Free Microsoft Word Alternatives
I use a lot of software, and as a programmer myself, I totally understand the need for programmers to make a living from their work. But, I don't like the new trend toward subscription-based software. I prefer to purchase software and use it until it no longer works (due to operating system upgrades usually) or there is some new feature that I need or want. At that time, I am more than willing to pay for an upgrade. I like it when software companies offer both options - outright purchase and subscriptions.
When my copy of Microsoft Word 2007 continually crashed in Windows 10, I began looking for alternatives. I've listed eight programs below that I looked at, in my order of preference.
LibreOffice Writer - FREE Course
My Video Course on LibreOffice Writer
- Totally Free
- Full-featured word processor
- Fully compatible with Word formats - can read and write both .doc and .docx files
- Provides for collaboration using the Track Changes and Comments features
- You must download the entire suite of products, Writer is not available separately
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux
SmartEdit Writer - FREE Course
https://www.smart-edit.com/Writer
My Video Course on SmartEdit Writer
This isn't your typical word processing software. It's kind of a cross between a word processor and notes application. Aimed primarily at authors and creative writers, it has a wide range of users, including: bloggers, students taking class notes or researching and writing reports or other written assignments, teachers organizing material for courses, etc. Windows only.
Zoho Docs
https://www.zoho.com/docs/zoho-docs-pricing.html
https://www.zoho.com/docs/faq/zoho-docs-faq.html
- Zoho offers many applications, including Zoho Docs, an online word processor similar to Google Docs.
- The free version is very generous with its features.
- Some free features: up to 25 invited collaborators, desktop synchronization, 5GB storage space with 1GB file upload limit, and more...
- Zoho Docs is primarily an online service, however it is possible to work offline as well. Changes made while offline, sync automatically the next time you connect to the internet
- Works on: All OS - through web interface
OpenOffice
http://www.openoffice.org/product/writer.html
- Another free, open source application suite
- LibreOffice branched off from OpenOffice
- The interface of LO and OO are so similar, that if you know one, you shouldn't have any trouble using the other
- Currently, LibreOffice is more actively developed. As of this writing, the last OpenOffice update was 8 months ago, while LibreOffice had an update 2 weeks ago.
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux
OnlyOffice
https://www.onlyoffice.com/apps.aspx
- OnlyOffice primarily offers online software, however they do have a free desktop version. It has a nice, modern interface. I tried using it for a while. Once, for no apparent reason, the entire white editing window turned black, and the program froze on me. The file I was editing wasn't damaged, although unsaved changes were lost. I don't know if that was just a fluke or what.
- OnlyOffice also includes spreadsheet and presentations
- U.S. and Latvia offices
- Works on: Windows, Linux, Mac
WPS Office Free
https://www.wps.com/office-free
- Like LibreOffice, this is also a suite. The Word Processor, also called Writer, is one component. Others include Presentations and Spreadsheet.
- The free version displays small ads
- Two additional levels (which remove the ads and offer more features) are paid upgrades
- WPS has a nice, sleek interface and allows multiple documents to be opened in tabs rather than separate windows
- * WPS Office Software is based in California, however the product was initially developed in China. WPS is still a subsidiary of Kingsoft Corp with headquarters in China. In an age of concern about internet privacy, spying, etc. I wanted to include that info. Some users have complained of suspicious activity after installing the software. It's enough to make me not want to use it. It's a shame, because it does appear to be nice software.
- Works on: Windows, Linux, IOS, Android
Google Docs
- Google Docs is certainly a capable, widely-used option. I'm just not personally a Google fan, so I prefer to use the similar product, Zoho Docs.
- You must be online and have a Google account to use
- It works with Google Drive cloud storage
- You may invite others to view, comment, or collaborate on a document
- Integrates with Google Slides and Sheets
- Full integration with other Google products is only available through G Suite, a monthly subscription
- Works on: All OS - through web interface
