Overleaf

Overleaf is a browser-based LaTeX editor for writing papers, theses, and problem sets with real-time collaboration and no local setup. The free tier covers solo writing, and there's a discounted student plan — but check whether your university already provides Overleaf Professional for free before paying.

Best for: STEM papers and thesis writing

What you get

• Free plan: unlimited projects but only 1 collaborator per project, a short compile-timeout limit, and AI assist capped at 5 uses/day
• Student plan $10/mo (or $98/yr, ~18% off) adds 10 collaborators and a much longer compile timeout; requires verified enrollment
• Non-student tiers: Standard $21/mo ($199/yr) and Professional $42/mo ($399/yr); annual billing saves ~20%
• Many universities offer Overleaf Professional free through a campus/library site license — check with your school before subscribing

How students use it

• Write lab reports and problem sets in LaTeX with zero local setup
• Collaborate on a paper in real time with your advisor or teammates
• Start from journal, thesis, and CV templates instead of raw LaTeX