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Free Google Docs alternatives

Top Word Processors like Google Docs

The most popular alternative to Google Docs is Microsoft Word, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Google Docs are Zoho Writer, ONLYOFFICE, LibreOffice, and Pages.

Most alternatives to Google Docs are in the Word Processors category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Google Docs alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
8 apps

All Google Docs alternatives

  1. Microsoft Word

    4.7(3M) · App Store

    Microsoft Word is the word processor in Microsoft 365 and the reference for the .docx format used in many workplaces. It offers styles, track changes, comments, mail merge, references and real-time co-authoring through OneDrive or SharePoint, plus Copilot drafting in eligible plans. Word runs on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web, where a free version is available with a Microsoft account.

    11 Microsoft Word alternatives

    Pros

    • The reference for the .docx format used in many workplaces
    • Powerful styles, track changes, references and mail merge
    • Available on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web

    Cons

    • Full desktop features require a Microsoft 365 subscription
    • Dense interface packed with features most people never use
    • Copilot features are limited to eligible plans
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantGrammar and spell checkMicrosoft Office file compatibilityReal-time collaborationTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Microsoft Word

  2. Zoho Writer

    2.9(138) · App Store

    Zoho Writer is a cloud word processor from Zoho for writing and co-editing documents in the browser or on mobile. Beyond editing, it handles mail merge, fillable forms and document automation, can send documents out for signature, and the Zia assistant helps with grammar and readability. It is free for individuals and included in paid Zoho Workplace plans for teams.

    8 Zoho Writer alternatives

    Pros

    • Mail merge, fillable forms and document automation built in
    • Sends documents for e-signature without another tool
    • Free plan for individual users

    Cons

    • Less widespread, so collaborators may be unfamiliar with it
    • Best value comes from buying into the Zoho ecosystem
    • Fewer third-party templates and add-ons than Word or Google Docs
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantGrammar and spell checkMicrosoft Office file compatibilityReal-time collaborationTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Zoho Writer

  3. ONLYOFFICE

    3.6(176) · App Store

    ONLYOFFICE is an office suite from Ascensio System with editors for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs and forms, built around Microsoft Office formats. The desktop and mobile apps are free, and the online editors can be self-hosted or integrated into Nextcloud and other platforms, with paid cloud and enterprise editions. It supports real-time co-editing, plugins and AI assistants.

    12 ONLYOFFICE alternatives

    Pros

    • Strong compatibility with Microsoft Office formats
    • Free desktop and mobile apps, plus self-hostable online editors
    • Real-time co-editing and Nextcloud integration

    Cons

    • A self-hosted server needs technical setup
    • Enterprise features and support require paid editions
    • Fewer advanced features than Microsoft Office
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Office SuitesWord ProcessorsSpreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    AI assistantMicrosoft Office file compatibilityOffline modePlugins & extensionsReal-time collaborationTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about ONLYOFFICE

  4. LibreOffice

    4.5Kstars

    LibreOffice is a desktop office suite maintained by The Document Foundation, with Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math. It uses the OpenDocument format natively and opens and saves Microsoft Office files. It is free for any use, works fully offline and can be extended with community extensions and templates.

    12 LibreOffice alternatives

    Pros

    • Free for any use, with no account or subscription
    • Full suite with Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw and Base
    • Native OpenDocument support and fully offline use

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated next to Microsoft 365
    • Complex Office files can lose formatting
    • No real-time collaboration in the desktop apps
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Office SuitesWord ProcessorsSpreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Ad-freeMicrosoft Office file compatibilityOffline modePlugins & extensionsTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about LibreOffice

  5. Pages

    4.6(573.5K) · App Store

    Pages is Apple's free word processor for Mac, iPhone and iPad, also usable in the browser through iCloud.com. It mixes word processing with page layout, offering designed templates for reports, flyers and books, plus EPUB export. Documents sync via iCloud, can be edited with others in real time and can be exported to Word or PDF.

    9 Pages alternatives

    Pros

    • Free on Mac, iPhone and iPad, with well-designed templates
    • Combines word processing and page layout
    • Exports to Word, PDF and EPUB

    Cons

    • Native apps only on Apple devices, others must use iCloud.com
    • Word conversion can lose formatting in complex documents
    • Fewer advanced features than Word for long documents
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WebMaciPhone
    Features
    Cross-device syncMicrosoft Office file compatibilityReal-time collaborationTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Pages

  6. Notion

    4.8(90.4K) · App Store

    Notion combines notes, documents, databases and project management in a flexible block-based workspace, with an integrated AI assistant.

    17 Notion alternatives

    Pros

    • Docs, wikis and databases combined in one flexible workspace
    • Large template gallery for roadmaps, trackers and wikis
    • Real-time collaboration with comments, mentions and an API

    Cons

    • Databases and relations take time to master
    • Offline access is limited compared with local-first apps
    • Large workspaces can feel slow to load
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Note-taking & Knowledge Bases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantAPI accessMarkdown supportReal-time collaborationTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Notion

  7. Collabora Online

    3.4Kstars

    Collabora Online is an open source office suite from Collabora Productivity that runs LibreOffice technology in the browser, on your own server or through a hosting partner. It plugs into Nextcloud, ownCloud, Seafile and similar platforms for co-editing Office and OpenDocument files on infrastructure you control. A free development edition sits alongside paid supported versions and Collabora Office apps.

    9 Collabora Online alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source online office suite you can host on your own servers
    • Integrates with Nextcloud, ownCloud and Seafile for co-editing
    • Keeps documents on infrastructure you control

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated next to Google Docs or Microsoft 365
    • Self-hosting requires server setup and maintenance
    • Supported production versions are paid
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Office SuitesWord ProcessorsSpreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    IntegrationsMicrosoft Office file compatibilityReal-time collaborationTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Collabora Online

  8. WPS Office

    4.8(18.3K) · App Store

    WPS Office is an office suite developed by Kingsoft that combines a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation app and PDF tools in one interface with document tabs. It is compatible with Microsoft Office formats and available on desktop and mobile. The free version shows ads, while a paid subscription removes them and unlocks extra PDF features, cloud storage and WPS AI.

    12 WPS Office alternatives

    Pros

    • Tabbed interface for documents, sheets, slides and PDF tools
    • Good compatibility with Microsoft Office formats
    • Free on desktop and mobile, including Linux

    Cons

    • The free version shows ads
    • Extra PDF tools and WPS AI require a subscription
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Office SuitesWord ProcessorsSpreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantCross-device syncMicrosoft Office file compatibilityMobile appTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about WPS Office

Google Docs vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Google Docs, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Google Docs vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI assistantMicrosoft Office file compatibilityOffline modeReal-time collaborationTemplates
Google DocsFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
Microsoft WordFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Zoho WriterFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
ONLYOFFICEFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
LibreOfficeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
PagesFreeWeb, Mac, iPhone

Google Docs alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Google Docs?

The most popular alternative to Google Docs is Microsoft Word: Microsoft's word processor for documents, reports and letters. Other great alternatives are Zoho Writer, ONLYOFFICE, LibreOffice, and Pages.

Is there a free alternative to Google Docs?

Yes, 8 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Microsoft Word, Zoho Writer, ONLYOFFICE, and LibreOffice.

Is there an open source alternative to Google Docs?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including ONLYOFFICE, LibreOffice, and Collabora Online.

Is Google Docs free?

Google Docs has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Google Docs with its alternatives

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