Then there’s the fact that Docs really only works with Google Drive, which doesn’t offer an intuitive way to organize large content libraries. This means your team may find it difficult to scale and maintain proper organization of your assets with Drive’s simple folder system. (And this is just one challenge larger teams face—get a sneak peek at how LPL Financial’s content team tackles compliance, ethics, and more.)

Thankfully, there are plenty of Google Docs alternatives that offer a more privacy-focused experience or a richer set of features to choose from. We’ve curated a list of the top Google Docs alternatives for you to explore and see if there’s a better word-processing platform for your team’s needs.

7 reasons why you need a Google Docs alternative

1. Limited collaboration features: Google Docs allows you to leave comments and suggestions as well as track revision history, but it lacks more niche collaboration features like a whiteboard and video or 1:1 messaging.
2. Saves to Google Drive, which lacks organization options: Google Drive relies heavily on folders to organize docs, and it quickly becomes messy when storing an entire content library.
3. Document sharing can be cumbersome: If you want to share a document with someone outside your organization, you’ll need to update the sharing settings on each doc.
4. Lacks advanced security features: Depending on your needs, Google Docs may not provide proper security settings. For example, you can’t require passwords to view individual documents, though we should note Google says all Docs, Sheets, and Slides data is encrypted.
5. Collects data on your activities: On the privacy side, Google notes it gathers data to “offer you better experiences in the product,” which may be concerning especially if you work with sensitive info or don’t want to share your data with a large corporation.
6. Doesn’t come with advanced formatting options: While Word and other word processing software allow you to format your documents almost any way you want, Docs doesn’t come with settings like designating image quality, customizing your table of contents, and adapting content to avoid orphans and widows.
7. Must turn on offline editing for each document: Want to work on your document while your internet is out or you’re traveling? You’ll need to enable it beforehand and for each specific document.

What’s the best alternative to Google Docs? Our vote is for a document editor with real-time collaboration and workflow management features like GatherContent. These ensure no one’s left waiting for feedback or sign-offs on a project.

10 best Google Docs alternatives and competitors

1. GatherContent

GatherContent is a full kit of content creation tools, including workflows and project management, content templates, an editor, plus communication and collaboration tools. It also allows you to easily create and organize a content hub so no assets are lost in the void. Higher-priced plans include single sign-on and security review features to ensure your content stays in the right hands.

Top features:

• Collaborate in real time: The cloud-based content editor allows multiple team members to annotate, edit, and leave comments on documents at the same time.
• Built-in project management: Rather than rely on multiple platforms for content creation and project management, GatherContent complements its editor with customizable workflows and status boards.
• Go from document to CMS: GatherContent integrates with your CMS so you don’t have to worry about copying and pasting your content—or using a secondary app to translate it into code.

Pros:

• Content-focused features ensure you can use GatherContent for every step of content production.
• Easily assign specific tasks and responsibilities, plus get a clear view of who needs to do what and by when.
• Built-in templates and style guides ensure your content documentation and guidelines are within arm’s reach all the time.

Cons:

• Pricing may be too high for smaller teams.
• Because it’s an all-in-one tool, GatherContent may take some time to set up.

Pricing: You can try GatherContent with a 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $99 per month for an unlimited number of users.

2. Zoho Writer

Zoho Writer comes with an intuitive interface and collaboration tools that help your team create content with ease. Its advanced features like scanning paper documents to create digital versions and merging content further streamline your workflow. Additionally, Zoho Writer integrates with other Zoho productivity tools.

Top features:

• Keep track of changes: Zoho docs note every edit so you can quickly see what changes have been made and revert back to a previous version if needed.
• Control who sees what: With data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and strict access controls, Zoho Writer can be set up like a Fort Knox for your content—you can even lock or hide certain parts of a document.
• Usable online—and off: Writer is now usable offline so your team can write anywhere at any time.

Pros:

• A user-friendly interface makes Zoho Writer easy to implement without frustration.
• Zoho Writer’s collaboration tools allow teammates to work on documents simultaneously.
• You can easily swap between other Zoho apps, like Zoho Sheets, and Writer as needed.

Cons:

• Zoho Writer may not integrate with all third-party tools your team uses.
• Some features may require a steep learning curve, such as document merging and workflow automation.

Pricing: Zoho Writer’s word processor is free to use. You can also sign up for Zoho WorkDrive, which offers 200 free credits per month to individual users and 1,000 free credits per month to business users. Additional add-on credits are available, ranging from $0.01 to $0.05 per credit, depending on how many you purchase at one time.

3. OnlyOffice

It may look a lot like Microsoft Word, but OnlyOffice differs in several ways. For one, OnlyOffice includes collaboration tools like comments, chat, or even Telegram, a secure third-party messaging app. Speaking of security, if you’re looking to tighten your grip on your data, OnlyOffice is worth a look. Along with setting permissions and redacting content, OnlyOffice is open-source. This means its code is available to anyone and can be regularly checked for security flaws and updated.

Top features:

• Easy collaboration: Teammates can collaborate in real time or you can set OnlyOffice to require you to save any changes anyone makes
• Secure your content: You have full control over document permissions and can even encrypt individual documents. Plus, OnlyOffice encrypts data at rest and in transit.
• Advanced formatting options: Along with your usual palette of fonts, styles, and layouts, OnlyOffice lets you build fillable forms, view and edit PDFs, convert to markdown or HTML, and turn documents into ebooks.

Pros:

• OnlyOffice includes multiple collaboration and communication tools to keep everyone on the same page.
• Work on your docs anywhere—even offline—with OnlyOffice mobile apps for iOS and Android.
• OnlyOffice integrates with multiple apps, including Dropbox, DocuSign, Amazon AWS, and ChatGPT.

Cons:

• Some users may find the interface too cluttered or confusing.
• While OnlyOffice offers mobile apps, they may not be as ideal for advanced document creation.

Pricing: OnlyOffice offers a free plan for one administrator and two power users that includes 2 GB of file storage. Paid plans start at $15 per admin or power user.

4. Dropbox Paper

You might know Dropbox already, but did you know it also has a document editor called Dropbox Paper? While simpler than some Google Docs alternatives, Dropbox Paper still offers plenty of features to keep content marketing teams on task. This includes customizable notifications and workflow management tools.

Top features:

• Spice up your content: Dropbox Paper lets you embed videos, images, and audio files as well as interactive elements directly into your docs.
• Stay on top of tasks: Create to-do lists, assign tasks and due dates, and keep tabs on progress with checklists—all without leaving Dropbox Paper.
• Get notified: Set up Dropbox Paper’s notifications to your liking so you can see when a teammate makes edits, leaves a comment, or marks a task as done.

Pros:

• Dropbox Paper smoothly integrates with Dropbox so you can quickly access your content library.
• Your team can easily collaborate within Dropbox Paper using the real-time editor, comments, and content workflow features.
• You can automatically turn your docs into presentations that are ready for your sales reps to take on the road.

Cons:

• While the simplified formatting options may appeal to some, those looking for advanced tools may find Dropbox Paper lacking.
• You can only access your docs offline using the mobile app, and you must have previously opened the doc while online.

Pricing: Dropbox Paper is free with a Dropbox account. Dropbox plans start at $9.99 a month for one user.

5. Nuclino

If organizing your content library or helping your teammates stay on task are at the top of your wish list, Nuclino might be able to help. It offers several organization features, including multiple workspace views and built-in search. Plus, Nuclino supports slash commands and hotkeys for those who prefer a keyboard-first approach.

Top features:

• Customizable workspaces: Swap between four different views, including list, board, table, and graph, to visualize your content library.
• Instantly share edits: Nuclino’s real-time editor lets you see teammates make changes to docs as they type.
• Multiple app integrations: Keep content flowing and connect Nuclino with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Grammarly, YouTube, and Prezi.

Pros:

• The multiple workspace views allow you to organize documents and tasks in a way that works best for you.
• Nuclino offers mobile and deskop apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Linux.
• Collaborate and control who sees what with real-time edits, comments, version history, and permissions settings.

Cons:

• Nuclino doesn’t work offline, so you’ll need to find the nearest Wi-Fi or hotspot to update docs.
• Premium plan pricing may be steep for some teams and is required for advanced security controls.

Pricing: Nuclino has a free plan that includes 50 docs and 2 GB of storage. Paid plans start at $5 per user per month for unlimited docs and 10 GB of storage per user.

6. Coda

Coda offers unique document customizations that allow you to create almost anything with its app. From custom workflows to interactive documents, Coda’s docs are adaptable to almost any need or situation. Additionally, it allows teams to edit documents and data in real-time while updating all linked docs and tables so everyone is working from a single source of truth.

Top features:

• Real-time updates: Along with simultaneous collaboration, Coda allows you to update projects and data across the entire team’s workspace.
• Connects with external apps: Coda packs allow you to keep workflows moving using integrations with Jira, Salesforce, and Asana as well as web hooks.
• Customizable formatting: Create docs of any kind with Coda, including content calendars, project and task trackers, kanban boards, and more.

Pros:

• Customize your Coda documents by adding tables, calendars, forms, and interactive elements.
• Live cursors, real-time editing, and comments help your team collaborate easily.
• Coda’s template gallery gives you a jumpstart on creating your team’s docs.

Cons:

• Coda’s features may be a bit complex and require a learning curve.
• Some users report that Coda’s performance slows significantly when manipulating large datasets.

Pricing: Coda offers a free plan and also only charges for document creators, so visitors and doc editors don’t need to pay to access the platform. Paid plans start at $10 per month per document creator.

7. Microsoft Word

One of the original word processors, Microsoft Word has grown up a lot since its inception. Word users can now use AI to write and edit within their documents, as well as automatically apply templates. You can also collaborate with others on the same Word doc. But don’t worry, familiar tools like the built-in spell checker and premade templates are still there.

Top features:

• Simultaneous collaboration: Save your Word doc to OneDrive and share it with teammates to edit, suggest changes, and leave comments together.
• AI Copilot: Microsoft’s AI, Copilot, is built right into Word so you can use it to write, edit, summarize, and expand your text as needed.
• Accessibility features: Use the immersive reader to listen to document text or give the action pen a go to edit without using your keyboard and mouse.

Pros:

• MS Word is used globally and its interface is familiar to most users.
• The built-in Copilot feature uses AI to boost your efficiency when creating content.
• Open and edit Word docs on your phone or tablet with the Microsoft Word app for Android phones, iPhone and iPad, and Amazon Kindle.

Cons:

• You’ll need a Microsoft 365 subscription to access premium features like the advanced spell checker and remove ads.
• Depending on what other tools you use, you may experience compatibility issues that result in formatting errors when you export your Word doc.

Pricing: Microsoft Word offers an ad-supported free plan for one person. Paid Microsoft 365 Apps plans, which include Excel, OneDrive, and OneNote, start at $8.25 per user per month.

8. Apache OpenOffice

If you don’t need a full set of bells and whistles, then OpenOffice might be right up your alley. This free word processing software has been around since 2002 and is used by millions of people worldwide. While it does look dated, OpenOffice still provides you with the tools to create and format almost any type of document and add notes and comments to collaborate on content with others.

Top features:

• Pre-made templates: No need to learn the ins and outs of OpenOffice, just use a template to get a head start on your next project.
• Add extensions: Get more out of OpenOffice with downloadable extensions and dictionaries to improve functionality of the spell checker and word processor as a whole.
• Friendly file types: OpenOffice saves documents in an XML format so you can use them almost anywhere—and it can open .doc and .docs Word files.

Pros:

• OpenOffice is free and open-source, making it a great choice for small teams or home businesses.
• Extensions add additional features like an embedded image tool, a MySQL connector, and multiple foreign language dictionaries.
• Also comes with Calc, a spreadsheet app, Impress, a presentation app, and Base, a database app, among other tools.

Cons:

• The interface may feel too cluttered and confusing for some.
• OpenOffice’s collaboration tools may be too limited for some teams.

Pricing: OpenOffice is a free and open-source word processing tool.

9. ClickUp

ClickUp may primarily be a project management app, but its Docs tool doesn’t skimp on features. You can quickly add headers and visual elements using slash commands, collaborate in real-time within the editor, and keep everything organized with tags and folders. Oh, and you can connect all your docs to specific projects and workflows.

Top features:

• Document archive: Hold on to outdated content without cluttering up your library thanks to ClickUp’s Archive feature.
• Connect the docs: Link your documents to specific tasks and workflows, then update project statuses and assignees in the doc.
• Specific sharing settings: Easily restrict public sharing or protect an entire doc from further edits, among other settings.

Pros:

• ClickUp pairs a document editor with project management tools so your team can all work in one tool instead of several.
• Archive, tag, and organize your content within ClickUp so only your most updated single source of truth is available to the team.
• You can create custom document templates within ClickUp and apply it to any project.

Cons:

• You can’t save edits to your ClickUp docs while offline.
• Some users may find ClickUp’s document export options limited—it currently supports only HTML, PDF, print, and markdown.

Pricing: ClickUp offers a free plan that includes Docs and 100 MB of storage. Paid plans start at $5 per user per month.

10. WPS Writer

WPS Writer is a document editor that supports 46 different languages in its mobile app, making it ideal for geographically distributed teams. Along with language support, WPS Writer also supports dozens of file formats, including .doc, .rtf, .docx, and .html. But perhaps best of all is that it’s free.

Top features:

• Works well with others: WPS Writer supports multiple file types and works with the Microsoft Office suite, Google Docs, and Libre Office.
• 10,000+ templates: Get inspired and start out on the right foot with thousands of templates from business plans to presentations.
• Convert PDFs to Word: And vice versa so you’ve got the right file type to edit and update.

Pros:

• This free software is budget-friendly for small teams, solopreneurs, and startups.
• Microsoft Word users may find WPS Writer’s interface familiar and easy to use.
• WPS Writer works with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Cons:

• While WPS Writer is free, you’ll need a Premium account to access all templates, which starts at $5.99 a month.
• WPS Writer’s document editing features may feel limited compared to alternatives and may be more geared toward creating team wikis or knowledge bases.
• The free version of WPS Writer comes with ads which may be distracting or annoying.

Pricing: WPS Writer is free to download and use, though you’ll need a Premium plan to remove ads and access features like cloud collaborating, PDF editing, and file permissions. Premium plans start at $5.99 for one month.

FAQs about Google Docs alternatives

Is there a free version of Google Docs?

Google Docs is a free web-based app that only requires you to create a Google account to use it. If you’re looking for a free Google Docs alternative, OpenOffice, Zoho Writer, and WPS Writer are free to use, while other word processing apps like GatherContent, ClickUp, and Microsoft Word offer limited free trials and plans.

What is like Google Docs but private?

If you’re looking for a more secure alternative to Google Docs, check out OnlyOffice. It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data at rest and in transit, and also offers granular sharing permissions to ensure no one gets their hands on your documents without your blessing. Additionally, OnlyOffice uses Telegram, a secure messaging app, for built-in chat and collaboration.

What is a Google tool like Word?

Google Docs is a word processor app that’s very similar to Microsoft Word. However, it may still lack features your content marketing team needs to stay productive, such as templates, style guides, and project management tools.

As an alternative, check out GatherContent for a full kit of document editing features as well as workflow management, in-document collaboration, and content organization features.

Is Google discontinuing Google Docs?

No, Google isn’t discontinuing Google Docs, although it has noted it will shut down outdated versions of its document editor app. This isn’t a bad thing, however, as using the most up-to-date version of Google Docs (or any software and apps, for that matter) ensures your data is protected and secure.

If your content marketing team wears multiple hats or takes on loads of projects, it may be wise to swap to a document editor that features additional workflow management and collaboration tools. By including these all in one software, you streamline your team’s production, improve efficiency, and reduce the amount of time they’ll need to learn multiple tools.

If having all your project management, content editing, and collaboration tools in one app sounds too good to be true, it’s not.

GatherContent’s full content production toolkit is created specifically for content teams. From built-in style guides and templates to a cloud-based real-time editor, each feature is thoughtfully included to help content teams work better, faster, and smarter. Give GatherContent a free try for 14 days to see if it’s the Google Docs alternative you’ve been looking for.