Microsoft Word AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Text Editors

The best Text Editor alternative to Microsoft Word is Story Architect (STARC), which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Microsoft Word and many of them are Text Editors so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Text Editor alternatives to Microsoft Word are Ulysses, Zoho Writer, Hemingway Editor and Daino Notes.

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Microsoft Word alternatives are mainly Text Editors, but if you're looking for Word Processors or Note-taking Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Mac, Free, Android, iPad, Linux and Windows. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Microsoft Word.
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Alternatives list

  1. A smooth yet powerful writing experience for devoted authors. With only wanted features and native workflow it runs faster than all your previous apps combined.

    52 Story Architect (STARC) alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Chrome OS
    • AppImageHub
    • Flathub
    • Android
     
  2. Ulysses icon
     70 likes

    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.

    144 Ulysses alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  3. Zoho Writer icon
     58 likes

    Cloud-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.

    80 Zoho Writer alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
     
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    2
  4. Daino Notes icon
     9 likes

    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

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  5. Authorea icon
     23 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
     
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    1
  6. Script icon
     1 like

    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
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  7. Jarte icon
     21 likes

    The Jarte word processor uses Microsofts reliable, fast starting WordPad word processing engine while adding many features missing in WordPad.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
     
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    1
  8. Bean icon
     40 likes

    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.

    70 Bean alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
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    1
  9. Growly Write icon
     3 likes

    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
     
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