13 alternatives to Microsoft 365 for better collaboration in your company
Every company, large or small, relies on 4 pillars to grow: communication, organization, creation and collaboration.
The use of an office suite results in satisfied, productive employees. This point is a central argument in the choice of a collaborative work tool, as employees spend most of their time with it. Messaging, diaries and documents are often open all day long on workstations. Each optimized micro-task or action can result in thousands of euros in savings for a company over the course of a year.
In this article, we offer you a comparison and a guide to choosing your collaboration tool.
What is Microsoft Office 365 and why consider an alternative?
Microsoft 365, is much more than just an office suite, it's a complete business ecosystem, designed to support businesses in their digital transformation. It includes the essentials:
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Word, Excel, PowerPoint: desktop and online applications for document creation, analysis and presentation.
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Outlook: management of e-mails, calendars and business contacts.
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Teams: unified communications platform for calls, meetings and instant messaging.
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OneDrive: 1 TB of cloud storage per user for real-time file sharing and co-editing.
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SharePoint: advanced document management and corporate intranet.
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Copilot IA: content generation, meeting summaries, data analysis and task automation in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Accessible everywhere, on all types of devices, Microsoft 365 seduces with its consistency and its ability to centralize work, communication and document management within a single platform. On the strengths side, we particularly appreciate:
✅ seamless integration between applications,
✅ enhanced security,
✅ a polished user experience that simplifies teamwork, even remotely.
However, this all-in-one tool is not without its limitations: the subscription cost can weigh heavily over time, especially for smaller structures, and some advanced features are only available in the highest-end offerings. Many companies question the possibility of using an alternative to this office suite because of :
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a subscription that adds up: Microsoft 365 operates on a monthly or annual subscription model. In the short term, this isn't a problem, but over several years, the bill can get steep.
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functionalities compartmentalized by package: not all options are available in all packages. For example, certain advanced security, automation or analysis functions are only available in the "Enterprise" plans. And that's something you often only discover after the fact.
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AI still in its infancy (and costly): the famous AI-powered Copilot promises wonders. But for the time being, it remains limited to certain uses, with sometimes uneven results... and above all, it requires an additional subscription.
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A sometimes dense interface: with so many tools (Teams, SharePoint, Planner, Outlook...), the environment can become a bit cumbersome to manage. You can quickly find yourself drowning in tabs and notifications.
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Strong dependence on the Microsoft ecosystem: to take full advantage of the suite, it's best to centralize everything at Microsoft (Windows, OneDrive, Azure...). This can be a problem when using alternative or open source tools.
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Unsuitable for freelancers and micro-businesses: too rich, too complex or simply too expensive for a single person who doesn't need the whole ecosystem.
Microsoft 365
TOP 13 alternatives to Microsoft 365
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Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace | monday.com | DropBox | WPS Office | ClickUp | Wrike | Bitrix24 | Zoho Workplace | Confluence | Adobe Acrobat DC | ONLYOFFICE | Proton Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 50 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 250 employees | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Microsoft 365 | Learn more about Google Workspace | Learn more about monday.com | Learn more about DropBox | Learn more about WPS Office | Learn more about ClickUp | Learn more about Wrike | Learn more about Bitrix24 | Learn more about Zoho Workplace | Learn more about Confluence | Learn more about Adobe Acrobat DC | Learn more about ONLYOFFICE | Learn more about Proton Drive |
Google Workspace: for smooth, frictionless real-time collaboration
Google Workspace
In 2026,Google Workspace will establish itself as the alternative of choice to Microsoft 365, particularly for small businesses, startups and hybrid teams. Designed from the outset for the cloud, Google's suite offers a fluid, intuitive and collaborative experience, accessible from any device.
It includes well-known tools such as :
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Gmail: fast, filtered and secure professional e-mail, with high-performance search.
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Google Docs: collaborative online word processing, perfect for writing in real time.
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Google Sheets: cloud-based spreadsheets for analysis, calculation and automation using formulas or scripts.
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Google Slides: create dynamic presentations for multiple users, with easy integration of multimedia content.
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Google Drive: centralized cloud storage, with secure file sharing and access control.
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Google Meet: HD videoconferencing directly integrated into Gmail and Calendar, with no installation required.
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Google Calendar: event planning and shared calendar management for easy team coordination.
- Gemini : generative AI that summarizes e-mails, generates content in Docs and automates meeting minutes.
All these tools are synchronized in real time. Collaboration is at the heart of the experience: several users can simultaneously edit a document, comment on it and track changes without friction.
The uncluttered interface and fast learning curve appeal to teams looking to gain agility without sacrificing productivity. Finally, the Google ecosystem integrates easily with hundreds of third-party applications (CRM, HR tools, project management), making it a flexible and scalable solution.
For organizations that value simplicity, online collaboration and lean IT management, Google Workspace ticks all the boxes.
👉 As for pricing, Google Workspace remains competitive, with plans starting at €6.80 per user per month (excluding applicable offers) and then adapting according to demand. Note that Gemini is included in all pricing plans from the "Business" plan upwards, at no extra cost.
Monday.com: for flexible, ultra-collaborative visual project management
monday.com
Monday.com stands out as a modern alternative to Microsoft 365, ideal for agile companies, agencies and project teams looking for clear, visual and 100% customizable management. Designed as a Work OS (Work Operating System), the platform centralizes all team activities: tasks, communication, deadlines, automations - all in a single shared dashboard. It offers 4 products:
- Monday CRM,
- Monday work management,
- Monday service,
- Monday dev.
It combines powerful, intuitive modules such as :
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Customizable tables: organize projects with customized columns (status, deadline, owner, budget, etc.).
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Multiple views: display your data in list, Kanban, timeline, Gantt or calendar mode, according to your preferences.
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Automations: create simple rules (e.g. "if status = complete, notify manager") to streamline workflows.
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Collaborative documents: write and collaborate on documents directly in Monday, linked to tasks and projects.
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Forms: transform forms into ready-to-use tasks, without manual re-entry.
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Dashboards: visualize project progress with customized graphs and indicators.
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Integrations: connect Monday to Slack, Google Workspace, Zoom, Teams, Salesforce and more.
All these tools are synchronized in real time: updates are instant, comments are centralized, and every action is traceable. The interface is ultra-visual, designed to be understood at a glance, even without advanced training.
Monday is particularly appealing to multi-disciplinary teams juggling several projects, departments or customers. Its flexibility makes it possible to structure complex processes without coding, while retaining a highly visual and collaborative approach.
👉 On the pricing side, Monday offers a limited free package for very small teams, then plans from €9 per user/month, with advanced features (automations, Gantt views, permissions, etc.) as required.
Dropbox Business: for simple, secure and seamless file sharing
DropBox
Dropbox Business remains an effective alternative to Microsoft 365, particularly suited to businesses that want to bank on simple file management and fluid collaboration, without the complexity of an overly dense ecosystem. Developed from the outset around the cloud, Dropbox focuses on clarity, speed and security to facilitate teamwork, regardless of the tools used.
The platform includes robust, well-established features such as :
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Dropbox: centralized cloud storage, accessible from anywhere, with automatic file synchronization between devices.
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Paper: integrated collaborative document editor for note-taking, reporting and team brainstorming.
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Dropbox transfer: send large files up to 100 GB without saturating the recipient's mailbox.
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Advanced access controls: file sharing with fine-tuned rights management, link expiration and consultation tracking.
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History and recovery: restore deleted files or previous versions for up to 180 days.
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Smart Sync: on-demand storage to free up local space while maintaining fast access from File Explorer.
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Integrations: compatible with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Zoom, Trello, Asana, and many others.
All files are automatically synchronized and accessible both online and offline. Changes are tracked, sharing is controlled, and the user experience is deliberately minimalist to get to the essentials.
Dropbox Business is particularly popular with creatives, freelancers and agencies, as well as SMEs who want to keep control of their files without adopting a full productivity suite. The environment is simple, secure and requires virtually no training to get started.
👉 On the pricing side, Dropbox Business offers packages starting at €12 per user/month with 3TB of shared storage, upgradable to unlimited storage in advanced offers, also including compliance and centralized management tools.
WPS Office: for complete, free, Microsoft Office-compatible office automation
WPS Office
WPS Office has established itself as a credible alternative to Microsoft 365, especially for users looking for a lightweight, fluid office suite that's 100% compatible with Word, Excel and PowerPoint formats. Developed by Kingsoft, this solution appeals to students and professionals alike, with a simple promise: find the essentials of office tools... without a subscription.
The suite brings together the essentials of productivity:
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Writer: full-featured, .doc and .docx-compatible word processor, with focus mode, collaborative editing and PDF export.
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Spreadsheets: powerful spreadsheet tool for managing budgets, schedules or databases, with over 400 formulas available.
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Presentation: PowerPoint-compatible, animated slideshow creator with hundreds of templates.
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PDF: read, annotate and convert PDF files, with advanced functions in the premium version.
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Cloud WPS: secure online storage with cross-device synchronization.
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AI templates & tools: integrated library of professional templates and intelligent assistance for writing or page layout.
Files are interoperable with Microsoft Office formats and can be shared or exported without any compatibility issues. The interface, which is very similar to Microsoft's, makes it easy to get to grips with, even for Office users. And thanks to its light weight, WPS runs smoothly on low-powered machines, including Linux, Android and iOS.
WPS Office is particularly appealing to freelancers, students, VSEs and organizations on a tight budget, who want a reliable office suite without having to depend on the cloud or a monthly subscription. It also remains very popular in emerging countries and Asia, with millions of active users every day.
👉 On the pricing side, WPS is available from €2.66 per user per month.
LibreOffice: for powerful, uncompromising open-source office software
LibreOffice remains the benchmark open source alternative to Microsoft 365.But it's also the choice of all organizations that want to keep control of their tools and data, without having to depend on a subscription or a permanent connection to the cloud.
Developed by The Document Foundation, LibreOffice is a complete office suite that includes :
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Writer: a powerful word processor, the free equivalent of Word, with advanced styling, layout and mailing functions.
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Calc: a robust spreadsheet program for data analysis, compatible with Excel macros and .xls/.xlsx files.
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Impress: create dynamic presentations with transitions, multimedia and custom templates.
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Draw: vector-based drawing tool for creating diagrams, flow charts or computer graphics.
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Base: relational database, ideal for simple applications or those connected to MySQL/PostgreSQL.
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Math: scientific equation and formula editor for integration into all documents.
All these tools are available in local versions, with no Internet connection required, and support Microsoft Office formats with increasingly reliable compatibility. The interface has been modernized in recent years, with "ribbon" menu options to ease the transition from Word or Excel.
LibreOffice is particularly popular with organizations that want to avoid recurring costs, protect sensitive data or work in a totally cloud-independent environment. It works equally well on Windows, Linux or macOS, and collects no user data.
👉 On the pricing side, LibreOffice is completely free, with no premium version and no advertising. And for businesses, a certified version with pro support exists via LibreOffice Enterprise (Collabora Office in particular).
ClickUp: for all-in-one, customizable, AI-powered project management
ClickUp
ClickUp stands out as a powerful alternative to Microsoft 365 for teams wishing to centralize their projects, documents, automations and communications in a single tool. Designed as a " Work OS", ClickUp makes it possible to manage all team activities, from planning to execution, with remarkable flexibility.
The platform offers a full range of tools for effective work management:
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Tasks and sub-tasks: granular tracking with statuses, managers, custom fields and relationships between tasks.
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Multiple views: management in list mode, Kanban, Gantt, calendar, mind map or collaborative whiteboard.
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Docs: create project-related documents with mentions, comments and versions.
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Automations: build dynamic workflows without coding, with over 50 actions available.
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ClickUp Brain: AI assistant for writing, summarizing, prioritizing or automating content.
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Robust REST API: enables ClickUp to be integrated into complex business systems, automate task creation, synchronize data or develop customized tools.
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ClickUp University: a free training platform with videos, case studies and certifications to help teams rapidly build their skills.
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Native integrations: with Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, GitHub, Trello, Notion, Zapier and more.
All these tools are synchronized in real time, offering seamless collaboration and complete visibility of project progress. The interface is intuitive and highly customizable, adapting to the specific needs of each team.
ClickUp is particularly attractive to multi-disciplinary teams, agencies and growing companies looking for a scalable, centralized solution. Its ability to replace several separate tools makes it an economical and strategic choice.
👉 In terms of pricing, ClickUp offers a free version with basic functionality, followed by paid plans starting at €6.16 per user per month, offering advanced functionality, unlimited automation and access to ClickUp Brain.
Wrike: for advanced, collaborative and highly customizable project management
Wrike
Wrike stands out as a robust alternative to Microsoft 365 for companies looking for a comprehensive, adaptable and integrated project management solution. Designed for dynamic teams, Wrike offers a centralized platform for efficiently planning, tracking and collaborating on a variety of projects.
The suite includes advanced modules such as :
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Customizable tasks and projects: ultra-detailed tracking with statuses, dependencies, milestones and multiple roles.
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Multiple views: lists, Kanban, Gantt, dashboards, dynamic reports and shared calendars.
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Intelligent automations: conditional triggers to create fluid workflows and save considerable time.
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Wrike Work Intelligence®: in-house AI engine that detects project risks, suggests actions, generates summaries and automates certain decisions.
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Wrike Integrate: no-code connector to create customized integrations with over 400 tools (Slack, Salesforce, Teams, Zoom...).
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Wrike Docs: collaborative documentation space linked to projects, with version control and change tracking.
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Wrike Discover: free training platform with interactive tutorials for rapid skills upgrades.
All data is synchronized in real time, and the platform can be configured to the desired level of granularity: folders, users, authorizations, priorities, SLAs, etc. The interface, though dense, remains intuitive and adapted to highly structured multi-project management.
Wrike appeals to demanding companies seeking to combine automation, personalization and data-driven management, without multiplying disparate tools. With Work Intelligence®, Wrike has gone one step further: AI no longer simply assists, it anticipates and optimizes.
👉 In terms of pricing, Wrike offers a free version with basic functionalities, followed by paid plans starting at €8.80 per user/month, offering advanced functionalities, unlimited automation and access to in-depth analysis tools.
Bitrix24: for all-in-one, automated, AI-driven business management
Bitrix24
Bitrix24 stands out as a complete alternative to Microsoft 365, bringing together CRM, project management, internal communications, automation and HR tools in a single platform. Designed for SMBs, agencies and hybrid teams, Bitrix24 makes it possible to centralize all operations without multiplying subscriptions or complex integrations.
The platform offers key functionalities such as :
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Integrated CRM: lead tracking, sales automation, contact and pipeline management.
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Project management: Kanban, Gantt and calendar views, with automation of recurring tasks.
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Unified communication: instant messaging, videoconferencing, social intranet and activity flows.
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Intelligent automation: conditional rules, triggers and personalized business processes.
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CoPilot AI: intelligent assistant to generate summaries, assign tasks, predict delays and optimize resources.
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Omnichannel contact center: integration of channels such as WhatsApp, e-mail, telephone and live chat.
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HR tools: manage absences, schedules, work reports and administrative documents.
Bitrix24 centralizes all key functions in a unified environment, where each module communicates in real time. The result: frictionless collaboration, instant visibility of tasks and performance, and fluid exchanges, even over distance. Thanks to a modular interface, each team can adapt its workspace to its own processes - without drowning in complexity.
This is what makes Bitrix24 an ideal ally for multi-disciplinary structures, agencies or growing SMEs. By replacing several business tools (CRM, drive, messaging, HR, project management, etc.), it not only increases efficiency, but also reduces costs and silos. A true "all-in-one" solution designed to evolve with the company.
👉 In terms of pricing, Bitrix24 offers a free version with basic functionalities, followed by paid plans starting at €49 per month for 5 users, offering advanced functionalities, unlimited automation and access to in-depth analysis tools.
Zoho Workplace: an integrated, intelligent office suite for SMEs
Zoho Workplace
Zoho Workplace is positioned as a solid alternative to Microsoft 365, especially for small and medium-sized businesses looking for a comprehensive, affordable solution focused on collaboration. The suite offers a unified experience for email management, document creation, cloud storage, instant messaging and video conferencing.
The key tools in Zoho Workplace are :
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Zoho Writer, Sheet and Show: word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools compatible with Microsoft Office formats, enabling real-time collaboration.
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Zia, the AI assistant: integrated into several applications, Zia provides intelligent suggestions, data analysis and automation to enhance productivity.
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Zoho Mail: secure, ad-free professional messaging, with advanced e-mail filtering and management features.
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WorkDrive: secure cloud storage with file management and access permissions.
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Cliq and Connect: communication platforms for instant messaging, activity flows and team collaboration.
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Meeting and Calendar: tools for online meetings, event planning and shared calendar management.
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Zoho Campaigns: email marketing solution for creating, sending and tracking targeted campaigns.
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Zoho Bookings: online scheduling tool enabling customers to book appointments easily.
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Zoho Sites: drag-and-drop website builder, ideal for creating a professional online presence.
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Zoho People: human resources management system for tracking employee attendance, leave and performance.
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Zoho Desk: omnichannel customer support platform for managing tickets and improving customer satisfaction.
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Zoho CRM and Bigin: customer relationship management tools to track prospects, automate sales and improve customer relations.
All these tools are accessible via a consistent interface, making it easy to navigate and manage day-to-day tasks. The suite is designed to be intuitive, even for non-technical users, and offers customization according to the specific needs of each organization.
Zoho Workplace is particularly popular with SMEs, startups and distributed teams looking for an integrated solution without the complexity and cost of traditional office suites.
👉 Its competitive pricing model, with plans starting at €2.70 per user per month, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious companies.
Confluence: for collaborative, intelligent and connected documentation
Confluence
Atlassian'sConfluence stands out as a powerful alternative to Microsoft 365 for teams looking to centralize their documentation, structure their knowledge and streamline collaboration. With the integration ofAtlassian Intelligence and Rovo, its AI assistant, Confluence takes automation and productivity to the next level.
Confluence offers functionalities such as :
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Collaborative pages: real-time editing, modification history, integrated comments.
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Interactive whiteboards: visual brainstorming with AI to organize, summarize and transform ideas into pages or tasks.
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Atlassian Intelligence: content generation, automatic summaries, suggested titles, action detection.
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Rovo: integrated AI assistant to automate tasks, answer questions and improve team efficiency.
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Integration with Jira: ticket creation directly from Confluence, information synchronization.
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No-code automations: creation of natural-language automation rules to simplify workflows.
Thanks to these tools, Confluence offers a fluid and intelligent collaboration experience, adapted to the needs of modern teams. Its intuitive interface and advanced features make it a strategic choice for companies wishing to optimize their knowledge management.
👉 In terms of pricing, Confluence offers a free version with basic functionalities, followed by paid plans starting at €4.54 per user per month, offering advanced functionalities, unlimited automations and access to in-depth analysis tools.
Adobe Acrobat: for intelligent, collaborative, Microsoft 365-compatible document management
Adobe Acrobat DC
Adobe Acrobat has positioned itself as a strategic alternative to Microsoft 365, especially for companies that regularly deal with complex documents, contracts to be signed or validation processes. Much more than just a PDF reader, Acrobat has become a true document workspace, combining productivity, collaboration and artificial intelligence.
The Adobe Acrobat suite lets you read, modify, sign and share PDF files, while integrating seamlessly with Microsoft tools (Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint). The experience is fluid, secure and designed to save time.
Adobe Acrobat's key tools are :
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IA Acrobat Assistant: automatically summarizes documents, extracts important information and answers your questions directly in the PDF.
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Microsoft 365 integration: edit, comment and sign PDFs without leaving Word, Outlook or Teams.
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Adobe Acrobat Sign: electronic signature compliant with international standards, ideal for contracts, HR or legal documents.
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Collaborative sharing: real-time comments, notifications, version tracking and simplified document validation.
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All-media compatibility: Acrobat works on PC, web and mobile - ideal for teams on the move.
All these tools are accessible via a clear, professional interface that can be customized to suit your needs. Thanks to AI and advanced integrations, Acrobat is more than just opening a PDF: it becomes a productivity tool in its own right.
👉 When it comes to pricing, Adobe offers several packages. The most comprehensive version, Acrobat Pro with AI and electronic signature, starts at €17.99 per user per month.
OnlyOffice
ONLYOFFICE
ONLYOFFICE establishes itself as a robust alternative to Microsoft 365, particularly for organizations looking for an open source, self-hosting and highly collaborative office suite. Developed by Ascensio System SIA, this European solution offers a unified experience for creating, editing and managing documents, while guaranteeing data confidentiality, with tools such as:
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ONLYOFFICE Docs: online editors for texts, spreadsheets, presentations, forms and PDFs, fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) and enabling real-time co-editing.
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ONLYOFFICE Workspace: collaborative platform integrating project management, CRM, messaging, calendar and document storage, all in a single, consistent interface.
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Third-party integrations: compatibility with solutions such as Nextcloud, ownCloud and Seafile, facilitating integration into existing environments.
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AI plugins: ChatGPT integration for text generation, translation and document summarization, enhancing user productivity.
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Enhanced security: support for two-factor authentication, data encryption and access rights management to ensure the protection of sensitive information.
Thanks to these tools, ONLYOFFICE offers a fluid and secure user experience, adapted to the needs of modern businesses. Its open source model and integration capabilities make it a flexible solution for document management and collaboration.
👉 Pricing: ONLYOFFICE offers a free version for small teams (up to 5 users). Paid plans start with self-hosting options available from €1,500 for a lifetime license.
Proton Drive: for private, end-to-end encrypted, sovereign cloud storage
Proton Drive
Proton Drive is establishing itself as a credible alternative to Microsoft 365 for businesses and users demanding privacy and security. Created by the founders of Proton Mail and Proton VPN, this cloud service puts the protection of personal data at the heart of its architecture: no third party - not even Proton - can access your files, thanks to end-to-end encryption by default.
More than just an online drive, Proton Drive offers a seamless experience for storing, organizing and sharing your files in an ultra-secure environment, whether for personal or professional use.
Proton Drive's key tools and features include :
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End-to-end encryption: all files are encrypted before they are sent to the servers - no one but you can access them.
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Secure sharing: password-protected links, precise permissions (read/edit) and one-click access revocation.
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Cross-platform applications: native access on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, with automatic synchronization.
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Proton Docs (new): integrated secure collaborative text editor, so you can work with others without exposing your data.
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Automatic mobile backup: photos and videos can be automatically sent to Proton Drive as soon as they are created.
The interface is simple, minimalist and designed to be quickly understood, even by non-technical users. In the enterprise, Proton Drive integrates with the Proton suite (Mail, VPN, Calendar, Pass) for sovereign, end-to-end encrypted collaboration.
👉 Pricing-wise, Proton Drive offers a free version (5 GB) to start with, then upgradable plans as needs change:
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Drive Plus: 200 GB at €3.99 / month
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Proton Unlimited: 500 GB + Mail, VPN, Pass at €9.99 / month.
How to choose your office suite
Summary table of the best alternatives to Office 365
| Software | User types | Main benefit | 3 key features | Price of entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Workspace | SMEs, startups, hybrid teams | Real-time collaboration | Gmail, Docs, Google Meet | From €6.80 / month |
| Monday.com | Agencies, project managers, SMBs | Ultra-customizable project view | Automations, Kanban boards, Gantt views | Free option |
| Dropbox Business | Freelancers, agencies, SMBs | Simple, secure file sharing | Smart Sync, file transfer, comments | From €12 / month |
| WPS Office | Individual users, SMEs | Free Microsoft Office-compatible suite | Writer, Spreadsheets, PDF tools | From €2.66 / month |
| LibreOffice | Administrations, associations, open source users | Free, complete suite | Writer, Calc, Impress | Free |
| ClickUp | Product, tech, marketing teams | All-in-one project management | Docs, multiple views, ClickUp Brain (AI) | Free option |
| Wrike | Marketing teams, IT, agencies | Advanced projects with AI | Work Intelligence, Gantt charts, dashboards | Free option |
| Bitrix24 | SMEs, agencies, hybrid structures | All-in-one platform + AI | CRM, project management, CoPilot AI | Free option |
| Zoho Workplace | SMEs, startups, distributed enterprises | Complete, modular suite | Writer, Mail, WorkDrive | From €2.70 / month |
| Confluence | Tech, product and knowledge management teams | Centralized, connected documentation | Collaborative pages, AI Rovo, whiteboards | Free option |
| Adobe Acrobat | Lawyers, HR, administrators | Intelligent and collaborative PDFs | AI Assistant, Acrobat Sign, Microsoft 365 integration | From €17.99 / month |
| OnlyOffice | SMEs, open source organizations | Self-hosting office suite | Docs, Workspace, AI plugins | Free option |
| Proton Drive | Privacy-conscious users | End-to-end encrypted cloud storage | Secure sharing, Proton Docs, multi-device synchronization | Free option |
Criteria to consider
Employee satisfaction is a delicate balance. The most widely used tools, including office suites, must therefore be :
- adapted to usage (ideal functional coverage),
- ergonomic and pleasant,
- fast,
- compatible,
- flexible,
- trustworthy.
The last point is perhaps the most important: having confidence in your tool is like having confidence in your parachute when you jump out of an airplane. Users need to know that their data is protected, backed up at all times and kept confidential.
In short: Microsoft 365 is no longer the only serious option
While Microsoft 365 remains a benchmark, it is no longer the only viable choice for effective enterprise collaboration. In 2026, there's no shortage of alternatives; some are more flexible, others more affordable, open source, or simply better suited to the way you work.
Whether it's managing projects (ClickUp, Wrike, Monday), storing and sharing files securely (Proton Drive, Dropbox), redigest documents (OnlyOffice, LibreOffice, WPS) or centralize exchanges (Zoho Workplace, Bitrix24), today there's a solution for every need... and every budget.
The key is to choose a suite that suits you: intuitive, scalable and aligned with your everyday tools. So test, compare and challenge the industry giants: the best collaboration often starts with the right tool.