10 Best Alternatives to Google Apps: Break Free from the Google Stranglehold

In a recent article on Lifehack, Leo Babauta shared his experience of doing his work completely online and why using an operating system (OS) is no longer relevant. However, many commented that he was a Google fanboy because he used so many Google apps. So, by popular demand, Leo has compiled a list of the best alternatives to Google’s apps. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the top 10 alternatives to Google’s apps.

1. Thunderbird for Gmail

Thunderbird is an open-source email client created by Mozilla, the same company that created Firefox. It is a great alternative to Gmail as it is fast, functional, and highly customizable. With Thunderbird, you can easily manage multiple Gmail accounts, create filters, use tags, and even integrate it with Mozilla’s Lightning or Sunbird to replace Gcal.

2. 30 Boxes for Gcal

30 Boxes is a simple and fast calendar app that can be used as an alternative to Gcal. It is loved by many for its easy-to-use interface, seamless synchronization across devices, and useful features like reminders, notifications, and shared calendars.

3. Netvibes for Google Reader and Personalized Homepage

Netvibes is a powerful dashboard and RSS feed reader that can replace Google Reader and Google Personalized Homepage. It allows you to organize all your favorite services in a personalized way, including weather updates, news, social media updates, and more.

4. Zoho Office Suite for Google Docs and Spreadsheets

Zoho is known as one of the best online office suites that can replace Google Docs and Spreadsheets. It offers everything you would ever need, including a spreadsheet, word processor, presentation program, project manager, notebook, wiki, web conferencing, mail, chat, database, and CRM.

5. Peepel for Google Docs and Spreadsheets

Peepel is a new online office suite that allows you to access a desktop environment from within your browser. It offers office apps like a word processor, spreadsheet, and more. Although still in beta, Peepel shows great potential in offering a new alternative to Google Docs and Spreadsheets.

6. Bloglines for Google Reader

Bloglines is another popular and excellent choice if Netvibes or Google Reader isn’t for you. It is a powerful and highly customizable RSS feed reader that makes it easy to organize and keep track of all your favorite feeds.

7. Zimbra Collaboration Suite for Google Docs and Spreadsheets

Zimbra is another online office suite that started out with email/calendar functionality and has since launched spreadsheet and word processing apps. It is open-source with an API that can have many uses, making it another great alternative to Google Docs and Spreadsheets.

8. ThinkFree Online for Google Docs and Spreadsheets

ThinkFree is another web office suite that aims to replace Microsoft Office. It offers spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation apps, online storage, document sharing, and more. Although only some of that functionality is free, it is still an interesting suite that can be used as another alternative to Google Docs and Spreadsheets.

9. OpenOffice.org for Google Docs and Spreadsheets

OpenOffice.org is a free, open-source office suite that can replace everything that Microsoft Office can give you. It offers a spreadsheet, word processor, presentation program, graphics program, and database management application. It is definitely worth a try, especially if you’re not only trying to break free from Google but also Microsoft.

10. Flickr for Picasa

Flickr is a popular photo-sharing and hosting service owned by Yahoo that can replace Google’s Picasa. It offers unlimited photo storage, easy-to-use sharing tools, powerful editing features, and a large community of avid photographers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are plenty of alternatives to Google’s apps that offer similar or even better functionality, speed, and usability. While Leo stands by his choice of using Google’s apps, he encourages readers to try out these alternatives and find the best fit for their needs. Whether you decide to stick with Google or go for something else, it’s always good to have options and not be under the thumbs of one company.