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
United StatesPlatforms
- Mac
+5
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
52 Papyrus Autor alternativesA professional word processor, supporting writers in every phase of their book production – planning, wirting, editing and publishing.
+3
Univer is a set of enterprise document and data collaboration solutions, integrating spreadsheets, documents, and slides.
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.
Bean vs Microsoft Word Comments
- Bean is Free and Proprietary
- Bean is Lightweight
161 Byword alternativesByword is designed to make writing more enjoyable with Markdown on your Mac, iPhone and iPad.
+9
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
+6
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
Application types
Platforms
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Chrome OS
- Android Tablet
- iPad
+1
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
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Wine
Fidus Writer is an online collaborative LaTeX editor especially made for academics who need to use citations and/or formulas. The editor focuses on the content rather than the layout, so that with the same text, you can later on publish it in multiple ways: On a website, as a...
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Linux
- Self-Hosted
- Snapcraft
223 Fibery alternativesIn 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
- Proprietary
Application type
Platforms
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
+3
A set of office applications for creating text and spreadsheet documents: "MyOffice Text" and "MyOffice Spreadsheet".
Cost / License
- Free Personal
- Proprietary
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- iPad
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Russia
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.