If you’re seeking alternatives to Microsoft Word, whether to embrace a free and open-source solution or simply to diversify your software options, you’re in luck. There’s a wealth of solid word processing applications available that can seamlessly run on most PCs and laptops. Here are four top contenders that stand out.
### 1. Calligra Words
Calligra Words is part of the KDE suite, which is known for its user-friendly Plasma desktop environment and impressive applications like Krita and Kdenlive. It offers a unique interface compared to Microsoft Word, placing commonly used formatting tools in a sizable menu to the right of the screen. This design somewhat resembles the layouts seen in photo-editing software like Photoshop or GIMP.
While it may not boast as many features as Word, Calligra Words is more than adequate for basic tasks. It occupies a middle ground between WordPad (which Microsoft has discontinued) and Microsoft Word. During my exploration of its features, I easily found essential tools for formatting layouts, managing citations, and adding headers and footers. To my surprise, Calligra handled tables much more smoothly than Word, which has long struggled with this function.
The application also prominently features drawing tools, adding an extra layer of utility.
However, it’s worth noting that Calligra Words is not currently available for Windows systems.
### 2. OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice presents a blend of familiar elements from both Microsoft Word and Calligra. It features a standard tool ribbon at the top and a convenient menu on the right for adjusting properties of your current tasks.
The interface is intuitive, making it easy to find various settings without getting lost in nested menus. However, OpenOffice lags behind LibreOffice in terms of updates, and as a result, you might notice that it doesn’t have the latest features as quickly.
In addition to the main word processor, OpenOffice includes several other applications designed to be stand-ins for standard Microsoft Office products.
### 3. ONLYOFFICE
For users who prefer an experience that closely mirrors Microsoft Word, ONLYOFFICE is an excellent choice. Its user interface is heavily inspired by Word, making it feel familiar right from the start.
While ONLYOFFICE may not have all the bells and whistles of Microsoft Word, it covers all the basics I’ve needed since switching to it. Notably, it allows integration with cloud services for easy access, similar to Word’s OneDrive functionality. You can even collaborate in real-time with others, akin to Google Docs.
Another highlight is ONLYOFFICE’s autosave feature, which works even without cloud sync—a flexibility that’s no longer available in Microsoft Word. Additionally, the application includes tools for creating spreadsheets and presentations, all within a single interface.
### 4. LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer is perhaps the most well-known alternative to Microsoft Word, especially among Linux users. It boasts nearly complete feature parity with Word.
Most differences between the two stem from Word’s cloud integration, which LibreOffice lacks unless you set it up manually. Visually, Writer resembles a version of Word from a decade ago. While this might take some getting used to, it doesn’t impede its usability.
In fact, I’ve found navigating menus in LibreOffice to be more straightforward than in Word. Testing its compatibility, I imported several formatted Word documents without any issues—a relief for those concerned about transferring their work.
LibreOffice isn’t just a standalone word processor; it comes as part of the LibreOffice suite, which includes alternatives for Excel (Calc) and PowerPoint (Impress), among others.
### Performance Insights
I tested all four applications on various devices: a modern desktop, an older laptop with Kubuntu, and a vintage Optiplex running Linux. Across the board, the desktop handled each application effortlessly without noticeable performance drops. However, on the older Optiplex, ONLYOFFICE wasn’t as responsive, while both Calligra and LibreOffice performed significantly better. For those relying on low-power devices, either of these two would be a wise choice.
In conclusion, each of these Microsoft Word alternatives brings something unique to the table. Whether you prioritize a familiar interface or a more streamlined, user-friendly experience, there’s bound to be a solution that meets your word processing needs.
