Leaving Microsoft 365? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Microsoft 365 is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LibreOfficeRecommended Free office suite – the evolution of OpenOffice. Compatible with Microsoft .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx. Updated regularly, community powered. | 🇩🇪Germany | Free | Medium | Several hours to a few days, depending on the volume of data and complexity of documents | |
OnlyOffice ONLYOFFICE offers a secure online office suite highly compatible with MS Office formats. Connect it to your web platform for document editing and collaboration or use as a part of ONLYOFFICE Workspace. | 🇱🇻Latvia | Free plan available | Medium | Several hours to a few days, depending on data volume | |
Collabora Online CollaborativeOpen-SourceDocumentEditing Controlled by You Collabora Online is a powerful online document editing suite. Integrate into your own infrastructure or access via one of our trusted hosting partners. Try the FREE Demo https://www.collaboraonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writer-Overview-005-720p.mp4 Secure Collaboration Customisable Integrations Document Support & Interoperability Connect Everywhere Peace of Mind Open Source Secure Collaboration View and edit your documents as […] | 🌍GB | Free plan available | Medium | Varies depending on the amount of data | |
CryptPad CryptPad is a secure, collaborative office suite designed to protect your privacy while enabling seamless teamwork. With end-to-end encryption, CryptPad ensures that only you and your collaborators can access your documents, making it an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users. Its real-time collaborative editing feature allows multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, enhancing productivity without compromising security. Key features include GDPR-compliant data handling, customizable templates, and version history tracking, all hosted within the EU to ensure data sovereignty. CryptPad is open source and community-driven, offering transparency and flexibility to its users. It is perfect for individuals, teams, and organizations that prioritize data privacy and need a reliable platform for document creation and sharing. CryptPad's pricing model includes a free tier with optional paid plans for additional storage and features, making it accessible for both personal and professional use. | 🇫🇷France | Free plan available | Medium | Varies depending on data volume |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Free office suite – the evolution of OpenOffice. Compatible with Microsoft .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx. Updated regularly, community powered.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Free office suite – the evolution of OpenOffice. Compatible with Microsoft .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx. Updated regularly, community powered.
Advantages
- Open source: Customize LibreOffice to fit your needs
- No subscription fees: LibreOffice is free to use
- GDPR compliant: Data stored on EU servers
- Supports MS formats: Open and edit .docx, .xlsx files
Trade-offs
- No AI tools: Lacks AI writing assistance
- Learning curve: Different interface from MS 365
- Limited cloud features: No integrated cloud storage
ONLYOFFICE offers a secure online office suite highly compatible with MS Office formats. Connect it to your web platform for document editing and collaboration or use as a part of ONLYOFFICE Workspace.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards.
- Self-hosting allows full control over data storage.
- Open source offers transparency and customization.
- MS Office format compatibility reduces conversion issues.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Microsoft 365 can be time-consuming.
- Lacks AI-powered writing assistance found in Microsoft 365.
- Learning curve for users familiar with Microsoft 365.
CollaborativeOpen-SourceDocumentEditing Controlled by You Collabora Online is a powerful online document editing suite. Integrate into your own infrastructure or access via one of our trusted hosting partners. Try the FREE Demo https://www.collaboraonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writer-Overview-005-720p.mp4 Secure Collaboration Customisable Integrations Document Support & Interoperability Connect Everywhere Peace of Mind Open Source Secure Collaboration View and edit your documents as […]
Advantages
- Self-hosted options ensure data control and privacy.
- GDPR compliance guarantees EU data protection standards.
- Open source allows code inspection and customization.
- Wide format support enhances document compatibility.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Microsoft 365 can be time-consuming.
- Lacks AI-powered writing assistance found in Microsoft 365.
- Learning curve for users familiar with Microsoft 365.
CryptPad is a secure, collaborative office suite designed to protect your privacy while enabling seamless teamwork. With end-to-end encryption, CryptPad ensures that only you and your collaborators can access your documents, making it an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users. Its real-time collaborative editing feature allows multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, enhancing productivity without compromising security. Key features include GDPR-compliant data handling, customizable templates, and version history tracking, all hosted within the EU to ensure data sovereignty. CryptPad is open source and community-driven, offering transparency and flexibility to its users. It is perfect for individuals, teams, and organizations that prioritize data privacy and need a reliable platform for document creation and sharing. CryptPad's pricing model includes a free tier with optional paid plans for additional storage and features, making it accessible for both personal and professional use.
Advantages
- End-to-end encryption secures all document edits.
- GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards.
- Open source allows for community-driven improvements.
- Self-hostable option offers full control over data.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Microsoft 365 can be time-consuming.
- Lacks AI-powered writing assistance features.
- Learning curve for users new to open-source tools.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Microsoft 365 before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
How to Export
OneDrive: Download files | Outlook: Export PST | Individual docs: File → Save As
Export Format
DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, PST
Time Required
Varies
Import Notes
LibreOffice and others open Office formats natively
Settings Path
office.com → Settings (gear)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Microsoft 365?
There are 4 European alternatives to Microsoft 365. LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, Collabora Online are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Microsoft 365?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Microsoft 365?
Yes. OneDrive: Download files | Outlook: Export PST | Individual docs: File → Save As The exported data comes in DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, PST format. LibreOffice and others open Office formats natively
Is switching from Microsoft 365 to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Microsoft 365 first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Microsoft 365 to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.