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Head-to-head · Word Processing Software

Microsoft Word vs LibreOffice Writer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft Word #1 in Word Processing Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Microsoft Word
LibreOffice Writer #7 in Word Processing Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit LibreOffice

Microsoft Word leads on 1 check, LibreOffice Writer on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft Word · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMicrosoft Word · 4 of 4

Microsoft Word scores higher on our rubric for word processing software: 9.4 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Microsoft Word offers real-time collaboration; LibreOffice Writer doesn't.

Microsoft Word is the better fit for professional users needing a complete word processor. LibreOffice Writer is the better fit for free offline desktop word processing.

  • Microsoft Word fits best

    Professional users needing a complete word processor

  • LibreOffice Writer fits best

    Free offline desktop word processing

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft Word 9.4/10 Visit ↗ LibreOffice Writer 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.5
Ranking #1 in Word Processing Software #7 in Word Processing Software
Best for Professional users needing a complete word processor Free offline desktop word processing
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $7/user/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Features Microsoft Word 4/4 · LibreOffice Writer 3/4
Desktop apps ✓ ✓
Offline editing ✓ ✓
Real-time collaboration ✓ (best) —
Track changes ✓ ✓
Specs
Desktop platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Maximum document size 512 MB Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Real-time co-authoring, track changes, and version history support review workflows
  • Desktop, web, and mobile access across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
  • Templates, dictation, accessibility checking, and Copilot-assisted writing tools
  • Works offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats
  • Includes PDF, EPUB, signing, forms, and review tools
Cons
  • The free plan is limited to Word for the web and basic editing features
  • Desktop Word requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription
  • The 512 MB maximum applies to Word files opened by Word
  • No real-time collaboration
  • No verified integrations
  • Distributed within LibreOffice rather than as a standalone product
Our verdict

Microsoft Word is a word-processing application for creating, editing, formatting, reviewing, and sharing documents. It suits professional users who need a complete document workspace across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Core…

Read the review →

LibreOffice Writer is the word-processing component of the free, open-source LibreOffice suite. It is intended for individuals, organizations, and public authorities that need a locally installed editor for creating, editing, formatting,…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft WordWord Processing Software 9.4Free plan
  2. LibreOffice WriterWord Processing Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft Word — where it wins

    • Real-time co-authoring, track changes, and version history support review workflows
    • Desktop, web, and mobile access across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
    • Templates, dictation, accessibility checking, and Copilot-assisted writing tools

    Where it doesn't

    • The free plan is limited to Word for the web and basic editing features
    • Desktop Word requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription
    • The 512 MB maximum applies to Word files opened by Word

  • LibreOffice Writer — where it wins

    • Works offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Supports Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats
    • Includes PDF, EPUB, signing, forms, and review tools

    Where it doesn't

    • No real-time collaboration
    • No verified integrations
    • Distributed within LibreOffice rather than as a standalone product

More comparisons

All word processing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update