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6 Best Free Alternatives to Microsoft Word

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• Best for sharing and real time collaboration: Google Docs
• Best for long and complex documents: Apache OpenOffice Writer
• Best for automation: Zoho Writer
• Best for customization: LibreOffice Writer
• Best for advanced features: WPS Office Writer
• Best for users who prefer Microsoft Word's interface: Microsoft Office Word Online

Microsoft Word has its devotees, but find one person who loves it, and you’ll probably find several who don’t. From redesigns that hide familiar menu items to overly complicated and often unused features, there’s a lot to be desired in a simple word processor that Microsoft Word doesn’t deliver due to its complex nature.

Microsoft Word as a part of Microsoft Office is expensive — for instance, Microsoft 365 Business Premium costs $22 or £18.10 for each user per month.

SEE: Discover the best free alternatives to Microsoft Excel .

If you don’t need all the features that Microsoft Word offers, it can be hard to justify paying that price, especially in a small business environment where you just need a word processor. Don’t pay for what you won’t use and take a look at one of these six free Microsoft Word alternatives instead.

Alternatives to Microsoft Word comparison

This chart provides a general overview of the capabilities of each Microsoft Word alternative.

Google Docs: Best for sharing and real time collaboration

Google Docs, which is easily the most popular Microsoft Word alternative on this list, is free to everyone with a Google account.

If you want the basic features of Microsoft Word, you don’t need to look any further than Google Doc — it supports all your basic word processing needs and is tightly integrated with Google Drive and other products. Since everything is saved in Google’s cloud, you don’t need to worry about losing your work ( Figure A ). Docs automatically save after every single keystroke, so in the event of a crash, you should be able to pick up right where you left off, down to the letter. Google Docs also supports Microsoft Word’s .doc and .docx formats, so you shouldn’t have any problems importing and editing those files.

One of its best features for business users is real-time collaboration. If you share a document with another Google user, both of you can be in the document simultaneously, see the other user’s cursor position, watch what they’re typing, and chat with each other. It’s a great collaboration tool that stands out among word processors.

However, advanced Word users may find the features lacking — it really is a bare-bones word processor. Furthermore many of its new AI-powered features, like the addition of the AI assistant Gemini , are exclusively available to paying users with Google One AI Premium accounts or the Gemini for Google Workspace add-on.

Standout features

• Real-time collaboration capability.
• Pageless view.
• Table templates.
• Watermarks.
• Document summary.
• Google Meet integration.
• Menu shortcut that lets you tag people, add elements, and perform other actions.
• Commenting, notes, and suggestions.
• Meeting notes.
• Email draft.
• Checklists.
• Customizable templates.
• In-doc chat capability.
• Table of contents sidebar.
• Find and replace capability.

SEE: Become a Google Docs power user .

Apache OpenOffice Writer: Best for long and complex documents

If you hate Microsoft Word because of its ribbon, then Apache’s OpenOffice Writer is the 2003 throwback you want. It has a classic interface that, while it can look a bit cluttered, mimics the menus that Microsoft tossed out when Office 2007 was released ( Figure B ). It will definitely feel familiar to Office 2003 users, with the added perk of still receiving updates and security patches from its active support community, which is important for a business software suite.

OpenOffice Writer has its own document format, but it also supports .doc and .docx files, and it does a great job of maintaining formatting when importing those types of files. Many of the advanced features of Microsoft Word are included in OpenOffice Writer as well, so editing complex Word documents won’t be an issue.

If online collaboration or native cloud support are essential to you, then you may want to pass on OpenOffice Writer because it includes neither. It’s possible to store files in a cloud drive and access them using OpenOffice, but you’ll need the desktop client of Google Drive , Microsoft OneDrive or Apple iCloud installed so that you can open your cloud storage like a local computer folder.

• Table of contents and references.
• AutoCorrect dictionary.
• AutoComplete capability.
• Multi-page display.
• HTML, PDF, and MediaWiki formats.
• Over 900 templates.

Zoho Writer: Best for automation

Zoho Writer is a free document creation tool with a clean writing interface and powerful built-in capabilities. Writing documents in Writer is largely distraction-free, while important text tools are still within reach. The native features of Writer, many of which leverage the capabilities of other Zoho apps, really set it apart from the rest.

Use the built-in AI tool, Zia, for better quality content, fast grammar fixes, and insight into the document’s readability for different audiences ( Figure C ). It can also check for plagiarized and duplicated content. AI tools are often included as a paid add-on, so the fact that Zia is free is a real bonus.

The Document Sign tool puts e-signature tools right in the doc so that teams can go from draft to approval to signature, all in the same space. Document Fillable tools also put forms right in your documents, giving them a professional feel that’s ready for embedding anywhere you need a form.

Not to be outdone by Google Docs or Microsoft Word, Zoho Writer’s real-time collaboration has granular controls, including comments, suggestions, text masking to hide some items from collaborators and even content locks for blocks of text. Zoho Writer is built for corporate collaboration, legal approvals and creative teams.

• WordPress integration.
• Comments and notes.
• Lock or mask sensitive information.
• Post to WordPress from Zoho Writer.
• Word document import.
• Export to .docx and .pdf.
• Document automation.
• Document fillable.
• Unsplash and Pexels extensions for embedding royalty-free images.
• Desktop app lets you create and edit local documents.

LibreOffice Writer: Best for customization

The Document Foundation’s LibreOffice Writer, like OpenOffice, is a completely free and open-source product that offers word processing, support for .doc and .docx file formats and all the tools the average Microsoft Word user will need in a word processor. LibreOffice Writer and OpenOffice Writer are similar in a lot of ways: interface style, file format support, lack of cloud integration and real-time collaboration, and general word processing features ( Figure D ). Both are solid choices for those looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Word, and selecting one over the other largely comes down to preference.

One aspect of LibreOffice stands out, and that is what’s in the app — it’s the community-driven nature of the platform. Collaborating with users and developers to improve the product is front and center on LibreOffice’s website, and that focus has grown LibreOffice into a thriving community of users and coders that keep making it better .

• Desktop publishing.
• Integrated calculation function.
• Drawing tools.
• Spellchecker, thesaurus, AutoCorrect, and hyphenation.
• Drag-and-drop supported.

WPS Office Writer: Best for advanced features

If you want a word processor as feature-packed as Word but don’t want to pay a premium, check out WPS Office Writer. It’s a full-featured application suite that feels premium.

WPS Office Writer does most of the same things as Microsoft Word, and it includes native cloud support to make storing documents online a snap; however, it does lack real-time collaboration ( Figure E ). Look at any review of WPS Office Writer, and you’ll find statements that attest to how much it’s like Word. With its inclusion of more features than other free suites like OpenOffice, this might be the one to go for — especially considering it’s free.

With anything free and high quality, there’s usually a catch, and you might be able to guess what it is in our modern age of “freemium” apps: Ads. Don’t let that dissuade you from trying WPS Writer — you might not see an ad. There’s no banner across the top of the app; ads only appear when you want to use select features like printing or exporting to PDF. If you need to do one of those things, you’ll have to sit through a roughly 10-second ad, which unlocks the feature for 30 minutes. If you like what WPS Writer offers, you can eliminate ads by paying a yearly subscription fee of $29.99 or £33.49, or $9.99 or £16.49 for three months.

Key features

• Compatible with 47 common document formats, including PDF.
• File format conversion.
• PDF to Word conversion.
• Document to picture export.
• Picture to text conversion.
• Skins and design customization.
• Supports 13 languages on PC and 46 languages on mobile.

Microsoft Office Word Online: Best for users who prefer Microsoft Word's interface

Don’t overlook Microsoft’s free alternative to the paid version of Word: Office Online. Like Google Docs, Microsoft Word Online is a simplified, cloud-based version of Word ( Figure F ). It lacks many of the advanced features of a locally-installed version of Word, such as guidelines and rulers, bibliography, and autosave, but this is as close as you can get for users who want a free version of Word.

Similarities between Google Docs and Word Online are present all the way down to the interface, but with a few tweaks you can make it feel more like the Microsoft ribbon instead of the dropdown menus Google Docs uses. Documents created in Word Online are saved in Microsoft OneDrive, and real-time collaboration features like those in Google Docs are available as well. One big plus in Word Online’s favor is formatting: If you create a document in Word Online and then import it to a local version of Microsoft Word, it’s going to retain the formatting way better than a Google Docs file.

• Real-time collaboration.
• .docm, .docx, .pptm, .pptx, .xlsm, and. xlsx support.
• 5GB of cloud storage.
• Templates, fonts, icons and stickers.
• Spelling and grammar.

SEE: Explore everything Microsoft 365 has to offer.

How to choose the best free alternatives to Microsoft Word

When selecting the best free alternatives to Microsoft Word, there are a few key factors to consider.

• Assess your specific requirements and determine the features and functionalities you need from word processing software. This could include document formatting options, collaboration capabilities, compatibility with various file formats and available templates.
• Conduct thorough research on popular options such as Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer, Apache OpenOffice Writer, Zoho Writer and WPS Office Writer.
• Read user reviews, compare features and test the software to see how well it meets your requirements.
• Consider factors like compatibility with Microsoft Word formats, integration with cloud storage and ongoing support and updates.

By evaluating these criteria, you can make an informed decision and choose the alternative that best suits your needs.

Review methodology

We analyzed each Microsoft Word alternative based on five key data points: free, support for Microsoft Word format, offline access, templates and ability to meet needs. All the tools in our comparison group satisfy these criteria. We evaluated how well each alternative fulfills users’ needs in terms of functionality, ease of use, formatting capabilities and other relevant factors. This criterion helps assess the overall suitability of the tool for different types of users and their specific requirements.

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19 Free MS Word Alternatives for Business Professionals

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Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Microsoft Word has long been a staple for business professionals, students, and freelancers alike. But for those seeking a more cost-effective solution, several free MS Word alternatives offer similar, if not better, features.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur trying to reduce overhead, a freelancer looking to cut costs, or a student working on tight resources, these alternatives can meet your word processing needs without the price tag of Microsoft Office.

In this post, we’ll explore 19 free MS Word alternatives that can help you save money while maintaining productivity. These tools are not just lightweight copies of Word but offer unique features tailored to the modern business professional’s needs.

Why Look for MS Word Alternatives?

Microsoft Word is undoubtedly a powerful tool, but its price point can be prohibitive for small businesses, freelancers, and even larger enterprises trying to cut costs. Fortunately, a growing number of free MS Word alternatives now offer robust features that can meet most, if not all, of your word processing needs.

From online tools to desktop applications, these alternatives offer document creation, editing, collaboration, and formatting features without breaking the bank.

Top Free MS Word Alternatives for Business Professionals

Here’s a list of the best free MS Word alternatives that can serve professionals across industries. These tools are versatile, compatible with MS Word formats , and designed for seamless collaboration.

These comprehensive lists of free MS Word alternatives cater to a variety of needs, from real-time collaboration and privacy-focused writing to distraction-free environments for creatives. Whether you’re a business professional, freelancer, or student, there’s a choice here for you.

Choosing the Right Free MS Word Alternative

When selecting the ideal free MS Word alternative, it’s essential to carefully consider your specific requirements and preferences. Here are some key factors to evaluate:

• Formatting Options: Do you need advanced formatting options like styles, templates, and page layouts? Some alternatives offer more extensive formatting capabilities than others.
• Collaboration Features: If you often work with others on documents, real-time collaboration features are crucial. This allows multiple users to edit a document at the same time and see changes in real-time.
• Integration with Other Applications: Do you need to integrate your word processor with other applications like spreadsheets or presentation software? Consider alternatives that offer seamless integration with your preferred tools.

Compatibility

• Microsoft Office File Formats: If you often work with Microsoft Office files, make sure that the alternative you choose is compatible with formats like .docx, .doc, and .rtf. This will prevent compatibility issues when sharing documents.
• Export Formats: Consider the range of export formats supported by the alternative. This will be important if you need to save your documents in specific formats, like PDF or HTML.
• Web-Based: If you prefer to access your word processor from any device with an internet connection, a web-based alternative is a good choice.
• Desktop Application: If you prefer a standalone application that you can install on your computer, a desktop alternative may be more suitable.
• Mobile App: If you need to work on documents on the go, a mobile app is essential. Look for alternatives that offer features like offline editing and synchronization with your desktop version.

Extra Considerations

• Learning Curve: Consider the learning curve related to the alternative. Some alternatives may have a steeper learning curve than others, especially if you’re switching from Microsoft Word.
• Community and Support: Look for alternatives with a strong community and support resources. This can be helpful if you face any issues or need assistance.
• Storage and Cloud Integration: If you need to store and access your documents in the cloud, consider alternatives that offer cloud storage integration or cloud storage solutions.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a free MS Word alternative that aligns with your specific needs and preferences, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality or functionality.

Free MS Word Alternatives Table of Comparison

In conclusion.

Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or student, these free MS Word alternatives offer powerful solutions without the hefty price tag of Microsoft Word. From cloud-based options like Google Docs and Zoho Writer to more traditional desktop tools like LibreOffice and TextMaker, there’s a choice for every type of user.

Each tool comes with its strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs—whether you value collaboration, advanced formatting, or offline functionality.

By exploring these free MS Word alternatives, you can enhance your productivity and cut costs, making them valuable additions to any business professional’s toolkit.

Found this list of free MS Word alternatives useful?

Share it with your colleagues and friends, or leave a comment below with your favourite alternative! Be sure to explore more tech tips and business productivity resources on our blog.

Are these free MS Word alternatives safe to use?

While these free alternatives are generally safe, it’s crucial to exercise caution and download them from reputable sources. Avoid downloading from untrusted websites or suspicious links.

Can I use these free MS Word alternatives for professional work?

Absolutely! Many of these alternatives are widely used in professional settings, including businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations. They offer robust features and are fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats, making them suitable for various professional tasks.

Do these alternatives support Microsoft Word formats like .docx?

Yes, most of the tools listed are compatible with popular Microsoft Word formats like .docx, .odt, and PDF. This ensures seamless integration with existing documents and workflows.

Are there any limitations to these free tools compared to Microsoft Word?

While free alternatives offer a comprehensive feature set, they may have certain limitations compared to Microsoft Word, especially in terms of advanced formatting options and specialized features. Nevertheless, for most users, the free alternatives offer more than enough functionality for their needs.

Which free MS Word alternative is best for collaboration?

If real-time collaboration is a priority, Google Docs and Zoho Writer are excellent choices. These tools allow multiple users to work on a document at the same time, making them ideal for remote teams and collaborative projects.

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5 best Word alternatives

Microsoft Office Word is the most powerful and popular tool for editing text documents. However, if you don’t want to buy a subscription, look for alternatives to Word. Fortunately, today some solutions can serve as a complete Word alternative in terms of functionality, security, and price.

ONLYOFFICE document editor allows you to manage fonts and styles, format text, adjust line and paragraph spacing, insert headers and footers, and customize page layout to prepare documents for publishing. You can also create informative texts with images, and customizable charts, autoshapes and tables, Text Art, SmartArt graphics, equations, drop caps, and more. The editors propose hand drawings with a pen or marker.

It supports all popular formats: DOC, DOCX, ODT, TXT, HTML, etc. PDF and XPS can be converted to DOCX for further editing. What’s more, documents can be saved in PDF, EPUB, JPG, and PNG formats.

The functionality can be extended by third-party services via plugins. Thus you can translate and edit texts with Google Translator, DeepL, and LanguageTool, build complex diagrams with Draw.io, generate a bibliography with Zotero or Mendeley, and dictate texts by voice with Speech Input. Working with text becomes easier with the ChatGPT plugin helping you to generate text, insert images, and analyze words and phrases.

ONLYOFFICE is available as a desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux or in the cloud with files storage space and collaborative features:

GET DESKTOP APPS                   TRY IN THE CLOUD

ONLYOFFICE also includes a spreadsheet, presentation, and fillable forms editors, which makes it not only an alternative to Word but to the entire Microsoft Office suite.

Watch our video to find out why you should switch from MS Office to ONLYOFFICE:

Google Docs

Google Docs is a simple alternative to Word for creating and collaboratively editing documents online. It is completely free and provides users with basic text editing features. Google Docs has a wide range of addons that complement the editor’s functionality.

If you prefer to work online, Google Docs is right for you. As it automatically saves files to storage and you can access them from any device. You can also work on a document collaboratively or allow others to only view it without the ability to edit it.

However, Google uses its own file formats that are not 100% compatible with OOXML. That is, when opening a document created in another program, there may be some distortions.

LibreOffice Writer

LibreOffice Writer is a free and open-source product that provides word processing and can be considered a good Word alternative.

It supports .doc and .docx file formats and has all the tools that a user accustomed to Microsoft Word needs for word processing. It offers spelling and grammar checking, the ability to export to PDF and EPUB formats, auto-correct and auto-complete features, and many document templates.

LibreOffice is available in desktop editors for Windows, Linux, and macOS, but doesn’t provide an online editor.

In addition to the text editor, LibreOffice also offers tools: Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, Math, and Charts.

Zoho Writer

Zoho Writer can also be an online Word alternative. It has a clear interface, controlled by a Word-style tab menu.

It allows you to import and export documents saved in .docx format, and document collaboration and view changes will make it easy to work on a document in a team. Zoho automatically saves documents as you type, so you don’t have to worry about losing data if you lose your connection.

Zoho Writer has all the standard text formatting and document creation features. You can add images, tables, symbols, shapes, links, and YouTube videos to your text.

Zoho Writer can export documents to DOCX, ODF, PDF, Latex, RTF, TXT, and even HTML formats so that you can work with Word documents.

WPS Office Writer

A part of WPS Office, WPS Writer is a free Word alternative. The text editor looks and works almost like Microsoft Word. It supports popular file formats such as DOCX, DOC, and others.

You can work with text by changing text colors, adding graphs and charts, and importing images and video clips to your liking. The document can also be shared with the team for real-time commenting and editing. The final document can be saved in different formats, for example, DOCX, DOC, or PDF.

The developers have also added a template library that allows you to create a variety of document tasks.

Useful links

Top Microsoft Office alternatives for students

Top 3 open-source alternatives to PowerPoint

How to create a Word document?

How to insert a video into Word documents

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