The article Google Docs: 4 Alternatives from Europe first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the question arises whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe. Due to the tariffs imposed by Trump, many EU citizens want to boycott products from the USA. It’s not easy at the software level. We present: Four alternatives to Google Docs.
The idea of foregoing software products from the USA is not new. Because companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple and Facebook Group Meta not only have an enormous market power, but also use it-sometimes with contrary practices.
Many also have concerns that sensitive data in the hands of US companies are not in good hands. After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the topic is again becoming more important, since the question is increasingly asking whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe. Trump’s external and trade policy decisions such as his customs policy at least nourishes great doubts.
Google Docs alternatives from Europe
Tech-COS such as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Sundar Pichai (Google), Elon Musk (X) and Tim Cook (Apple) also seem to be shot in front of Trump. Critics therefore fear a closer interweaving of politics and business – possibly at the expense of user interests and data protection. Against this background, we present four Google Docs alternatives from Europe. Before that, we have already looked at alternative European email providers, cloud services, translator apps, search engines and VPN services.
1. Nuclino
NUCLINO is a work platform from Germany that is particularly suitable for teams who want to structure knowledge together, develop ideas and edit documents in real time. The focus is less on classic office functions such as spreadsheets or format templates, but rather on an intuitive organization, fast workflows and a clear structure. Contents can be created as pages, format with Markdown and linked with each other via a mind map-like view. Especially for start-ups and agile teams, Nuclino can use a data-saving and clear alternative to Google Docs-especially when it comes to cooperation instead of complex office applications. The platform can be used free of charge in the free version. If you want to have more storage space and additional functions, you have the choice between a starter (six euros per user per month) and a business subscription (ten euros per user per month).
2. Nextcloud Office
NextCloud Office is part of the NextCloud platform-an open source solution from Germany, which, in addition to the possibility of editing documents, also includes file storage, a calendar and an email service. Based on the open source software Collabora Online, NextCloud offers a full-fledged office suite in the browser. The advantage: the software can be hosted completely, which promises full data control. Nextcloud is considered a data protection-friendly Google alternative, especially in Europe. Technically, the furnishings are somewhat more demanding, but users benefit from a modularly expandable platform that can be flexibly adapted to individual needs. So-called “nagware” overlays or automatic connections to external servers are critically discussed. The software code is free for developers. If you want to use the Google Docs alternative directly, you pay 1.82 euros per user per month in the business plan and receive advantages such as support and updates.
3. Cryptpad
Cryptpad is a browser-based office tool from France that consistently relies on data protection and encryption. All content is encrypted on the client side. Specifically, even the operators cannot see what users create or save. The platform supports text documents, presentations, tables, surveys and other modules for working in real time. Cryptpad is particularly suitable for organizations, activist groups or educational institutions that edit sensitive data. The user interface is functional, but not as sophisticated as with commercial providers. Cryptpad scores with maximum data sovereignty, transparent open source code and a fair price model-including free access with limited memory. The subscription model starts at five euros. The price depends on the team and storage size.
4. Collabora online
Collabora Online is a browser-based office suite based on the known open source software LibreOffice. It offers numerous functions for processing text documents, tables and presentations. Collabora Online can be used both individually and integrated in platforms such as Nextcloud. The Google Docs alternative has the great advantage that the source code is open and was written in Europe. Some users criticize that the surface does not always run smoothly. So-called “Nagware” elements, i.e. recurring note reports or automatic connections to evaluation servers, can not only be annoying, but also a problem from a data protection perspective. Nevertheless, Collabora Online is a powerful option for everyone who relies on open source and document loyalty. The software code is free for self-hosting. If you want to use the Google Docs alternative directly via Collabora, you pay 1.82 euros per user in the business subscription and receive advantages such as support and updates.
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As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that Google Docs has been a popular choice for many users due to its ease of use, collaboration features, and cloud storage capabilities. However, it is important to consider alternative options, especially those developed in Europe, to ensure data privacy and compliance with local regulations.
Some European alternatives to Google Docs include:
1. OnlyOffice: This cloud-based office suite offers similar features to Google Docs, such as document editing and collaboration tools. Based in Latvia, OnlyOffice prioritizes data security and privacy for its users.
2. Zoho Docs: Developed in India, Zoho Docs provides a comprehensive suite of office tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. It offers strong encryption and data protection measures to ensure user privacy.
3. CryptPad: This French-based platform focuses on end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge collaboration tools, allowing users to work on documents securely without compromising their data privacy.
4. WPS Office: Originating from China, WPS Office offers a range of office tools, including a word processor, spreadsheet program, and presentation software. It prioritizes user privacy and data security by implementing encryption and access controls.
Overall, these European alternatives to Google Docs provide viable options for users looking to protect their data privacy and comply with local regulations. It is important for individuals and businesses to explore different platforms and choose the one that best fits their needs and security requirements.
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