By Jostle
22 min read
We’ve all heard of (and maybe even used) Microsoft SharePoint. It’s included in Microsoft 365, so many teams use it as a starting point for their internal communication and document sharing. But is it actually any good, or is its continued popularity driven by name recognition and “it’s good enough” apathy among organizations?
While it paved the way for employee engagement tools, SharePoint has several drawbacks. High implementation costs, complex build-out and configuration requirements, and limited integrations with non-Microsoft applications are just a few of the issues users face with the platform. It also commonly leads to page sprawl, bloating intranets with outdated resources that confuse and slow employees.
As a result, many companies have turned to other cloud-based collaboration platforms as viable substitutes for SharePoint. These tools offer features that make them a more flexible and user-friendly option for businesses of all sizes.
Let's dive into 10 of the best SharePoint alternatives available today.
Jostle is built for teams that want a single, go-to place where employees can get updates, recognition, and help finding the right people. It’s delivered through a web app, native iOS and Android apps, and an optional JostleTV add-on that broadcasts platform content to TVs throughout the workplace.
Jostle centers communication around targeted News and an Activity feed, so important announcements don’t get buried in email threads. It also integrates with tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack, bringing updates, reminders, and key interactions into the tools employees already use for improved visibility.
In the News feed, leaders can target messages by team, location, or role—or any combination of the three—and can send Notify push notifications to ensure recipients see them. Employees can then sign off to confirm they’ve read an update. The Activity feed supports quick celebrations, ongoing conversation, and Shout-Outs that reinforce recognition and help culture develop organically. A built-in weekly Digest brings together the most relevant updates, events, and moments in a single recap.
As the platform fills up with more updates and resources, Jostle keeps governance practical and easy to manage. Teams assign clear publishing and content-ownership roles and set simple access rules so information doesn’t sprawl. Usage analytics then help teams understand what employees are actually reading and relying on, making it easier to clean up outdated content and keep the experience focused over time.
Jostle also supports everyday “find and get help” workflows. The People directory and Teams org charts make it easier to locate expertise, understand reporting structure, and connect across departments. JostleAI and Ask a Question help employees get quick answers and find relevant information without searching across multiple sections or tools, letting teams get more work done with less back-and-forth.
For shared resources, the Library provides a curated home for policies and files. It syncs with Google Drive or OneDrive, with access controls managed in Jostle and synced with the document so you don’t have to constantly update file permissions when people join a team. This helps teams to collaborate in familiar environments without losing visibility or control.
Compared to more document- and site-centric platforms like SharePoint, Jostle takes a deliberately simpler approach to internal alignment. It can support core intranet needs— publishing updates, organizing key resources, and integrating with document tools like Google Drive and OneDrive—but it avoids the complexity that often comes with highly customized sites and layered workflows.
For many organizations, that focus makes it easier to keep information current, encourage adoption, and maintain a consistent employee experience without heavy administrative overhead.
Jostle’s pricing depends on the number of users and the plan chosen. You can check the exact cost of the three standard plans for your organization, or request a quote for the Platinum plan, before committing—something many other providers don’t offer.
For 500 users:
All plans include onboarding and coaching, mobile apps, integrations (including Google Workspace and Microsoft 365), SSO/provisioning, APIs/SFTP sync, analytics, governance features, and AI features.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 217 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.4/5) – Based on 73 reviews
Culture Amp is built for organizations that want a clearer view into employee sentiment and a more consistent way to manage performance conversations. It’s most often adopted by HR and People teams that need to listen at scale and support managers through regular feedback and review cycles, particularly as teams grow or become more distributed.
The platform connects employee listening with performance workflows by linking survey data and benchmarks to goals, feedback, and reviews in one system. AI support helps teams make sense of large volumes of open-ended responses by identifying patterns and recurring themes without heavy manual effort. Action planning tools (add-on) encourage ownership and follow-through of those insights, while integrations with Microsoft Teams and Slack help keep participation high by delivering reminders and prompts where employees already work.
Unlike SharePoint, Culture Amp doesn’t offer page publishing, document libraries, or site-based navigation. Its value is focused squarely on employee listening and performance processes, which makes it more of a management-centric tool. That’s why organizations tend to see the strongest results when managers use insights as part of ongoing development conversations rather than one-time survey exercises.
Culture Amp’s plans are annual subscriptions that require a quote for pricing. There’s no public pricing information available.
Their plans include:
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 1,518 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.6/5) – Based on 151 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 16 reviews
Viva Engage is a platform for company-wide conversation, Q&A, and culture that lives inside Microsoft 365. Employees typically use it through the Teams app or the web, with native iOS and Android apps available for mobile access.
Viva Engage focuses on communities and feed-based discussion rather than structured intranet publishing. Teams use it to run org-wide communities for peer support and best practices, host leadership updates through storylines, and create more open dialogue than you usually get in chat. For internal comms, it can also support events and townhall-style engagement where discussion and questions continue before and after the live moment.
The tradeoff is that it’s not built to replace SharePoint’s strengths in curated pages, governed content hubs, or document library workflows. In larger organizations, the feed can also become noisy without clear community ownership, which makes it easier for important updates to get missed.
Happeo is a browser-based intranet and knowledge platform with native iOS and Android apps, designed primarily for organizations running on Google Workspace. It provides a centralized digital home for internal content and updates, without relying on a traditional document-library-first intranet model. Teams use Happeo to organize policies, SOPs, onboarding materials, and recurring communications in a way that’s easier to keep current and easier for employees to navigate, particularly in Slack- and Google-centric environments.
Happeo organizes content into two primary formats. Pages are used for longer-lived knowledge like documentation, guides, and internal resources, while Channels are designed for announcements and updates that change more frequently. Search also plays a central role, with a unified search experience designed to pull results from across the intranet and connected tools. Higher-tier plans extend that discovery into third-party systems.
As content grows, governance features like permissions, lifecycle controls, and analytics help teams maintain quality and avoid outdated or duplicated information. That same focus on accessibility carries through to Happeo’s native mobile apps, which make it easier for distributed and frontline teams to stay informed without relying on a desktop.
Happeo is not designed to replicate SharePoint’s document library model or deep Microsoft 365 integrations. Teams that rely on Microsoft-native site architecture, advanced document workflows, or extensive customization may find more value elsewhere.
Happeo provides pricing by quote only. Starter plans may be billed monthly, but other plans are annual subscriptions.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 153 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.6/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Simpplr is an intranet and employee experience platform, available via web and native iOS and Android apps. It’s designed for organizations that want to centralize internal communications, improve information discovery, and reduce friction for employees navigating a growing number of tools and systems.
At its core, Simpplr functions as a digital work hub that combines intranet content with targeted communications and personalized delivery. Teams can publish updates and campaigns across multiple channels, including web, mobile, email, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack, while engagement analytics help communicators understand what’s resonating and where attention drops off.
AI is a central part of Simpplr’s approach to discovery and support. Search is designed to return relevant answers from across connected systems while respecting permissions, and newer agent-based tools extend that same intelligence into HR, IT, and operations workflows to help handle common questions and requests with less manual effort.
That said, Simpplr is not built to mirror SharePoint’s document library depth or Microsoft-native site architecture. Its mobile features are slightly more limited than on the web, and it’s less customizable than other options. It’s also hard to consider and compare their plans without public pricing or clear package offerings, forcing you to request a quote to learn more about both cost and capabilities.
You have to request a quote for the plan and pricing information from Simpplr.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.6/5) – Based on 357 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.8/5) – Based on 112 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★⯨ (4.6/5) – Based on 94 reviews
Confluence is a browser-based documentation and knowledge workspace with native iOS and Android apps, available as a cloud service or a self-managed Data Center deployment. It’s a strong fit when teams want a durable “source of truth” for project context, decisions, runbooks, onboarding docs, and SOPs, especially in organizations already running Jira.
Instead of building intranet-style sites around document libraries, Confluence centers work around Spaces and Pages. Teams use templates, page hierarchies, comments, and version history to keep documentation consistent and easy to maintain. When you’re working across product, engineering, IT, and support, it’s also helpful that Confluence can embed Jira context directly into pages, and extend workflows through Atlassian’s Marketplace and automation.
The main tradeoff is that Confluence needs active governance to stay clean over time. As spaces grow, navigation can get messy, older pages can linger, and the overall UI can feel dense for occasional contributors. It’s also worth checking the Cloud vs Data Center differences, since some newer capabilities—integrations, AI tools, and additional apps—are Cloud-only.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) – Based on 4,113 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 3,637 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 1,109 reviews
Igloo is often chosen by organizations that want a single place to share updates, policies, and everyday knowledge with both desk-based and frontline employees. It supports web access alongside native iOS and Android apps, making it easier to reach employees who don’t spend their day in email or desktop tools.
The platform combines targeted communications with structured knowledge areas, allowing teams to publish announcements, organize policies and SOPs, and create spaces for discussion and collaboration. Pages can be assembled using widgets, content can be tailored by role or location, and analytics help teams understand what information is actually being seen.
Higher-tier plans introduce more operational features, such as tasks, approvals, and requests, along with AI-driven tools aimed at helping employees find answers faster instead of navigating through multiple pages or folders.
Igloo works best when the primary goal is internal communication and knowledge sharing rather than highly customized intranet builds or complex document workflows. Its guided, template-based approach prioritizes consistency and ease of maintenance over unlimited flexibility. That tradeoff can simplify rollout and adoption, but it may also limit how much control teams have over layout and workflow design.
Igloo uses quote-based pricing that varies by users, devices, and use case.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) – Based on 94 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 40 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 9 reviews
Ideagen Collaboration Portal, formerly Huddle, is designed for teams that need to collaborate around sensitive documents while working with external parties such as clients, auditors, regulators, or partners. It’s accessed primarily through a web app, with desktop apps for Windows and macOS, and native iOS and Android mobile apps supporting review and uploads across devices.
Rather than functioning as a broad internal workspace, the platform focuses on controlled, document-centric collaboration. Work is organized into secure, branded workspaces where files, tasks, comments, and approvals stay connected, making it easier for teams to manage formal review cycles without losing visibility.
Version control and activity tracking are core to the experience, helping teams understand who accessed what, what changed, and when. It also integrates with Microsoft 365 tools, allowing teams to work with familiar Office documents while maintaining permissions, version history, and audit trails.
Ideagen Collaboration Portal supports team collaboration, but within clearly defined boundaries. It’s not intended for publishing internal news, building a company-wide knowledge hub, or supporting everyday internal communication. The same controls that make it effective for secure external collaboration can add setup overhead, particularly when managing access for outside users.
Ideagen Collaboration Portal doesn’t list its pricing. You have to request a quote to learn more about the plans and their costs.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) – Based on 140 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 68 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 25 reviews
Google Workspace is a strong fit for teams whose day-to-day work already runs through Gmail and Google Drive, and who want collaboration to stay fast across devices. Most work happens in the browser, with native mobile apps for core tools (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Chat, and Calendar) and Drive for desktop on Windows and macOS for more “local” file access and syncing.
For SharePoint-style needs, Workspace can cover the basics when the goal is simple: keep files accessible, co-author docs in real time, and create lightweight internal pages. Teams often lean on Shared Drives for durable file ownership, Google Docs as living policies and playbooks, and Google Sites for link hubs and internal pages. AI is increasingly part of the experience too, with Gemini built into common work areas and NotebookLM available on higher tiers for research and synthesis.
Where Google Workspace can fall short as an intranet alternative is in structure and governance. Without intentional organization, Drive can quickly become difficult to navigate due to duplicated files and inconsistent permissions. Google Sites on its own also doesn’t provide the communication workflows or audience targeting that many internal teams expect.
While Workspace is a strong collaboration backbone, creating a more intranet-like experience usually requires deliberate governance and ongoing structure that makes ready-built options more appealing.
Google Workspace offers a 14-day free trial for its plans, plus monthly and annual pricing.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.6/5) – Based on 46,945 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 17,327 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★⯨ (4.6/5) – Based on 1,575 reviews
G2: ★★★⯨☆ (3.6/5) – Based on 1,439 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) – Based on 819 reviews
Glasscubes is built for accounting firms that need a more reliable way to collect information from clients, especially during high-volume periods like tax season, audits, and year-end reporting. It’s most often used when email-based requests become hard to track, and slow client responses start to delay delivery.
By focusing on structured, repeatable request workflows, Glasscubes helps firms reduce follow-ups and keep engagements moving without adding unnecessary complexity for clients. The platform centers on request lists that can be scheduled, reused, and monitored in real time, giving teams a clear view of what’s outstanding across all clients.
Automated reminders reduce manual chasing, while files, messages, and approvals stay tied to each request rather than scattered across inboxes. Clients typically respond through simple upload links, which lowers friction compared to traditional portals. The web app and native iOS and Android apps also make it easier to review progress or capture documents on the go.
Glasscubes is not designed to replace an intranet or a general-purpose document management system. Its scope is intentionally narrow and focused on external, client-facing workflows. Some essential features are also locked behind higher plan tiers, so it’s important to double-check plan features before committing.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 12 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 404 reviews
Choosing a SharePoint alternative starts with understanding what you’re actually trying to solve. SharePoint can act as an intranet, a document management system, a collaboration layer, or all three at once.
Most organizations don’t need a like-for-like replacement for everything. They’re looking for a better fit for a specific set of problems that SharePoint hasn’t solved well for them.
Evaluating alternatives across a few core areas helps narrow the field quickly and avoid tools that look good on paper but struggle in practice.
Start by identifying the main outcome you want the platform to support. Some tools are built to improve internal communication and employee alignment, others focus on structured knowledge and documentation, and some are optimized for secure collaboration with external stakeholders.
Being clear about whether your priority is engagement, findability, governance, or compliance will narrow down your options and make comparisons more meaningful.
If you can’t convince team members and management to use your platform, it won’t help them be more effective.
Consider whether the platform is meant to be a destination employees actively visit or something that delivers information through targeted updates, digests, or notifications.
Also, think about who will use it most often, how frequently, and from where. Tools that work well for desk-based employees may struggle with frontline or distributed teams if mobile access and usability aren’t strong.
One of the most common reasons teams move away from SharePoint is content sprawl.
Look closely at how each alternative helps structure information and keep it current over time. This includes ownership models, permissions, lifecycle controls, and analytics that show what’s being used and what isn’t.
Strong search is especially important, as it often determines whether employees can find what they need without knowing exactly where it lives.
Different platforms support different collaboration styles. Some excel at real-time co-authoring and informal teamwork, while others are better suited for structured review cycles, approvals, and audit trails.
It’s also important to understand whether collaboration is primarily internal or whether external partners, clients, or regulators need controlled access.
The right tool should match how work actually flows through your organization.
A good alternative should fit into your existing ecosystem rather than forcing teams to change how they work everywhere else. Pay attention to platform support, including web access, native mobile apps, and any desktop components.
Integrations with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Teams, Slack, and identity systems can significantly reduce friction and improve adoption. The depth of those integrations often matters more than the number listed.
Pricing is rarely just about the per-user cost. Many platforms gate important capabilities behind higher tiers or add-ons, which can change the total cost significantly as usage grows.
It’s also worth factoring in implementation effort, content migration, and ongoing ownership. The most successful platforms are the ones organizations can realistically maintain, not just launch.
SharePoint is a familiar choice, but many people searching for “SharePoint alternatives” aren’t only looking to swap a document platform. They’re trying to solve problems SharePoint often struggles with in practice: getting employees to pay attention to important updates, keeping information current without heavy maintenance, and building a stronger sense of connection across teams.
That’s why the best “alternative” depends on what you’re optimizing for. Some tools prioritize knowledge bases, others focus on communities or external collaboration, and some are built to improve the day-to-day employee experience rather than replicate complex site structures.
Jostle stands out when the goal is to create a single source of truth that helps align teams and encourages real adoption through practicality, not just procedure. Teams use it to keep priorities visible, reduce missed messages, and make it easier for employees to stay connected to what’s happening across the organization. Important updates are more likely to be seen and acknowledged, people can quickly figure out who to go to for help, and recognition becomes part of everyday work rather than an afterthought.
The result is a more consistent employee experience that supports clarity, participation, and momentum, without the overhead or complexity that often comes with SharePoint’s more document-centric approach.
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Jostle’s employee success platform is where everyone connects, communicates, and celebrates at work. Find out more at jostle.me. © 2009–2026 Jostle Corporation. All rights reserved.
