2
iA Writer
One-time purchase per platformA distraction-free Markdown editor. Pay once.
Pick it if you would rather pay once, you need it to work offline and you want something simpler.
Pay onceMacWindowsiPhoneAndroid
At a glance
| App | Price | Platforms | Pick it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word (the app you have) | Included in Microsoft 365 Personal $9.99/month or $99.99/year | Everywhere | - |
| Google Docs | Free with a Google account | iPhone, Android, Web | you want it free |
| iA Writer | One-time purchase per platform | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android | you would rather pay once |
| Rhymer's Block | Free | iPhone, Android | you want it free |
| Writey Cursive Handwriting | Free download | iPhone, Android | you want a free plan to start |
| Lex | Prices not shown | Web | you want a free plan to start |
| Apple Pages | Free download | Apple | you want a free plan to start |
| Ulysses | $5.99/month or $39.99/year. Student pricing available. Also on Setapp | Apple | you make content |
| Asana | Free for small teams | Everywhere | you want a free plan to start |
1
Google Docs
Free with a Google accountFree documents you can write together in real time.
Pick it if you want it free, you work with a team and you are a student.
FreeiPhoneAndroidWeb
3
Rhymer's Block
Free
Rhyming dictionary for lyricists, rappers and poets.
Pick it if you want it free.
FreeiPhoneAndroid
4
Writey Cursive Handwriting
Free download; paid upgrades in the app
Practise and learn handwriting and cursive in many languages.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start.
Free planiPhoneAndroid
5
Lex
Prices not shown; no longer accepting new customersBrowser-based collaborative writing editor with AI editing tools. Not accepting new customers.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start and you want something simpler.
Free planWeb
6
Apple Pages
Free download; paid upgrades in the app
Apple's word processor for documents, reports and flyers on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start.
Free planiPhone
7
Ulysses
$5.99/month or $39.99/year. Student pricing available. Also on Setapp
Writing app for Mac, iPad and iPhone that keeps all your texts in one iCloud-synced library; subscription.
Pick it if you make content and you use Apple devices.
PaidMaciPhone
8
Asana
Free for small teams; paid plans per userProject and task management for teams.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start and you work with a team.
Free planiPhoneAndroidWebMacWindows
We matched these apps to Microsoft Word by what they are for, who they suit and where they run, using our research on each app's official website and app store listing. We have not tested them hands-on for this page. Check the price on each app's own site before you buy.