The most popular text editor is, without a doubt Microsoft Office Word. You can easily create documents with its help. Therefore, there are few options when finding Microsoft Word alternatives. Who would want to make a different decision?
This powerful word processor does, however, have disadvantages. It only supports a few operating systems, and no free version exists. Many people also believe it to be too complex and unusable for the needs of today.
Some people prefer to use a different program with comparable capabilities, even though MS Word has fans. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for text editors that cross multiple operating systems and want to avoid paying for non-useful Microsoft Word premium features.
Here is a list of the top 10 free Microsoft Word substitutes and their features, costs, and evaluations.
Describe Microsoft Word.
One of the productivity tools the Microsoft Office suite offers is Microsoft Word, also known as MS Word. It is a document processor made by Microsoft. Richard Brodie and Charles Simonyi created the program, first appearing in 1983. It works with Linux OSes using WINE and is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Android, Apple iOS, and Apple macOS. Among the notable Microsoft Word features are:
- Enables users to produce documents of high caliber.
- Allows text and font formatting
- Support for HTML and images
- Sophisticated page design
- Check the grammar
You can use several word processors instead of an MS Office subscription if you’re sick of paying for extra features. These document editors are available for free download for those who only require a word processor and do not require Microsoft Office’s other features.
Benefits versus drawbacks of Microsoft Word
The ability of MS Word to assist you in creating documents in various formats is, without a doubt, its most notable advantage. Additionally, it is simple to use and allows you to integrate Microsoft Office’s worksheet, presentation, flowchart, and graph elements with other media. Working as a team makes collaborating simple because it can track edits and changes to your documents.
However, Microsoft Word can become expensive because users frequently buy extra tools they won’t use or need. Additionally, the program might only sometimes be simple to use. For instance, when adding images to your documents or arranging text around them, you might experience downtime.
The top ten Microsoft Word substitutes
Google Docs
One of the more well-known alternatives to Microsoft Word is Google Docs, which is unquestionably a strong word processor. In terms of functionality, it is similar to Microsoft Word.
Users can make and share files in various formats using this feature. Different is useful to expand Google Docs’ functionality. You can work on documents offline using Google Docs, a web-based text editor.
Even without an internet connection, you can still edit your documents. Google Docs is great for real-time collaboration because it is a file-sharing service.
It supports many file formats, including PDF, and offers G Suite integration.
- Key features of Google Docs
- Add-ons like LucidChart, DocuSign, and MLA
- allows for real-time collaboration
- similar to Microsoft Word
Google Docs pros
ability to translate files from different foreign languages and recognize speech
automatically saves work
allows for offline editing
Cons of Google Docs
Importing content from formats like PDF or RTF may cause formatting problems.
There are only a few templates available.
Pricing for Google Docs
The Google Workspace suite’s pricing plans begin at$ 6 per user per month for Google Docs, a free text editor.
LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer is one of the most impressive alternatives to Microsoft Word and is the all-inclusive word processor for all types of text-based work. Operating systems like Linux, macOS, and Windows can use it. All the tools you need for text-based work in the feature-rich analog version of Microsoft Word called LibreOffice Writer.
There are two versions of the text editor, as well as wizards and feature templates for all document types. Additionally, it supports various file formats and enables document exports to PDFs without additional software. LibreOffice is, therefore, the best option if you’re looking for a text editor that replaces Microsoft Word.
Critical features for LibreOffice Writer
Excellent compatibility with formats
There are two versions available.
without revealing your information, downloadable
Pros of LibreOffice Writer
galleries of document templates
No paywalls or advertisements
supports numerous plugins
Cons of LibreOffice Writer
There is no technical support offered.
It is a Java program, so it is slow and memory-intensive.
Free WPS Office writer
via Free Writer for the WPS Office
Anyone who has used Microsoft Word’s recent iterations but disliked its complexity should consider switching to WPS Office Writer. The free text editor has a similar interface to Microsoft Word and even offers 1GB of free cloud storage to OneDrive.
To assist you in creating multiple document tasks, WPS Office Free Writer includes templates. Most text file formats, including the most recent MS Word versions, are compatible with it. Discrete ads support WPS Office Writer’s free version, but you can eliminate them by selecting the premium versions. One of the best substitutes for Microsoft Word is this impressive word processor.
Critical features for WPS Office Free Writer
You can work with various document formats using the WPS PDF to Word converter.
The free version includes the essential editing tools required to work on your documents.
It provides a secure cloud location for your documents.
intended to mimic Word
Pros of WPS Office Free Writer
impressive support for file formats
The nested interface imitates Microsoft Word.
Free storage in the cloud
Cons of WPS Office Free Writer
may have pop-up advertisements
Focus writer
Using FocusWriter
Due to its relative ease of formatting documents, this MS Word substitute is one of the best text editors for quick drafts. Linux, macOS, and Windows OS are all compatible with it for those who want to type a few pages without worrying about formatting.
A collection of clever tools created by FocusWriter useful to increase productivity. The text editor eliminates all distractions, as its name implies, allowing you to concentrate on your drafts. The text editor only displays a blank page when you open it.
Key features of FocusWriter
features alerts that are activated when necessary
designed to reduce work-related distractions
FocusWriter pros
When working against time, timers and alarms are helpful.
You can concentrate on your work thanks to the fading features.
It will save your work automatically.
Cons of FocusWriter
Excellent productivity, but not the best for document editing
Pricing for FocusWriter
Lifelong freedom
💬 FocusWriter customer ratings
Capterra: 4.6/ 5( 68 reviews)
G2: 4.6/ 5( 12 reviews)
Bonus: Check out these Microsoft Whiteboard alternatives!
Zoho Docs
via Zoho
Zoho Docs is one of the best text editors for business and educational tasks. The web-based software has a user-friendly interface that is simple to manage through tabbed menus, and you can use it in your preferred browser. Users can also upload and download documents in DOCX format using Zoho Docs. Additionally, it encourages teamwork by allowing you to collaborate with your coworkers in real time.
Special features of Zoho Docs
File encryption, recovery, and two-way synchronization
seamlessly integrates with other text editors
can be used as a marketing tool for email.
It gives you access to the cloud storage for your documents.
Zoho Docs pros
visibility and document management
automatically saves your documents
strong password protection
Cons of Zoho Docs
The free version makes Significant document editing impossible due to its small storage capacity.
Pricing for Zoho Docs
When you upgrade your subscription, each user will receive$ 5 per month.
ClickUp Docs
In ClickUp, you can create infinite documents, wikis, and knowledge bases.
The Docs feature in ClickUp is the same as what you need if you’re looking for a free but feature-rich MS Word substitute. You can create visually appealing and valuable documents, wikis, and other things in one user-friendly platform with the aid of the document editor.
While formatting your documents, you can include tables, embed bookmarks, and more. Teams congregate there to plan, organize, and work together using tasks, documents, chat, goals, whiteboards, etc. Commenting, assigning action items, and turning plain text into tasks are all ways to identify team members.
You can add the widgets easily added by users working on a single project to update workflows, assign tasks, and change product statuses. Keeping your work organized is simple because ClickUp contains your documents for easy access and searchability. Any area of your workspace can also be managed and expanded with critical resources.
Critical features of ClickUp Docs
Rich formatting options are available in Docs.
Establish connections between tasks and documents.
Task assignments and workflow updates are simple.
Various file formats are supported.
Pros of ClickUp Docs
Unrivaled ability to customize
excellent teamwork
Categorizes your work
reporting in real time
Cons of ClickUp Docs
The mobile app does not yet support all ClickUp views.
Pricing for ClickUp Docs
ClickUp provides free and paid plans starting at$ 7 per month for users.
AbiWord
via AbiWord
This Microsoft Word substitute has features that enable you to work with your team in real-time and create documents in various formats. Using this text editor, you can create documents, tables, embed graphics, and other things. Additionally, it has a built-in Mail Merge tool that enables you to complete your email fields automatically.
Key features of AbiWord
It is highly functional thanks to the numerous plugins and features it has.
compatibility with a range of text formats and platforms
automatically saves your documents
support for HTML
Pros of AbiWord
It is possible to expand the plugin architecture.
Saves your DOCX-formatted files
Several languages are supported.
Cons of AbiWord
No PDF export facility.
FreeOffice Textmaker
via TextMaker for FreeOffice
This impressive Microsoft Word substitute includes practical templates for making regular documents. Advanced formatting options, change-tracking, and the capability to build databases for managing footnotes and bibliographies are all features that FreeOffice TextMaker has to offer.
Special features for FreeOffice TextMaker
When working on text editing projects together, the ability to monitor changes
Your templates can be made and saved for later use.
Easy user interface for simple use and navigation.
Pros of FreeOffice TextMaker
per worksheet, It prints multiple pages simultaneously.
It opens files that are password-protected.
able to export files as EPUBs
Cons of FreeOffice TextMaker
DOCX files are not supported.
Pricing for FreeOffice TextMaker
Lifelong freedom
Write Monkey
Using Write Monkey
Quick shortcuts are included in this productivity-focused program to facilitate word processing. It optimizes your output without formatting or editing and is only compatible with Windows OS. Write Monkey is great for putting ideas on paper or later development, even though there may be better tools for writing documents like letters or CVs. It would be best to convert different formats before working on them because it is only compatible with TXT files.
Key features for Write Monkey
Focused on productivity
only supports TXT format
designed to aid in memory consolidation
A portable app is available.
Write pros like a monkey
A distraction-free interface increases productivity.
useful keyboard shortcut
enables markup
Write the drawbacks of Monkey.
not appropriate for making large files
Write “Monkey Pricing”
Lifelong freedom
iWork Pages
iWork Pages
You’ll adore iWork Pages if you’re looking for a Microsoft Office substitute with numerous templates that let you create different documents, including reports, books, newsletters, and resumes. With just one click, you can edit your documents with the handy text editor, which also offers strong password protection and the ability to work with files in various formats.
Key features of iWork Pages
Microsoft documents are simple to export and import.
a component of the iWork suite
User-friendly, easy interface that is simple to use
Pros of iWork Pages
offers a single page with infinite document creation options.
Apple’s graphic features offer cutting-edge features.
It saves your work in any format you like.
Cons of iWork Pages
Only macOS and iOS are supported.
Pricing for iWork Pages
Utilize time-saving Docs in ClickUp to accomplish more.
Alternatives to Microsoft Word are widely available. However, only some provide ClickUp Docs’ functionality and flexibility. ClickUp is a collaboration-driven platform that focuses on assisting you in teamwork in real time, which is something that makes it stand out.