The best alternatives to Google Workspace
Google Workspace price hikes and data-scanning practices push EU teams toward alternatives that keep control over costs and content. A switch to a European provider often means EU-only server locations and GDPR-aligned data handling without the lock-in of proprietary formats.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why do teams switch from Google Workspace?
The most common reasons are rising costs after recent price increases, concerns about data scanning for ads and model training, and the difficulty of migrating out of Google’s proprietary formats. EU-based teams also cite GDPR compliance and data sovereignty as key factors.
Do European alternatives guarantee GDPR compliance?
Most European providers in this category host data exclusively in the EU and align their processing with GDPR. Some, like Stackfield, also offer end-to-end encryption and zero-access architectures to further limit data exposure.
How hard is it to migrate away from Google Workspace?
Migration involves DNS changes, data transfer and user retraining. The complexity grows with the volume of data and the use of proprietary formats. Self-hosted options like Nextcloud avoid lock-in entirely, as you retain full control over your data and infrastructure.
Are European alternatives cheaper than Google Workspace?
Many offer lower entry-tier pricing, especially for smaller teams. Some provide free plans or per-user pricing that scales more predictably than Google’s tiered model, which can include hidden costs like storage overages or forced upgrades.
Which European alternative is best for data sovereignty?
Stackfield and mailbox.org are strong choices for teams prioritizing EU-only server locations and strict data handling. Stackfield adds end-to-end encryption, while mailbox.org is known for its transparency and long-standing focus on privacy.