Here’s a comprehensive list of top real-time collaborative, web-based text editors, including both open-source/self-hostable and cloud/SaaS platforms. Each tool includes its key features, and a feature-by-feature comparison follows to help you choose the right one.

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📝 Top Real-Time Collaborative Web-Based Text Editors

✅ 1. Etherpad (100% Open Source)

• 🔓 License: Apache 2.0
• 🌐 Website: etherpad.org
• 📦 Self-hostable: Yes (Node.js based)

Features:

• Real-time editing with cursor tracking
• Infinite undo/redo
• Plugins for rich-text, chat, authentication
• Easy integration with Moodle, WordPress
• Export to TXT, HTML, DOC, PDF

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✅ 2. OnlyOffice Docs (Open Source & Enterprise)

• 🔓 License: AGPL v3 (Community Edition)
• 🌐 Website: onlyoffice.com
• 📦 Self-hostable: Yes (Docker-supported)

Features:

• Full MS Office compatibility (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)
• Collaborative editing + comments, change tracking
• Integration with Nextcloud, Confluence, Alfresco
• Permissions: read-only, edit, review modes
• Mobile-friendly and secure

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✅ 3. CryptPad (100% Open Source & Encrypted)

• 🔓 License: AGPL v3
• 🌐 Website: cryptpad.org
• 📦 Self-hostable: Yes

Features:

• End-to-end encrypted collaboration
• Docs, spreadsheets, markdown, kanban, whiteboards
• Guest editing, no login required
• Rich permissions + password protection
• Zero-knowledge storage model

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✅ 4. HedgeDoc (Open Source Markdown-based)

• 🔓 License: AGPL v3
• 🌐 Website: hedgedoc.org
• 📦 Self-hostable: Yes

Features:

• Real-time collaborative markdown editing
• Slide mode for presentations
• GitHub/GitLab OAuth integration
• Syntax highlighting for code
• Chat alongside editor

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✅ 5. Collabora Online (LibreOffice-powered)

• 🔓 License: MPLv2.0 (Community)
• 🌐 Website: collaboraoffice.com
• 📦 Self-hostable: Yes (Docker, Kubernetes)

Features:

• Based on LibreOffice technology
• Real-time collaboration on DOCX, XLSX, ODP
• User presence, commenting, and change tracking
• Integrates with Nextcloud, ownCloud
• Enterprise-grade support

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✅ 6. Google Docs (Cloud/SaaS, Not Open Source)

• 🔒 License: Proprietary
• 📦 Self-hostable: ❌

Features:

• Seamless real-time editing with suggestions
• Version history, live comments
• AI assistance and smart compose
• Offline support
• Rich plugin ecosystem

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✅ 7. Microsoft Word Online (Office 365) (Cloud/SaaS)

• 🔒 License: Proprietary
• 📦 Self-hostable: ❌

Features:

• Collaborative editing on Office files
• Real-time co-authoring with track changes
• SharePoint, OneDrive integration
• Commenting, chat, AI proofing
• Office suite integration (Excel, PPT)

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✅ 8. CodiMD (Legacy predecessor of HedgeDoc) (Open Source)

• 🔓 License: AGPL v3
• 📦 Self-hostable: Yes

Features:

• Markdown-based live editor
• Slide presentations
• Team writing with GitHub OAuth
• Used widely in dev and documentation teams

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📊 Feature Comparison Table

Feature / Tool	Etherpad	OnlyOffice	CryptPad	HedgeDoc	Collabora	Google Docs	Word Online	CodiMD
Open Source	✅	✅ (CE)	✅	✅	✅ (CODE)	❌	❌	✅
Self-hostable	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Real-time Editing	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Office Format Support	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅	❌
Markdown Support	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	Limited	❌	✅
End-to-end Encryption	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Slide/Presentation Mode	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Commenting/Chat	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Integration Support	Medium	High	Medium	Medium	High	High	High	Low
Best For	Simple real-time writing	MS Office-like Teams	Privacy-focused teams	Dev/docs teams	LibreOffice shops	General users	MS ecosystem	Markdown/presentations

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💡 Recommendations by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Tools
100% Open Source with Self-Hosting	Etherpad, CryptPad, HedgeDoc
MS Office Compatibility + Collaboration	OnlyOffice, Collabora, Word Online
Privacy & Encryption First	CryptPad
Collaborative Markdown Notes/Slides	HedgeDoc, CodiMD
Google Workspace Environment	Google Docs
LibreOffice Alternative (Enterprise)	Collabora Online

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