The best alternatives to Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice still opens your old .odt files, but the last major update was in 2014. If you're part of a team that needs real-time collaboration, cloud sync, or just a modern interface, the gap is obvious. European alternatives don’t just fill it—they add EU-hosted storage, end-to-end encryption, and per-user pricing that scales from a single freelancer to a 200-person agency without forcing you into a US data centre.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from Apache OpenOffice to a European alternative?
Apache OpenOffice hasn’t had a major update since 2014, so it lacks real-time collaboration, cloud sync, and modern integrations. European alternatives add these features while keeping data in the EU, which avoids US surveillance laws and meets GDPR requirements. Many also offer per-user pricing that starts at a lower entry point than traditional office suites.
Can I keep working with .odt, .ods, and .odp files after switching?
Most European alternatives in this list open OpenDocument formats without conversion, but not all edit them natively. LibreOffice and Collabora Online are full office suites that work directly with .odt, .ods, and .odp. Tools like Stackfield or Nextcloud focus on collaboration and may require an integrated office suite (such as ONLYOFFICE or Collabora) to edit these files.
How do I migrate my files from Apache OpenOffice to a new tool?
Export your documents as .odt, .ods, or .odp files from Apache OpenOffice, then upload them to your new tool. If you’re moving to a cloud-based alternative like Infomaniak kSuite or Nextcloud, check if they offer bulk import or sync tools. For large teams, some providers offer migration support—ask before signing up.
Are European alternatives more expensive than Apache OpenOffice?
Apache OpenOffice is free, but many European alternatives offer free plans or cheaper entry tiers for small teams. Paid plans typically use per-user pricing, which can be more cost-effective for teams than traditional office suite licenses. Some, like LibreOffice, remain completely free and open-source.
Which European alternative is best for GDPR-compliant collaboration?
For GDPR-compliant collaboration, look for tools with EU-only data processing and end-to-end encryption. Stackfield, for example, is a German tool that combines tasks, chat, and video calls with EU-hosted storage. Nextcloud and Infomaniak kSuite also offer GDPR-compliant cloud storage and collaboration features.
Do any European alternatives offer self-hosting?
Yes, LibreOffice and Nextcloud can be self-hosted. LibreOffice is a desktop application with no server component, while Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud platform that can integrate office suites like Collabora Online or ONLYOFFICE for document editing.