Word processors are an indispensable tool on any PC. Every day we need to write all kinds of documents and reports, whether for our studies or in our working day. No wonder that one of the classic requirements when buying a new computer is that it comes with Office or Word installed, but… What happens if we can’t afford Microsoft’s office suite? Very simple: We will need to download a free word processor.
In today’s article we are going to offer you a selection of what we consider to be the best free word processors for 2023. All these alternatives to Word have been carefully chosen for their functions and tools as well as for their compatibility and ease of use. Are you ready to get to know them?
What should a good word processor have?
Choosing a good word processor is not easy. Searching the Internet, you will find an endless number of options, both free and paid, that promise to solve any problem when it comes to writing a document. However, not all word processors are the same and not all offer the same functions. What features should we take into account when choosing one?
- First of all, we must take into account its file compatibility. Bear in mind that the most widely used word processor in the world is Microsoft Word, so it is essential to look for a program that is compatible with the DOCX format. This is the only way to ensure that we will be able to open documents saved in this format and at the same time be able to share our files so that others can open them without any problem.
- Another important factor is that it does not slow down our computer. Many free word processors are not optimized and even though they are functional, they use too many computer resources. This translates into having to deal with a slow PC, decreasing our productivity and with the constant danger of the program not responding or losing the document.
- It is also essential that the word processor is updated often. This will ensure that any errors or bugs in the program will be repaired by its developers, as well as protect us from possible security holes. In addition, a word processor that is updated often indicates a development team involved in the program, so it is more likely that we will see new features, tools and improvements added in a future update.
- Finally, it is interesting if a word processor is cross-platform or includes cloud functionality. This way we will be able to work on the same document regardless of the computer or device we are using, as well as making it easier for other users to access the document.
1. WPS Office Free
We start our selection with WPS Office Free, a totally free productivity suite that will surprise all former Word users. It offers a text editor almost identical to Microsoft’s word processor, making it ideal for not wasting time learning its functions. From its interface you can create all kinds of documents, either from scratch or using its wide selection of default templates.
WPS Office Free is compatible with the main text file formats on the market, including DOCX. Thus, it is a perfect option if you want to make sure you don’t have any problems when opening or sharing files. On top of that, it has an interesting cloud storage service very similar to OneDrive.
The only weak point of WPS Office Free is that, being a free tool, it has ads that appear on screen. Even so, these are really discreet and can hardly be seen. Overall it is the best free option to do without paid suites like Word.
PROS:
- Complete office suite
- Identical interface to Word
- Compatibility with all major file formats
- Offers a cloud service
CONS:
- Has on-screen ads
2. LibreOffice (Writer)
LibreOffice is a complete open source office suite that includes a powerful word processor, Writer. In a similar way to WPS Office, Word users will feel at home using Writer. This is a program for creating and editing documents that is very visual, simple and intuitive to use. And best of all, it is always being constantly updated.
Writer is a free word processor perfect for all those who are not used to using one or simply looking for a complete program with which to create any type of text. From LibreOffice you will be able to write any document easily thanks to its wide selection of templates and tools. Not sure how any of them work? Don’t worry. Thanks to its wizard you will easily learn the specific functions of the program.
A very interesting point of Writer is that, being included in LibreOffice, you will be able to interact with the other tools of the package and therefore, add spreadsheets or make bibliographies in the blink of an eye. being an excellent candidate for best free word processor on the market.
In terms of compatibility, Writer supports all types of text files, although sometimes it does not display some Ofice documents correctly. Still, it remains an excellent candidate for best free word processor on the market.
PROS:
- Complete office suite
- Compatible with most text formats
- Almost non-existent learning curve
- Multiplatform
CONS:
- Occasionally some Office documents may have errors.
3. WriteMonkey
WriteMonkey is a free word processor designed especially for writing without spending a lot of time editing or formatting our document. It is therefore ideal if what we want is to make drafts, capture ideas or simply create a base document from which then shape a text.
An interesting point of WriteMonkey is that it has been designed so that you do not get distracted while you write your text. That’s why the word processor has a very simple interface and at the same time hides any kind of option that can detract your attention from the text you write. But don’t let its almost non-existent interface fool you. It is as powerful and useful a word processor as any of the ones mentioned in the list.
As a main attraction, WriteMonkey offers the possibility to search for words in Wikipedia automatically. The same happens with Google Images, so we will not need to use the browser and we will be able to concentrate completely on the text we are writing.
Finally, it is interesting to note that WriteMonkey is a portable app that does not require installation, so it is perfect for those who are not very fond of leaving programs installed on your computer. Mind you, it only supports TXT format, so it is only recommended for writing drafts and then editing them in another program.
PROS:
- Avoids distractions and increases productivity
- No installation required
- Fully customizable text and backgrounds
CONS:
- Only accepts TXT format
4. SoftMaker FreeOffice
SoftMaker FreeOffice is a free productivity suite along the lines of LibreOffice and WPS Office. It is simple, easy to use and provides all the necessary templates and functionalities to create a good document in just a few clicks. Its word processor, TextMaker, is an excellent alternative to Word that, despite being somewhat simpler than the previous options, allows you to create and edit professional documents in a matter of seconds.
One of the great attractions of TextMaker is that it allows you to create databases and bibliographies quickly and easily. In addition to this, the program is able to manage and record any changes in a document, making it perfect for teamwork.
The only negative point is the fact that although this tool allows you to open a file in DOCX format, it does not let you save it as such. This is not because it is a bad editor, but because you have to pay for the premium version of the suite, so it is no longer free. Still, if DOCX is not your preferred format, it is an excellent free word processor.
PROS:
- Complete office suite
- Eye-catching and intuitive interface
- Allows team work
- Very complete text editor
CONS:
- Does not allow saving in DOCX format in its free version.
5. FocusWriter
We close this list with FocusWriter, a free word processor different from everything you have seen so far. FocusWriter has not been developed to be used as an old-fashioned text editor, but as a notepad. Does this mean that it is no longer functional? Of course not!
Surely you will think that to write notes from your PC there is already the famous Windows Notepad or WordPad, but FocusWriter has been developed in such a way that it makes the Microsoft application obsolete. It has been created in such a way that it prevents you from getting distracted, forcing you to use your mental potential to write ideas or create a draft for a text.
FocusWriter has two writing modes, both designed to get the most out of our productivity:
- The first one, the normal mode, turns our entire screen into a notepad, leaving only the Windows toolbar visible in case we need to open some other program.
- The second one called “Focused Text” prevents us from seeing anything except the sentence or paragraph we are writing.
As a weak point, FocusWriter only allows saving files in TXT format, so an extra word processor is needed to format the document. Even so, this is an original, powerful and ideal tool to get the most out of our mind. Perfect for anyone who needs a word processor designed to promote their creative processes.
PROS:
- No installation required
- Increases productivity
- Allows you to focus on text creation
- Highly customizable
CONS:
- Only opens and saves files in TXT format
The best free alternatives to Word
We hope that our selection of free word processors has helped you. As you have seen, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money for an Office or Word license to be able to create professional documents in a few seconds. Have you found what you have read helpful? Don’t forget to share it with your friends on social networks!
