Free alternatives
7 free Google Docs alternatives
Google Docs is already free, so people usually look elsewhere for privacy, a desktop app that works without Google, or better Word compatibility. These free alternatives include encrypted editors, open-source desktop suites and Microsoft's own free web apps.
Short answer
The best free Google Docs alternatives are Microsoft 365 web apps, CryptPad, Proton Drive and 4 more. Google Docs has a free plan, but each pick here is free or has a usable free plan.
Updated
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Is Google Docs free?
Google Docs pricing
Google Docs is Google's online word processor for writing and editing documents together in real time.
Docs itself is free with a Google account. Businesses pay per user for Google Workspace plans, which add more storage, admin tools and extra features.
Free plan
Yes. Anyone with a Google account can create and edit documents, and files count towards the account's 15 GB of free storage shared with Gmail and Photos.
Checked on Google Docs's official pricing page on . Prices change, so check before you buy.
The 7 best free Google Docs alternatives
Every pick is free or has a usable free plan, and is listed in our directory. Free-plan limits change, so check each tool's site before you switch.
Why switch: Free web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with the best Office file compatibility.
Free web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint with a Microsoft account.
Works on Web
Why switch: End-to-end encrypted, open-source documents, sheets and slides you edit together in the browser.
An end-to-end encrypted, open-source office suite in your browser.
Works on Web
Why switch: Encrypted cloud storage with a built-in document and spreadsheet editor and 5 GB free.
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage with 5 GB free.
Works on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Why switch: A free word processor with every feature unlocked, plus desktop apps that work fully offline.
A free online word processor with every feature unlocked after sign-up.
Works on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Why switch: A free, open-source desktop office suite with no account and no cloud.
A free, open-source office suite for your desktop: Writer, Calc, Impress and more.
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux
Why switch: Free desktop editors that keep Word, Excel and PowerPoint formatting intact.
Free desktop editors for documents, sheets, slides and PDFs with native Office formats.
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux
Why switch: Docs, wikis and notes in one shared workspace, free for personal use.
One workspace for notes, docs, projects and wikis.
Works on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
Frequently asked questions
- Is Google Docs free?
- Yes. Anyone with a Google account can create and edit documents, and files count towards the account's 15 GB of free storage shared with Gmail and Photos.
- How much does Google Docs cost?
- Docs itself is free with a Google account. Businesses pay per user for Google Workspace plans, which add more storage, admin tools and extra features. Checked on Google Docs's own pricing page in October 2026; prices can change.
- What is the best free alternative to Google Docs?
- Microsoft 365 web apps is our top pick, followed by CryptPad and Proton Drive. Each one is free or has a usable free plan.
- Are these Google Docs alternatives really free?
- Yes. Every tool on this page is either completely free or has a free plan you can keep using. Paid upgrades exist on some of them, and free-plan limits change, so check each tool's site.
Keep exploring
Free alternatives to other paid tools
- monday.com
- Jira
- Things 3
- Fantastical
- Miro
- Canva
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Submagic
- Lovable
- CleanShot X
- Squarespace
- Airtable
- Mobbin
- Tailwind Plus
- Adobe Fonts
- Grammarly
- Slack
- Zapier
- Typeform
- Mailchimp
- Figma
- Zoom
- Dropbox
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe Lightroom
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe XD
- Adobe Premiere Rush
- Adobe Express
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Animate
- Adobe Substance 3D
- Adobe Bridge
- Adobe Fresco
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile
- Adobe Photoshop Express
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
- Adobe Premiere Elements
- Adobe Illustrator Draw
- Adobe Acrobat Sign
- Adobe Firefly
- Adobe Stock
- Behance
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