Top 5 Overleaf Alternatives for Research Writing (2025 Edition)
Date Published
Looking Beyond Overleaf in 2025
Overleaf revolutionized collaborative LaTeX editing. But the research writing landscape has evolved. Here are the top 5 alternatives worth considering in 2025.
1. Octree — Best for AI-Powered Research Writing
Pros:
• Sub-second compilation times
• AI assistant that understands LaTeX context
• One-click error fixes
• Modern, distraction-free interface
Cons:
• Newer platform (less institutional adoption)
• Real-time collaboration coming soon
Best for: Researchers who want speed and AI assistance
2. TeXstudio — Best Free Desktop Option
Pros:
• Completely free and open-source
• Powerful local editor
• Extensive customization
Cons:
• No cloud sync
• Manual setup required
• No AI features
Best for: Budget-conscious users comfortable with local setup
3. Authorea — Best for Journal Submissions
Pros:
• Built-in journal templates
• Direct submission to publishers
• Collaborative features
Cons:
• Slower compilation
• Limited LaTeX customization
• Expensive premium tiers
Best for: Teams focused on journal publications
4. Crixet — Best for Math-Heavy Documents
Pros:
• Equation-focused interface
• Some AI capabilities
• Cloud-based
Cons:
• Limited template library
• Smaller community
Best for: Mathematics researchers
5. HackMD/CodiMD — Best for Quick Collaboration
Pros:
• Real-time markdown + LaTeX
• Free tier available
• Great for notes
Cons:
• Not designed for long documents
• Limited PDF export options
Best for: Quick collaborative notes
Our Recommendation
For serious research writing in 2025, Octree offers the best combination of speed, AI assistance, and modern UX. The AI-powered error fixing alone saves hours per project.
Try Octree at https://useoctree.com and see why researchers are switching from Overleaf.