Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word: A complete word processor with strong collaboration, review, accessibility, and Microsoft ecosystem support. Ranked #1 of 45 in Word Processing Software by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for professional users needing a complete word processor.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forProfessional users needing a complete word processor
- Free planYes
- Paid from$7/user/mo
- Desktop appsYes
- Founded1975 · Redmond, Washington, USA
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Microsoft Word
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 capabilities include templates, spelling and grammar assistance, dictation, voice commands, real-time co-authoring, track changes, version history, and Accessibility Checker. Word is available on the web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with offline editing supported through its desktop applications.
Its pricing structure covers both individual and business use. Microsoft Word Free provides Word for the web, sharing and real-time collaboration, basic spelling and grammar, and 5 GB of cloud storage at $0 per person. Microsoft 365 Personal costs $9.99 per month when billed monthly and adds desktop Word for PC and Mac, use on up to five devices simultaneously, 1 TB of cloud storage, and Copilot in Word. Business Basic costs $7 per user per month when billed annually and includes web and mobile Word, 1 TB of cloud storage per user, business email, and Microsoft Teams. Business Standard with Copilot costs $23.50 per user per month when billed annually and adds desktop Word, Copilot in Word, and 1 TB of cloud storage per user.
Word is particularly well suited to organizations already working with OneDrive, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams. Its review features and accessibility tools give formal document workflows more depth than a basic editor, while Copilot can assist with drafting, rewriting, and summarization on eligible plans. The main trade-off is plan separation: the free option is web-based, while desktop applications and some AI features require paid tiers. Choose Word for broad editing, collaboration, and Microsoft integration; consider a narrower tool if you only need basic browser-based writing.
Your product? Our editors can test Microsoft Word in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Microsoft Word pricing
All 4 Microsoft Word plans and prices →
Microsoft Word fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $7/user/mo |
| Desktop apps | Yes |
| Offline editing | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes |
| Track changes | Yes |
| Desktop platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Maximum document size | 512 MB |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Microsoft Word integrations
Microsoft Word lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- OneDrive
- SharePoint
- Microsoft Teams
Alternatives to Microsoft Word
- Google DocsA strong browser-first word processor for teams that edit documents together.9.2
- Zoho WriterA broad free word processor for teams needing cross-platform editing and workflow features.9.0
- WPS WriterAffordable Word-compatible editing with offline work, collaboration, AI, and PDF tools.8.9
See all Microsoft Word alternatives →
Microsoft Word vs the competition
- Microsoft Word vs Google Docs
- Microsoft Word vs Zoho Writer
- Microsoft Word vs WPS Writer
- Microsoft Word vs ONLYOFFICE Docs
- Microsoft Word vs Apple Pages
- Microsoft Word vs LibreOffice Writer
Compare Microsoft Word with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Microsoft Word is ranked in 7 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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