Microsoft Word has almost become synonymous with word processors, but its high pricing has stopped many users from using its services. Naturally, a lot of free word processors have come up with similar features and compatibility with DOC/DOCX format. You can use these word processors online and some even offer full-fledged offline desktop apps. Whether you want to write or edit a long-drawn document, you can do everything using these word processors for free. So on that note, let’s go ahead and find out which free word processors are worth using in 2022.

Here are the best free word processors that you should use in 2022 having top-notch features and tools. You can expand the table below and click on the link to move to the corresponding application.

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Word 365
  • LibreOffice
  • Apache OpenOffice
  • Polaris Office
  • Zoho Writer
  • Dropbox Paper
  • Apple Pages
  • FreeOffice TextMaker
  • WPS Office

1. Google Docs

If you are looking for a free word processor that can be used on any platform then Google Docs is the perfect pick. Unlike other online word processors, Google Docs is actually pretty feature-packed and supports offline writing too which can be enabled through a Chrome extension. There are a ton of third-party add-ons just like Microsoft Word Add-ins that can be integrated to bring more functionality.

Having said all of that, keep in mind, Google Docs does not sit well with MS Word formatting, although it supports DOC/DOCX format. But the good part is that you have the option to export the file in PDF format. All in all, if you generally work on web documents and want a solution that works well and for free then Google Docs is highly recommended.

The desktop version of Microsoft Word charges a sky-high price and Microsoft is aware of it. That’s why the company has developed a free version of Microsoft Word and other Office apps that can be only accessed through the web. It means that you can’t use the free version of Microsoft Office while you are offline.

Apart from that, bear in mind, formatting breaks on the online version if you try to import an MS Word 2019 file. Simply put, Microsoft Word 365 can be a great free word processor if you don’t have a complex project at hand. For basic stuff, it’s quite good and does the job well.

After two online word processors, finally we come to a full-fledged word processor that offers offline desktop apps and is totally available for free. LibreOffice is an open-source project that is compatible with Microsoft Word and other Office documents. It aims to bring all the powerful tools and features of popular word processors in a slick and modern user interface — all for free.

Besides that, what gives LibreOffice the edge is that its code is much better optimized, thus making it lighter and faster. Also, LibreOffice is more actively developed and is the default office suite included with the majority of Linux distros. And just recently LibreOffice 7.1 was released with support for better compatibility with DOC/DOCX file format and new table and writing features. I would say, if you want a free word processor in 2022 that has desktop-level tools and features then LibreOffice is simply the best out there.

Download (Free)

Probably after LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice is another word processor that is available for free and is loaded with features. It features powerful tools, fonts, table elements, and gets new features regularly due to the active development team. Just like LibreOffice, OpenOffice by Apache is completely free and open-source and includes a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a presentation software, a graphics editor, and a DBMS application.

Polaris Office is a pretty popular word processor and it’s strictly not a free word processor like the other ones mentioned on this list. However, the best part about Polaris Office is that the company offers a limited free version that brings enough features to suit the needs of most individual users. Basically, you will not have to pay a high subscription fee to complete your work.

Download (Free, Paid plan starts at $39.99/year)

In any discussion of word processors, rarely would you find people talk about Zoho Writer. But Zoho Writer is actually a really good word processor that is completely free — both online and in the offline desktop version. What I love about Zoho Writer is that it’s quite clean with all the basic features and toolset required to edit a word document. Don’t expect MS Word level of features, but it’s there with Microsoft Office 365 version.

7. Dropbox Paper

While Dropbox is moving many of its products behind a paywall, it’s still offering Dropbox Paper for free to its users. In case you are unaware, Dropbox Paper is the company’s lite word processor where the focus is real-time collaboration, access to to-dos, and managing tasks. In addition, you can add images, videos to the document, create table, add calendar timelines, and do much more.

If you are in the Apple ecosystem then you don’t need to go hunting for a free word processor because you already have it and it’s called Pages. Pages — part of iWork — is available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone so you are covered on all Apple devices. With Pages, you can create beautiful word documents in various fonts, color schemes, templates, and more.

FreeOffice TextMaker is a word processor that is feature-packed, lightweight, free, and one that works really well. It includes all the three standard office programs including a word processor. In terms of feature set, FreeOffice TextMaker is right there with LibreOffice and Free Office. I love the fact that you have similar-looking tools and features which many would appreciate.

Coming to compatibility, FreeOffice TextMaker has robust support for MS Office file formats, and better Office XML compatibility. Apart from that, it includes perks like multiple language dictionaries for more efficient spellchecking and smart indentation. To sum up, FreeOffice TextMaker is another free word processor with desktop-level features and you should definitely give it a shot.

Before we talk about WPS Office, let me make it clear that WPS Office displays ads and there has been a number of allegations against the company regarding data privacy. In addition, WPS Office is developed by Kingsoft which is a Beijing-based company and operates Cheetah Mobile — the shady company that Google banned from the Play Store. So if you feel strongly about your privacy then I would recommend you to stay away from WPS Office.

In addition to having all the essential document creation/editing abilities, WPS Office includes hundreds of free templates and fonts. The free version lets you create and edit documents in MS Office compatible formats. To sum up, on the utility side, WPS Office is really good and a lightweight word processor, but on the privacy front, it leaves a lot to be desired.