WordPad AlternativesTop Word Processors and other similar apps like WordPad

WordPad is described as 'Basic word processor bundled with Windows since 1995, offering rich and plain text editing, ribbon interface from Windows 7, and simple formatting features' and is a Word Processor in the office & productivity category. There are more than 50 alternatives to WordPad for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and Android apps. The best WordPad alternative is LibreOffice - Writer, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like WordPad are Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Typora and AbiWord.

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Alternatives list

  1. LibreOffice - Writer icon

    LibreOffice - Writer

     1336 likes

    An 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.

    97 LibreOffice - Writer alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • ReactOS
    LibreOffice - Writer screenshot 1
     
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    11
    LibreOffice - Writer vs WordPad Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    TBayAreaPat
    1

    LibreOffice is great. If you want something more lightweight, consider HS Writer.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    4

    I like and use LibreOffice, but MS WordPad is extremely more simple than LibreOffice. A similar programme to WordPad is Abiword.

    DavidGP
    Negative
    2

    It's an idiotic comparison. Like calling an eighteen-wheeler an alternative to a bicycle.

    3 of 11 comments
    • LibreOffice - Writer is Free and Open SourceWordPad is Free and Proprietary
    • LibreOffice - Writer is Privacy focused and LightweightWordPad is not according to our users
  2. Google Docs icon

    Google Docs

     964 likes

    Powerful online word processor with real-time collaboration, document conversion from Word, extensive formatting options, revision history, and multilingual capabilities, all integrated within the Google Drive ecosystem, accessible through any internet-connected device.

    144 Google Docs alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Google Docs screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Google Docs vs WordPad Comments
    flcferreira
    Negative
    2

    It's not a native stand-alone app. You need to run it in your browser. Should it work as a native app without overloading my poor hardware with a browser, I would consider it a good option.

    • Google Docs is Free and ProprietaryWordPad is also Free and Proprietary
  4. Microsoft Word icon

    Microsoft Word

     939 likes

    Microsoft's leading word processor, enables professional-quality document creation with SmartArt graphics, seamless PDF support, and extensive search capabilities. Compatible across desktop, online, and mobile platforms with necessary subscription or standalone purchase options.

    111 Microsoft Word alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    New document view
     
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    4
    Microsoft Word vs WordPad Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    5

    Not lightweight, costs a decent amount of money. In short, not suitable if you only need something comparable to MS Wordpad.

    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Wordpad comes with Windows, but Word is commercial and has more features than Wordpad. Word may have more features, but is slower, while Wordpad is super lightweight and simple. I'm looking for a lightweight and fast word processor for Linux so I can write quick RTF documents when I don't need the advanced features of a full-fledged word processor, like Wordpad for Windows.

    flcferreira
    Negative
    1

    It isn't cheap. And it may be heavier to load than Wordpad. Otherwise, it is a great option.

    3 of 4 comments
    • Microsoft Word is Paid and ProprietaryWordPad is Free and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Scrivener icon
    Scrivener

    Tailored for extensive writing, this tool offers flexible structure and organization, integrates project outlines, supports various formats, and allows reorganization through drag and drop, ensuring research materials are within ...

    https://www.literatureandlatte.com
    Learn More
  6. Typora icon

    Typora

     335 likes

    A minimalist Markdown editor offering cross-platform synchronization, live preview, and seamless export/import in various formats like PDF, DOCX, and LaTeX. Features include distraction-free Focus and Typewriter modes, file management with tree and articles panels, and content organization through an outline panel.

    207 Typora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Electron
    • Visual Studio Code
    Typora screenshot 1
     
  8. AbiWord icon

    AbiWord

     262 likes

    AbiWord is a free word processing program similar to Microsoft® Word. It is suitable for a wide variety of word processing tasks.

    70 AbiWord alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • GTK
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    AbiWord on Linux
     
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    4
    AbiWord vs WordPad Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    4

    Its more powerful and can be customized for default fonts. Better version of WordPad. I have been using it for everything great program.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Simple and lightweight, but enough for writing a reach formatted text , and everyday use. Not bloated and unless functions. Only those what I need for a letter written to a friend or an office.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Smaller footprint, familiar interface, for most general writing, it more than suffices.

    3 of 4 comments
    • AbiWord is Free and Open SourceWordPad is Free and Proprietary
    • AbiWord is LightweightWordPad is not according to our users
  9. Scrivener icon

    Scrivener

     266 likes

    Tailored for extensive writing, this tool offers flexible structure and organization, integrates project outlines, supports various formats, and allows reorganization through drag and drop, ensuring research materials are within reach for efficient work.

    176 Scrivener alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac
    • Wine
    Scrivener screenshot 1
     
  10. FocusWriter icon

    FocusWriter

     214 likes

    Simple but configurable and themeable, distraction-free text editor for writers. Open-source and available across desktop platforms.

    107 FocusWriter alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    FocusWriter screenshot 1
     
  11. Apache OpenOffice Writer icon

    Apache OpenOffice Writer

     684 likes

    Writer, 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...

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Main window
     
  12. WPS Writer icon

    WPS Writer

     114 likes

    WPS 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.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
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    1
    WPS Writer vs WordPad Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Modern Microsoft Word Look-Alike that opens MUCH faster than Word! Has EVERYTHING you need. Not as bloated as Libre. Stable, Familiar UI, and most importantly....FREE!

    • WPS Writer is Freemium and ProprietaryWordPad is Free and Proprietary
  13. TextMaker icon

    TextMaker

     68 likes

    TextMaker is the word processor in SoftMaker Office – fast, powerful, compatible and GDPR-compliant.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    TextMaker screenshot 1
     
  14. WriteMonkey icon

    WriteMonkey

     129 likes

    Writemonkey is a Windows zenware writing application with an extremely stripped down user interface, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your words.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    The interface, full screen.
     
  15. Word Online icon

    Word Online

     21 likes

    Edit and create documents online with Word Online. Work collaboratively in real-time using your browser. Requires Microsoft 365 sign-in. Save and share documents in OneDrive. Use alongside desktop Office applications for a flexible workflow.

    107 Word Online alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Word Online screenshot 1
     
12 of 72 WordPad alternatives