Is Google Sheets a secure spreadsheet editor?

Google Sheets stores your files on Google’s servers, where the company holds the encryption keys. Because it lacks true end‑to‑end encryption, Google can technically read your data, whether for targeted ads, compliance with legal requests, or in the event of a breach.

Is Proton Sheets a safe alternative to Google Sheets?

Proton Sheets encrypts every spreadsheet on the client side before it ever leaves your device. Only you and the collaborators you invite hold the decryption keys, so not even Proton can access your data. This gives you genuine privacy and protection against unauthorized access, government surveillance, or data leaks.

What is the best alternative to Google Sheets?

Proton Sheets is a trustworthy alternative to Google Sheets for those who value privacy and security for their business and client data. Unlike Google Sheets, our online spreadsheet software uses end-to-end encryption by default to protect your data and keep your information private, even when collaborating with others.

Why should I use encrypted spreadsheet software?

Encrypted spreadsheet editors like Proton Sheets keep your business, client, and personal data out of the hands of third parties and prevent it from being monetized or exposed in breaches. You retain full ownership and control, ensuring sensitive information remains confidential while still enabling seamless teamwork.

What to look for in a Google Sheets alternative?

When looking for an alternative to Excel, it is important to find spreadsheet software that is compatible with your existing .xlsx, supports real-time collaboration, and features similar formulas and functions. If privacy and security are top priorities, Proton Sheets offers the same collaborative experience as Google Sheets while guaranteeing that only you and your authorized collaborators can ever see the data. Proton Sheets also has a similar layout to Google Sheets, so your team can make the switch without disrupting your workflow.

A Google Sheets alternative that puts privacy first

Protect confidential business and client data with Proton Sheets, the end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet editor from Proton Drive.

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Try it out with a 14-day free trial.

Proton Sheets vs Google Sheets

Without advanced protections like end-to-end encryption as default, Google can access your data, leaving your business vulnerable to breaches, surveillance, and unauthorized third-party access.

Comparison of Proton Google Sheets
End-to-end encryption	Yes	No
	Proton Sheets	Google Sheets
Ad-free business model	Yes	No
Can’t scan or read your data	Yes	No
Formulas and functions	Yes	Yes
Data filtering and visualization	Yes	Yes
Easy sharing and real-time collaboration	Yes	Yes
Available on web, desktop, and mobile	Yes	Yes
Part of a productivity suite including document editing, email, calendar	Yes	Yes

Unlike Google, Proton ensures that you and your team can collaborate on spreadsheets, knowing that no one, not even Proton, can access your data.

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Private, secure data analysis for your entire team

Proton Sheets lets your team analyze and interpret information without compromising privacy, helping safeguard your organization’s data and reputation.

Protect every cell with end-to-end encryption

Keep sheet names, cells, and calculations visible only to you and authorized collaborators.

Turn raw data into clear, visual insights

Bring numbers to life with charts, tables, and graphs that highlight trends and drive decisions.

Automate and simplify calculations

Apply the same smart functions and formulas used in Google Sheets and Excel, but with total privacy.

Share securely and maintain control

Invite others to view, edit, and collaborate. Revoke access at any time.

Collaborate in real time, from anywhere

Invite teammates or clients to edit the same sheet and watch changes appear instantly.

Work seamlessly across devices

Open, edit, and share spreadsheets from any device, whether you’re at a desk or on the move.

Import and export spreadsheets with ease

Upload and edit spreadsheet files (.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm) and export in .xlsx, .csv, or .tsv.

Simplify compliance and data governance

Choose an ISO 27001 certified solution that supports compliance with HIPAA, CCPA, and GDPR.

All your files, securely in one place

Proton Sheets is part of Proton Drive, our end-to-end encrypted cloud storage workspace for safely storing and sharing spreadsheets, documents, folders, and files.

See how Proton Drive can benefit your business with a 14-day free trial.

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DeGoogle with a private Google Sheets alternative

Shield your content

Proton uses a 100% European techstack, so everything you create with Sheets is safely out of reach from both Big Tech exploitation and US jurisdiction and surveillance.

Trust in transparency

Our apps are fully open source, so anyone can inspect the code. Independent experts routinely audit them, so you can trust that it functions exactly as promised.

Join the privacy revolution

Using Sheets in Proton Drive means joining a community dedicated to a future where privacy is the default. Together, we're shaping a better, more private internet for all.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Google Sheets a secure spreadsheet editor?: Google Sheets stores your files on Google’s servers, where the company holds the encryption keys. Because it lacks true end‑to‑end encryption, Google can technically read your data, whether for targeted ads, compliance with legal requests, or in the event of a breach.
Is Proton Sheets a safe alternative to Google Sheets?: Proton Sheets encrypts every spreadsheet on the client side before it ever leaves your device. Only you and the collaborators you invite hold the decryption keys, so not even Proton can access your data. This gives you genuine privacy and protection against unauthorized access, government surveillance, or data leaks.
What is the best alternative to Google Sheets?: Proton Sheets is a trustworthy alternative to Google Sheets for those who value privacy and security for their business and client data. Unlike Google Sheets, our online spreadsheet software uses end-to-end encryption by default to protect your data and keep your information private, even when collaborating with others.
Why should I use encrypted spreadsheet software?: Encrypted spreadsheet editors like Proton Sheets keep your business, client, and personal data out of the hands of third parties and prevent it from being monetized or exposed in breaches. You retain full ownership and control, ensuring sensitive information remains confidential while still enabling seamless teamwork.
What to look for in a Google Sheets alternative?: When looking for an alternative to Excel, it is important to find spreadsheet software that is compatible with your existing .xlsx, supports real-time collaboration, and features similar formulas and functions.
If privacy and security are top priorities, Proton Sheets offers the same collaborative experience as Google Sheets while guaranteeing that only you and your authorized collaborators can ever see the data. Proton Sheets also has a similar layout to Google Sheets, so your team can make the switch without disrupting your workflow.