CryptPad is an end-to-end encrypted, open-source collaboration suite that edits documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more in real time through the browser. It suits privacy-sensitive teams, classrooms, and self-hosters who want shared editing without handing readable content to the service operator.[1]
Quick verdict
Privacy-sensitive teams, classrooms, and self-hosters who want shared editing without readable data on any server will get the most from CryptPad. Its browser-encrypted suite covers documents, spreadsheets, presentations, boards, and forms with real-time co-editing, versioned history, and permission-aware link sharing, free to use and free to host under AGPL-3.0. The price of that privacy is quota-bounded free storage and paid tiers for space, admin controls, and support, plus a zero-knowledge design where no operator can recover content for you. If encryption and self-hosting decide the choice, choose CryptPad; if Workspace integration and centralized administration decide it, evaluate Google Drive first.[1][2][3][4]
Key features
Browser-side end-to-end encryption Browser-side end-to-end encryption: every document is encrypted on the device before reaching the server, so administrators see only encrypted data.[1][2]
Real-time co-editing with Fast and Strict modes Real-time co-editing with Fast and Strict modes: instant live editing or controlled editing with undo support on the same document.[1][2]
Full office suite in one workspace Full office suite in one workspace: rich text, spreadsheets, presentations, kanban boards, code and Markdown, whiteboards, forms, and diagrams.[1][2]
Word-style document editing Word-style document editing: styles, formatting, tables, comments, and track changes in an interface familiar to Word and Google Docs users.[1]
Auto-save with versioned history Auto-save with versioned history: every edit saves as you type, with a history log and named snapshots to restore earlier drafts.[1]
CryptDrive organization CryptDrive organization: folders, tags, templates, document history, and storage quotas managed from the drive.[1]
Permission-aware link sharing Permission-aware link sharing: choose who can edit, view, or comment, with secure links and optional passwords on documents and folders.[1][2]
Teams, calendar, contacts, and chat Teams, calendar, contacts, and chat: team drives with shared calendar, contacts, and chat for group work.[1][2]
Who will love it
Privacy-sensitive teams leaving ad-supported suites: end-to-end encryption with no ads and no data mining, built by a grant-funded EU team.[1][2]
Classrooms and distributed groups needing low-friction collaboration: guest access and link sharing across documents, sheets, boards, and forms.[1][2]
Self-hosters and regulated organizations: AGPL-3.0 code with Docker or Node.js deployment, public instances, or managed hosting with own domain and SSO.[1][2]
Who should avoid it
Readers needing large free storage: the free tier is bounded by quota, and more space with bigger uploads requires a paid cryptpad.fr subscription.[1][2]
Buyers needing admin controls today: custom domains, storage quotas, and SSO integration sit on paid managed or enterprise tiers starting at 1,500 euros per year.[1]
Readers expecting operator-assisted recovery: because encryption keys never leave user devices, the service cannot inspect or restore content on your behalf.[1]
Alternatives and compatibility
Google Drive is the published catalogue incumbent; the choice turns on zero-knowledge privacy plus self-hosting against Workspace integration and admin retention, with full incumbent comparison pending its own evidence.[1][2]
Portability facts: the AGPL-3.0 codebase runs on your own server or public instances, so no single operator holds your encrypted workspace hostage.[1][2]
If end-to-end encryption and self-hosting decide the purchase, choose CryptPad; if deep Workspace integration and centralized admin control decide it, evaluate the incumbent first.[1][2]
Questions worth asking
What is the best CryptPad alternative for non-technical users?
Yes for daily use: CryptPad Document mirrors traditional word processors with styles, formatting, tables, and comments, so Word or Google Docs users face no learning curve. Server setup is the exception, since self-hosting needs Linux administration; the managed cryptpad.fr instance removes that step.[1]
Is CryptPad really no-code?
How much does CryptPad cost per month?
The core suite is free on public instances and free to self-host, with donations supporting the project. The flagship cryptpad.fr instance sells paid plans from 5 to 100 euros per month for extra storage and priority support, and managed or on-premise enterprise tiers start at 1,500 euros per year with a 50 percent education and nonprofit discount. Prices checked October 9, 2026.[1]
Can you self-host CryptPad?
Yes, self-hosting is a first-class option: the AGPL-3.0 codebase runs on your own server via Docker or Node.js with documented administration, or you can use a public instance or a fully managed instance with your own domain, quotas, and SSO. There are no native mobile apps; the browser is the documented path.[1][2][3]
Sources and editorial review
Source research. Reviewed on October 9, 2026. Written by Sanjib Sah. AI assisted; reviewed by a human editor.
We have not run or tested this product.
- CryptPad official site
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official homepage: end-to-end encrypted open-source office suite, real-time editing and collaboration, full app suite, free trial on public instances.
- About CryptPad
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official about page: application list, browser encryption with unreadable server data, team drives and calendar, AGPL free software, self-hosting, XWiki Paris maker, grant funding.
- CryptPad apps
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official apps index: rich text, spreadsheets, presentations, kanban, code and Markdown, whiteboards, forms, and diagrams in one encrypted suite.
- CryptPad Document
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official Document app page: Word and Docs alternative, editing tools, auto-save with versioned history and snapshots, Fast and Strict modes, permission-aware links, no ads or data mining.
- CryptPad user guide
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official user guide version 2026.5.0: guest, logged-in, and premium account types, CryptDrive folders with history, tags, templates, and quotas, teams, calendar, contacts, chat, document passwords.
- CryptPad pricing
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official pricing page: free public instance and self-hosting with donations, cryptpad.fr paid plans from 5 to 100 euros per month, managed and on-premise enterprise tiers from 1,500 euros per year with education and nonprofit discount.
- CryptPad source repository
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official source repository: cryptpad organization, AGPL-3.0 licence, JavaScript and Node.js stack, self-hosted deployment.