Microsoft Word vs Scrivener

Not sure which of these tools fits your work? Compare Microsoft Word and Scrivener to see what you can do with each, what you'll pay and what to check before you choose.

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Check if these tools match how you work. Confirm the plans, limits and renewal prices with each provider before you choose.

Compare features and pricing for Microsoft Word, Scrivener
What matters to youMicrosoft WordScrivener
Best suited to
  • Businesses
  • Writers
Starting priceFrom $6.99 / free plan availableFrom $49.00
CategoryOffice SoftwareOffice Software
Ratings shown4.8 / 5 (1 reviews shown)4.7 / 5 (1 reviews shown)
Features to compare
  • Document styles and templates
  • Comments and tracked changes
  • Tables and page-layout tools
  • References and document navigation
  • Co-authoring through OneDrive or SharePoint
  • Binder for drafts and research
  • Corkboard and outline planning
  • Split-view reference material
  • Section-based manuscript organization
  • Compile to Word or PDF
Strengths
  • Suitable for structured business documents
  • Detailed review and formatting controls
  • Widely used document file format
  • Keeps research close to the manuscript
  • Supports flexible chapter organization
  • Designed around long-form writing
Considerations
  • Web and desktop capabilities differ
  • Advanced tools take time to learn
  • Advanced workflows have a learning curve
  • Compile settings need careful setup

Before you decide

  1. Which tool fits the way you work?
  2. What will it cost you now and when you renew?
  3. Can you try it on a real task before you choose?

Questions you may have when comparing Microsoft Word and Scrivener

What's different about Microsoft Word and Scrivener?

Microsoft Word lists Document styles and templates, Comments and tracked changes and Tables and page-layout tools. Scrivener lists Binder for drafts and research, Corkboard and outline planning and Split-view reference material. Start with the features you would actually use, then check which plan includes them. A shorter feature list doesn't necessarily mean a tool can't do something you need.

Which one will cost me less?

Compare the total for your team, not just the starting price. Check the billing period, currency, number of users, usage limits and renewal rate, then add any extras you need. If you try a free plan or trial, check what happens when you reach its limits.

How do I choose between Microsoft Word and Scrivener?

Pick a task you do often and try it in both tools. If you need Document Creation Software, start there. See which feels easier to use and works with the tools you already rely on. Before you pay, check the plan limits and whether you can get the support you need.