Top 5 Overleaf Alternatives for Research Writing (2025 Edition)

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.