The best alternatives to Google Workspace
Google Workspace’s recent price hikes, up to 40 % in two years, hit teams with more than a handful of users hard. Add storage limits and forced upgrades, and the monthly bill can double overnight. If you’re running a European team, the cost isn’t the only friction: data is processed in the US, and Google’s scanning of emails and documents for ad targeting and AI training clashes with GDPR requirements. The alternatives below keep your data in the EU, offer predictable pricing, and let you leave without re-encoding every file.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from Google Workspace to a European alternative?
The main triggers are cost and compliance. Google Workspace has raised prices by up to 40 % in two years, and US data processing conflicts with GDPR for many EU-based teams. European tools like Stackfield or Nextcloud keep data in the EU, offer transparent pricing, and avoid proprietary formats that make migration difficult.
Is my data really safer with a European provider?
EU providers are subject to GDPR and local data-protection laws, not the US CLOUD Act. Tools like Stackfield and Nextcloud process data exclusively on EU servers, often with end-to-end encryption and ISO 27001 certification. This reduces the risk of unauthorised access by third parties or foreign authorities.
How hard is it to migrate away from Google Workspace?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply you rely on Google’s proprietary formats. Most European alternatives support standard formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .ics, but complex Google Docs or Sheets with macros may need manual adjustment. Tools like Nextcloud offer migration assistants, and some providers include free onboarding support.
What’s the best European alternative for teams that need advanced Excel features?
For teams that rely on complex Excel workflows, SeaTable is the closest European match. It combines spreadsheet functionality with database features, supports formulas, and integrates with tools like Zapier. Unlike Google Sheets, it handles larger datasets and offers more granular permission controls.
Are European alternatives cheaper than Google Workspace?
Pricing varies, but many European alternatives offer more predictable costs. Stackfield, for example, offers günstige Pro-Nutzer-Preise with no hidden fees, while Nextcloud’s self-hosted option can be even cheaper for large teams. The key difference is transparency: no forced upgrades, no surprise storage limits, and no per-feature add-ons.
Can I keep using Google Meet and Chat with a European alternative?
Most European alternatives include their own video and chat tools. Stackfield, for example, offers integrated video calls and team chat, while Nextcloud integrates with apps like Talk. If you need to keep using Google Meet, you can still connect it via third-party integrations, but native alternatives avoid the compliance risks of mixing ecosystems.