Searching for Google Workspace alternatives? You’ve come to the right place.
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) has become a go-to for many businesses seeking communication, document management, and productivity tools. However, its one-size-fits-all solution also means that it's good, but not great for many businesses. Whether due to specialized workflow needs, budget constraints, or the search for different features, many teams find themselves seeking better alternatives.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top solutions, including free and cheap alternatives to Google Workspace, so you can find the best fit for your business.
Google Workspace: Breakdown and review
Google Workspace, formerly called as G Suite, is a collection of cloud-based productivity and collaboration apps for businesses. It’s designed to give companies, educational institutions, and other organizations the core applications they need to communicate, create content, and collaborate.
Image source: google.com
The suite bundles a number of core services and applications, each addressing a different business need. The key features of the suite include:
Gmail: An email service that offers custom domain emails (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com).
Google Drive: Cloud storage for storing, sharing, and accessing files from various devices.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides: An office suite for creating text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with real-time editing features.
Google Calendar: A calendar application for team scheduling, booking resources, and organizing events.
Google Meet: A video and voice conferencing service for hosting virtual meetings.
Google Chat: An instant messaging platform for direct and group communication.
Why you should consider Google Workspace alternatives
While Google Workspace offers an array of collaboration tools, it has several key limitations:
Limited offline functionality
Google Workspace relies on an internet connection for most of its features. While some apps offer offline access, it’s limited, especially when it comes to real-time document editing and syncing across devices. This can be a challenge for teams that need reliable offline access to stay productive.
Limited customization and integration
While Google Workspace is packed with features, it offers limited options for customization and integration with other software. For teams that need to tailor the platform to their specific workflows or connect with other tools, Google Workspace might not be as flexible as other solutions.
Disjointed user experience
Although marketed as a unified suite, the applications within Google Workspace can feel disconnected, each with its own distinct user interface and logic. For example, the workflow and design of Google Chat differ significantly from the core productivity apps like Docs and Sheets. This inconsistency can create a steeper learning curve and lead to friction as users are forced to switch between applications that do not function cohesively.
Cost
The pricing for Google Workspace can become expensive, especially for larger teams. Small businesses or startups might only need a few of its features, but they still have to pay for the full package. Furthermore, essential business functions such as advanced security and data archiving (Google Vault) are often locked behind more expensive tiers, forcing an organization-wide upgrade to access critical features for just a few users.
For more details, see Google Workspace Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025.
What to look for in Google Workspace alternatives
When choosing an alternative, consider the following criteria to select the best solution for your team.
Functionality
The alternative should provide the necessary features for productivity. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email management, with a strong emphasis on team collaboration.
Collaboration and communication
Effective communication and collaboration tools such as chat, video calls, and file sharing are essential for maintaining team efficiency. Look for tools that streamline these processes.
Flexibility
Customization options that allow you to adjust settings, templates, and integrations to fit your team's specific needs can significantly enhance workflow.
Integration
Seamless integrations with other software, such as CRM systems, project management tools, or marketing platforms, are necessary for team efficiency.
Cost
While some businesses can afford premium solutions, many seek affordable options. Ensure that the alternative offers a good balance between functionality and cost.
User interface and team adaptability
A user-friendly interface that is easy for team members to navigate ensures that your team adapts to the new tools with minimal resistance and training.
CTA: Try Lark. The free alternative that checks all the boxes > Get a free demo
Google Workspace alternatives at a glance
10 best Google Workspace alternatives for 2025
Lark - Best overall Google Workspace alternative
Lark is a great choice for businesses because it puts all your essential tools into a single app, unlike Google Workspace where you're constantly jumping between different tabs. Your team can easily chat, edit documents, and manage projects all in the same place. This connected approach makes teamwork feel much smoother and keeps everyone on the same page without the usual chaos.
On top of that, Lark includes powerful features like a built-in project manager and live translation, things you'd typically need extra apps or subscriptions for with Google. With a very generous free plan and affordable pricing, it's a smart, modern solution for any team that wants to simplify their workflow and save money.
Key features of Lark:
Communication tools: Instant messaging, tagging, group chats, and more in Lark Messenger.
Document collaboration: Real-time editing, cloud storage, and diagram creation in Lark Docs.
Advanced data management: Designed to streamline project management, Lark Base helps your team get work done. It offers built-in formulas, charts, automation, and more, making data analysis easier.
Collaborative meetings: Video meetings with up to 500 participants with screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and transcription in Lark Meetings.
Free business email with migration support, high send limits, and offline reading capabilities.
Data security and compliance: Protect customer data with advanced encryption, strict access protocols, and adherence to global regulatory standards.
Cloud storage: Options from 100GB to 15TB + 30GB for each user.
Other features of Lark:
Centralized workspace: Organized chats for easy collaboration, communication, and information flow.
Project management and tracking: Plan, organize, and monitor project progress with tools like Lark Meegle and Lark Base for seamless task coordination.
Workflow automation: Simplify approval processes with Lark Approval, enabling faster decision-making.
Customizable notifications: Alerts tailored to important updates without excess information.
Cross-platform support: Seamless collaboration across desktop, mobile, and web.
Pros:
Comprehensive tools for communication, collaboration, and task management.
Real-time document editing increases productivity.
Advanced tools to simplify scheduling and task management.
Secure cloud storage with end-to-end encryption.
Free plan includes 11 products making it the best free alternative.
Cons:
Lark has a wide array of features that new users may need some time to learn. You can visit Lark's YouTube channel and the Lark Help Center to master all the features.
Integrations:
Lark integrates with a broad range of apps through AnyCross and has a collection of integration options in the Lark App Directory.
Pricing:
Starter plan: Free forever plan that includes 11 powerful tools for up to 20 users. It also comes with 100GB of storage space, 1000 automation runs, AI translations, and more.
Pro plan: $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Starter plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15TB of storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more.
Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing. Supports unlimited users and includes even more automation runs and advanced security, compliance, and management features.
Rating:
4.5/5 on G2
For more details on the differences between Lark and Google Workspace, see Lark vs Google Workspace: Which collaboration tool is better in 2025?
Microsoft 365 - Best alternative for Microsoft users
Image source: pureinfotech.com
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based productivity platform that combines essential tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. As a complete solution, Microsoft 365 stands out as one of the top suite alternatives to Google.
Key features of Microsoft 365:
Productivity apps: These include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.
Cross-device compatibility: Install on PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones.
Cloud storage: Offers 1TB of OneDrive storage.
Collaboration tools: Real-time editing, Microsoft Teams integration, and shared document access.
Security features: Includes encrypted email, Data Loss Prevention, and Mobile Device Management.
Pros:
Continuously updated with the latest features and security patches.
Flexible collaboration with real-time document editing and cloud storage.
Scalable subscription plans with pay-as-you-need flexibility.
Accessibility from anywhere with internet access boosts productivity.
Cons:
Ongoing subscription fees can be expensive over time compared to other tools.
Frequent updates may disrupt workflows for users who adapt slowly.
Compatibility issues with in-house bespoke systems.
Most users utilize only a fraction of its functionality.
Integrations:
Microsoft 365 supports many integrations, including Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, HubSpot, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, OpenAI, NetSuite, and DocuSign.
Pricing:
Business Basic: $6.00 per user/month (with an annual subscription). Includes web and mobile versions of Office apps, Teams, Exchange email, and OneDrive storage.
Business Standard: $12.50 per user/month (with an annual subscription). Includes everything in Business Basic, plus desktop versions of the Office suite.
Business Premium: $22.00 per user/month (with an annual subscription). Includes everything in Business Standard, plus advanced security and device management features.
For more details, see Microsoft Teams Pricing: Plans, Features, and Value Explained
Rating:
4.6/5 on G2
Zoho Workplace - Best for cost-effective productivity
Image source: zoho.com
Zoho Workplace is a platform designed to streamline team communication and collaboration. It combines email, messaging, video conferencing, and more, enabling seamless team collaboration.
Key features of Zoho Workplace:
Unified communication: Email, messaging, and video conferencing integrated into one platform.
Office suite: Tools for document creation, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Mobile apps: Access your workspace on the go.
Cloud storage: Centralized storage for easy file sharing and collaboration.
Security and privacy: Strong measures to protect data and ensure compliance.
Pros:
Combines communication and productivity tools in one place.
Supports integrations with Zoho Apps, Microsoft Apps, and Google Apps.
Affordable and scalable for businesses of all sizes. This makes Zoho Workplace one of the cheapest alternatives available.
User-friendly interface for team collaboration and remote work.
Cons:
Limited advanced features compared to some competitors.
Integration with third-party apps can require manual setup.
Learning curve for new users unfamiliar with Zoho’s ecosystem.
Customer support response times can vary.
Integrations:
Zoho Workplace integrates with various platforms, including Zoho Apps, Microsoft Apps, Google Apps, CRM tools, cloud storage platforms, digital signature and identity providers.
Pricing:
Free Plan: $0. For up to 5 users, includes Zoho Mail and collaboration tools with 5 GB of storage per user.
Standard Plan: $3 per user/month (billed annually). Includes 30 GB of mail storage and 100 GB of team storage.
Professional Plan: $6 per user/month (billed annually). Includes 100 GB of mail storage, 1 TB of team storage, and advanced features like video conferencing.
For more details, see Zoho Pricing Explained: Which Plan is Best for You?
Rating:
4.5/5 on G2
Slack - Best for team communication
Image source: slack.com
Slack is a communication platform that combines instant messaging and integrations. It streamlines workflows and promotes efficient communication within organizations and across external partners.
Key features of Slack:
Direct messaging: Send private messages to individuals or small groups.
Channels: Organize discussions by teams, tasks, or projects for better focus and collaboration.
Slack connect: Collaborate securely with external partners through shared channels.
Huddles: Start instant audio or video calls directly within the platform.
Search functionality: Easily locate messages, files, or conversations.
Pros:
Multilingual support enhances accessibility for global teams.
An intuitive and user-friendly interface simplifies navigation.
Feature-rich mobile app for seamless communication on the go.
Advanced search capabilities make finding information effortless.
Cons:
Relatively high subscription costs for premium plans.
Huddles need advanced tools like screen recording which other tools have built-in.
The free plan offers limited features and storage capacity.
Integrations:
Slack integrates with various productivity-enhancing tools, including Google Sheets, Gmail, Google Forms, Google Calendar, Notion, Airtable, Salesforce, HubSpot, and Typeform.
Pricing:
Free Plan: $0. Includes a searchable message history of the most recent 90 days, up to 10 app integrations, and one-on-one audio and video calls.
Pro Plan: $7.25 per user/month (billed annually) or $8.75 per user/month (billed monthly). Includes unlimited message history, unlimited app integrations, and group video calls.
Business+ Plan: $12.50 per user/month (billed annually) or $15.00-$18.00 per user/month (billed monthly). Adds SAML-based Single Sign-On (SSO), data exports, and a 99.99% uptime guarantee.
Enterprise+ Plan: Custom pricing. Designed for large organizations, offering more advanced features for security, compliance, and administrative controls.
For more details, see Slack Pricing Breakdown 2025: Free and Paid Plans Explained.
Rating:
4.5/5 on G2
Wrike - Best for project management
Image source: wrike.com
Wrike is a project management platform that simplifies task organization and team collaboration. Its robust features make it ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking to streamline workflows.
Key features of Wrike:
An intuitive three-pane interface for managing projects, tasks, and workflows in a single view.
It allows dynamic form creation with automation for task assignments and project creation.
Real-time analytics with updated performance metrics, charts, and infographics every 15 minutes.
Tags and folders simplify task organization, sharing, and resource access.
Pros:
Reporting tools enable managers to track team workloads and project progress efficiently.
Teams can customize templates to save time and streamline repetitive tasks.
Supports direct feedback on files like PDFs, videos, and documents.
It simplifies task assignments and external collaboration.
Cons:
Lacks a feature for quickly jotting down and retrieving notes.
Unlike Lark, advanced features are limited to costly premium plans.
Some app integrations delay notifications, reducing real-time responsiveness.
The default task filter hides completed tasks, requiring manual adjustments.
Lacks an internal chat feature, relying on third-party tools for communication.
Integrations:
Wrike integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Power BI, Google Drive, Zoom, Miro, and more to enhance functionality.
Pricing
Free Plan: $0 for up to 5 users. Includes project and task management with board and table views.
Team Plan: $10 per user/month. For 2-15 users. Adds Gantt charts, unlimited projects, and automations.
Business Plan: $24.80 per user/month. For 5-200 users. Adds custom fields, request forms, resource planning, and real-time reports.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing. For large teams. Adds enterprise-grade security features like SAML-based SSO and two-factor authentication (2FA).
Pinnacle Plan: Custom pricing. For teams with complex needs. Adds advanced reporting, budgeting, and billable hours tracking.
For more details, see Unlocking Wrike Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide to Plans and Features.
Rating:
4.2/5 on G2
Asana - Best for task and workflow automation
Image source: asana.com
Asana is a cloud-based task management solution that helps businesses streamline project organization, collaboration, and communication.
Key features of Asana:
Manage projects end-to-end with clear roles and deadlines.
Break work into manageable tasks with owners and due dates.
Visualize work through lists, timelines, Gantt charts, or Kanban boards.
Add labels to tasks for sorting, filtering, and reporting.
Pros:
Offers intuitive design and personalization options like color-coded projects.
Allows teams to prioritize and organize tasks efficiently.
Promotes transparency, real-time communication, and accountability.
Cons:
Beginners may find the interface complex without proper onboarding.
Tasks can only be assigned to one person, restricting flexibility.
Extensive features may overwhelm users who are handling more straightforward projects.
There may be better alternatives for task management.
Integrations:
Asana integrates with tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Mailchimp, Slack, and over 150 others to extend its functionality.
Pricing:
Personal Plan: Free forever for up to 10 teammates. Includes unlimited tasks, projects, and storage (100MB per file limit).
Starter Plan: $10.99 per user/month (billed annually) or $13.49 (billed monthly). Adds Timeline and Gantt views, a workflow builder, and project dashboards.
Advanced Plan: $24.99 per user/month (billed annually) or $30.49 (billed monthly). Adds Portfolios, Goals, workload management, and native time tracking.
Enterprise & Enterprise+ Plans: Custom pricing. Includes advanced security features like SAML, SCIM, and custom branding.
For more details, see Asana Pricing Explained: Which Plan Is Right for You?
Rating:
4.4/5 on G2
ClickUp - Best for customizable workspaces
Image source: clickup.com
ClickUp is a project management tool for streamlining work processes. Its customizable features make it a popular choice for individuals and organizations.
Key features of ClickUp:
A centralized hub for all tasks and projects.
Organize work by departments or teams with customizable settings.
Break down projects into smaller, manageable segments.
Enable teamwork with shared tasks, real-time communication, and file sharing.
Visualize project progress through real-time charts and customizable insights.
Pros:
ClickUp allows users to tailor workflows, dashboards, and labels for improved efficiency.
Its clean dashboard simplifies task management and tracking.
Features like comments, mentions, and task assignments boost teamwork.
Built-in tools help monitor productivity and billable hours.
Cons:
Its many features can overwhelm new users.
The integration options are fewer than some competitors offer.
The tiered plans can be confusing and lead to unnecessary costs.
The platform may feel cluttered for extensive teams.
The mobile app lacks some desktop features.
Similar to Lark, but less advanced.
Integrations:
ClickUp integrates with Slack, GitHub, GitLab, Webhooks, HubSpot, Everhour, Toggl, Harvest, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Outlook, Apple/Outlook Calendars, SSO, and Figma.
Pricing:
Free Forever Plan: $0. Includes unlimited tasks and unlimited users, but is limited to 60 MB of storage.
Unlimited Plan: $7 per user/month (billed annually) or $10 (billed monthly). Includes unlimited storage, integrations, and Gantt charts.
Business Plan: $12 per user/month (billed annually) or $19 (billed monthly). Adds Google SSO, unlimited teams, and advanced features like Mind Maps and workload management.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing. Includes advanced permissions, white labeling, and a dedicated success manager.
For more details, see ClickUp Pricing: Plans, Features, and Value for Your Team.
Rating:
4.7/5 on G2
OnlyOffice - Best for self-hosted productivity
Image source: portable-linux-apps.github.io
OnlyOffice is a GDPR-compliant office suite that is open source. It offers tools for document processing, file management, projects, email, and more.
Key features of OnlyOffice:
Create fillable forms, assignments, and workbooks; share them with filling permissions; save them as PDFs.
Store materials, assess content, monitor activities, create blogs/forums, surveys, and build knowledge bases.
Available via browser, desktop, and mobile.
Customizable for students and teachers.
Suitable for small teams to large universities.
Offers educational discounts and tailored plans.
Advanced data protection and private cloud options.
Fully accessible for online classes.
Pros:
Linux support.
Microsoft Office compatibility.
Sleek dashboard and CRM integration.
Easy document editing across devices with browser-based access.
Cons:
Slow loading times.
Confusing layout and challenges when editing existing documents.
Integrations:
OnlyOffice integrates with Moodle, OpenOlat, Chamilo, WordPress, Nextcloud, Seafile, Confluence, and more.
Pricing:
Cloud plans start from $65 per user/month, starting from a minimum of 3 users. Includes 100 GB of storage per user and advanced features. Free plan also available for up to 5 users.
On-Premise (Lifetime License) starts from $149 one-time fee for 10 users. Includes one year of free updates.
Rating:
4.0/5 on G2
LibreOffice - Best open-source office suite
Image source: pcworld.com
LibreOffice is a free, open-source office productivity suite. It offers tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, diagrams, and databases.
Key features of LibreOffice:
Exports documents in .docx format with enhanced support for Microsoft Office files.
Alternative user interface option for easier navigation.
Create e-books directly from documents.
Use OpenPGP keys to secure the signing and encryption of files.
Add custom watermarks to pages.
Multi-threading support for faster processing.
Pre-designed templates in Impress for content-focused slides.
Pros:
Free and user-friendly.
Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Rich features for various tasks.
Broad file format support, including Microsoft Office.
Customizable with extensions and templates.
Cons:
Interface less polished than commercial suites.
Occasional compatibility issues with complex Microsoft Office files.
Lacks dedicated customer support.
Limited advanced features compared to commercial alternatives.
Restricted integration with some software ecosystems.
Integrations:
LibreOffice integrates with Writer, Calc, Base, Liferay, OpenClipart.org, goQR.me, Zotero and Collabora Online.
Pricing:
Free and open-source software. There are no pricing plans, subscription fees, or licensing costs.
Rating:
4.3/5 on G2
Monday - Best for visual project planning
Image source: monday.com
Monday.com is a flexible platform that helps teams manage projects and tasks and collaborate. It offers tools for tracking work, organizing resources, and managing sales and support. Simple to use and customizable, it is suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Key features of Monday:
Task creation and assignment with prioritization
Drag and drop functionality for easy workflow management
Multiple views (Calendar, Kanban, Timeline, etc.)
Automation for repetitive tasks
Pros:
User-friendly interface with customizable templates.
Extensive integrations to centralize workflows.
Free plan available for small teams.
Cons:
Pricing can be expensive for larger teams.
Advanced features are limited to higher-tier plans.
Limited reporting and analytics tools.
The mobile app lacks full desktop functionality.
Integrations:
Over 200 integrations, including Slack, Gmail, and Microsoft Teams.
Pricing:
Free Plan: $0 for up to 2 users. Includes up to 3 boards and unlimited docs.
Basic Plan: $9 per seat/month (billed annually). Requires a minimum of 3 users. Includes unlimited items and 5 GB of file storage.
Standard Plan: $12 per seat/month (billed annually). Requires a minimum of 3 users. Adds Timeline & Gantt views, automations, and integrations (250 actions/month each).
Pro Plan: $19 per seat/month (billed annually). Requires a minimum of 3 users. Adds private boards, time tracking, and increases automation/integration limits to 25,000 actions/month.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing. Includes enterprise-grade security, advanced reporting, and tailored onboarding.
For more details, see Monday Pricing: Comprehensive Guide to the Latest Plans in 2025.
Rating:
4.7/5 on G2
How to choose the right Google Workspace alternative
Finding the right alternative requires careful consideration of your team’s unique needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:
Assess your team’s needs
Identify essential features like document collaboration, video conferencing, email, and cloud storage.
Consider workflow requirements—do you need real-time editing, advanced permissions, or automation tools?
Evaluate collaboration & communication tools
Ensure the platform supports seamless team collaboration with chat, video calls, and file sharing.
Look for integrations with third-party apps your team already uses.
Check flexibility & scalability
Choose a solution that adapts to your business growth and changing needs.
Look for customizable workflows, storage options, and user roles.
Compare costs & value
Weigh the pricing plans against the features provided—cheaper isn’t always better if key functions are missing.
Consider free alternatives or lower-cost solutions that still meet your requirements.
Prioritize security & compliance
Ensure the Google alternative follows industry security standards, including encryption and data protection.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right alternative to Google Workspace can be challenging, but Lark emerges as the standout option. Its powerful all-in-one app offers robust communication tools, seamless workflow automation, advanced data management, and real-time collaboration features, making it an ideal choice for organizations of all sizes.
Lark not only simplifies operations and boosts productivity but also ensures top-notch security, comparable to enterprise-grade solutions. Whether your priority is pricing, security, or feature set, Lark delivers it all by combining messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and document collaboration in one platform. As a free Google Workspace alternative, it’s an excellent solution for businesses looking to enhance team efficiency and drive growth at an affordable price. Give Lark a try and experience the transformation in your workflow.
FAQs about Google Workspace alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Google Workspace (G Suite)?
Yes, many products offer free tiers that can effectively meet the needs of individuals, small teams, or businesses operating on a limited budget.
Lark offers one of the most generous free plan, with a higher user limit (20 users) and much more storage space (100GB) than other tools. Various features to manage tasks, process approvals, automate workflows, and collaborate in docs and meetings are included, so your team can work.
What’s the best alternative to Google Workspace for small businesses?
Lark and Zoho Workplace are the best alternatives for small businesses. Both offer affordability and essential tools like email, file storage, and document editing. If you’re looking for project management software and collaboration tools all rolled into one, we recommend you try Lark. In addition, while Dropbox Business is not among the best options listed, it remains a solid choice for small, agile teams.
What are the best Google Workspace alternatives for email?
Zoho Workspace, Microsoft, and Lark are the top alternatives for email, providing advanced security and privacy-focused features.
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