Microsoft Word Alternatives for Linux
Microsoft Word is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is LibreOffice - Writer, 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 16 are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Microsoft Word are Apache OpenOffice Writer, ONLYOFFICE, WPS Writer and TextMaker.
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Microsoft Word alternatives are mainly Word Processors but may also be Note-taking Tools or Spreadsheet Apps. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Microsoft Word.- Word Processor
- Paid • Proprietary
81 LibreOffice - Writer alternativesAn open-source word processor offering rich formatting and style options across multiple platforms. Versatile enough to handle both simple memos and complex book publishing, it supports a wide range of document formats and Microsoft Word compatibility, enhancing productivity through templates and layouts.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Flathub
- PortableApps.com
- ReactOS
LibreOffice - Writer VS Microsoft Word
Comments about LibreOffice - Writer as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Comment summary: LibreOffice Writer is frequently praised as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Word. Users commend its open-source nature and compatibility across multiple platforms. Its capability to handle a wide range of functions like Word, without a price, is highlighted. However, some users note challenges with certain features, such as image cropping and citation management. While newer versions may face compatibility issues with DOCX files, many find it a suitable replacement for Word.Top Positive CommentMost Recent CommentSureasAlwaysReally good alternative to Microsoft Word, its free, open source, and has pretty good features too. Not really compatible with opening or saving .docx files, especially .docx files with certain elements like formulas and image caption. Overall, this is a great software.
It's an incredibly reliable tool available to everyone, helping them to get started.
74 Apache OpenOffice Writer alternativesWriter, part of the Apache OpenOffice suite, is an open-source word processor. It supports the ISO standard Open Document Format (ODF) for data interchange as its default file format, as well as Microsoft Office 97-2003 formats, Microsoft Office 2007...
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
DiscontinuedLast major release was in 2014
Apache OpenOffice Writer VS Microsoft Word
Comments about Apache OpenOffice Writer as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Top Positive CommentchtfnUnfortunately, is lagging far behind LibreOffice. Would be great to see development pick up and take a different direction, but it seems very much stalled, with the latest major in 2014 (7 years ago at the time of writing). I strongly recommend using LibreOffice instead, for security reasons, and also for newer features.
Top Negative CommentAndreStorkIt's pretty much the worst Office alternative available. It has a bad UI and I shouldn't talk about compatibility with .docx files
Most Recent CommentKuboFHromoslavOpenOffice was a great alternative to Word about 15 years ago. Since then, the development has staled and the new leader is LibreOffice. Unless you are using OpenOffice for some obscure, niche reason (compatibility with very old stuff, "not fixing what is not broken", etc) a much better alternative to MS Word would be LibreOffice.
70 ONLYOFFICE alternativesOpen-source office suite offering document, spreadsheet, and presentation editing with co-editing modes, plugin support, integration across 30+ services, robust security, and mobile access. Available in Community, Enterprise, and Home Server editions for versatile deployment.
License model
- Free Personal • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Latvia- EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- HUAWEI AppGallery
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- AppImageHub
- Snapcraft
- Flathub
- Samsung Galaxy Store
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Flatpak
- Cloudron
ONLYOFFICE VS Microsoft Word
Comments about ONLYOFFICE as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Top Positive CommentIf you know how to use Word, the you will feel at home using OnlyOffice. It's feature rich, supports all platforms and even the browser. You can collaborate with other people, and OnlyOffcie respects your privacy.
Compared to something like Apple Pages, it's not the cleanest and smoothest experience, but if you have used MS Word og LibreOffice, it won't be a problem.
Most Recent CommentOpenSourceSoftwareVery easy to use and has a familiar interface. It’s much better than LibreOffice for both compatibility with MS Word and its overall design.
Daniel CastelliBest alternative I tested to date.
68 WPS Writer alternativesWPS Writer, part of WPS Office , is dependable and fast word processing software that is highly compatible with Microsoft Word , and can read and edit DOC and DOCX formats.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
China
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
WPS Writer Features
WPS Writer VS Microsoft Word
Comments about WPS Writer as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Comment summary: WPS Writer is praised for its similarity to Microsoft Word, featuring a comparable interface, low system requirements, and cross-platform stability. Users enjoy its wide range of features, including PDF conversion, and note its compatibility with DOCX files. Despite positive feedback, some users express concerns about limited open-source availability, lack of an equation editor on Linux, spell-check issues, and occasional document navigation frustrations.Top Positive CommentI think WPS Office is the closest you can get to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). It handels .docx witch was my main problem. The WPS Writer may be in a early stage but I see alot of potential of it becomming better, more easy to use, beautiful and more stable.
Top Negative CommentVery poor multi language / proofing support.
Most Recent CommentThe tool almost same as microsoft office. I think It's the closest to microsoft office
70 TextMaker alternativesTextMaker is the word processor in SoftMaker Office – fast, powerful, compatible and GDPR-compliant.
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application type
Country of Origin
- Germany
- EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
TextMaker VS Microsoft Word
Comments about TextMaker as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Top Positive CommentIf you are like me: one who only needs the necessary to fulfill your needs, and really like when the response of the software comes quickly (think that the MS Office in general certainly does not). This is the right solution. It is fully compatible with outputs formats from MS Word; it is fast; and it does everything you need to white a nice and organized document, whatever that is.
Most Recent CommentSimilar feature set; much much faster with larger documents.
KlausThe free version (FreeOffice) ist quite sufficient for everyday word processing tasks. The commercial version (SoftMaker Office) has in its latest version nice extra features like DeepL and ChatGPT integration. Both versions are highly compatible with MS word (much better than LibreOffice; docx may even be used as the standard file format) and much easier to handle. Much better support than MS, very responsive forum. All in all, the best word processor I have found so far.
69 AbiWord alternativesAbiWord is a free word processing program similar to Microsoft® Word. It is suitable for a wide variety of word processing tasks.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
Platforms
- Linux
- BSD
- Flathub
- PortableApps.com
- Haiku
- GTK+
- Flatpak
- AmigaOS
DiscontinuedThe latest update is from November 2019, and the official website is no longer available.
AbiWord VS Microsoft Word
Comments about AbiWord as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Most Recent CommentthomaszoschkeIt does what the user wants. It's a full featured text processor. It is affordable. It is not coded like a swamp.
Daria NowackaVery simple to use, I really like it
kaylinTechAUAbiWord is a great simple word processor. However it doesn't have many advanced features. Just a simple text document. And it's free!
109 Manuskript alternativesManuskript is an open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Snapcraft
- Flathub
- Flatpak
Top Manuskript Features
Manuskript VS Microsoft Word
Comments about Manuskript as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
Manuskript is an app for planning and writing books. It is not a word processor, or an appropriate alternative to MS Word.
If you do not need some very rare functions, LibreOffice Writer is better and totally libre alternative!