Which Is the Best Word Processor for iPad? Our Top 10 Picks in 2025

How often do you use your iPad to watch endless TikToks, play Angry Birds, or quickly type out your grocery list? Probably more than you’d like to admit. But that’s not all it’s good for.

The iPad has evolved into a serious productivity powerhouse, and with the right word processor, it can seamlessly replace a laptop.

Whether you're writing research papers, drafting reports, or crafting your next bestseller, you need a reliable word-processing app. One that makes writing, editing, and storing documents effortless.

Yet, with so many word-processing apps claiming to be the best, how do you find the one that actually fits your workflow?

To help you decide, we've rounded up the top 10 word processing apps for iPad (including some completely free options) so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Here are the best options to consider in 2025.

1. MobiDocs

Whatever you’re working on, MobiDocs transforms your iPad into the ultimate writing tool, helping you focus on your words, not your workflow.

With an intuitive, touch-friendly interface, you can create, edit, and format documents effortlessly. And with Track Changes and built-in PDF conversion built right in, you can be sure your work will always look polished and professional.

What makes MobiDocs a great pick?

• Touch-optimized editing designed specifically for iPad.

• Full compatibility with Microsoft Word and other popular file formats.

• Rich formatting options, including fonts, styles, and templates.

• Track Changes and collaboration for easy teamwork.

• Seamless PDF conversion for professional document sharing.

Students can take notes, work on essays, and collaborate on group projects.

Writers get a distraction-free space with powerful formatting, while professionals enjoy precision editing and effortless file management – wherever they go.

2. Apple Pages

If you have an iPad, you already have access to the Apple Pages app – a completely free word processor for you to use.

With drag-and-drop formatting, creating reports, e-books, and newsletters is effortless. Plus, iCloud sync ensures your work is always up to date across all Apple devices.

What makes Pages a great pick?

• Completely free and built into iPadOS.

• Pre-made templates for reports, digital books, and more.

• iCloud sync to access your files anywhere.

• Real-time collaboration capabilities (but only via iCloud).

• Drag-and-drop formatting for easy customization.

That said, the Pages app lacks global search and replace; and may feel less intuitive for long-time Microsoft Word users.

3. Google Docs

For a free, cloud-based word processor, Google Docs is a go-to choice. It’s perfect for collaboration, allowing real-time editing, file commenting, and easy sharing – no more emailing files back and forth!

Plus, autosave ensures your work is never lost.

What makes Google Docs a great pick?

• Free and accessible from any device.

• Real-time collaboration with commenting and editing features.

• Autosaves your work so you never lose progress.

• Google Drive integration for easy cloud storage services.

• Works with Word files (DOCX) for compatibility.

However, advanced formatting options are limited, and it doesn’t integrate with Dropbox or iCloud.

4. Microsoft Word

For those familiar with Microsoft Word, the iPad version offers a feature-rich, professional editing experience.

From track changes and footnotes to OneDrive, Google Drive, and iCloud sync, it’s a powerhouse for polished documents.

What makes Microsoft Word a great pick?

• Best compatibility with Word documents (DOCX, DOC).

• Advanced formatting tools for professional editing.

• Track Changes & comments for seamless collaboration.

• Extensive cloud storage services.

• Works across iPad, iPhone, Mac, and PC.

That said, some features require a Microsoft 365 subscription, so do keep that in mind before committing to the Microsoft ecosystem.

5. WPS Office

Need an all-in-one office suite?

WPS Office combines word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations all in one place. This word-processing app's intuitive interface and document encryption therefore make it a solid alternative.

What makes WPS Office a great pick?

• An all-rounded office suite featuring all commonly used tools.

• Compatible with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

• Simple, intuitive design for easy navigation.

• Document encryption features for added security.

• Free version available with plenty of useful features.

However, some premium features require a subscription, and it may be slow with large files.

6. Ulysses

For distraction-free writing, Ulysses is a favorite among novelists, bloggers, and students.

Using Markdown for quick formatting, it offers a built-in proofreader, a personal writing library, and powerful export options (PDF, DOCX, HTML, EPUB).

What makes Ulysses a great pick?

• Distraction-free interface for focused writing.

• Markdown-based formatting for efficiency.

• iCloud sync to access files across devices.

• Built-in proofreader and grammar checker.

• Export options for multiple formats (PDF, DOCX, HTML, EPUB).

That said, Ulysses has a learning curve if you’re used to traditional apps, so don't expect to achieve Hemingway levels of focus until you spend some time with the app.

7. Werdsmith

Werdsmith is another app that helps novelists, bloggers, and screenwriters stay productive and motivated.

With pre-made templates, word goals, and writing rituals, this word-processing app focuses on habit-building over heavy formatting tools.

What makes Werdsmith a great pick?

• Writing templates for different formats.

• Motivation-based features like word goals and rituals.

• Face ID and Touch ID support to protect your work.

• Syncs across iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.

• Cloud backup to ensure your files are always safe.

However, a big con is that it lacks advanced editing tools like tables, images, and in-depth formatting.

8. Notes Writer

Ideal for note-taking, research, and document annotation, Notes Writer supports Apple Pencil handwriting, PDF markup, and form-filling.

In short, this word-processing app is perfect for students and professionals who need more than just text editing.

What makes Notes Writer a great pick?

• Apple Pencil support for handwritten notes.

• PDF annotation, form-filling, and document signing.

• Distraction-free writing mode.

• Cloud syncing with major storage services.

• Folder organization for easy document management.

That said, cut-and-paste functions can feel clunky, and page-load times may be slow for larger documents.

9. Bear

For beautiful, minimalist note-taking, Bear is one of the best free word processors you can get.

Rich formatting, image support, and tag-based organization make it great for both quick notes and long-form writing.

What makes Bear a great pick?

• Minimalist interface for distraction-free writing.

• Supports images, links, and checklists.

• Customizable folders and tag-based organization.

• iCloud sync across all Apple devices.

• Dark mode and themes for a personalized look.

That said, you’ll need Bear Pro for cross-device syncing and additional export options.

10. iA Writer

If you prefer a pure writing experience, iA Writer offers a distraction-free, Markdown-supported environment.

Features like Focus Mode and a built-in document library keep your work structured.

What makes iA Writer a great pick?

• Minimalist, distraction-free environment.

• Focus Mode to help you concentrate.

• Full Markdown support for faster formatting.

• Built-in library for document management.

• iCloud sync for seamless access across Apple devices.

That said, the word-processing app doesn’t support rich-text formatting.

BONUS app: Scrivener

For serious writing projects, Scrivener is one of the best word processors for long-form work.

This word processor for iPad lets authors, researchers, and screenwriters break down large projects into manageable sections and store research materials in one place.

What makes Scrivener a great pick?

• Ideal for long-form writing projects.

• Organizes research materials alongside your work.

• Flexible drafting tools for writing in any order.

• Exports to multiple formats (Word, PDF, Markdown, Final Draft).

• Snapshot feature to save earlier versions of your draft.

That said, Scrivener isn’t cheap, and you’ll need Dropbox for syncing.

Common issues with iPad word processors

Here are some common challenges users run into:

• Compatibility challenges - Not all apps handle documents the same way across different devices.

• Performance concerns - Some apps run smoothly on an iPad, but others lose key functionalities or feel sluggish.

• Limited features in free versions - advanced features often require a subscription.

• File management difficulties - a great word processor should fit into your workflow, whether you’re storing files on your iPad, in the cloud, or across multiple devices.

Frequently asked questions

Which of the apps is free to use?

Most of the apps on this list offer a free version, though some have limitations.

Which iPad word processor is best for collaboration?

If real-time collaboration is a must, Google Docs is the best choice, allowing multiple users to edit documents simultaneously.

Which apps feature offline mode?

If you need to edit documents without an internet connection, Google Docs (with offline mode enabled), Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and Ulysses all support offline editing.

MobiDocs also lets you work without Wi-Fi, so you can keep writing no matter where you are.

Which app offers the best format support?

Some handle file compatibility better than others. The top free word processors with great format support include Microsoft Word, WPS Office, and MobiDocs.

Are iPhone word apps secure?

Most word processors offer basic security features, but not all include built-in encryption.

If you need extra protection, MobiDocs offers document encryption and Face ID/Touch ID support, ensuring your files stay private and secure.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of great word processors for iPad, and each one brings something different to the table. But let’s be real – you won’t always have your iPad with you when you need to edit a document.

MobiDocs gives you the best of both worlds – a smooth, easy-to-use app for iPad and an online version for when you’re on another device.

So, try MobiDocs today and take your documents anywhere with you!