Google Workspace (Docs) costs $12/mo.
These cost $0.
5 free alternatives to Google Workspace (Docs), checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
Google Workspace (Docs) vs Free Alternatives Matrix
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $12/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EtherPad | open source | cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7 | Self-host | ★ 18.6k | Google Workspace (Docs) vs EtherPad → |
| ONLYOFFICE | open source | cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81 | Self-host | ★ 7.1k | Google Workspace (Docs) vs ONLYOFFICE → |
| Colabora Online | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 3.4k | Google Workspace (Docs) vs Colabora Online → |
| CryptPad | open source | AGPL-3.0+ | Local or hosted | ★ 8.0k | Google Workspace (Docs) vs CryptPad → |
| Hedgedoc | open source | cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81 | Self-host | ★ 7.5k | Google Workspace (Docs) vs Hedgedoc → |
The picks
5 open source · ranked by fit
- 01
EtherPad
open sourcecm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7Self-host18.6knov 2026Modern, real-time collaborative document editor.
The catch vs Google Workspace (Docs)Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Google Workspace (Docs).
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/ether/etherpad-lite or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 02
ONLYOFFICE
open sourcecm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81Self-host7.1koct 2026Collaborative online office suite for documents.
The catch vs Google Workspace (Docs)Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Google Workspace (Docs).
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/ONLYOFFICE/DocumentServer or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 03
Colabora Online
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host3.4koct 2026Full-featured, collaborative document editing solution.
The catch vs Google Workspace (Docs)Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Google Workspace (Docs).
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/CollaboraOnline/online or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 04
CryptPad
open sourceAGPL-3.0+Local or hosted8.0kjul 2026A persistent encrypted drive with collaborative whiteboards, folders, sharing, and access controls; less delightful drawing, stronger workspace bones.
The catch vs Google Workspace (Docs)CryptPad provides a stronger encrypted drive but its whiteboard is markedly less delightful and capable for drawing, libraries, and diagram composition than Excalidraw+.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hostedthey host it
- install
- Use a public CryptPad instance, or self-host the Node.js service behind a reverse proxy
- setup
- Public hosting is immediate; self-hosting requires two domains or subdomains, HTTPS, strict security headers, Node.js configuration, persistent storage, and careful upgrades/backups
- your data
- Documents are encrypted in the browser before upload; the server stores encrypted document files, blobs, and account pin metadata on its filesystem and cannot read document content
- checked
- 2026-08-10
- 05
Hedgedoc
open sourcecm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81Self-host7.5knov 2026Web-based, self-hosted, real-time markdown editor.
The catch vs Google Workspace (Docs)Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Google Workspace (Docs).
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/hedgedoc/hedgedoc or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Google Workspace (Docs) open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Google Workspace (Docs)?+
The top free alternative to Google Workspace (Docs) is EtherPad (open source, cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7). Modern, real-time collaborative document editor. Other popular Google Workspace (Docs) replacements include ONLYOFFICE, Colabora Online, CryptPad.
Can I self-host a free replacement for Google Workspace (Docs)?+
Yes. Of the 5 free alternatives to Google Workspace (Docs), 5 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: EtherPad (cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7), ONLYOFFICE (cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81), Colabora Online (Open Source), CryptPad (AGPL-3.0+), Hedgedoc (cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81).
How much does switching from Google Workspace (Docs) to a free alternative save?+
Google Workspace (Docs) starts at $12/month per seat ($144/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like EtherPad saves $720 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Google Workspace (Docs) clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Google Workspace (Docs) is KINDA (the core, yes. the polish, no). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Google Workspace (Docs) or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 5 battle-tested open-source alternatives like EtherPad or ONLYOFFICE.
What is the catch when switching from Google Workspace (Docs) to EtherPad?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Google Workspace (Docs).
