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Best Collaborative Research Writing Tools Software in 2026

Collaborative research writing tools help people write papers and other scholarly documents together. This category includes web, Windows, self-hosted, Linux, API, and macOS software, with options for LaTeX editing, citations, comments, revision history, and document exports.

  1. 1

    Overleaf

    by Overleaf
    Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4

    Choose Overleaf if you need to write and compile LaTeX documents with collaborators, or want templates for academic and technical writing.

    8.9 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
  2. 2

    Fidus Writer

    Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWeb

    Choose Fidus Writer for collaborative academic publishing when citations, formulas, and content reuse across web, print, or ebook formats matter.

    7.4 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    Authorea

    Free plan Web

    Choose Authorea if you want a free online workspace for collaborative research writing and preprint hosting with DOI assignment.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    MeetingScribe

    Free plan WebWindows

    MeetingScribe pairs local transcription and note generation with search, exports, and meeting workflows. Note that live speaker labels are limited; full diarization is performed in the batch pass.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    TeXposit

    Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

    TeXposit brings academic LaTeX and Markdown writing, collaboration, and project-aware assistance together in a free web editor.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  6. 6

    Typst

    by Typst
    Free plan WebWindowsMac+1

    Typst offers publishing and collaboration with a free starting plan and a paid upgrade for larger projects.

    6.9 Free plan · paid from $7.99/user/mo Visit site
  7. 7

    Prism

    by Prism
    Free plan Web

    Choose Prism if you need a free, web-based LaTeX workspace with scientific writing tools and real-time collaboration.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    SciFlow

    Free plan ExtensionWeb

    SciFlow brings collaborative academic writing and publishing tools into a browser-based workflow, with a free starting plan and multiple integrations.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  9. 9

    Aldine

    Free plan Web
    6.2 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    LetX

    Free plan Web
    6.2 Free plan · paid from $18/user/mo Visit site
  11. 11

    Lilia

    Free plan Web
    5.9 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    Murfy

    Free plan Web
    5.9 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    Ream

    Free plan Web
    5.6 Free plan Visit site
  14. 14

    TexLite

    Free plan Web
    5.5 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    Thetapad

    Free plan Web
    5.4 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare the free plan, paid starting price, and any free trial before choosing. If you need to read or change code, check the open-source licence. Also confirm the platform, collaboration workflow, and export formats match your project.

Questions

Do these tools have free plans?

Items in this category offer free plans. Freemium tools may reserve functions for paid tiers, so check the plan details before choosing.

Are free trials available?

A free trial is offered by items in this category. Check the trial terms and what access remains after the trial ends.

Which platforms are covered?

The category includes web, Windows, self-hosted, Linux, API, and macOS software.

Can I find open-source research writing software?

Open-source code is offered by items in this category. Review the licence to confirm you can read, change, and run the code as needed.

What features should I compare?

Compare free plan, paid starting price, LaTeX editor, real-time coauthoring, revision history, citation workflow, document comments, and export formats.

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