Is Overleaf Free? Pricing, Plans, and Alternatives (2025)
Date Published
Is Overleaf Free?
Yes, Overleaf has a free tier, but with limitations. Here's what you need to know.
Overleaf Free Tier
What you get for free:
- Unlimited private projects - Basic collaboration (1 collaborator per project) - Real-time preview - 20-second compile timeout - Basic error logs
Free Tier Limitations
The free plan restricts:
- Collaborators: Only 1 per project - Compile time: 20 seconds max - Track changes: Not available - Git integration: Not available - Dropbox/GitHub sync: Not available - Priority support: Not available
Overleaf Premium Plans
Standard Plan
~$15/month (or less annually):
- 10 collaborators per project - 1-minute compile timeout - Track changes - Full error logs
Professional Plan
~$30/month (or less annually):
- Unlimited collaborators - 4-minute compile timeout - Git integration - Dropbox and GitHub sync - Priority support
Student Discounts
Check if your university has an institutional license—many do. This gives you premium features for free through your school email.
Free Alternatives to Overleaf
1. Octree
AI-powered LaTeX editor:
- Free tier available - AI writing assistance - Fast compilation - Modern interface
2. TeXstudio
Desktop application:
- Completely free - No compile limits - Works offline - Powerful features
3. VS Code + LaTeX Workshop
For developers:
- Free and extensible - Git built-in - Customizable - Works offline
4. Papeeria
Online editor:
- Free tier - Real-time collaboration - Git integration
When to Pay for Overleaf
Pay if you need:
- Team collaboration (>1 person) - Long compile times (complex documents) - Track changes for review - Institutional features
When Free is Enough
The free tier works for:
- Individual projects - Simple documents - Quick compilation - Learning LaTeX
Overleaf vs. Desktop Editors
Cost-Saving Tips
1. Check university access — free premium through school 2. Use annual billing — significant discount 3. Share with teammates — split professional plan 4. Try alternatives — Octree offers generous free tier
Why Consider Octree?
Octree offers more in the free tier:
- AI-powered editing assistance - Fast compilation - Modern, intuitive interface - No arbitrary limits
Try it free at https://useoctree.com