ONLYOFFICE vs Google Docs
Considering a switch from Google Docs to a European alternative? ONLYOFFICE offers full GDPR compliance and EU-only data hosting without the legal uncertainties that come with US-based services. Here's how they compare on features, pricing, and data protection.
Quick Overview
ONLYOFFICE
EU- Headquarters
- Riga, LV
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Google Docs
USGoogle Docs is a cloud-based word processing application that is part of Google Workspace, enabling real-time collaborative document editing and sharing.
The Case for ONLYOFFICE
- ONLYOFFICE stores all data exclusively in Latvia, EU, under European jurisdiction. Unlike Google Docs, which is subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, ONLYOFFICE cannot be compelled by foreign governments to hand over your data.
- ONLYOFFICE offers a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) that is fully aligned with GDPR Article 28. There is no legal ambiguity about data transfers or adequacy decisions — your data processor is European, and the law that governs it is European.
- As an open-source solution, ONLYOFFICE gives you full code transparency. You can verify that the software does what it claims, audit it for security vulnerabilities, and even self-host it for maximum control — something that is simply not possible with Google Docs.
- You can try ONLYOFFICE for free before committing. This makes it easy to evaluate whether it meets your needs alongside — or as a replacement for — Google Docs, without any financial risk.
Why Switch to ONLYOFFICE?
Concerns with Google Docs
- US CLOUD Act jurisdiction
- Document content scanned and indexed by Google
- No end-to-end encryption for document content
- Data linked to Google user profiles for advertising purposes
ONLYOFFICE Compliance
GDPRDPA
- Headquarters
- Riga, LV
- Data Centers
- LV, EU
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Categories
ONLYOFFICE vs Google Docs — FAQ
Is Google Docs GDPR compliant?
Google Docs may offer GDPR compliance features and EU data residency options, but as a US-headquartered company, it remains subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702. These laws can compel US companies to hand over data regardless of where it is stored. The EU-US Data Privacy Framework provides some safeguards, but its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield) were both invalidated by the European Court of Justice. ONLYOFFICE, as a European company, is not subject to these US laws at all.
How does ONLYOFFICE compare to Google Docs in features?
ONLYOFFICE offers Document editor, Spreadsheet editor, Presentation editor, Form creator, and 5 more features. While Google Docs's ecosystem may be larger due to its market position, ONLYOFFICE covers the core functionality that most teams need. The trade-off is typically between breadth of integrations (Google Docs) and data sovereignty with regulatory certainty (ONLYOFFICE).
Can I migrate from Google Docs to ONLYOFFICE?
Yes. Most European software providers, including ONLYOFFICE, offer migration tools or documentation to help you transition from US-based services. Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability — meaning Google Docs must provide your data in a machine-readable format. The migration process varies in complexity depending on your data volume and integrations, but for most teams it can be completed within a few days to a few weeks.