Alternatives to Google Docs

Google Docs changed the way we collaborate on documents. The ability to edit text in real time with other people has become indispensable for many of us. Giving that up can feel impossible — but the alternatives are real and they work.

Some solutions replicate the Google Docs experience exactly in the browser, with real-time collaborative editing, comments, and version history. The difference lies in who runs the service and where your data ends up. Open-source projects like CryptPad offer end-to-end encryption: even the server operator cannot read your documents. Other platforms like OnlyOffice or Collabora integrate with clouds like Nextcloud, giving you collaboration without leaving your own private ecosystem.

For those working in organisations, the challenge is more complex — you need to bring colleagues along too. But enterprise-grade solutions exist and are mature. Below you'll find the most solid options, for both personal and professional use.