google docs alternatives

The 8 Best Google Docs Alternatives To Collaborate At Work In 2023

In my line of work, it seems that Google Docs has been the gold standard of cloud-based document production. With its easy integration with other Google products, intuitive user interface, and wealth of add-ons, it is a no-brainer for many businesses.

However, while Google is still the number one powerhouse in the SERPS and offers an amazing fleet of free programs, it’s not the only option out there. There are many alternatives for users who want a broader range of features, functionalities, and integrations into their everyday work collaboration tools.

So, if Google has always been your go-to document creator, maybe it’s time to consider a platform that does more than just create and edit documents. While there is truth in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” there is still wisdom in “out with the old, in with the new.”

Here are some great Google Docs alternatives that will take your collaboration to the next level.

1. Hive

Hive software overview

Hive is a cloud-based productivity platform that helps users keep track of their goals, notes, documents, and tasks. Built by its users, Hive is unique in that it is built to tackle all of your digital project management challenges. Complete with integrations with leading third-party applications and a complete goal-setting pipeline, Hive has thought of everything — including collaborative editing.

While Hive isn’t a specific document writing tool, it has a powerful note-taking application for collaborative typing and editing, just like Google Docs. In Hive Notes, you can also utilize Hive’s build-in AI tool, HiveMind. HiveMind can create all types of content in just one click, including blog posts, article outlines, meeting agendas, and much more.

In addition to AI content creation, Hive Notes offers many more features that make it a great alternative to Google Docs. In notes, you can comment and tag teammates, customize formatting, turn any piece of text into an Action card, and much more. It’s the best platform to collaborate on notes and documents, while also benefiting from the added functionality of a leading project management solution.

Key Features:

  • Hivemind AI integration in notes
  • Version controls for tracking changes in documents
  • Task tracking for keeping tabs on projects
  • Threaded conversations so that everyone can follow along

Pricing:

Hive offers a free 14-day trial to get started. Hive Solo includes basic features and is free-forever for individuals and teams of 2. Hive Teams plans start at $12 monthly per user, with custom enterprise packages available for larger organizations.

2. Microsoft Office

microsoft office - google docs alternative

An OG in this niche, Microsoft Office, also now referred to as Microsoft 365, has had its fingers in the pie from the very beginning. While Microsoft was known primarily for its office suite (typically downloaded onto computers and local servers), it now offers an upgraded cloud-based product. The product includes integrations with other Microsoft products like OneDrive and Skype and still continues to be one of the most popular word-processing programs today.

Key Features:

  • Cloud-based versions of their popular Office apps can be added, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
  • Real-time collaboration and co-authoring features.
  • Access to templates and pre-built designs.
  • Mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
  • Compatibility with desktop versions of Office.

Pricing:

The Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan starts at $6 per user, per month when billed annually. The premium plans start at $22 monthly per user and offer added security and data management.

3. Zoho Writer

zoho writer - google docs alternative

Zoho Writer is an online word processor that offers a wide range of features, including collaboration tools, document sharing, and access to over 500 templates. It has the same feel as Google workspace and Microsoft, but it is just a smidge less user-friendly than these other well-known options. The layout is unfamiliar to many users, with the toolbar aligned on the left side, and it takes a bit to get the hang of it, but it is still a powerful integrated tool.

Key Features:

  • Cloud-based word processing that can write across all devices.
  • Real-time collaboration with reviews and editing.
  • Access to over 500 templates and pre-built designs.
  • Document sharing and version control.
  • WordPress Integration.

Pricing:

Zoho Writer is free for up to 25 users with limited features. Zoho Workplace starts at $3 per user, per month (billed annually) for access to all Zoho productivity apps, including Writer, Sheet, Show, and more.

4. Apple Pages 

apple pages - google docs alternative

If you work on an Apple computer and try to open a program that is an unrecognizable extension–Apple will typically default and open it up in Pages. Pages is a word processing program developed by Apple that comes built into newer Apple computers and is free for Mac users and also available on iCloud. It has over 90 beautiful Apple-designed templates, and the program lets you customize your documents any way you like.

Like some of the others on this list, it can add highlights to text, track changes, and capture threaded conversations with your team. Also, any changes are saved automatically, so no worries if you forget to hit save.

Key Features:

  • Comes pre-installed on newer Apple computers.
  • Free for Mac users and also available on iCloud.
  • Over 90 Apple-designed templates for various document types.
  • Supports various file formats, including Microsoft Word and PDF.
  • Integration with other Apple applications like Numbers and Keynote.

Pricing:

Pages is free for Mac users and available on iCloud for free as well.

5. OnlyOffice

onlyoffice - google docs alternative

Don’t let the name fool you, there is plenty to be had with this comprehensive suite of office tools. OnlyOffice offers real-time collaboration, version control, and integrated chat tools, so you can easily share documents and work as a team. It also has a smooth interface that will make transitioning from Google Docs more comfortable.

It is a powerful online tool that helps your team collaborate and get work done in a secure environment. It also offers document editing, project management, customer relationship management (CRM), mail server tools, and other groupware features that are essential for any small business. 

Key Features:

  • Real-time collaboration for multiple users.
  • Integration with popular cloud storage providers and project management tools.
  • Customization options to suit the needs of different organizations.
  • Security features like two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption.

Pricing:

Free for personal use, but has multiple team pricing plans starting at $4.80 monthly per user when billed annually.

6. Quip

quip - google docs alternative

Quip is a production and collaboration platform with a word processor, spreadsheets, and chat functionality. The word processor is user-friendly and can compete with Google, and the entire Quip platform offers security features that help enhance trust, transparency, and connectivity. Another Google doc alternative where collaboration is essential and tracking on lists, to-dos, and projects are all a part of the package. 

Key Features:

  • Productivity and collaboration platform with a user-friendly word processor and spreadsheet editor.
  • Built-in chat functionality for real-time communication and collaboration.
  • Tools for managing to-do lists, assigning tasks, and tracking project progress.
  • Security features to help enhance trust, transparency, and connectivity.

Pricing:

The Free version offers limited features and is suitable for personal use or small teams. Quip Business plans start at $30 per user, per month and is billed annually.

7. Dropbox Paper

dropbox paper - google docs alternative

Dropbox Paper is a welcome alternative to Google Docs for teams that desire a more streamlined and focused approach to collaborative writing. It features a minimalist interface that eliminates distractions, designed to make the process of creating a shared document simple and intuitive. It supports real-time collaboration just like Google Docs, but also includes features for brainstorming and idea structuring, such as the ability to create to-do lists, add comments, and even include code snippets.

It also integrates with Dropbox, making file sharing and storage seamless if your team is already using Dropbox for file management. On the other hand, Google Docs, being part of Google Workspace, offers integration with a broader suite of tools like Gmail, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. 

Key Features:

  • Embed multimedia content, such as images, videos, and audio files.
  • Create and manage project timelines.
  • Mobile app for access to your documents anytime, anywhere.
  • Meeting Widget allows users to associate documents with calendar events.

Pricing:

Dropbox Paper is free with any Dropbox account. Paid plans start at $11.99/month for a single user and include additional storage capacity.

8. Coda

coda - google docs alternative

Another alternative to Google Docs is Coda, a cloud-based multi-user document editor with a unique approach to document creation. Coda combines word processing with the addition of databases, spreadsheets, and project management tools, whereas Google Docs is essentially an online version of a traditional word processor. Within a single Coda document, you can create text, tables that function like mini-spreadsheets, and tasks with assignees and due dates. You can even embed third-party content like YouTube videos or Google Calendar events. This makes it a very flexible tool for collaboration, allowing teams to create unique and versatile documents.

Coda allows real-time collaboration and comments, as well as other project management features, potentially making it a better fit for teams that want to combine their document creation with other tools within a single software. There is a learning curve to Coda that doesn’t exist with Google Docs, which is straightforward and operates largely like any other text-based document software. Coda’s vast blend of features can be overwhelming to some users, and its interface isn’t as intuitive as Google Docs. 

Key Features:

  • Integration with popular apps and services like Slack, Gmail, or even Spotify.
  • “Doc Map” for quick navigation within complex documents.
  • Wide range of customizable templates.
  • Automated actions, such as sending reminders or updating statuses.
  • Granular permission settings to control who can view or edit various parts of a document.

Pricing:

Coda offers a free plan and paid options starting at $10/user/month. They also have enterprise plans with custom pricing available for larger teams.