Microsoft Word
Classic
Word processing
Word remains the default document editor for business and academic writing.
Documents
Track changes
Templates
Paid · from $6.99/mo
Apple Pages
Classic
Free word processor for Apple devices
4.2
Free · from $0
Best for Apple users wanting a free polished writerOverview
Pages is Apple's free document editor for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, offering elegant templates, real-time collaboration via iCloud, and solid Word document export/import.
Key features
- iCloud real-time collaboration
- Beautiful templates
- Word doc import/export
- Apple Pencil markup on iPad
Pros
- Free with Apple devices
- Clean, intuitive design
- Great for visually rich documents
Cons
- Apple ecosystem only
- Fewer power-user formatting features
Apple Pages screenshot
Captured from the official website
Apple Pages replaces
AI alternatives to Apple Pages
Google Docs
Classic
Collaborative document editing
Google Docs is the default free word processor for real-time collaboration and commenting. Its writing assistance is minimal compared with dedicated AI editors.
Real-time collaboration
Comments
Version history
Freemium · from Free
Notion
Classic
All-in-one workspace for notes and docs
Notion combines documents, databases and wikis in a single flexible workspace used by millions of teams.
Docs
Databases
Wikis
Freemium · from $0
Zoho Writer
AI
AI-powered online word processor
Zoho Writer is a cloud document editor with real-time collaboration, an AI writing assistant (Zia), and deep integration with the Zoho suite. It supports offline editing and robust document automation.
Real-time collaboration
Zia AI assistant
Document automation/merge
Freemium · from $0/mo
LibreOffice Writer
Classic
Free open-source word processor
LibreOffice Writer is a free, open-source desktop word processor compatible with .docx files, offering advanced formatting, templates, and macros without any subscription fee.
Full .docx compatibility
Advanced styles and templates
Macro/scripting support
Free · from $0
WPS Office Writer
AI
Word-compatible office suite with AI
WPS Office offers a Word-like writer app with AI-assisted writing, PDF tools, and full docx/xlsx/pptx compatibility at a fraction of Microsoft 365's price.
AI writing assistant
Full Office file format support
PDF conversion tools
Freemium · from $29.99/yr