Head-to-head · LaTeX Editors
Overleaf vs TeXShop
Overleaf leads on 0 checks, TeXShop on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreOverleaf · 5.0/10
- Free planboth
Our editors rank Overleaf at #1 and TeXShop at #8 for latex editors; TeXShop has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
Overleaf is the better fit for established teams needing polished collaboration. TeXShop is the better fit for mac users wanting a focused free editor.
- Overleaf fits best
Established teams needing polished collaboration
- TeXShop fits best
Mac users wanting a focused free editor
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Side by side
| Feature | Overleaf 5.0/10 Visit ↗ | TeXShop —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 5.0 | — |
| Ranking | #1 in LaTeX Editors | #8 in LaTeX Editors |
| Best for | Established teams needing polished collaboration | Mac users wanting a focused free editor |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web | macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Overleaf 0/4 · TeXShop 0/4 | ||
| Real-time collaboration | Not published | Not published |
| Offline editing | Not published | Not published |
| Visual editor | Not published | Not published |
| Git integration | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Editor type | Not published | Desktop |
| Supported platforms | Not published | macOS |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Overleaf is a browser-based LaTeX editor for researchers, students, authors, publishers, and technical teams. Its Visual Editor and Code Editor support different working styles, while automatic PDF compilation and preview keeps the… Read the review → |
TeXShop is a native macOS front end for writing and compiling TeX and LaTeX documents. It is aimed at researchers, students, educators, and technical authors who want a focused desktop editor for local document production. The application… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Overleaf — where it wins
- Visual and code editors with automatic PDF compilation
- Real-time editing, comments, chat, track changes, and history
- Git, GitHub, Dropbox, Zotero, Mendeley, and ReadCube integrations
Where it doesn't
- Free projects allow only one collaborator
- Free history covers only the last 24 hours
- Hosted web editing requires an internet connection
TeXShop — where it wins
- Local typesetting with PDF preview, printing, and SyncTeX synchronization
- Syntax coloring, completion, configurable engines, and BibTeX support
- Free, open-source desktop editor for Intel and Apple silicon Macs
Where it doesn't
- Requires a separate TeX distribution for typesetting
- Available only on macOS
- Designed for local work rather than collaboration
- Overleaf5.0/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A capable collaborative LaTeX workspace for teams that need editing, review, and citations together.
Visit OverleafFull verdict → - TeXShop—/10 · Free plan
A focused, free Mac editor for local TeX and LaTeX writing and typesetting.
Visit TeXShopFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026