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. SolidWriting icon
     7 likes
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    SolidWriting offers an intuitive interface and powerful features for creating and editing documents. Easily open, edit, and save SWDOC/SWDOC64 and DOCX files. With advanced text formatting, offline AI assistance, and multilingual support, streamline your writing process.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
  2. Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Looking for a suite of tools for writing your book? This is not just a text editor it does so much more. Organise your story using timelines, planning boards and the snowflake tool, all integrated to make writing intuitive and fun.

    74 Wavemaker Novel Writing alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  3. Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Rich text editor for Windows 10 and 11 offering tabbed windows, autosave, minimal UI, support for multiple files, basic and advanced RTF editing, AI-powered features, extension support including ChatGPT, and a smooth workspace for daily and professional use.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  4. Scribely icon
     1 like
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    An AI-powered visual novel generator and writing assistant that helps writers overcome block by turning visual prompts into stories.

    Cost / License

    • Subscription
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  5. Manuscripts icon
     3 likes
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    Manuscripts helps you get started on the right track. The app understands the format you need when submitting to your target journal.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  6. Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Celframe doesn't skimp on the features for its word processor Write. This office software application has nearly every tool you need in a word processor and has a similar look and feel you've likely been familiar with for years.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Wine
     
  7. NovaScriber icon
     8 likes
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    A most awesome tool to outline and write novels, stories, scripts and keep track of all your characters, locations, notes and ideas.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. Fibery icon
     14 likes
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    In a modern world you have plenty of choices and limited time. Why choose Fibery? There are three main reasons that may resonate with you:

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
  9. folia icon
     7 likes
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    Folia is the professional way to share documents for feedback and discussion. Stop printing, avoid lengthy email threads, modernize meetings, and more. Our state of the art annotation and commenting tools enable deep conversations, so you can be more effective with your content.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
  10. Nimble Writer icon
     10 likes
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    Nimble Writer is a general-purpose tool for writing stories, be it short fiction stories or even complete novels or books. It focuses on being distraction-free, simple, and fully customizable.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Steam
     
  11.  8 likes
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    Squibler is an online book writing tool built to enable you to write books faster with a highly focused, minimalist editor and writing prompt generators to help you get ideas recorded fast.

    69 Squibler alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  12. Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    A set of office applications for creating text and spreadsheet documents: "MyOffice Text" and "MyOffice Spreadsheet".

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
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