Sustainable Substitutes for Google Docs

Google Docs is an online document processor, effectively locking users into Google's ecosystem.

Reasons to avoid Google Docs

Google Docs stores documents on Google's servers, granting the company access to the content and metadata of every file you create or edit.

This centralized control by a Big Tech firm raises privacy and security concerns, especially for sensitive or confidential information.

Sustainable Alternatives

Here are some sustainable alternatives to Google Docs

Nextcloud

Nextcloud is a German self-hostable, open-source cloud storage and collaboration platform.

Nextcloud does not track users or sell personal data, ensuring a private and secure experience with optional end-to-end encryption.
Nextcloud is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats.
Nextcloud syncs files to your device. You can edit files offline, and changes will sync automatically once you reconnect to the internet.
Nextcloud allows for real-time same-document collaboration.
Some third party providers offer free plans with up to 5GB of storage. The self-hostable community edition is free and without licensing costs.
Nextcloud became the first cloud software platform to earn the Blauer Engel ecolabel, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Nextcloud is designed to be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Nextcloud is based in Germany, ensuring compliance with strong European privacy laws.
Nextcloud’s core software is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community-driven development.
Nextcloud is ad free and does not monetise user-data.
Website

LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a widely used offline, open-source office suite.

LibreOffice is free of charge for all users, including individuals, students, and non-profits.
LibreOffice can be self-hosted, especially through solutions like Collabora Online, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
LibreOffice does not collect or transmit user data, ensuring privacy and security.
The Document Foundation is based in Europe, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong privacy laws.
LibreOffice works fully offline, reducing reliance on cloud services and internet connectivity.
LibreOffice is free and open-source software, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.
LibreOffice does not require registration, ensuring user anonymity.
LibreOffice does not show ads to its users.
Website

CryptPad

CryptPad is a French secure, collaborative Google Docs alternative.

CryptPad is ad-free, providing a clean and distraction-free collaborative experience.
Cryptpad is fully open-source, allowing for community review and contributions, ensuring transparency and trust.
Cryptpad is based in France, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy laws.
Cryptpad is designed with privacy as a core principle, using end-to-end encryption for all user data.
Cryptpad can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Cryptpad offers a free tier, with optional paid plans for additional features and to support the project.
CryptPad allows for real-time same-document collaboration.
Cryptpad supports open data standards and is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and open document formats.
Website
onlyoffice logo

OnlyOffice

OnlyOffice is an open-source office suite with self-hosting options and GDPR compliance.

OnlyOffice is ad free and does not monetise user-data.
OnlyOffice allows for real-time same-document collaboration.
OnlyOffice offers a free community edition for all users.
OnlyOffice can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
OnlyOffice does not collect or transmit user data unnecessarily, ensuring privacy and security.
OnlyOffice is developed by a Latvian company, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong privacy laws.
OnlyOffice desktop clients work fully offline, reducing reliance on cloud services and internet connectivity.
OnlyOffice is open-source software, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.
OnlyOffice supports open data standards, allowing users to control and access their data.
Website

The 4 main issues with Google Docs

Big Tech - Big Tech companies do not nourish people and planet. This is especially true in times of political tension.

Google Docs is developed and owned by Google, one of the largest tech companies, contributing to market monopolisation and exploitative data practices. Source: EFF: Google Search Monopoly and Privacy Concerns (2025)

Privacy Concerns - User data is likely to be stored and used against users' best interest.

Google Docs collects and analyzes user documents, raising significant privacy concerns.

Lack of Transparency - Opacity in operations, data handling, or supply chains, making it difficult for users to understand practices.

Google lacks transparency in how user data from Google Docs is used and shared.

Data Monopolies - Control of vast amounts of user data, creating risks for privacy and potential misuse.

Google Docs contributes to Google's vast data monopolies, creating risks for user privacy.