Alternatives · Docs & Wikis
Etherpad alternatives
Etherpad compared with 4 alternatives: HedgeDoc, CryptPad, HackMD and Google Docs.
Etherpad is free to use. All 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
4 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| EtherpadThis tool | Free | Free | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| HedgeDoc | Free | Free | Web |
| CryptPad | Free plan · from €5/mo | Yes | Web |
| HackMD | Free plan · from $4/mo | Yes | Web, Browser extension |
| Google Docs | Free plan · from $7/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
How each one differs from Etherpad
- Free
HedgeDoc
Open-source, self-hosted collaborative Markdown editor
- HedgeDoc is free. Etherpad is free.
- Only Etherpad lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
- HedgeDoc also covers notes, Markdown, diagrams and presentations.
- Etherpad also covers documents.
Suits: Teams that write in Markdown and keep notes on their own server
- Free plan · from €5/mo
CryptPad
End-to-end encrypted, open-source collaborative office suite
- CryptPad starts at €5 per month, or €55 per year, for the Personal plan on cryptpad.fr. Etherpad is free.
- Only Etherpad lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
- CryptPad is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- CryptPad also covers kanban boards and spreadsheets.
Suits: Groups that do not want their host to be able to read their documents
- Free plan · from $4/mo
HackMD
Real-time collaborative Markdown editor and knowledge base
- HackMD starts at $4 per month, billed yearly (Prime for a personal workspace). Etherpad is free.
- Only HackMD lists a browser extension.
- Only Etherpad lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
- Etherpad is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- HackMD also covers notes, Markdown, templates and presentations.
Suits: Developer teams that write documentation in Markdown
- Free plan · from $7/mo
Google Docs
Browser-based word processor, free with a Google Account
- Google Docs starts at $7 per user / month with a 1-year commitment (Workspace Business Starter). Etherpad is free.
- Only Google Docs lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Google Docs lists a browser extension.
- Only Etherpad lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
- Etherpad is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
Suits: People and teams who draft and review documents together in a browser
Limits worth knowing in Etherpad
- The project runs no hosted service: you set up a server, which needs git and Node.js 24 or later, or use a public instance run by someone else.
- The core ships small, so comments, tables, images and sign-in through OAuth, LDAP or OpenID all come from plugins.
- The desktop app is a v0 beta, and its repository says the Android app is not on Google Play and the iOS build has not been exercised.
- It is maintained by a small volunteer team, and the site lists no paid support.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Etherpad?
The alternatives to Etherpad in this directory are HedgeDoc, CryptPad, HackMD and Google Docs. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Etherpad.
Is there a free alternative to Etherpad?
Yes. HedgeDoc is free to use. CryptPad, HackMD and Google Docs have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Etherpad alternatives work on Android?
The Etherpad listing does not include an Android app. Google Docs lists one.
Which Etherpad alternatives work on iOS?
The Etherpad listing does not include an iOS app. Google Docs lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.