Are you looking for a productive writing tool like Google Docs? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best Google Docs alternatives, helping you get an excellent editing, writing, or working experience.
1. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite developed by The Document Foundation. It is powerful, feature-rich, and secure, making it one of the best Google Docs alternatives.
The office suite includes multiple applications for everyday productivity, such as Writer for documents, Calc for spreadsheets, and Impress for presentations.
What’s more, LibreOffice focuses on privacy and user control. It stores files locally, which means that users can use it to work offline.
Key features:
- Provides numerous extensions and templates for different needs, such as spell checkers, dictionaries, and a monthly budget and expense record.
- Compatible with multiple document formats, including Excel, Word, ODF, Publisher, and PowerPoint.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Offering a clear and concise page for editing or writing.
2. Microsoft Office
As one of the most widely used office suites, Microsoft Office is often considered a solid alternative to Google Docs. It offers a complete set of tools for document creation, data analysis, and presentations, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, making it a good option for both individuals and businesses.
Microsoft Office supports both desktop and cloud-based workflows. Users can work offline using desktop applications while also collaborating online through OneDrive and Microsoft 365 in real time.
In addition, Microsoft Office provides advanced formatting, data analysis, and presentation features for professionals.
Key features:
- Microsoft Office offers a full-featured productivity suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- It supports both offline desktop use and online collaboration through Microsoft 365 and OneDrive.
- It is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and integrates well with enterprise tools and cloud services.
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3. Zoho WorkDrive
If collaboration is your work style, Zoho WorkDrive is a strong Google Docs alternative. It is a cloud-based team collaboration and file management platform designed to improve productivity across teams. Key features such as Team Folders, built-in Office Editors, and File Annotations allow team members to share ideas and work together in real time.
Zoho WorkDrive also integrates a suite of security features that help businesses control, back up, and restore important files. Tools like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Backup and Restore reduce the risk of sensitive information being leaked or lost.
In addition, Zoho WorkDrive provides business-oriented templates to help teams organize documents, images, videos, and audio files efficiently, improving overall productivity. It also integrates seamlessly with other Zoho applications, making it especially suitable for businesses already using the Zoho ecosystem.
Key features:
- Zoho WorkDrive is designed primarily for businesses and teams to centralize files and collaborate in real time.
- It offers advanced security features to protect, back up, and restore business data.
- It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and integrates with Microsoft Office, Gmail, Zapier, and Outlook.
4. Scrivener
If you’re a writer for longer works like novels, academic texts, screenplays, and technical writings, Scrivener is a good substitute for Google Docs. It doesn’t have collaboration features like those in Google Docs, which are geared toward real-time collaboration.
Scrivener allows users to divide their writing projects into smaller chunks. The program provides tools such as the Corkboard, Outliner, and Research Folder that enable writers to organize their notes, references, and drafts in one program. This is ideal for writers who are working with complicated documents.
What’s more, Scrivener allows users to write offline, without the need for cloud storage. It supports various format exportations, such as Word and PDF.
Key features:
- Scrivener is intended for long and research-related writing, and it’s not meant for collaborative work.
- It has strong content organization and outlining features to work with difficult content.
- It offers offline writing functionality along with support for basic exporting options like Word and PDF.
- It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS.
5. Ellipsus
If you’re a creator, looking for creativity and simplicity, Ellipsus is the best Google Docs alternative. It is a browser-based collaboration tool primarily focused on writing, targeting writers, editors, and authors who look for an office suite with less functionality.
Ellipsus allows multiple users to edit and create text documents together, discussing them with the use of commentaries and chats (even with GIFs). The service has a concise and clear interface that enables users to focus more on text creation.
Although Ellipsus lacks the capabilities that other tools for making spreadsheets and presentations provide, it is much better suited for collaborative writing and review activities.
Key Features:
- Ellipsus is a browser-supported collaborative writing application that concentrates on real-time text editing.
- It allows commenting and chatting inline to aid in discussions during the writing phase.
- It offers an uncluttered interface, perfect for writing and editing work.
6. OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice is an office suite designed for team productivity and secure document collaboration, available in both self-hosted and cloud-based deployments. It is widely regarded as a strong alternative to Google Docs.
As a free and open-source solution, OnlyOffice emphasizes data security by supporting encryption at rest and in transit, with optional end-to-end encryption. Its interface closely resembles Microsoft Office, making it easy for many users to get started.
One of OnlyOffice’s standout advantages is its flexible deployment model. Privacy-conscious teams and enterprises can choose to self-host the platform on their own servers or use the cloud version. In addition, OnlyOffice integrates smoothly with popular platforms such as Nextcloud and ownCloud, while maintaining full compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.
Key features:
- Online document, spreadsheet, and presentation editors with real-time collaboration.
- Integrations with 40+ services, including WordPress, Box, Moodle, and Nextcloud.
- Cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.
7. Obsidian
If you prefer personal knowledge organization instead of real-time collaboration, Obsidian is a great Google Docs alternative.
Obsidian lets users create and connect notes using bi-directional links, making it easy to build a personal knowledge base over time. All notes are stored as plain text Markdown files on your local device, giving you full ownership and control of your data. This makes Obsidian especially appealing to writers, researchers, and knowledge workers who care about privacy and long-term note management.
Although Obsidian doesn’t focus on live collaboration, it offers syncing and publishing through optional services and community plugins. Its highly flexible plugin ecosystem also allows users to customize the app to their needs.
Key features:
- Local-first, Markdown-based note-taking and knowledge management
- Bi-directional linking for building a connected knowledge base
- Native apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux
8. Proton Drive
Proton Drive is a privacy-focused cloud storage service developed by the team behind Proton Mail. It is built for users who prioritize end-to-end encryption and strong data protection, making it a secure alternative to Google Docs for storing and sharing documents.
Proton Drive enables users to upload, store, and share files securely in the cloud, with encryption applied before any data leaves the user’s device. Only the user can access their files. This makes it especially suitable for individuals and teams working with sensitive information.
Key features:
- End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for documents and files
- Zero-access encryption with a strong focus on user privacy
- Secure file sharing and integration with other Proton services
9. Collabora
Collabora is mainly used by organizations that want a self-hosted or private cloud Google Docs alternative. Because it is based on LibreOffice, it provides strong compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.
One of Collabora’s key advantages is its strong focus on data control and security. It can be deployed on on-premises servers or private clouds and integrates smoothly with platforms like Nextcloud and ownCloud. For this reason, it is widely adopted by governments, enterprises, and privacy-conscious organizations.
Key features:
- Allowing real-time collaboration
- Enterprise-grade online office suite based on LibreOffice
- Real-time document editing in self-hosted or private cloud environments
- Strong Microsoft Office compatibility with Nextcloud and ownCloud integration
10. EmberWrite
EmberWrite is a collaborative writing platform built for authors, editors, and writing teams working on long-form content. It emphasizes version control, feedback, and structured writing, making it a writing-focused alternative to Google Docs.
EmberWrite enables multiple contributors to work on the same document while efficiently tracking changes and managing revisions. Built-in commenting and discussion tools support editorial workflows, helping teams review and refine content throughout the writing process.
Key features:
- Collaborative writing platform for long-form content and editorial workflows
- Version tracking and in-context feedback for managing revisions
- Designed specifically for writing teams and content creators
FAQs About Google Docs Alternatives
Q: Why Not Use Google Docs?
There are several factors that may discourage users from relying on Google Docs, such as data privacy concerns, limitations in file management, and restricted editing features. In addition, as a cloud-based tool, Google Docs offers limited offline functionality, which may not suit all workflows. These factors have led many users to seek alternatives that better fit their needs.
Q: What Is the Chinese Alternative to Google Docs?
There are several commonly used office suites in China. WPS Office is one of the most popular and free options, offering Word, Excel, and PPT tools with both desktop and cloud support. Other options include Tencent Docs and Alibaba DingTalk Docs, which focus on online collaboration and team productivity.
Q: Which Is better, LibreOffice or Google Docs?
It depends on your needs. LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that works offline, offering strong privacy and file format compatibility. Google Docs, on the other hand, excels at real-time collaboration and cloud-based sharing. If you value offline work and data control, you may prefer LibreOffice. If you prioritize online collaboration, you may prefer Google Docs.
