We Tested the Best Free Microsoft Word Alternatives in 2024 (2024)

Microsoft Office Word is undoubtedly the most widely-used text editor. It allows you to create documents easily. So finding Microsoft Word alternatives can feel like a short list of options.

Why would anyone want to choose something else?

Well, this dominant word processor does have its drawbacks. There’s no free version, and it only works on a limited number of operating systems. Also, many think it’s a bit too complicated and unusable for today’s needs.

Although MS Word has fans, some people prefer to use a different program with similar capabilities. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for text editors that work across various operating systems and don’t want to pay for Microsoft Word premium features you don’t use.

Here’s our review of the 11 best free Microsoft Word alternatives, features, pricing, and ratings for all!

Microsoft Word Limitations

Undoubtedly, the most notable MS Word benefit is its ability to help you produce documents in different formats. It’s also easy to work with and can integrate your documents with other media within the Microsoft Office suite, including worksheets, presentations, flowcharts, and graphs. Its ability to track edits and changes in your documents ensures easy collaboration when working in a team.

Nonetheless, Microsoft Word can get expensive because users often purchase additional tools they’ll never need or use. Furthermore, the program may not always be intuitive. For example, Microsoft Office users may encounter downtimes when incorporating pictures into your documents or aligning text around the images.

11 Best Free Microsoft Word Alternatives

1. ClickUp Docs – Best AI Powered Docs

If you’re looking for a free but feature-rich MS Word alternative, ClickUp Docs is just what you need. The document editor helps you create eye-catching and functional documents, wikis, and more in one user-friendly platform.

You can add tables, embed bookmarks, and more while formatting your documents. ClickUp is more than merely a text editor. It’s a hub where teams come together to plan, organize, and collaborate on work using tasks, Docs, Chat, ClickUp Goals, ClickUp Whiteboards, and more. Tag team members through comments, assign action items, and convert plain text into tasks.

Users working on one project can conveniently add widgets to change product statuses, assign tasks, update workflows, and more within one editor. It’s easy to keep your work organized because ClickUp categorizes your documents for quick access and searchability. Critical resources can also get managed and added to any section of your Workspace.

ClickUp Docs includes ClickUp Brain, an AI-powered writing assistant that can be used to summarize notes, for brainstorming, creating content, generating product descriptions and more.

🔑 ClickUp Docs key features

• Create Docs with rich formatting options
• Use ClickUp AI to create anything from briefs to the high-quality marketing copy, product descriptions, and blog content
• Create relationships to link Docs and tasks
• Easily assign tasks and update workflows
• Compatible with various file formats

✅ ClickUp Docs pros

• Unmatched customization capabilities
• Top-notch team collaboration
• Categorizes your work
• Real-time reporting

❌ ClickUp Docs cons

• Not all ClickUp views are available on the mobile app (yet!)

💸 ClickUp Docs pricing

• Free Forever (includes unlimited Docs)
• Unlimited: $7 per user per month
• Business: $12 per user per month
• Enterprise:Contact ClickUpfor custom pricing
• ClickUp AIis available on all paid plans for $5 per Workspace member per month

💬 ClickUp Docs customer ratings

• G2: 4.7/5 (3,880+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,480+ reviews)

2. Google Docs – Best for Google Workspace Users

Arguably, Google Docs is a powerful word processor and among the better-known alternatives to Microsoft Word. It mirrors Microsoft Word in terms of functionality. It allows users to create files and share them in various formats. The functionality of Google Docs can get extended using different add-ons. Although Google Docs is a web-based text editor, it allows you to work on documents offline.

You can continue to edit your documents even without an internet connection. Since it’s a file-sharing service, Google Docs is excellent for real-time collaboration. It provides G Suite integration and is compatible with multiple file formats, including PDF.

🔑 Google Docs key features

• Add-ons such as MLA, DocuSign, and LucidChart
• Offers real-time collaboration
• Works like MS Word

✅ Google Docs pros

• Speech recognition and ability to translate files from various foreign languages
• Saves work automatically
• Allows offline editing

❌ Google Docs cons

• Formatting issues may arise when importing content from formats such as PDF or RTF
• It has a restricted selection of templates

💸 Google Docs pricing

• Google Docs is a free text editor, but pricing plans in the Google Workspace suite start at $6 per user per month

💬 Google Docs customer ratings

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (25,928+ reviews)
• G2: 4.6/5 ‎(39,800+ reviews)

3. LibreOffice Writer – Best Open-Source Word Processor

Dubbed the all-inclusive word processor for all types of text-based work, LibreOffice Writer is among the most impressive alternatives to Microsoft Word. It’s compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems. LibreOffice Writer is considered a feature-packed analog version of MS Word and comes with all the tools you need for text-based work.

The text editor is available in two versions, and both feature templates and wizards for creating all document types. It also supports different file formats and allows you to export documents to PDF without additional software. So if you’re looking for a text editor that stands in for Microsoft Word, you won’t go wrong with LibreOffice.

🔑 LibreOffice Writer key features

• Excellent format compatibility
• Available in two versions to suit your needs
• Downloadable without providing your information

✅ LibreOffice Writer pros

• Document template galleries
• No ads and paywalls
• Supports multiple plugins

❌ LibreOffice Writer cons

• Technical support isn’t provided
• Slow and takes a lot of memory because it’s a Java program

💸 LibreOffice Writer pricing

• Free

💬 LibreOffice Writer customer ratings

• G2: 4.1/5 ‎(59 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.3/5 (1,370+ reviews)

4. WPS Office Free Writer – Best for Co-Editing

Anyone who has used the newer versions of Microsoft Word but didn’t like the complexity should consider switching to WPS Office Writer. The free text editor looks and works almost like Microsoft Word and even features its equivalent of OneDrive, which offers 1GB of free cloud storage.

WPS Office Free Writer comes with templates to help you create multiple document tasks. It’s compatible with most text file formats, including current MS Word versions. Discrete ads support the free version of WPS Office Writer, but you can remove them by choosing the premium versions. This is an impressive word processor and one of the best alternatives to Microsoft Word.

🔑 WPS Office Free Writer key features

• The WPS PDF to Word converter allows you to work on multiple document formats
• The free version provides basic editing tools needed to work on your documents
• Cloud storage offers a secure space for your documents
• Designed to mirror Microsoft Word

✅ WPS Office Free Writer pros

• Provides impressive file format support
• The nested interface mimics Microsoft Word
• Free cloud storage

❌ WPS Office Free Writer cons

• May contain pop-up ads

💸 WPS Office Free Writer pricing

• WPS Office Standard is free to use
• WPS Pro subscription costs $35.99 annually

💬 WPS Office Free Writer customer ratings

• G2: 4.4/5 (‎232 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (841 reviews)

5. FocusWriter – Best for Document Formatting

This MS Word alternative is touted as the ideal text editor for fast drafts, thanks to the relative ease of formatting docs. It’s compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows OS. It’s excellent for those who want to type out a page or two without worrying about formatting.

FocusWriter features a suite of clever tools designed to optimize productivity. As the name suggests, the text editor blocks out all distractions so that you focus on your drafts. When you open the text editor, a blank page is all you’ll see.

🔑 FocusWriter key features

• Features alerts that get triggered at specified times
• Designed to minimize distractions as you work

✅ FocusWriter pros

• The timers and alarms come in handy when working against time
• The fading features allow you to focus on your work
• Your work gets saved automatically

❌ FocusWriter cons

• Excellent for productivity but not ideal for editing documents

💸 FocusWriter pricing

• Free

💬 FocusWriter customer ratings

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (68 reviews)
• G2: 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Bonus: Check out these Microsoft Whiteboard alternatives!

6. Zoho Writer – Best for Educational Teams

Few text editors are better suited for educational and business tasks than Zoho Docs. The web-based software can be used in your favorite browser and comes with a user-friendly UI that can easily get managed via tabbed menus. In addition, Zoho Docs allows users to upload and download documents in DOCX format. It also supports collaboration, enabling you to work in real-time with your colleagues.

🔑 Zoho Writer key features

• Two-way synchronization, recovery, and file encryption
• Blends with other text editors seamlessly
• Can serve as an email marketing solution
• Provides cloud storage for your docs

✅ Zoho Writer pros

• Document management and visibility
• Saves your docs automatically
• Robust password security

❌ Zoho Writer cons

• The free version has limited space, making it unsuitable for editing large documents

💸 Zoho Writer pricing

• Free to use up to 200 credits

💬 Zoho Writercustomer ratings

• G2: 4.4/5 (206 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (151 reviews)

Bonus: Microsoft Access Competitors!

7. AbiWord – Best Mail Merge Features

This Microsoft Word alternative has features to help you create documents in multiple formats and collaborate with your team in real-time. With this text editor, you can create documents and tables, embed graphics, and more. It also has an in-built Mail Merge tool that allows you to fill out your email fields automatically.

🔑 AbiWord key features

• Fitted with multiple plugins and features that make it highly functional
• Compatibility with various platforms and text formats
• Saves your documents automatically
• HTML support

✅ AbiWord pros

• The plugin architecture can be expanded
• Saves your files in DOCX format
• Available in multiple languages

❌ AbiWord cons

• You can’t export PDF files

💸 AbiWord pricing

• Free

💬 AbiWord customer ratings

• G2: 4.1/5 (15 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.3/5 (1,378 reviews)

8. FreeOffice TextMaker – Best for Everyday Documents

This impressive Microsoft Word alternative comes with handy templates for creating everyday documents. FreeOffice TextMaker has all the features to expect from a modern text editor, including advanced formatting options, change-tracking, and the ability to create databases for managing footnotes and bibliographies.

🔑 FreeOffice TextMaker key features

• Ability to track changes when collaborating on text editing projects
• You can create your templates and save them for future use
• Neat and easy-to-navigate intuitive user interface

✅ FreeOffice TextMaker pros

• Can print multiple pages per worksheet
• It Opens password-secured files
• Can export files to EPUB format

❌ FreeOffice TextMaker cons

• Doesn’t support DOCX files

💸 FreeOffice TextMaker pricing

• Free

💬 FreeOffice TextMaker customer ratings

• G2: 4.3/5 (110 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (235 reviews)

9. Write Monkey – Best for Note-Taking

This productivity-focused program comes equipped with quick shortcuts to make word processing easier. It’s only compatible with Windows OS and is designed to optimize your output without worrying about formatting or editing. Although Write Monkey may not be ideal for creating documents such as CVs or letters, it’s excellent for committing ideas to paper or later development. It’s only compatible with TXT files, and therefore, you must convert different formats before working on them.

🔑 Write Monkey key features

• Productivity-focused
• Only works with TXT format
• Designed to help you commit ideas to memory
• Available as a portable app

✅ Write Monkey pros

• Distraction-free interface optimizes productivity
• Handy keyboard shortcut
• Supports markup

❌ Write Monkey cons

• Not suitable for creating large files

💸 Write Monkey pricing

• Free

💬 Write Monkey customer ratings

• G2: 4.4/5 (27 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.9/5 (179 reviews)

10. iWork Pages – Best for Password Protected Docs

If you want an MS Office alternative with multiple templates that allow the creation of various document types such as resumes, books, newsletters, and reports, you’ll love iWork Pages. The convenient text editor allows you to make changes to your documents in one click and provides robust password protection and the ability to work with files in different formats.

🔑 iWork Pages key features

• Easy to export and import Microsoft docs
• Available as part of the iWork suite
• Navigable, user-friendly intuitive interface

✅ iWork Pages pros

• Offers limitless document creation options on one page
• Advanced features are offered by Apple’s graphic
• Saves your work in multiple formats as you prefer

❌ iWork Pages cons

• Only compatible with iOS and macOS

💸 iWork Pages pricing

• Free for Apple users

💬 iWork Pages customer ratings

• G2: 4.6/5 (13 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.4/5 (71 reviews)

11. Dropbox Paper – Best for File Sharing

Dropbox Paper is a reliable and user-friendly alternative to Microsoft Word that focuses on collaboration and seamless document sharing. It offers a clean and intuitive interface that allows teams to work together in real-time, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

🔑 Dropbox Paper features

• To-do lists and due dates to help your team with planning
• Timelines withproject milestonesto map out every step of a project
• Rich media integration to create dynamic documents

✅ Dropbox Paper pros

• The note-taking feature gives your team a space for personal planning
• @mentions to increase comment visibility for team collaboration

❌ Dropbox Paper cons

• Offline mode isn’t available
• Creates a new file every time multiple users are viewing a file and someone saves changes
• Formatting options are limited

💸 Dropbox Paper pricing

• Free (paid plans start at $15/user per month)

💬 Dropbox Paper customer ratings

• G2: 4.1/5 (4400+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)

Check out theseDropbox Paper alternatives!

How to Choose the Best Microsoft Word Alternative

Choosing the best Microsoft Word alternative depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Collaboration Features: If you frequently work in teams, consider tools like ClickUp that excel in real-time collaboration and document sharing.
2. Cost: If budget is a concern, look for free alternatives. ClickUp Docs, Google Docs, Apache OpenOffice, and LibreOffice offer robust functionality at no cost.
3. User Interface: Look for an intuitive layout that makes navigating through different features and tools easy and efficient. This can greatly enhance your productivity and overall user experience.
4. Additional Features: Some alternatives offer unique features. For instance, ClickUp Docs is a part of a robust project management tool that can store all your work in one place.
5. Offline Access: If you often work without internet access, choose an option with strong offline capabilities.

Always consider your personal needs and work habits when choosing an alternative. The best tool is the one that fits seamlessly into your workflow.

Make the Most of Your Word Processor with Word Alternatives

There are many options for Microsoft Word alternatives. When you’re searching be sure to always consider factors like collaboration capabilities, compatibility, cost, user interface, unique features, and offline access when making your choice. Ultimately, the best word processing software is the one that fits seamlessly into your workflow and helps enhance your productivity.

Nonetheless, few offer the flexibility and functionality of ClickUp Docs. One thing that stands out about ClickUp is that it’s a collaboration-driven platform focused on helping you to team up in real-time.

Sign up for ClickUp Docs for free today to enjoy unlimited text editing!