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Microsoft Word alternatives · Writing

Open-source alternatives to Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is not described as open source on its own site. 12 of the 67 other writing tools in this directory are open source, according to their own sites.

Microsoft Word has a free plan. Paid plans start at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal). All of them are free or have a free plan.

12 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from Microsoft Word

  1. LibreOffice Writer

    Free, open-source word processor for Windows, macOS and Linux

    • LibreOffice Writer is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only LibreOffice Writer lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
    LibreOffice Writer vs Microsoft WordLibreOffice Writer pricing and details

  2. Typst

    Markup-based typesetting system with a collaborative web app

    • Typst starts at $7.99 per month, billed monthly ($79.99 billed yearly). Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Typst lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Typst is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    Typst vs Microsoft WordTypst pricing and details

  3. LanguageTool

    Grammar and style checker for more than 30 languages

    • LanguageTool starts at $4.99 per month on a 2-year plan ($119.80); $69.90 billed annually. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only LanguageTool lists a browser extension.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists an Android app.
    • LanguageTool is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    LanguageTool pricing and details

  4. Zettlr

    Free, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing

    • Zettlr is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Zettlr lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
    Zettlr pricing and details

  5. FocusWriter

    Free distraction-free word processor for Windows and Linux

    • FocusWriter is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only FocusWriter lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
    FocusWriter pricing and details

  6. ghostwriter

    Free, open-source Markdown editor from KDE for focused writing

    • ghostwriter is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only ghostwriter lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
    ghostwriter pricing and details

  7. MarkText

    Free, open-source Markdown editor with in-place live rendering

    • MarkText is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only MarkText lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
    MarkText pricing and details

  8. Manuskript

    Free, open-source novel planner with an outliner and index cards

    • Manuskript is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Manuskript lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
    Manuskript pricing and details

  9. novelWriter

    Free, open-source plain-text editor for writing novels

    • novelWriter is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only novelWriter lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
    novelWriter pricing and details

  10. bibisco

    Novel planning and writing software built around characters

    • bibisco starts at $3.49 per month for Everywhere sync; desktop Supporters Edition is $69 one-time. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only bibisco lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • bibisco is open source, according to its own site.
    bibisco pricing and details

  11. Trelby

    Free, open-source screenwriting program for desktop

    • Trelby is free. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Trelby lists a Linux app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists iOS and Android apps.
    Trelby pricing and details

  12. Beat

    Free, open-source Fountain screenwriting app for Mac and iOS

    • Beat starts at $11.99 one-time for the iOS app. Microsoft Word starts at $9.99 / month, or $99.99 / year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
    • Only Microsoft Word lists a web app.
    • Only Microsoft Word lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Beat is open source, according to its own site.
    Beat pricing and details

Common questions

Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Word?

Yes. LibreOffice Writer, Typst, LanguageTool, Zettlr, FocusWriter, ghostwriter, MarkText, Manuskript and 4 more are open source, according to their own sites.

Is Microsoft Word open source?

Microsoft Word is not described as open source on its own site. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Microsoft Word: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.