Google Docs is one of the most popular editorial tools globally (if not the most popular). Plus, it offers this collaborative tool for free, and that is why it has become a mainstay for professionals who manage teamwork projects.
However, different professionals desire certain features that aren’t on Google Docs.
For instance, you can’t use Google Docs without getting connected to the internet, unlike Microsoft Word and a couple of Google Docs alternatives listed here, which allows you to work offline.
Also, Google Docs has limited features, when compared to WPS Office, Microsoft Word, or other word documents. With Google Docs, you can’t get synonyms of words while typing, like Microsoft Word.
Apparently, there are tons of drawbacks with Google Docs and I’m going to be sharing them with you—while comparing each alternative.
Thankfully, the 10 best Google Docs alternatives listed in this post can offer more advanced and helpful features than Google Docs.
In addition, these alternatives can offer you more control, flexibility, ease of use, amongst many benefits, which Google Docs lacks.
The good news is:
I have taken the time to do some digging, just for you.
If you’re ready, let’s dive in!
Best Google Docs Alternatives
Here are the top ten Google Docs Alternatives.
1. SSuite Office
SSuite is among the best Google Docs alternatives you can find. One of the primary reasons I love it is that you don’t even need JAVA to install the software. With that, you can save yourself space on your hard drive.
You can use this software to complete tasks like:
- Writing quick letters
- Producing an ebook (embedded with TOCs, bibliographies, and indexes)
- Graphs
- Table charts
- Spreadsheets
Also, this software comes with features that allow you to format your texts, documents, and pages according to your preferences.
This feature gives the software an edge over Google Docs in terms of user-friendliness. In addition, using SSuite means you won’t have to deal with digital restrictions or any personal data collection, unlike Google Docs.
The best part is, you can get it for free.
2. ONLYOFFICE
ONLYOFFICE is a secure online office suite that offers many collaborative features. It allows you to co-edit your documents, work on spreadsheets, and handle presentations, all in real time.
ONLYOFFICE offers two unique co-editing modes:
- Real-time mode
- Paragraph locking mode
You can also track changes, view version history, and compare documents. Also, you can integrate ONLYOFFICE into existing platforms or use it independently as a built-in tool.
ONLYOFFICE stocks several business tools like:
- CRM
- Calendar
- Document and project management
- Chat
- Blogs
- Polls
- Forums
The software has a unique Community edition, which is excellent for teams that have up to 20 users. In addition, this edition is available for free!
There is also an Enterprise edition, which the platform built specifically for larger businesses. It also features an improved security option and professional support. Interestingly, this plan is available for free.
The cloud service is equally remarkable. It is cost-effective, and you can access and collaborate with it from any part of the world using any smart device.
Also, you should expect a subscription plan cost of $5, $3, and $2 per user/month (for one month, a year, or three-year plan), respectively—for the cloud service.
I have to mention that only annual subscribers have access to the one to two and three to five active users.
You can also enjoy a lifetime license, starting from $1,750 per server. Plus, It has one-year support and updates included in the plan.
ONLYOFFICE allows you to work on other cloud platforms. Google Docs, on the other hand, limits you to third-party applications.
Another advantage ONLYOFFICE has over Google Docs is that it allows you to work better with larger files. Lastly, you cannot enjoy a 100% cross-browser compatibility with Google Docs, but you can with ONLYOFFICE.
3. WPS Office
WPS Office is one of the top office productivity suites in the world. You can use it on both PC and smartphones (Android and iOS), thanks to its high performance level. Plus, it’s cost-effective as well.
Furthermore, this tool is compatible with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. As a result, you can carry your work across to more than one platform and still achieve the same document editing results.
As for the pricing, there’s a free version available for you to enjoy. There is also a free trial version, which can help you decide if it’s the right tool for you.
You can also consider the SMB or enterprise plans. Unfortunately, these aren’t free, and the prices vary according to the edition you choose.
WPS Office has a PDF converter and data recovery tool, which you can also purchase.
Below are their subscription plans.
- $29.99 per year (for personal and small businesses)
- $44.99/1 PC per year
- $79.99/1 PC lifetime license (business edition)
- $19.99/ 3 years
4. ZOHO Writer
If you are looking for a comprehensive online document management and file storage platform, then ZOHO Writer is an excellent option to explore.
You can use this tool to access and share documents, including images, videos, and text, across several devices from any location. Plus, you can sync all your offline documents to the cloud, all thanks to its superior encryption technology.
The software also comes with lots of extra features like:
- Online chat and collaboration
- Reviewing and tagging
- Check in/check out control
- Data backup
- Two-factor authentication
- User management
- Integration with Google apps
- Severa solution suites like CRM, Recruit, ZOHO projects, and ZOHO Mail
Pricing starts from $5/per month/per user. However, you can explore the free version or opt for a free trial.
New users find ZOHO Writer much easier to use than Google Docs due to its navigation. That is, the software has all its tools on the left panel with unique icons.
5. Quip
Quip is an alternative platform that enables you to work faster and wiser as it expertly combines documents, spreadsheets, and chat, seamlessly.
Many notable platforms like Pinterest, Facebook, and Quora use quip—to prove that it’s an innovative software.
There is a free version available, and the paid subscription plans go for:
- $30 per month/team of 5 users
- $10 per month/additional user
You can also check out the trial version before you subscribe to any of these plans. That way, you’ll get a first-hand user experience that’ll help your decision.
Quip has a modern design, cleaner typography, and better background compared to Google Docs.
6. Evernote
With Evernote, you can easily take notes, access information (voice and pictures), and share your ideas with the rest of your team. It also helps you manage your projects, track progression, stick to deadlines, hold meetings, and create to-do lists.
Further, Evernote allows you to tag, use notebooks, clip web pages, and find what you’re looking for using the search tool.
Another good thing about this software is that you can use it to work on small and large projects. Thanks to its accessibility, you can use the software on PC and smart devices
Creating an Evernote account is free. So, you can select a plan that suits your budget afterward.
Pricing starts from $2.70 per user/per month. There is also a free version available.
Evernote has an advantage over Google Docs in the area of note length. With this feature, you can take much longer notes and handle larger projects.
Explore more Evernote-like tools here.
7. Nuclino
Nuclino came about in 2016, and it offers excellent online support. In addition, it boasts great compatibility, as you can use it on SaaS, Windows, and Mac software.
Among its primary features are:
- Collaboration
- Full text search
- Content management
- Self-service portal
You can get Nuclino’s free trial version. However, the paid plan starts at $5 per month/user.
I consider Nuclino a superb alternative to Google Docs because the formatting options are far less extensive. Also, it offers a faster and easier editing experience for its users and helps keep your documentation more consistent.
8. Etherpad
Besides being a superb Google Docs alternative, etherpad is also customizable. This editing tool helps students, writers, and professionals develop documents and collaboratively edit them in real time.
The online collaborative documents (Pads) help you work on the same documents simultaneously while interacting with your team members. This real-time interaction is possible thanks to the chatbox technology in each pad.
Also, etherpad offers you an impressive version control feature. With this, you can view and collect all the previous versions of your documents. You can also track older revisions and permanently save specific versions of the old documents.
One of my favorite features of this tool is the time slider. This feature allows you to review all the events within the pad during a specific timeline.
There is also an import and export feature that allows you to output your documents in several formats. Plus, it helps you to keep records of all your articles, collaborative activities, and meetings. The best part is, you can access all these features for free offline.
Unlike Google Docs, etherpad lets you set a 24-hour, 60-day, or 365-day period before it destroys documents.
9. Microsoft Word
With Microsoft Word, you can publish newsletters, write ebooks, create short notes, transform your document into a web page, edit documents, and allow others to access it from anywhere.
Another remarkable feature of this software is its ability to translate your documents into other languages. You can do this with a few clicks.
It also allows you to insert 3D models directly into the document you are working on. Interestingly, not many editing suites have this function.
You can even have your writing read back to you with the learning tools feature. So, it’s easy for you to spot and correct mistakes.
I was equally impressed by the source finder feature. This feature allows you to access other articles that can inspire your work.
There is also the Editor Overview pane, which assists you in finding and fixing all proofing problems.
Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month. You can also explore the free trial version to get the hang of it first.
The advantages Microsoft Word has over Google Docs are many. One of them is the number of features loaded in the software. These features allow you to execute more tasks than you can on Google Docs.
So if you have some rich formatting and layout work on your hands, Microsoft Word is a much better choice than Google Docs.
10. Paper By Dropbox
Paper is the brainchild of Dropbox, and it has quickly become one of the most trusted online editing software in the world. It offers superb cloud storage solutions, and all you need to use the software is a Dropbox account.
Among Paper’s main features are:
- Easy addition and curation of images (especially if you’re already using Dropbox as host)
- Embedding external content
- Editing with markdown language
- Quick edits and basic styling
Paper is similar to many online document editing solutions as it allows you to collaborate and share documents with others. Plus, Paper takes the ease of sharing files to a whole new level, as you can do it in a few clicks. As a result, it attracts Dropbox users and Google account users.
Commenting in a Paper document is also very easy.
Speaking of collaboration, Dropbox Paper allows you to add “@” other members of your team, even when they aren’t currently working on the same document with you. Thus, the individual you mentioned will get a notification that you want them to join in the ongoing work.
Another collaboration feature I found impressive is the Task Assignment. This feature allows you to turn any bullet list into a task, which you can quickly assign to anyone collaborating with you on the document.
As far as speedy editing is concerned, I would say Dropbox Paper is better than Google Docs. The ability to add “@” collaborators and have them receive instant notifications to come and help out also puts them a step ahead. Plus, the software is free.
Google Docs Alternative: Bonus Options
If you’re looking for something different from the 10 alternatives I’ve reviewed so far, then you can check out these bonus options.
11. Coda
Coda comes with building blocks, which you can utilize to create nice-looking docs with app functionality.
You can begin with a blank document, pretty much like any other document. You can also insert tables into your documents, which allows you to select values using several drop-down menus.
Another great feature of this Google Docs alternative is that it lets members of your team view your documents in different formats.
These views include:
- Calendars
- Charts
- Cards
Coda also comes with features, which are similar to the several formula functions in spreadsheets.
You can use the app to send data to your team members, as well as schedule events. Plus, it comes with a “drag and drop” feature, with the ability to add your own unique buttons, which gives your documents the look and feel of an app.
To add to that, Coda offers multiple templates which you can use to customize the software for specific functions.
Templates can be set in the following areas:
- Business and product management
- Team meetings
- Inventory management
- Time tracking
- Reminders
- Expenses
Coda’s monthly subscriptions are fair when compared to Google Docs. They start at just $10 per month.
Another area where Coda has an edge over Google Docs is its live support. It offers a 24/7 live support feature to its users, while Google Docs does not.
12. Collabora
If you’re looking for a Google Docs alternative that offers an exceptionally powerful office suite in the cloud, then you should consider using Collabora.
This software guarantees you total privacy, which means you can maintain 100% control of all your sensitive corporate data.
Hosting and cloud computing businesses that want to infuse document viewing and collaborative editing functions into their services can easily do this using Collabora online.
With this, you can view and edit spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and a whole lot more.
But that’s not all.
You can use it on any modern browser without the need for a plugin.
Other features of Collabora include:
- Layout preservation and document formatting
- Multiple deployment options
- Admin console for monitoring system utilization
- Office file format support
Collabora’s subscription charges start from $17 per user per year. There is also a free version which you can take advantage of.
One area where Collabora outshines Google Docs is privacy. It allows you to protect all your sensitive company data. It also offers better online support.
13. CryptPad
CryptPad is another Google Docs alternative that takes user privacy very seriously. All the contents of your documents are encrypted even before being sent out.
The encryption, which takes place in your preferred web browser, protects your data from the cloud, the NSA, and your internet server.
This means nobody can have access to your data, unless, of course, you grant them permission.
With CryptPad, you only have access to the secret encryption key, which is stored in the URL fragment identifier. And it isn’t sent to the server, although it is available in JavaScript programming.
Your server can’t access your data with CryptPad. You share an authorization URL with members of your team.
With CryptPad, you can collaborate on text and WYSIWYG documents. It also has a basic polling application that allows members of your team to view results in real time.
I find its monthly subscription charges to be quite fair, ranging between $6 to $16 per month.
In comparison to Google Docs, it has an advantage in terms of privacy. All your content is encrypted, and even the server cannot access your content. Google Docs does not offer this kind of privacy feature.
14. Bit.ai
Bit.ai is one of the most powerful workplaces and document collaboration software in the world. It allows you and members of your team to create, organize, and collaborate on several projects from anywhere in the world.
With Bit.ai, you can do the following:
- Create dynamic notes
- Create wikis
- Build knowledge bases
- Create training guides
- Build client portals
- Multi-app integration
- Conduct researches
- Do classwork
It keeps all your work organized in one place, even when you are working with clients, partners, and students. The best part is, you can do all this in real time.
There is a guest access feature that allows you to invite your partners or contractors into your projects. It also comes with a user-friendly interface. Plus, its buttons and icons are clearly visible. This makes it great for first-time users who prefer a non-complicated alternative.
As for the price, the subscription is pegged at $8 per user per month. You can also use the free version if you wish, although it doesn’t offer as many features as the paid subscription plans.
With Bit.ai, you can manage permissions and access to information in a way that suits your organizational requirements. These permissions can revolve around the specific document you are working on, or across other designated workspaces.
Google Docs does not offer this feature.
15. Firepad
This real time collaborative text editor also allows you to carry out collaborative text editing. It also boasts of intelligent operational transform-based merging and conflict resolution.
Another feature I love about Firepad is its ability to render documents via the CodeMirror, Ace, or Monaco editors. You can’t find this feature on Google Docs, and this is one area where Firepad claims the win.
It makes use of the Firebase RealTime database for synchronization and cloud data storage. Also, you can create specific applications for any form of collaborative text or document editing.
This Google Docs alternative supports both rich text and code editing, which you can extend to multiple users.
As for the cost of monthly subscriptions, well there isn’t any. Firepad is 100% free.
16. Lark
With Lark, you can have all your chats, organize your meetings, view calendars, organize your documents, and send out emails. All on one platform.
This has made Lark a preferred all-in-one solution for businesses and individuals who are looking for the ultimate collaborative tool.
With Lark, you can do the following:
- Connect with as many as 100 participants
- Easily share files to your heart’s content
- Preserve organizational knowledge
But there’s more.
They have a fantastic customer support feature. In short, it offers support in over 100 languages.
Lark allows seamless integration of messages, schedule management, video conferencing, workflow applications, cloud storage, and collaborative documents.
All these allow you to have a smooth collaboration experience with all the members of your team via your PC or smart device.
Lark’s multiple features help you to limit distractions while you work. It also lays emphasis on providing full context to every member of your team.
Its document creation and cloud management abilities allow you to centralize your ideas. Lastly, you get to automatically save and back up your work to the cloud.
Lark is absolutely free to use. There are currently no paid subscription plans on this platform.
To round it all up, Lark offers its users 24/7 live support, whereas Google Docs does not.
Closing Remarks
Google Docs may be popular, but it can’t cater to all your editing needs. That’s why I’ve listed over 10 of the best Google Docs alternatives.
WPS Office is my number one go-to amongst the Google Docs alternatives listed in this post. My reason for this is its compatibility with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word (three widely used office tools). Also, I prefer this Google Docs alternative because its paid plans are flexible enough to suit your budget.
My second best option would be Dropbox Paper. The ability to add “@” signals a collaborator for help. This impressive feature allows you to get assistance on a document instantly. So, it’s the perfect go-to if you like to run a seamless system.
I hope this review helps you make a buying decision that suits your needs.
