2 Open Source alternatives to Google Docs in 2026
We compare 2 self-hostable tools you can deploy on your own server in minutes, with license, tech stack and a ready-to-copy docker-compose.
Quick comparison
Sorted by featured first, then GitHub stars as a tiebreaker — the same rule we use across the whole site.
Detailed profile of each alternative
Alternative to Google Docs
Real-time collaborative editor, a lightweight alternative to Google Docs.
Alternative to Google Docs
End-to-end encrypted office suite, an alternative to Google Docs.
How much does Google Docs cost, and how much can you save?
Google Docs charges a recurring monthly fee. Self-hosting the alternative, you only pay for the server — usually a few dollars a month.
Calculate your exact savings in the SaaS Audit →Already know which one you want?
Add Etherpad to the Stack Builder and generate a ready-to-deploy docker-compose.yml, alone or alongside the rest of your stack.
Build my stackFrequently asked questions
Do I need Docker to self-host a Google Docs alternative?
Yes, for all 2: each one has a ready-to-copy docker-compose.yml. You just need Docker installed on your server.
How much RAM do I need at minimum?
The lightest option on this list is CryptPad, which runs on as little as 256MB of RAM — enough for a cheap VPS.
Are they all 100% free, or are there paid features like on Google Docs?
Yes, all 2 are 100% FOSS: no paid plan or locked features when self-hosted.