Microsoft Word has been the default word processor on PC for a long time, and though the program is tremendously powerful, it's the source of more than its fair share of irritation. It's bad enough that Word tries to autocorrect normal, everyday phrases, but if you try to adjust a table or an image? It's better just to go ahead and call the fire department because you'll be tempted to set your machine ablaze by the end of the process.

The good news is that multiple alternatives are not only more accessible than Microsoft Word but more useful, too. These programs will help you create whatever kind of document you need — and even adjust its formatting after the fact — without the kind of teeth-gritting annoyance that worries your cardiologist.

5 Google Docs

Free and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection

Google Docsis an absolute no-brainer for users who want to focus on productivity. It's available from any machine — all you have to do is log into your Google account — and it even works offline as well as online. Sure, it won't save while you're offline, but everything you've entered automatically syncs when you reconnect to the web. It also has a built-in dictionary and synonym finder, plenty of add-ons to use, and you can create your own templates for drafting documents quickly.

Pair that with real-time collaboration and customized shortcuts for typing longer or difficult-to-spell phrases (l will never get the silhouette right on the first try), and Google Docs becomes a serious Word competitor that doesn't cost a dime. Now that the price of Microsoft Office 365 is rising to $100 per year, it might be worth making the switch. Oh, and one last thing: Google Docs works seamlessly with Word documents, so you can transfer your existing files with only minimal reformatting required.

4 Scrivener

Ideal for large projects

Scrivener is a dedicated word processor from Literature & Latte that's primarily designed for novelists, but it can be used for a variety of tasks. The core program is a word processor inside a sort of story bible. You can use it to organize a huge amount of research materials into easy-to-navigate folders, and you can import entire web pages into the program. Scrivener allows users to set up the workspace in multiple formats, such as side-by-side or as a corkboard. You can set specific targets for how much you want to get done at a time, color-code tabs, and so much more.

The downside to Scrivener is that it can be intimidating at first glance. The program is expansive and comes with a tremendous number of features, but there's a learning curve to get past. Scrivener is available for $60, or $51 if you're an educator. There is both a Windows and a Mac version, but the Mac version of Scrivener tends to receive updates before its PC brethren. Even so, projects are compatible between both versions; if you work on both a Windows PC and a Mac, you can switch between both without a problem.

3 LibreOffice Writer

The king of formatting

By name alone, it's no surprise that LibreOffice is based on and inspired by Microsoft Office, but there are a couple of significant differences. First, LibreOffice is free. Second, it's open-source — and the community has created a huge number of extensions and templates to make your day-to-day workflow easier. LibreOffice is the successor to OpenOffice, a similar program that's still around but no longer receives updates. If you're still using OpenOffice, you should upgrade as soon as possible; OpenOffice has a few security flaws that put your machine at serious risk.

LibreOffice is also available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it has better formatting controls than Microsoft Word. Adding images, tables, and other complex items into a LibreOffice document is significantly easier without messing up the rest of your work. Just be aware that while LibreOffice is compatible with Microsoft Word files, opening a Word document in LibreOffice can sometimes result in wonky formatting.

2 Zoho Writer

Forget about distractions

Zoho Writer is a fantastic tool for those who are easily distracted. If you find yourself constantly switching to another tab, checking your phone, or even glancing out the window at a passing bird instead of actually writing, all you have to do is turn on its Focus Mode. It will help you stay locked in on your current project. Beyond that, it's a minimalist writing tool whose features are anything except that. You can enable/disable specific parts of the document for collaboration, and if it's a late night, and you forget to save? Zoho Writer's automatic backups have you covered.

The built-in assistant, Zia will help improve your writing and prevent you from making easily avoidable mistakes. The AI can understand the context of your writing and suggest ways to tighten up the prose or simply make a challenging subject more understandable. It even gives a readability score and a reading level. However, the most impressive part of Zoho Writer's assistant is that it can check for plagiarism and duplicate content, and it's all free. If you're a student, this tool is a fantastic way to ensure you aren't going to lose points — or worse — because someone in your group project didn't do the work themselves.

1 WPS Writer

A non-Microsoft clone

If you like Microsoft Word but you're looking for a version that's free of the hefty price tag, WPS Writer is your best option. It's a near-identical copy of Microsoft Word, with a similar interface and layout. It's also compatible with 15 different file types, including .doc and .docx. It works with file formats as far back as Office 97. WPS Writer gives users access to more than 100,000 templates, all free, but its best feature is that it makes your work accessible from anywhere.

You can use WPS Writer on PC, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. The program will sync your work automatically across all platforms, and it even comes with 1GB of cloud storage at no cost. You might run into an advertisement occasionally, but overall, it's hard to find fault with this application. And if you don't want the ads? You can pay to upgrade to the premium version — a one-time fee instead of $100 per year — but it isn't necessary since none of the actual features are locked behind a paywall.

With so many options, why choose Word?

There are so many options out there, both paid and unpaid, that it seems ridiculous to pay $100 a year to Microsoft for the privilege of using MS Office. If you need a word processor for work or school, try one of these on this list rather than forking over a fistful of cash. WPS Writer is an excellent option for those who are already familiar with Word, and Google Docs is the best for collaboration. If you want to write a book, go with Scrivener. Don't feel like you're limited to a single option.