerful allowing private conversations to avoid emails. Great numbering capabilities

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Microsoft Word Icon
    SMASHDOCs icon
    • SMASHDOCs is Free Personal and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  5. Bean icon
     40 likes
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    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.

    67 Bean alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
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    1
    Comments about Bean as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    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.
    Microsoft Word Icon
    Bean icon
    • Bean is Free and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • Bean is LightweightMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  6. Papyrus Autor icon
     4 likes
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    A professional word processor, supporting writers in every phase of their book production – planning, wirting, editing and publishing.

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  7. Growly Write icon
     3 likes
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    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
     
  8. Byword icon
     53 likes
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    Byword is designed to make writing more enjoyable with Markdown on your Mac, iPhone and iPad.

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
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    7
  9. Nevron Writer icon
     23 likes
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    Nevron Writer is a powerful word processor that can be used for any purpose - from writing a simple document to producing an entire book.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
     
  10. Univer icon
     Like
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    Univer is a set of enterprise document and data collaboration solutions, integrating spreadsheets, documents, and slides.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  11. Padland icon
     3 likes
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    Padland is a tool to manage, share, remember and read collaborative documents based on the Etherpad technology.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
     
  12. Writty icon
     1 like
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    Takes notes, write your next article or book. Save as MD or HTML file and open it again. With Writty you also can export in PDF and Plain text. Includes the basic functionalities of any text editor + Dark Mode, a sleek design and RTL support.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Mozilla Firefox
     
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