The original document production program, Microsoft Word, has incredible capability and offers many exciting features. Still, its relatively pricey price might be inconvenient for people on a limited budget. If you are tired of paying for Microsoft Word and want a free alternative, or if you want to experiment, you are in luck since several free Microsoft Word alternatives are available for download or use online. These Microsoft Word alternatives provide many features and capabilities, from minimalist design to complex production and collaboration tools. This post will list the best free Microsoft Word alternatives for your word-processing requirements. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or a small business owner, these free Microsoft Word alternatives may help you generate professional-looking documents while saving you money.
Top 14 Best Free Microsoft Word Alternatives To Try
1. iWork
iWork is Apple’s free office suite for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS, although it is also available cross-platform via the iCloud website. It includes the Keynote presentation app, the Pages word editing and desktop publishing app, and the Numbers spreadsheet app. iWork is accessible to anybody with an Apple ID and offers real-time documents, allowing teams to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations regardless of whether they are using a Mac, iPad, iPhone, or PC. While iWork’s default file formats are not as widely compatible as Microsoft Office’s, they are firmly linked to Apple’s ecosystem and offer unique features that cannot be found elsewhere. This is one of the best Microsoft Word alternatives.
2. Google Docs
Google Docs is a great free web-based word processor that lets users create, edit, and securely save documents online. It’s part of the Google Docs Editors suite, a group of free online apps that includes Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Sites, Google Drawings, Google Forms, and Google Keep. Google Docs has many features that may be extended with numerous add-ons. Notably, it allows for real-time collaboration and sharing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, and forms.
One of its major benefits is automated online file saving and storage, which eliminates the risk of total data loss in the event of a localized catastrophe. It is a perfect word-processing option for businesses, bloggers, and students who use it for various writing projects. One of the most significant benefits of Google Docs is that it automatically saves and stores files online, eliminating the risk of complete data loss due to a localized tragedy. It is an excellent word-processing option for businesses, bloggers, or students who use it for writing tasks.
3. Polaris Office
Polaris Office is a complete and feature-rich office suite that offers an excellent Microsoft Word alternative designed specifically for mobile and cloud-based work. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet app, and presentation software, all of which are intelligently designed and have an easy-to-use interface. The word processor, in particular, offers robust formatting tools, collaboration features, and flawless compatibility with various document formats, including Microsoft Word. One of Polaris Office’s most notable features is its impressive cross-platform compatibility.
It offers a web-based version and is easily accessible on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This provides the ability to access and edit documents from almost any device with an internet connection, making it an excellent solution for professionals on the road. Polaris Office also connects smoothly with major cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, making saving and sharing your documents online easier. Syncing between devices ensures that you always have the most recent version of your work at your fingertips.
4. Apache OpenOffice Writer
Apache OpenOffice Writer is an exciting and free Microsoft Word alternative. It distinguishes itself as a free and open-source word processor that works perfectly with the Apache OpenOffice suite of productivity apps. Apache OpenOffice Writer is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS and supports more than 110 languages globally. Apache OpenOffice Writer’s functionality is similar to that of Microsoft Word, offering a complete suite of features like spellchecking, formatting tools, and the capability to generate tables, images, and charts. It also has extensive file format compatibility, including Microsoft Word documents. This program is perfect for individuals who prefer a locally installed word processor over an online one. This is one of the best Microsoft Word alternatives.
5. LibreOffice Writer
If you’re searching for a free, feature-rich Microsoft Word alternative, go no further than LibreOffice Writer, part of the LibreOffice suite, a popular, free, open-source office productivity software gaining worldwide popularity. LibreOffice Writer’s impressive feature set includes comprehensive compatibility with various file formats, including Microsoft Word’s .docx, ensuring a hassle-free experience for viewing, editing, and saving documents.
Additionally, it offers a variety of extensive tools for document creation and editing, including spell check, grammar check, and document formatting options. LibreOffice Writer’s support for several users working on the same document simultaneously, even across different operating systems, makes collaboration simple. Its great customizability allows you to personalize your workplace to your exact tastes. LibreOffice Writer stands out as a robust and versatile word processor in its own right, and the best thing is that it is completely free. It goes beyond just being a Microsoft Word alternative.
6. Microsoft Office Word Online
While you may have been looking for Microsoft Word alternatives, remember that Microsoft offers an appealing free, web-based option: Microsoft Office Word Online. This is a cloud-based version of the well-known Word app accessible via any web browser, providing unparalleled ease for mobile users. With the seamless integration of Microsoft Office Word Online with Microsoft OneDrive, you can save, access, and edit your documents from any internet-connected device.
The online edition has a broad set of formatting options, collaboration tools, and a range of templates, in addition to many fundamental features in the desktop app. One of the primary benefits of Microsoft Office Word Online is its compatibility with the desktop version of Word. You may start working on a document in Word Online and easily switch to the desktop app for more sophisticated editing, ensuring flexibility and consistency in your workflow.
7. WPS Office Writer
WPS Office Writer emerges as a prominent challenger in free Microsoft Word alternatives, attracting attention for all the right reasons. It distinguishes itself with a user-friendly interface that resembles Microsoft Word’s layout. This smooth transition between the two environments makes WPS Writer an easy option for individuals familiar with the Word interface. It also has extensive compatibility with many document formats, including .docx, ensuring smooth interaction with Word documents. Like its rivals on this list, WPS Office Writer impresses with various formatting and editing tools, including spellchecking, grammar checking, and complex formatting options.
It goes above and above by including a PDF reader and converter, allowing for smooth collaboration with PDF documents. It also offers multi-platform support, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, ensuring you can access your documents anywhere. WPS Office Writer should surely be on your list of options to investigate for those pursuing a free Microsoft Word alternative that combines usability, compatibility, and feature-rich capability. It serves as persuasive evidence that high-quality office software does not have to be expensive.
8. ClickUp Docs
ClickUp Docs is a new but very promising document management and collaboration newcomer. It is an essential component of the ClickUp project management and productivity platform, specifically intended to simplify work processes by integrating task management and document production into a single environment. ClickUp Docs enables teams to easily create, edit, and manage documents within the context of their project processes. What distinguishes ClickUp Docs is its incredible versatility, offering usefulness across various apps, from creating articles, notes, and documents to supporting collaborative brainstorming sessions.
Furthermore, the platform excels in version history tracking, allowing the recovery of previous document revisions as required while smoothly integrating with other ClickUp features like task management and calendars. ClickUp Docs also takes pride in its real-time collaboration features. Multiple team members may work on the same document simultaneously, and any modifications are instantly visible to all participants. This functionality is a game changer, especially for remote teams and anybody who appreciates the efficiency of collaborative working. If you’re pursuing a versatile and collaborative document production and management solution, ClickUp Docs is undoubtedly worth considering.
9. Zoho Writer
Well, Zoho Writer is a free online word processor offering editing, collaboration, and publishing features. It is one of the productivity apps in the Zoho Docs suite, including Zoho Sheet, Zoho Show, and Zoho Notebook. Zoho Writer is free and can be used from any device with an internet connection. Also, it offers a clean and simple design that is easy to use and accepts many different file types, including Microsoft Word documents. Zoho Writer also has a smart AI assistant named Zia, who can help users improve their writing by making grammatical, readability, and style recommendations. This is one of the best Microsoft Word alternatives.
10. AbiWord
AbiWord is a lightweight yet effective word processor that has long been a reliable Microsoft Word alternative. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a good alternative for users who want a straightforward document editing experience. Furthermore, AbiWord is cross-platform, which means it is available on Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions, making it accessible to a large user base. AbiWord’s speed and resource efficiency are two of its most noticeable features. It uses limited system resources, making it an excellent option for older systems or scenarios requiring a fast and responsive word processor.
Despite its basic style, AbiWord offers fundamental Word and document tools, making it appropriate for various document activities. Also, it supports various document formats, including Microsoft Word’s .doc and .docx, ensuring compatibility with files you may receive from others. While AbiWord may not have all the complex features in other word processing software, its simplicity, speed, and platform compatibility make it an ideal option for basic document creation and editing.
11. Jarte
Jarte is a hidden gem of word processing software, offering a simplified and user-friendly Microsoft Word alternative. Its design prioritizes simplicity and efficiency, making it a perfect alternative for individuals who prefer a clear writing experience. One of Jarte’s distinguishing features is its quick loading speed. It opens fast, particularly useful if you want to scribble down thoughts or notes without waiting for a large app to load.
Despite its lightweight design, Jarte still has basic word processing features like formatting options, spell check, and the ability to open and save documents in various formats, including .doc and .docx. Jarte is also extremely customizable, enabling users to tailor the UI and settings to their liking. You may also set a “full-screen” mode for distraction-free work, a popular choice among writers and students. Jarte offers a “Green Energy” mode that decreases the amount of power your computer uses when using the app for individuals who care about the environment.
12. WordPad
WordPad is a simple yet useful word-processing app that comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows. It is often regarded as the lightweight and simple alternative to Microsoft Word, offering key document creation and editing features. It’s ideal for composing letters, making to-do lists, and rapidly modifying text documents. It stands out for its simplicity, making it excellent for people who need to rapidly jot down notes, generate simple documents, or make minor text modifications without the complication of a full-featured word processor.
The user interface is easy to use and accessible to all skill levels. While WordPad lacks the vast formatting and sophisticated features of Microsoft Word, it does provide vital tools for basic document editing. You may change the fonts, styles, and formatting and add photos and tables. Furthermore, it is compatible with various document types, including .docx. WordPad works well if you need a simple, built-in solution for common writing activities.
13. Atlantis Word Processor
Atlantis Word Processor is a versatile and user-friendly Microsoft Word alternative well-known for its speedy document generation and editing features. It serves diverse users, from students and writers to corporate executives. It offers a variety of formatting options, styles, and templates, making it easy to produce beautiful documents. Atlantis makes collaboration easier with the ability to log changes and post comments and supports many languages and dictionaries. The real-time spellcheck and grammar check features guarantee that documents are error-free. Atlantis Word Processor also offers robust encryption options to secure your critical documents. It includes a built-in backup tool, which might be useful if you mistakenly delete or rewrite a critical document. This is one of the best Microsoft Word alternatives.
14. OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is a robust document editing suite that offers a broad range of tools for document creation, editing, collaboration, and more. It’s a robust Microsoft Word alternative that caters to many users, including individuals, businesses, and teams. The platform includes version control and tracking, ensuring that changes are readily handled and assessed. One of its most notable features is its cloud-based architecture, which lets users access and collaborate on documents from any place with an internet connection.
It offers a suite of apps with a word processor, spreadsheet editor, and presentation tool completely compatible with Microsoft Office formats. Security is a top focus for OnlyOffice. It offers robust encryption and document permissions to restrict who may access, edit, or comment on your documents. Integrating prominent cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive improves data accessibility and backup options.
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The Bottom Line:
Whether you are a writer, a student, or a small business owner, there is a free word-processing tool to match your demands. These free Microsoft Word alternatives, including Google Docs, Dropbox Paper, LibreOffice, and many more, provide real-time collaboration, online storage, and extensive formatting options. They also improve compatibility across platforms and devices. So, if you’re tired of paying for Microsoft Office features you don’t use, try one of these free Microsoft Word alternatives and start creating, reviewing, amending, managing, and organizing documents right now.
