Proton Docs is a new online document editor from Proton, the creators of the well-known ProtonMail service. As web service attacks increase, users are increasingly seeking secure alternatives for working with documents online. Proton Docs is one such reliable alternative.
Why look for an alternative to Google Docs?
In December 2021, Google Docs users faced a threat: attackers used the commenting feature for phishing attacks. Hackers created documents and mentioned target email addresses in comments. Notifications came from Google, contained malicious links, and were not recognized by email filters as a threat. This led to the theft of personal data, the spread of malware, and financial losses for affected organizations.
In 2023, attacks on web services increased by 95%, and offers to sell access to hacked systems on the black market increased by 112%. In such conditions, data protection becomes a priority.
What is Proton Docs?
Proton Docs was launched on July 3, 2024, as part of the Proton Drive service and is available to users with an active Proton subscription. The main advantage of this editor is complete data protection through end-to-end encryption. Only the creator or an authorized user will have access to the created documents, and neither Proton nor anyone else will have access rights.
Main Features of Proton Docs
- Real-time editing: Multiple users can work on a document simultaneously, with their presence and cursor movements displayed.
- Support for various document formats: Formats such as .docx, .txt, .md, and HTML are supported. It allows the use of documents created in other editors.
- Text formatting: Create headings, lists, quotes, and links.
- Markdown and embedded code blocks support: Convenient for developers and technical specialists.
- Built-in multimedia support: Insert images and other multimedia elements to enhance document visualization.
- Integration with Proton Drive: Convenient access to documents and other files in one place.
Additional Benefits
Proton Docs integrates with other Proton services, allowing users to manage all their data in one secure place. The company also plans to add new features in the future, such as offline mode and more templates for various types of documents.
Comparison with Google Docs
Proton Docs focuses on data security and privacy, while Google Docs offers basic security measures and uses user data for analysis and advertising. Unlike Proton, Google Docs has a richer set of tools and more features for working with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as integration with other Google services. For example, Proton Docs does not yet have such a choice of templates for different types of documents — resumes, letters, reports, and so on. Proton Docs does not support offline mode.
Cost
The cost of using Proton Docs depends on the chosen Proton Drive subscription plan. There is also a free option providing 1 GB of cloud storage and limited features for basic use and familiarization. Full access to features is available to users with an active subscription.
Conclusion
Proton Docs is a reliable choice for those looking for a secure and private alternative to Google Docs. This service is especially useful for users who prioritize the protection of personal and corporate information. However, those who need more extensive features and integrations may find it more convenient to use Google Docs or other similar services.
If you have already used Proton Docs, share your experience in the comments. How convenient and safe was it for you to work with this service?