Top 10 Online Document Editors for 2025 (Features, Pricing & Security Compared)

Online document editors make it easy to create, edit and collaborate on documents from anywhere. With dozens of options available, choosing the right editor for your needs can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide compares the top 10 online document editors for 2025, examining ease of use, features, integrations, security, and pricing to help you find your perfect match.

TL;DR

• Peony excels at secure sharing with page analytics, custom branding and AI features
• Google Docs offers best-in-class collaboration with seamless Google integration
• Microsoft Word remains the industry standard with powerful formatting capabilities
• LibreOffice Writer provides free, open-source alternative with broad file support
• Apache OpenOffice Writer delivers another solid free office suite option
• WPS Office Writer is lightweight and Microsoft Office compatible
• Zoho Writer offers strong cloud-based collaboration as part of Zoho suite
• Dropbox Paper provides simple, clean collaboration integrated with Dropbox
• Evernote excels at note-taking and organization with team features
• Quip focuses on team document editing with Salesforce integration

Evaluation Criteria

When choosing an online document editor, consider what matters most for your workflow. Are you writing solo or collaborating with teams? Do you need basic functionality or advanced features for complex projects?

I evaluated each option based on these key criteria:

• Ease of use - How intuitive is navigation and completing common tasks
• Features - From basic formatting to advanced capabilities like media embedding
• File formats - How well it opens, edits and saves different file types
• Cloud sync - Integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.
• Collaboration - Real-time editing, comments, track changes
• Security - Encryption, password protection, access controls
• Mobile - Quality of mobile apps or responsive browser interface
• Price - Free vs paid plans and value proposition

The comparison table below provides a quick overview of how each editor scores across these dimensions.

Comparison Table

Criteria Breakdown

Let's break down what these key criteria actually mean and why they matter:

Ease of use: A simple, intuitive interface helps you get work done faster. I examined how easy it is to navigate and complete common tasks without a steep learning curve.

Feature set: From basic text formatting to advanced capabilities like media embedding, more features provide greater flexibility. I assessed the range of tools to understand each editor's versatility.

File format support: Your editor needs to work seamlessly with other applications. I tested compatibility with file types like .docx, .pdf, .odt and more for smooth integration.

Cloud integration: Connecting to Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive enables easy access and sharing. I evaluated sync features for streamlined workflows.

Collaboration tools: Features like real-time co-editing, comments and track changes are essential for teamwork. I examined how each editor handles collaborative editing.

Security/privacy: Protecting sensitive information is critical. I explored encryption, password protection, access controls and more to gauge security capabilities.

Mobile access: Modern work happens on the go. I checked whether each editor has mobile apps or responsive design for editing from anywhere.

Pricing: Free is great, but sometimes extra features justify paying. I broke down free vs paid plans and subscription models to compare value.

Use this breakdown to think about your top priorities and choose the criteria that matter most for your needs.

1. Peony

Best Known For

Peony is a modern document sharing and collaboration platform. It's renowned for secure sharing, page-level analytics, custom branding and AI features that enhance your documents. It works excellently for individuals and enterprises alike.

Features

Peony offers a robust set of tools for secure sharing and intelligent collaboration:

• Access controls to share sensitive documents safely
• Page-level analytics to understand how people engage with your docs
• Custom domains and URLs for consistent branding
• AI assistant to improve readability, catch errors and generate content
• Real-time collaboration features for seamless teamwork
• Document version control and activity tracking
• Password protection and dynamic watermarking

Pros

• User-friendly, modern interface
• Strong security and privacy features
• AI tools to enhance documents
• Comprehensive analytics and engagement tracking
• Generous free plan available

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 5/5
• File Format Support: 4/5
• Cloud Integration: 5/5
• Collaboration Tools: 4/5
• Security/Privacy: 5/5
• Mobile Access: 4/5
• Pricing/Plans: 4/5

Community Reviews

Peony has 5,000+ satisfied customers including founders, investors and professionals. Users praise the clean UI, efficient document management and custom branding capabilities. The enterprise-grade security and affordable pricing are major attractions.

Industry professionals highlight the page-level analytics and AI features as game-changers for document insights and improvements. The innovative approach to secure document sharing receives consistent praise.

Pricing

Peony offers affordable pricing at $40/month for the Pro plan with all features included: custom branding, unlimited data rooms, AI-powered organization, advanced analytics, and enterprise security.

• Pro: $40/month (all features, unlimited data rooms)
• Enterprise: Custom (API access, SLA, dedicated support)

Peony is trusted by over 15,000 companies for creating data rooms and sharing documents securely.

Start sharing documents with Peony

2. Google Docs

Best Known For

Google Docs is part of Google's wildly popular productivity suite. It's a collaborative online word processor that integrates seamlessly with other Google apps. The simple interface and real-time collaboration make it a go-to for individuals and teams working together from anywhere.

Features

Google Docs covers all the document creation and editing essentials:

• Real-time collaboration - multiple users can edit simultaneously
• Add images, tables, charts and other visuals
• Seamless integration with Google Drive, Sheets, Slides, etc.
• Access and edit from any device with an internet connection
• Version history and comment threads
• Templates and add-ons for extended functionality

Pros

• 100% free to use
• User-friendly, intuitive interface
• Deeply integrated with Google's ecosystem
• Easily accessible from anywhere online
• Powerful real-time collaboration tools
• Automatic saving and sync

Cons

• More limited formatting vs. desktop apps like Microsoft Word
• Requires internet connection for full functionality
• Fewer advanced features compared to full-fledged word processors
• Privacy concerns with Google data collection

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Feature Set: 4/5
• File Format Support: 4/5
• Cloud Integration: 5/5
• Collaboration Tools: 5/5
• Security/Privacy: 3/5
• Mobile Access: 5/5
• Pricing/Plans: 5/5

Community Reviews

Google Docs is beloved for its simplicity, collaboration features and integration with the Google ecosystem. Users of all skill levels find it intuitive. Teams rave about the efficient real-time co-editing capabilities.

Experts recommend it for the rock-solid cloud integration, easy access and $0 price tag. Individuals and organizations alike appreciate the free, cohesive experience across Google apps.

Pricing

You really can't beat free. Google Docs provides access to all features without spending a dime, which is a huge draw for individuals, students and budget-conscious organizations. You get 15 GB of storage included and can upgrade if you need more space.

Try Google Docs for free

3. Microsoft Word

Best Known For

Microsoft Word is the industry-standard word processor and part of the Microsoft Office suite. It's famous for its powerful formatting and editing tools. Professionals across industries rely on it for all kinds of documents, from basic memos to complex reports.

Features

Microsoft Word has an extensive array of document creation and editing capabilities:

• Advanced text formatting and styling with customizable templates
• Insert tables, images, charts and other multimedia elements
• Track changes, comments and collaboration tools for teamwork
• Integration with Excel and PowerPoint for data and presentations
• Macros and automation capabilities
• Extensive template library

Pros

• Extensive professional-level feature set
• Familiar interface for Microsoft Office veterans
• Macros and add-ins for deep customization
• Huge range of templates and design options
• Industry-standard file formats
• Offline editing capabilities

Cons

• Subscription-based pricing, no permanent license
• Limited real-time collaboration vs. cloud-native tools
• Can be resource-intensive on older systems
• Steep learning curve for new users

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 5/5
• File Format Support: 5/5
• Cloud Integration: 4/5
• Collaboration Tools: 3/5
• Security/Privacy: 4/5
• Mobile Access: 4/5
• Pricing/Plans: 3/5

Community Reviews

Microsoft Word has been the go-to for decades. Professionals and organizations praise its robust features and formatting capabilities for producing high-quality documents. The familiar interface and Microsoft integrations make it a natural fit for many.

Experts give it high marks for extensive customization, macros and add-ins. However, some note the subscription pricing and limited real-time collaboration may not work for all, especially teams or budget-conscious users.

Pricing

Microsoft Word is part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Personal plans start at $6.99/month or $69.99/year for core Office apps. Family plans are $9.99/month or $99.99/year. You can also make a one-time purchase of Office Home & Student 2021 with Word, Excel and PowerPoint for $149.99, but without ongoing updates.

Get started with Microsoft Word

4. LibreOffice Writer

Best Known For

LibreOffice Writer is a popular free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Word. It's part of the LibreOffice productivity suite. Users love its compatibility with Microsoft Office formats and wide range of supported file types.

Features

LibreOffice Writer packs in a solid set of word processing features:

• Advanced formatting tools for professional-looking documents
• Mail merge and database integration for personalized documents
• Export to PDF, EPUB, HTML and other formats
• Cross-platform compatibility - works on Windows, Mac, Linux
• Extensive template library
• Style and formatting controls

Pros

• Totally free to use
• Open-source with options for community contributions and customization
• Full-featured alternative to commercial office suites
• Familiar interface for Microsoft Office users
• No subscription or license fees
• Strong file format compatibility

Cons

• Limited real-time collaboration tools
• Some compatibility hiccups with complex Microsoft Office docs
• Fewer updates and support vs. paid alternatives
• Older-school interface and design
• No native cloud storage

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 4/5
• File Format Support: 5/5
• Cloud Integration: 2/5
• Collaboration Tools: 2/5
• Security/Privacy: 3/5
• Mobile Access: 3/5
• Pricing/Plans: 5/5

Community Reviews

LibreOffice Writer has a loyal fan base in the open-source community. Users praise its robust features that compete with premium tools while maintaining compatibility with key Microsoft formats.

Experts recommend it for the $0 price tag and flexibility, especially for budget-conscious individuals and organizations. However, they caution its limited collaboration, lack of mobile apps and dated UI may not fit more demanding use cases.

Pricing

LibreOffice Writer is 100% free to download and use. The open-source model means a collaborative community contributes improvements too. It's a go-to for individuals, students and organizations watching their budgets.

Download LibreOffice Writer for free

5. Apache OpenOffice Writer

Best Known For

Apache OpenOffice Writer is another well-known free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office. It's widely recognized for its compatibility with Microsoft formats at a budget-friendly $0 price point.

Features

Apache OpenOffice Writer offers a well-rounded set of word processing tools:

• Customizable formatting, styles, tables and multimedia support
• Mail merge and database integration for custom documents and mailing lists
• Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS and Linux
• Export to PDF, HTML and various image formats
• Template support and wizard tools

Pros

• Completely free to use
• Open-source flexibility and community contributions
• Familiar look and feel for Microsoft Office users
• Good compatibility with Microsoft Office file types
• No subscription required

Cons

• Limited real-time collaboration features
• Fewer updates and support vs. paid alternatives
• Dated interface and design
• Limited cloud integration and mobile access
• Slower development cycle

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 4/5
• File Format Support: 5/5
• Cloud Integration: 2/5
• Collaboration Tools: 2/5
• Security/Privacy: 3/5
• Mobile Access: 2/5
• Pricing/Plans: 5/5

Community Reviews

Apache OpenOffice Writer has a dedicated open-source following. The community appreciates the free, flexible alternative to commercial suites, especially its compatibility with Microsoft Office documents.

Industry experts tout its cost-effectiveness for individuals and organizations on tight budgets. However, they note the limited collaboration, lack of mobile apps and older interface may not suit those with more advanced needs.

Pricing

Apache OpenOffice Writer is completely free to download and use. The open-source approach fosters a collaborative environment for the community to pitch in on improvements and customizations.

Download Apache OpenOffice Writer for free

6. WPS Office Writer

Best Known For

WPS Office Writer is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word. It's popular for its compatibility with Microsoft Office formats while being more nimble than the full Microsoft suite.

Features

WPS Office Writer delivers essential word processing and document creation features:

• Formatting tools for professional-quality documents with visuals and multimedia
• PDF creation and editing capabilities built-in
• Lightweight, resource-efficient design for speed on any system
• Cloud storage and mobile apps for easy access anywhere
• Template library and tabbed interface

Pros

• Free to use
• Streamlined and resource-efficient performance
• Good compatibility with Microsoft Office file types
• Integrated cloud storage and mobile apps for on-the-go access
• Tabbed interface for managing multiple documents

Cons

• Limited real-time collaboration tools
• Fewer advanced features vs. Microsoft Word
• Some users may find the interface slightly dated
• Fewer updates and support compared to paid alternatives
• Ads in free version

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 3/5
• File Format Support: 5/5
• Cloud Integration: 4/5
• Collaboration Tools: 2/5
• Security/Privacy: 3/5
• Mobile Access: 4/5
• Pricing/Plans: 5/5

Community Reviews

WPS Office Writer has a following among users wanting a free, no-frills alternative to Microsoft Word. The community praises its Microsoft Office compatibility and smooth performance even on older systems.

Experts recommend it as a cost-effective option, especially for its Microsoft format support. However, they point out its limited collaboration and fewer bells and whistles vs. Word may not fit power users or complex use cases.

Pricing

WPS Office Writer is free to download and use. While there are some paid plans with extra features and ad removal, the free version covers all the essentials for most users' basic document needs.

Get WPS Office Writer free

7. Zoho Writer

Best Known For

Zoho Writer is a cloud-based word processor that's part of Zoho's wider productivity suite. It's known for its strong real-time collaboration and tight integration with other Zoho tools, making it popular for teams already using Zoho.

Features

Zoho Writer focuses on collaborative document creation and editing:

• Real-time co-editing tools for live collaboration
• Add visuals like images, tables and charts
• Seamless sync with Zoho Sheet, Zoho Show and other apps
• Mobile apps for editing docs on the go
• Built-in chat and comments
• AI-powered writing assistant

Pros

• Cloud-based for easy access anywhere
• Powerful real-time collaboration features
• Deep integration with Zoho's app ecosystem
• Mobile apps for on-the-go productivity
• Clean, modern interface

Cons

• More limited formatting vs. desktop word processors
• Learning curve for users new to Zoho's interface and apps
• Some may have privacy concerns with cloud storage
• Limited offline editing capabilities
• Best value requires Zoho ecosystem adoption

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 3/5
• File Format Support: 4/5
• Cloud Integration: 5/5
• Collaboration Tools: 5/5
• Security/Privacy: 4/5
• Mobile Access: 5/5
• Pricing/Plans: 4/5

Community Reviews

Zoho Writer gets praise from users for its slick collaboration tools and integration with Zoho's other apps. Teams appreciate the efficient real-time co-editing and unified workflows across Zoho tools like Sheets and Show.

Experts give it a thumbs up for the robust cloud features and collaboration focused on teams. However, they note the limited formatting, potential Zoho learning curve and cloud storage may not work for all users and needs.

Pricing

Zoho Writer has a limited free plan and paid plans from $3/user/month. Paid tiers unlock advanced collaboration, Zoho app integrations and more storage. Teams may find the paid plans worthwhile for the full Zoho experience.

Try Zoho Writer

8. Dropbox Paper

Best Known For

Dropbox Paper is a minimalist document editor and collaboration tool connected with Dropbox's cloud storage. Its streamlined interface and collaboration features make it popular for team-based document editing and information-sharing.

Features

Dropbox Paper offers a focused toolset for collaborative document creation:

• Real-time co-editing for live collaboration
• Add images, tables, code snippets and other helpful visuals
• Seamless integration with Dropbox cloud storage and file-sharing
• Mobile apps for on-the-go document access and editing
• Task management and calendar integration
• Clean, distraction-free interface

Pros

• Clean, user-friendly interface
• Strong real-time collaboration tools
• Tight integration with Dropbox's ecosystem
• Mobile apps for anytime, anywhere productivity
• Simple task and project management features

Cons

• Limited formatting and customization options
• Lacks some advanced features vs. full-fledged word processors
• Limited offline editing capabilities
• Some may have privacy concerns with cloud storage
• Requires Dropbox ecosystem for best value

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Feature Set: 3/5
• File Format Support: 3/5
• Cloud Integration: 5/5
• Collaboration Tools: 5/5
• Security/Privacy: 4/5
• Mobile Access: 5/5
• Pricing/Plans: 3/5

Community Reviews

Dropbox Paper has fans who love its simplicity for seamless team document editing and collaboration. Users praise the intuitive interface and integration with Dropbox's ecosystem for streamlined workflows.

Experts recommend it for the slick UI and powerful collaboration, especially for teams already using Dropbox. However, they caution its limited formatting, fewer features vs. heavy-duty word processors and cloud-only access may not suit all use cases.

Pricing

Dropbox Paper is included with Dropbox's paid plans, which start at $12.50/user/month for additional storage, advanced sharing and other perks on top of the limited free plan. Teams may find the paid tiers worthwhile for the full feature set and Dropbox integration.

Get started with Dropbox Paper

9. Evernote

Best Known For

Evernote is a popular cross-platform note-taking and organization app. It's known for its ability to capture various types of content and information and sync seamlessly across devices. Evernote's collaboration features also make it useful for team-based knowledge sharing.

Features

Evernote packs a lot of utility into its note-taking and organization toolset:

• Rich text formatting and multimedia support for visuals and audio
• Web clipper to save online content directly to notes
• Powerful search and organization for easy note retrieval
• Collaboration and sharing for seamless teamwork
• Template library and task management
• Document scanning capabilities

Pros

• Versatile content capture and organization
• Syncs across devices and platforms
• Good collaboration features for team knowledge-sharing
• Robust search tools to quickly surface notes
• Extensive integration ecosystem

Cons

• Limited formatting vs. dedicated word processors
• Steeper learning curve for organizing larger note collections
• Some may have privacy concerns with cloud storage
• Free plan has limited offline access
• Can become expensive for teams

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 4/5
• File Format Support: 4/5
• Cloud Integration: 5/5
• Collaboration Tools: 4/5
• Security/Privacy: 4/5
• Mobile Access: 5/5
• Pricing/Plans: 4/5

Community Reviews

Evernote has a loyal user base that values its flexibility and cross-platform syncing. The community appreciates its content capture and organization for note-taking, research and document creation, as well as the collaboration features for efficient team information-sharing.

Experts recommend Evernote for its powerful search and organization to quickly find and retrieve notes across devices. However, some point out its limited formatting for complex documents, learning curve for larger note collections and cloud storage may not work for all needs.

Pricing

Evernote has a limited free plan and paid tiers starting at $7.99/month for individuals. Paid plans unlock more upload capacity, advanced search and collaboration tools. Teams with bigger demands may find the paid options worthwhile for the full feature set.

Compare Evernote's plans

10. Quip

Best Known For

Quip is a cloud-based document editor and collaboration platform that's part of Salesforce's productivity suite. It's known for its team-focused document editing and tight integration with Salesforce's ecosystem, making it popular with organizations already using Salesforce.

Features

Quip offers a solid set of tools for collaborative document creation:

• Real-time co-editing for seamless teamwork
• Add images, tables, code snippets and other multimedia elements
• Deep integration with Salesforce and related productivity apps
• Mobile apps for on-the-go document access and editing
• Built-in chat and task management
• Spreadsheet capabilities

Pros

• Powerful real-time collaboration features
• Tight integration with Salesforce's ecosystem
• Good organizational tools for managing docs and projects
• Mobile apps for anytime, anywhere access
• Combined documents and spreadsheets

Cons

• Limited formatting and customization options
• Lacks some advanced features vs. full-fledged word processors
• Limited offline editing capabilities
• Some may have privacy concerns with cloud storage
• Best for Salesforce users

Ratings

• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Feature Set: 3/5
• File Format Support: 4/5
• Cloud Integration: 5/5
• Collaboration Tools: 5/5
• Security/Privacy: 4/5
• Mobile Access: 5/5
• Pricing/Plans: 4/5

Community Reviews

Quip gets kudos from users for its slick collaboration and integration with Salesforce's apps. Teams appreciate the efficient real-time co-editing and unified workflow within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Industry professionals recommend Quip for its powerful team collaboration tools and deep Salesforce integration, especially for organizations already invested in the Salesforce universe. However, they note its limited formatting, fewer features vs. dedicated word processors and cloud-centric model may not be ideal for all use cases.

Pricing

Quip has a limited free plan and paid tiers from $10/user/month for additional features like advanced collaboration, Salesforce integration and more storage. Teams may find the paid plans worthwhile for the full experience and Salesforce synergy.

See Quip's pricing plans

Notable Mentions

While the top 10 got the spotlight, there are a few other online document editors worth a quick mention:

• Etherpad - A simple, open-source and privacy-focused collaborative editor
• HackMD - A markdown-based editor aimed at developers and technical writers
• OnlyOffice - An open-source office suite with a Microsoft Office-style interface
• Calmly Writer - A minimalist, distraction-free editor for focused writing sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a PDF and Word document?

Word docs (.docx) and PDFs serve different purposes:

• Word docs are made for creating and editing. They let you freely change text, formatting, and layout.
• PDFs are basically digital printouts - they're meant for viewing or sharing in a locked layout that looks identical everywhere.

You'd typically use a Word doc while drafting and editing, then export to PDF for a clean final version.

Can I edit a PDF document?

Yes, but with limitations. You can use PDF editors to:

• Add comments, text or annotations
• Redact (black out) sensitive information
• Rearrange, insert or delete pages

However, for major content changes, it's usually better to edit the original source file (like a Word doc) if available. Editing PDFs can sometimes mess up formatting.

How can I share a PDF online securely?

You have several options for secure PDF sharing:

• Upload to secure platforms like Peony with password protection and analytics
• Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) and share a controlled link
• Embed the PDF directly on a webpage with embed code or an iframe

For sensitive documents, use platforms that offer access controls, password protection, and viewer tracking to maintain security.

How do I create a PDF?

Creating PDFs is straightforward:

• In most apps, go to File > Print and choose "Print to PDF" or "Save as PDF" as your printer
• Or go to File > Export and select PDF as the export format
• Some tools like Adobe Acrobat or online converters let you combine multiple docs into one PDF

Most modern operating systems and browsers can "print" any file or webpage to PDF.

Can I use Google Docs as a free PDF editor?

Sort of, but with limitations:

• Upload your PDF to Google Drive
• Open with Google Docs to convert to an editable document
• Make your changes in the Google Doc
• Go to File > Download > PDF to convert back to a PDF

Note: This conversion can mess with the original PDF's formatting, especially for complex layouts. For major edits, it's usually better to edit the original source file if available.

Final Thoughts

The right online document editor can transform your workflow, whether you're writing solo or collaborating with a global team. The key is to prioritize the features and experience that matter most for your specific needs.

Consider factors like ease of use, collaboration tools, file format support and integrations with the other apps in your toolkit. Don't forget security and privacy, especially if you're working with sensitive information.

The good news? With so many great options available, you're sure to find an online document editor that checks all your boxes. Whether you choose an all-in-one heavyweight like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, an open-source alternative like LibreOffice, a collaboration-focused tool like Quip or Dropbox Paper, or a security-first platform like Peony, you can't really go wrong.

For secure document sharing with advanced analytics and branding capabilities, try Peony today.

Related Resources

• Document Management Guide
• How to Protect PDF from Screenshots
• Document Tracking Software
• Best Secure File Sharing Tools