CryptPad
BeginnerCryptPad is a solid Google Docs alternative. End-to-end encrypted collaborative suite. Documents, spreadsheets, presentations, all encrypted before reaching the server.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
CryptPad is a web-based collaborative suite with end-to-end encryption. Documents, spreadsheets, presentations, polls: everything is encrypted before reaching the server. Even administrators can't read your files. Developed in France (XWiki SAS), hosted in Europe. The interface is functional but more basic than Google Docs. Ideal for sensitive collaboration.
Key features
- E2E encryption
- Real-time collaboration
- Documents, spreadsheets, kanban
- Encrypted polls
- Self-hostable
- Open source
Strengths
- + E2E encryption : server sees nothing
- + No account needed to collaborate
- + Developed in France (XWiki SAS)
Weaknesses
- − Fewer features than a full Google Docs
- − Limited free storage
- − Limited Office compatibility
Recommended for
- Encrypted online collaboration
- Privacy-respecting Google Docs alternative
CryptPad vs Google Docs: the comparison
| Criterion | CryptPad | Google Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (1 GB with an account). Premium from €5/month. | Free (Google account required) |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Easy (2/5) | — |
Comparison
CryptPad encrypts everything end-to-end, including collaborative documents. LibreOffice is more feature-complete. OnlyOffice is more faithful to Microsoft Office formats.
This topic is chapter 7 of my book
It answers these questions, among others:
- how do you convert your documents without breaking their layout?
- editing, storage, collaboration: which tool for each need?
- and what do you do with shared documents still in use?
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does CryptPad cost?
Free (1 GB with an account). Premium from €5/month.
How do you switch from Google Docs to CryptPad?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (2/5). Quick start via browser. Limited Office file import. Adapting to reduced features.
Who is CryptPad for?
Users and teams seeking encrypted online collaboration, without depending on Google.
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