Free, open-source alternatives to Google Sheets
Online spreadsheets from Google. 4 apps you can run yourself instead of Google Sheets, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
GristBest match
Next-generation spreadsheet with relational structure, formula-based access control, and a portable, self-contained format (alternative to Airtable).
ONLYOFFICE
Office suite that enables you to manage documents, projects, team and customer relations in one place.
Collabora Online Development Edition
Collabora Online Development Edition (CODE) is a powerful LibreOffice-based online office that supports all major document, spreadsheet and presentation file formats, which you can integrate in your own infrastructure.
CryptPad
Collaboration suite built to enable collaboration, synchronizing changes to documents in real time.
Side by side
| App | Stars | License | Activity | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grist | 11,944 | Apache-2.0 | Node.js, Python, Docker | |
| ONLYOFFICE | 6,999 | AGPL-3.0 | Node.js, Docker | |
| Collabora Online Development Edition | - | MPL-2.0 | C++ | |
| CryptPad | 8,005 | AGPL-3.0 | Node.js, Docker |
Why replace Google Sheets?
Google Sheets works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to Google Sheets?
Grist is the closest open-source replacement for Google Sheets in our list. ONLYOFFICE and Collabora Online Development Edition are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to Google Sheets?
Yes. All 4 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.