Are you looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Word? With the ever-evolving technological world, staying up-to-date on the best free alternatives to Microsoft Word can be tricky.
Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the top 7 free alternatives to Microsoft Word for both Windows and Mac users.
With these options, you can experience a similar experience to Microsoft Word without paying for it.
Read on to discover the best free alternatives to Microsoft Word in 2023!
Top 7 Free Alternatives to Microsoft Word
Here are top Microsoft Word free alternative are given below:
1. WPS Office Writer
WPS Office Writer is a powerful and user-friendly word-processing software that is a viable alternative to Microsoft Word. Packed with many features and highlights, it provides a compelling solution for individuals and businesses.
Features & Highlights
Compatibility:
WPS Office Writer supports many file formats, including DOC, DOCX, RTF, TXT, and PDF, ensuring seamless compatibility with other word-processing software.
Advanced Formatting Options:
Like Microsoft Word, WPS Office Writer allows users to customize their documents with various formatting options, such as font styles, sizes, colors, and paragraph alignment.
Collaborative Editing:
With WPS Office Writer, multiple users can collaborate on a document simultaneously, allowing real-time edits and feedback. This makes it ideal for team projects or collaborative writing sessions.
One of the newest and most remarkable features of WPS Office Writer is its AI Writer functionality.
Review
WPS Office Writer has garnered commendable ratings and feedback from its vast user base regarding user satisfaction.
Rating:
WPS Office Writer received an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, reflecting its strong performance and popularity among users.
User's Comment:
Users appreciate the software's intuitive interface, extensive features, and the convenience it brings as a free alternative to Microsoft Word. Many also highlight the impressive accuracy and usefulness of the AI Writer feature.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Free to use, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
Excellent compatibility with various file formats ensures seamless document transfer and editing.
Cons:
Limited cloud storage compared to premium alternatives like Microsoft Word.
Price
WPS Office Writer is available to use for free, making it a cost-effective choice for individuals and businesses on a tight budget.
How to Download
Downloading WPS Office Writer is a straightforward process. Below are the basic steps, along with accompanying screenshots:
Visit the official website of the WPS Office. Click on the "Download" button located on the homepage.
Choose the appropriate operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and click the respective download option.
Once the download is complete, locate the installer file in your computer's download folder.
Double-click on the installer file to initiate the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions, select your preferred settings, and agree to the terms and conditions.
Once the installation is complete, launch the WPS Office Writer application and create documents hassle-free.
Download it today and experience the power of a free and feature-packed word processing software!
2. Google Docs
Google Docs is another excellent Microsoft Word alternative that is entirely free. You don't need to download any software. Sign in with your Google account, and you're good to go!
Features & Highlights
Real-time Collaboration:
With Google Docs, multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, allowing seamless teamwork and effortless editing.
Cloud Storage:
All your documents are securely stored in the cloud, eliminating the need for manual backups and ensuring accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
Integrated Tools:
Google Docs has various valuable tools, such as spelling and grammar checks, formatting options, and commenting features, to enhance your writing experience.
Review
According to customers on G2 and Trustpilot, Google Docs receives high ratings among users for its user-friendly interface and the added convenience of cloud storage.
Rating
Trustpilot users commend Google Docs, giving it an impressive 3.5 out of 5 stars.
User's Comment
Trustpilot users expressed their satisfaction by saying, "Google Docs takes the hassle out of document creation. It's intuitive, efficient, and has made my work life much easier!"
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with using Google Docs as a Microsoft Word alternative free:
Pros
User-friendly interface with intuitive features
Real-time collaboration and seamless document sharing
Cons
Limited offline access without an internet connection
Fewer advanced formatting options compared to Microsoft Word
Price
The best part about Google Docs is that it is free to use. You can access it with your Google account, and there are no hidden costs or subscription fees, making it an ideal choice for individuals and businesses on a tight budget.
How to Download
Downloading Google Docs is a breeze. Follow these simple steps and screenshots to get started:
Visit the official website for Google Docs.
Sign in with your Google account or create a new one if you don't have an existing account.
Once logged in, you can create and edit documents directly in your web browser without additional downloads.
Give it a try today and experience the freedom of hassle-free document creation and collaboration!
3. LibreOffice Writer
Regarding alternatives to Microsoft Word for Windows 10, one of the most powerful and widely used options is LibreOffice Writer. This open-source software provides comprehensive features that rival its paid counterparts.
Features & Highlights
Compatibility:
LibreOffice Writer supports multiple file formats, including Microsoft Word documents, making collaborating with others who use different software efficiently.
Formatting Tools:
With a user-friendly interface, LibreOffice Writer offers various formatting tools for creating professional-looking documents.
Templates:
This word processor provides various customizable templates, from resumes to newsletters, helping users save time and effort in document creation.
Review
With a robust feature set and excellent performance, LibreOffice Writer consistently receives positive user reviews.
Rating:
According to ratings on reliable platforms like Trustpilot, LibreOffice Writer garners an average score of 2.8 out of 5.
User's Comment:
One satisfied user stated, "LibreOffice Writer is a game-changer for me.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Powerful and feature-rich
Cross-platform compatibility
Cons:
Some features may not be as refined as in Microsoft Word
Limited cloud integration options
Price
LibreOffice Writer is free to download and use. There are no hidden costs or subscription fees.
How to Download
To download LibreOffice Writer, visit the official website and follow the instructions for your operating system.
Within minutes, you can enjoy a reliable, high-quality, Word-free alternative without spending a dime.
4. Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is a powerful and free word program that has gained popularity among users seeking comprehensive word processing software.
Features & Highlights
Writer:
OpenOffice's word processor, Writer, offers many features, including spell check, auto-correct, text formatting, and an intuitive interface for easy document creation.
Compatibility:
OpenOffice is compatible with many file formats, allowing users to seamlessly open, edit, and save files in Word's .doc and .docx formats without compatibility issues.
Extensions:
The software supports a variety of extensions, further enhancing its functionality and offering users greater flexibility in customizing their word-processing experience.
Review
Apache OpenOffice has garnered positive reviews worldwide for its robust features and user-friendly interface.
Rating
G2 gives Apache OpenOffice an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, indicating its popularity.
User’s Comment
Users praise OpenOffice's ability to handle complex documents, ease of use, and compatibility with Microsoft Word files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Comprehensive word processing features
High compatibility with Microsoft Word files
Cons:
Lack of cloud collaboration features
Limited built-in templates compared to other alternatives
Price
Apache OpenOffice is free to download and use, making it a cost-effective solution for individuals and organizations looking for a Microsoft Word alternative without breaking the bank.
How to Download
To download Apache OpenOffice, visit their official website and click the download button.
Follow the installation instructions, and within minutes, you'll have access to a powerful word-processing tool at no cost.
5. Zoho Docs
Zoho Docs is a versatile online document editing tool that provides free Word online. It offers a wide range of features and highlights that make it an excellent choice for users looking to escape the expenses associated with Word.
Features & Highlights
Collaborative Editing:
One of the standout features of Zoho Docs is its ability to enable multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously.
Cloud Storage:
With Zoho Docs, users can securely store and access their documents from anywhere.
File Compatibility:
Zoho Docs supports various file formats, ensuring seamless compatibility.
Review
Zoho Docs has received positive user reviews, with many praising its user-friendly interface and extensive features.
Rating
Based on user ratings from G2 and Trustpilot, Zoho Docs has consistently received high scores like 4.4 out of 5, further attesting to its reliability and quality.
User’s Comment
One user commented, "Zoho Docs has become my go-to tool for creating and editing documents.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Seamless collaboration and real-time editing capabilities.
Documents can be stored and accessed in the cloud.
Cons:
Some users have reported occasional performance issues during peak usage periods.
Price
Zoho Docs offers a free plan with essential features, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and small businesses.
How to Download
To start with Zoho Docs, visit the official website and sign up for a free account.
Once you've created your account, you can easily access and use Zoho Docs directly from your web browser, eliminating the need for downloads or installations.
6. SoftMaker Office
SoftMaker Office is a powerful and feature-rich alternative to Microsoft Word. It's comprehensive tools and intuitive interface offers a smooth and efficient writing experience.
Features & Highlights
SoftMaker Office provides all the essential features you'd expect from word processing software, including text formatting, spell-checking, and grammar correction.
It offers many templates, styles, and formatting options, allowing you to create professional-looking documents effortlessly.
Review
SoftMaker Office has garnered positive reviews from users and experts alike.
Rating
G2: 4.5/5
User's Comment
I have been using SoftMaker Office for years, and it never disappoints.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
A comprehensive set of features
User-friendly interface
Cons:
Some advanced features may require a learning curve
Limited cloud storage options compared to other alternatives
Price
SoftMaker Office offers a free version with limited functionality.
How to Download
To download SoftMaker Office, visit their official website and follow the instructions on their download page.
The installation process is straightforward, and you'll be up and running quickly.
7. FocusWriter
FocusWriter is a feature-rich word-processing software that offers a distraction-free writing environment.
Features & Highlights
Distraction-free writing environment:
Users can focus solely on their writing with FocusWriter's clutter-free interface.
Customizable themes:
Users can personalize their writing experience with various themes, creating an ambiance that complements their unique style and preferences.
Progress tracking:
FocusWriter provides a progress bar or a target word count feature, enabling users to set goals and monitor their writing achievements.
Review
According to user ratings and reviews, FocusWriter has consistently proven a reliable alternative to Microsoft Word.
User's Comment
The customizable themes make the experience enjoyable and visually appealing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Spell-check and auto-correction features
Portability
Cons:
Limited advanced formatting options
Lack of collaborative features
Price
FocusWriter is free of charge, making it an attractive option for individuals on a tight budget or who prefer not to spend on word processing software.
How to Download
To download FocusWriter, visit their official website and navigate to the download section.
Choose the appropriate version for your operating system and follow the installation instructions provided.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Word Processing Software
If you are looking for a Microsoft Word alternative, keep a few things in mind before deciding.
Here are some factors to consider:
Compatibility: Ensure your chosen software is compatible with your operating system (e.g., Windows 10, Mac OS).
Features: Look for software with the needed features, such as spell check, formatting options, and templates.
User interface: Choose software with an easy-to-use interface that you find comfortable to navigate.
Cloud storage: If you need to access your documents from anywhere, consider software that offers cloud storage options.
Price: While some Microsoft Word alternative free options exist, some may come with hidden fees or limitations.
FAQs About Microsoft Word Free Alternative
Is Microsoft Discontinuing Word?
No! Microsoft is not discontinuing Word.
Why can't I use Microsoft Word for free?
Microsoft Word is not free, but there are other options like alternatives to Microsoft Word for Windows 10, free Word programs, or Google Docs. Word free download is only for a trial period.
Does Google have a free word processor?
Yes! Google has a free word processor online called Google Docs. You can create and edit documents for free!
Final Thoughts About Microsoft Word Free Alternative
Choosing a free alternative to Microsoft Word is an excellent idea for anyone who wants to save money or try something new.
WPS Office is one great option because it's easy to use and has many features. Whatever you choose, remember to have fun and enjoy writing!
Don't forget to check out WPS Office for all your word processing needs.
