The best alternatives to Google Docs

Google Docs is ideal for editing, sharing and saving documents online. But there are many alternatives to the top dog, some of which offer more functions or security. We introduce you to the best websites and tools.

1. Google Docs alternative: Quip

Quip is a text editing tool that helps you especially on your tablet.

• Operation and scope: Quip is very easy to use on tablets and smartphones. Thanks to a clear structure within the app, you will always find exactly what you are looking for. Unfortunately, the range of functions cannot be compared with Google Docs or Microsoft Office.
• Cloud storage: The tool is designed for collaborative work. The cloud storage therefore works very well and you can work on a document with several colleagues without any problems.
• Platforms: Quip is available as an Android and iOS app. A web-based version is available for the PC.
• Advantage: Quip is more user-friendly and simpler than Google Docs on mobile devices.

2. Google Docs alternative: etherpad

The Etherpad tool places even more value on real-time collaboration:

• Operation and scope: Etherpad is also easy to use and does not pose any major problems even for beginners. The scope is limited, but Etherpad is more than suitable to avoid compatibility problems. Annoying sending a file and saving it in another format is no longer necessary with Etherpad.
• Cloud storage: Etherpad does not have its own cloud. The tool is only designed for collaborative work on a document that is saved in Drive or Dropbox.
• Platforms: Etherpad is only available as a web app.
• Advantage: Etherpad does not require registration and is open source.

3. Google Docs alternative: Zoho

The business tool Zoho is more professional than Google Docs and the other alternatives.

• Operation and scope: The operation of Zoho is a bit difficult at first, since many features are displayed. Here you have to get an overview first. Zoho is unsurpassed in scope: In addition to calendars, notes, sheets and presentations, you can use the business apps to do customer relationship management or plan campaigns, for example.
• Cloud storage: Everything is stored in the in-house cloud. But export is also possible. You start with 1 GB of free space.
• Platforms: Zoho has various Android apps, for example Zoho Docs or Zoho Writer. Version is also available for the computer.
• Advantage: Zoho has even more functions up its sleeve than Google Docs.

4. Google Docs alternative: ProtectedText

ProtectedText is probably the simplest tool that is among these alternatives. However, it scores with secure encryption, which should not be neglected, especially in times of espionage by secret services and private companies:

• Operation and scope: ProtectedText is a simple text editor without formatting options, tables or other additional functions. You simply create your document by specifying a name on ProtectedText.com. When saving, select a password with which the document is encrypted. You can open multiple tabs in a document.
• Cloud storage: The documents are always saved on the servers of ProtectedText.com. An export is not provided and can only be done manually using copy-and-paste.
• Platforms: ProtectedText is only available as a web version.
• Advantage: The service does not require registration, is ad-free and open source. In addition, no user-specific data is stored or cookies are used and all notes are end-to-end encrypted - the chosen password never leaves your browser.

If you are looking for new cloud storage, we recommend our nine alternatives to Google Drive.