Nowadays, word processing is moving more and more online to the cloud. In this way, the documents are accessible from anywhere and available for collaboration and exchange. Cooperation no longer takes place exclusively in the office, but also includes networked, collaborative work. Google Docs is the best-known representative of a web-based office suite. Real-time processing of documents in all common formats is supported and synchronized in the Google cloud. Nevertheless, there are many users who are looking for alternatives to Google's product. If you're in that category too, here are the top five Google Docs alternatives.
Microsoft Office Online
Compared to Google Docs, the online solution from Microsoft Office covers most of the functions of Google Docs and is therefore listed first here. Microsoft Office Online is a web-based version of the current Office suite and includes all known apps that Office 365 also brings with it. These include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and OneDrive . If you are a Microsoft Office user anyway, you will find it easy to get started with online implementation. The convenience here is that your files are not saved locally, but directly in the cloud. A loss of your files can therefore no longer happen. Although some extended functions of Word and other apps are not available in the online solution, they are completely free of charge . The help function should also be emphasized , which enables you to use the online search function directly if you run into problems or have questions.
- Price : free - 5 GB OneDrive storage space, paid version: 69 € / year - offline office applications, 1 TB OneDrive storage space
- Advantages : easy entry for users who already use Microsoft Office; well integrated help function; Sync with OneDrive
- Platform : Web
Dropbox Paper
Dropbox is best known for its cloud storage and the synchronization of files between different computers, smartphones or tablets. The newly developed Dropbox Paper competes with the product of the Google giant. Dropbox Paper provides all the basic functions for classic document editing. Texts can be edited online and tables, images and videos can be easily embedded. The practical thing is: Dropbox Paper saves your documents directly on your Dropbox cloud storage . So if you already have an account, you can easily integrate Dropbox's document service. Otherwise, a new Dropbox account must be created free of charge .
- Price : free
- Pros : seamless integration with your Dropbox cloud storage; comprehensive online editor for documents; fast loading times
- Platform : Web
Cryptpad
CryptPad is another alternative that stands out in comparison to other web-based solutions thanks to its built-in data protection . With CryptPad, the entire document is encrypted before the file is forwarded to the server. This gives you the security that nobody can read your sensitive documents. Of course, you can also pass on your self-determined key to colleagues so that they can work on your document.
In addition to the function of creating " rich text " documents , Cryptpad offers the option of surveys , to-do lists and Kanban boards to edit. As a free user, you have the option of accessing 50MB of storage space in the cloud, the CryptDrive. If you sign up for a subscription to the service, you will receive more storage space..
- Price: free with 50 MB storage space, paid version : 5 € / month for 5GB storage space and unlimited documents
- Advantages : Encryption of all documents before they are uploaded to the server; Zero-knowledge editor; Open source; no registration required
- Platform: Web
Nuclino
Nuclino is a free web app for collaborative editing of documents. The editor is a lot more minimalistic than Google Docs, but has all the basic functions. This way, pictures and tables can be inserted with ease. Due to its clarity, this alternative enables the user to structure his documents simply and looks very appealing. Nuclino is a fast and easy collaboration tool for productive teamwork in your browser and also offers an import and export function for various formats.
- Price: Basic model free of charge: 5GB storage, up to 50 documents, paid version: 5 € per user and month: 10GB, unlimited documents, support for single sign-on
- Advantages : clear visualization of the content; Collaboration in real time; fast Search
- Platform: Web
Etherpad
Etherpad is a highly customizable open source online editor . Like its colleagues, Etherpad allows documents to be edited collaboratively in real time. Deductions in the comparison of the size of the web-based office suite from Google have to be made, however, similar to those of Dropbox Paper and other competitors. Etherpad only focuses on word processing - which means that there are no tables or presentation apps. The software is open source. You can either host the app yourself on your own server or use a site that provides the service for you. You can find the download for Etherpad here. For the users who want to use an online service for Etherpad, there is on this GitHub page a compilation of the sites on which Etherpad Lite runs. The app is kept very simple, but covers all the requirements that are placed on an online text editor..
- Price : Hardware costs for self-hosting (Etherpad itself is free); free of charge when used via third-party providers
- Advantages: open source; simple layout and ease of use; no registration required
- Platform: Web
