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.

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Microsoft Word alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. 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

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  2. Jarte icon
     21 likes

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

    54 Jarte alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
     
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    1
    6
    Comments about Jarte as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    The look of it is not the same.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Jarte icon
    Jarte icon
    • Most users think Jarte is a great Microsoft Word alternative.

    • Jarte is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  3. Framapad icon
     10 likes
    • Create a pad.
    • Start at write your text
    • and invite your employees.
    • Each participant is distinguished by a color
    • and can chat with the group.
    • If necessary, restore an old version from history
    • and when your work is done, export it.
    25 Framapad alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
     
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    1
    Comments about Framapad as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It is an alternative to google docs rather than MS Office Word because it is online. A great tool for collaborative work.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Framapad icon
    Framapad icon
    • Framapad is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • Framapad is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  4. SMASHDOCs icon
     8 likes

    SMASHDOCs is a web-based intelligent word processor for collaborative writing and editing, featuring revolutionary change tracking technology. All changes are tracked in one single version of a document instead of creating multiple versions.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
     
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    1
    Comments about SMASHDOCs as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Much better track changes functionality. Version control on a paragraph level so every paragraph has its own history. Commenting is also much more powerful allowing private conversations to avoid emails. Great numbering capabilities

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    SMASHDOCs icon
    SMASHDOCs icon
    • SMASHDOCs is Free Personal and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
  5. 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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
    |
    1
    Comments about Bean as an Alternative to Microsoft Word
    primetap112
    Positive
    0

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Bean icon
    Bean icon
    • Bean is Free and ProprietaryMicrosoft Word is Paid and Proprietary
    • Bean is LightweightMicrosoft Word is not according to our users
  6. 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
     
  7. Byword icon
     53 likes

    Byword is designed to make writing more enjoyable with Markdown on your Mac, iPhone and iPad.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
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    7
  8. Nevron Writer icon
     23 likes

    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
     
  9. Univer icon
     Like

    Univer is a set of enterprise document and data collaboration solutions, integrating spreadsheets, documents, and slides.

    10 Univer alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  10. Padland icon
     3 likes

    Padland is a tool to manage, share, remember and read collaborative documents based on the Etherpad technology.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
     
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