The best Google Cloud Print alternatives in 2026 are PaperCut Mobility Print for free home and small office use, ezeep for simple cloud printing, Printix and Coreza (formerly Directprint.io) for schools and businesses, and Microsoft Universal Print for Microsoft 365 users. Many people also no longer need a separate tool, as ChromeOS, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android now print natively.
Google Cloud Print stopped working on 31 December 2020. This updated guide explains why it shut down and compares the main replacements as of October 2026, with notes on cost and supported devices.
Why Google shut down Cloud Print
Google launched Cloud Print in 2010, mainly to solve a problem for Chromebooks, which did not have traditional printer drivers. The service sent print jobs over the internet to a connected printer, so users could print from anywhere, not only from the same Wi-Fi network.
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Over time, ChromeOS added native printing support, and most modern printers began to support standard protocols such as IPP. Google announced the shutdown in November 2019 and pointed users to native ChromeOS printing and to third-party print providers.
Alternatives at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Cost | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| PaperCut Mobility Print | Homes, small offices, schools | Free | Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, iOS, Android |
| ezeep | Small teams wanting cloud printing | Free plan up to 10 users; paid plans | Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, iOS, Android, Linux, web |
| Printix | Businesses removing print servers | Subscription, free trial | Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, iOS, Android |
| Coreza (Directprint.io) | Schools, enterprises, Google Workspace users | Subscription, free trial | ChromeOS, Windows, Mac |
| Microsoft Universal Print | Microsoft 365 organisations | Included in some Microsoft licences | Windows, macOS, web |
| Native OS printing | Home users with a modern printer | Free | All major systems |
Best Google Cloud Print alternatives
1. PaperCut Mobility Print
PaperCut describes Mobility Print as completely free. You install a small server program on a Windows, macOS or Linux computer on your network, and phones, tablets, Chromebooks, Windows PCs and Macs can then find and use the printers.
Its Cloud Print feature lets Windows, Chromebook and Mac users print from outside the network over an encrypted connection. PaperCut notes that printing over the internet is not supported from Android and iOS. Free users do not get phone or chat support.
2. ezeep
ezeep is a cloud printing service from ThinPrint, a German print software company. Its free plan covers up to 10 users and supports ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux and web browsers.
Paid plans add management and security features. As of October 2026, ezeep lists its Pro plan at €2.75 and its Business plan at €4.75 per user per month on annual billing, with a 10-user minimum. It is a good fit for small offices that want something close to the old Cloud Print experience.
3. Printix
Printix is a cloud print management service, now part of Tungsten Automation (formerly Kofax). It lets organisations run printing without on-site print servers and supports secure release printing, where a job prints only when the user is at the device.
It works with Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS and Android, and integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID for sign-in. Printix offers a one-month free trial, followed by monthly or annual subscriptions.
4. Coreza (formerly Directprint.io)
Directprint.io was built for schools and businesses that moved to Chromebooks and Google Workspace. Its maker, Youmebee, is now part of Toshiba’s US business, and the product is marketed under the Coreza name.
It is a serverless print management tool with printer monitoring, usage tracking and integrations for Google Workspace and Microsoft Azure. A 30-day free trial is available, and pricing is shared on request.
5. Microsoft Universal Print
Universal Print is Microsoft’s cloud print service. It runs on Microsoft 365 infrastructure, needs no print servers and is managed from the Azure portal. Users can print from Windows, macOS and the web without being on the office network or a VPN.
It is the natural choice for organisations already using Microsoft 365. Access depends on your Microsoft licence, so check with your IT team.
6. Built-in printing on your device
For most home users, no extra service is needed. ChromeOS can add network printers directly, Apple devices use AirPrint, and Android supports the Mopria and manufacturer print services. Printer makers such as HP, Canon and Epson also offer apps that support remote printing for their own models.
This is the simplest and cheapest route if you print only at home and own a printer made in the last few years.
How to choose
- Home user: Try your device’s built-in printing or the printer maker’s app first.
- Small office or school: PaperCut Mobility Print or the ezeep free plan.
- Larger organisation: Printix, Coreza or Universal Print, depending on whether you use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
For more guides on apps and gadgets, see our Technology section, and for school and campus tech, visit Education.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Cloud Print still work?
No. Google shut down Cloud Print on 31 December 2020. Devices using it can no longer print through the service.
What is the best free alternative to Google Cloud Print?
PaperCut Mobility Print is free, and ezeep has a free plan for up to 10 users. For home use, built-in printing on your device may be enough.
How do I print from a Chromebook without Cloud Print?
ChromeOS supports native printing. Add your network printer in the Chromebook’s printer settings, or use a service such as PaperCut, ezeep or Printix.
Is Directprint.io still available?
Yes, but it is now marketed as Coreza after its maker became part of Toshiba’s US business.
Sources: PaperCut Mobility Print, ezeep pricing, Microsoft Learn: Universal Print, Wikipedia: Google Cloud Print.
