# Open Source Alternative to Google Docs

Open source alternatives · Office

Google Docs is free, but your documents train their models. CryptPad gives you collaborative docs with end-to-end encryption.

**What the paid app costs:** Free (privacy cost)

## Why switch?

The price of Google Docs is your data. CryptPad's zero-knowledge encryption means even its operators cannot read your documents, and OnlyOffice gives teams a self-hosted Workspace-style suite. Your drafts stay yours.

## Compare the alternatives

AlternativeLicensePlatformsBest for[CryptPad](https://cryptpad.org/)AGPL-3.0Web, self-hostableFor private collaborative documents[OnlyOffice](https://www.onlyoffice.com/)AGPL-3.0Windows, macOS, Linux, webFor teams leaving Google Workspace

### [CryptPad](https://cryptpad.org/)

Free forever AGPL-3.0 · Web, self-hostable

- End-to-end encrypted docs
- Real-time collaboration
- No account needed to edit

**For private collaborative documents**

[Official site →](https://cryptpad.org/)

### [OnlyOffice](https://www.onlyoffice.com/)

Free forever AGPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux, web

- Familiar Office-style interface
- Collaborative editing
- Self-hostable

**For teams leaving Google Workspace**

[Official site →](https://www.onlyoffice.com/)

## Which one should you pick?

- **CryptPad:** For private collaborative documents
- **OnlyOffice:** For teams leaving Google Workspace

## Frequently asked questions

### Is CryptPad really private?

Yes. Documents are encrypted in your browser before upload; the server only ever sees ciphertext.

### Can I share a doc with someone without an account?

Yes, CryptPad share links let anyone view or edit without signing up.

### What about spreadsheets and slides?

CryptPad includes encrypted sheets, slides, kanban, and whiteboards too.

## More open source alternatives

- [Microsoft Office](/open-source-alternative-to-microsoft-office/)
- [DocuSign](/open-source-alternative-to-docusign/)

[← All open source alternatives](/open-source-alternatives/)