Google Docs vs. Microsoft Word: Which solution is right for you?

There is no doubt that Microsoft Word has many more features than Google Docs. So if you want to do serious formatting and layout work, Microsoft Word is the application for you. However, if you just want to do simple word processing, Google Docs may be all you need.

Google Docs can be accessed from any device and with any modern web browser. While Microsoft users can install Word and other 365 apps on only five devices, Google allows users to access Docs and the rest of Google Workspace on an unlimited number of devices. Of course, you won't be able to work online with Microsoft Word.

This article compares two popular word processors to help you decide which programme is best for your needs. Discover the flexibility of Google Docs and learn how it compares to Microsoft Word.

Why compare Microsoft Office and Google Docs?

Finding the right word processing software can be a difficult task. Some are free, others require a monthly subscription. You want something that is easy for everyone to use and has all the features you need. But too many functions become complicated and confusing.

So the question is: which programme should I choose?

That is why this article compares the two popular word processing programmes Google Docs and Microsoft Word. We show their similarities and differences to help you decide.

The most important differences and similarities between Google Docs and Microsoft Word

Word or Google Docs can manage on their own in terms of file compatibility. Both can open the most common Word formats and handle extensions such as HTML and PDF. The biggest difference in terms of compatibility is that when you save a Google Doc file, you have to save it as a Microsoft Word-compatible file or simply convert it.

Want to know how to choose between Google Docs and Microsoft Word?

Let's take a look at the two office tools on the market today. A comparison of the available functions will show you the main differences between the two applications and help you choose the one that suits you best.

For Windows users, Microsoft Word is one of the most well-known programmes for writing all kinds of files. It is easy to use and comes with all Microsoft Office suites. The desktop version is powerful enough to meet your needs in many scenarios. Microsoft Word also has a companion app that is compatible with iOS and Android devices and provides basic editing functions on the go.

Google Docs started as an alternative to Microsoft Word. It cannot completely replace Word, but it is a good alternative. It is free and can be used from anywhere with an internet connection. Google Docs is compatible with all devices as it is hosted online and not installed on the PC. It offers limited features but has great add-ons developed by the community.

Google Docs files are saved as a single file type, although you can download a file in a variety of formats, including DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, plain text and HTML. Microsoft Word offers a wider range of file formats in which you can save your documents.

Let's take a look at the most important points you should look for when deciding on a software.

1. Accessibility

More and more of us are mobile workers. Whether we are at home, at work or on holiday, we want to be able to access our files as quickly and easily as possible. Microsoft Word is Microsoft's flagship software that has been in use for decades. It is available almost everywhere: via your mobile phone, your tablet and when you reconnect to a PC.

Google Docs is even more accessible. You can view and edit your documents from any browser. Just log in with your Google account. With Microsoft Word, you cannot view and edit Microsoft Office files if Microsoft Office is not installed. Google Docs is a browser-based application that allows you to do this.

Google Docs wins in this category, but Microsoft has also started to make its products more mobile-friendly. A good step was made with the Microsoft Office apps for Android and iPhone devices.

2. prices

Both Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office are chargeable. If you do not want to pay, you do not have legal access to this software. This should be taken into account when deciding which application to invest in.

Buying Microsoft Word as a single product costs about €38.99 at Licendi. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Office 365 for 89.99 € per year. Google Docs, on the other hand, is free and available to anyone with a browser and an internet connection.

3. reliability

And this from someone who frequently works with Google Docs. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to edit a document because your internet connection is problematic. Because the application is browser-based, you must have a stable internet connection to view, edit and save files.

Microsoft Word is always available, even when there is no internet connection. Microsoft creates its own clouds with Microsoft OneDrive and Office 365 to ensure that you can also synchronise files across multiple devices.

Note that losing your files is more likely if you work with Word. Because Google Docs is online, it saves your document every few seconds. Microsoft Word only saves your changes regularly if you are logged into your Microsoft account online or have activated the automatic saving function.

We cannot name a clear winner here, so it depends on your preferences which application you choose as the most reliable.

4. interface and functions

Google Docs is extremely user-friendly and relatively functional. It is easy to learn and master, but the lack of features might deduct some points for most users. Compared to Microsoft Word, it is very simple, especially if there are no third-party add-ons.

Google docs interface

Microsoft Word has a variety of templates that you can use for different projects such as CVs, blog posts, reports and much more. There are Google Docs templates, but they are complicated to use.

Microsoft Word interface

Microsoft Word can be overwhelming and difficult to get started with, but if you take the time to learn everything, you can benefit from it. This software goes far beyond the usual and offers all the tools you need to write almost anything.

If you need advanced features and want to work faster, we definitely recommend staying with Word as it offers a wealth of features. It is a heavyweight application that has the power to overcome any obstacle.

5. compatibility

Microsoft Word is compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS X, iOS and Android. With the desktop versions, you can easily store your files in the cloud. You can also store files locally, which is an advantage over the online-only storage of Google Docs.

Docs can be accessed via any web browser, e.g. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox. This means that documents can also be written on non-supported systems.

A wide range of file types can be opened and edited with both applications. However, Google has a slight advantage over Microsoft in this area. Docs allows you to save what you have written in many formats, e.g. DOCX, ODT, PDF, RTF, HTML, TXT and EPUB. Word Online documents can only be saved as PDF, ODT or DOCX.
Here, too, there is no clear winner. It all depends on what requirements you have for processing different file types and exporting documents.

6. cooperation

In both applications, collaboration is possible remotely and in real time. Google offers a simple collaboration feature: just share the link to the document so others can edit it.

Microsoft is not completely helpless when it comes to collaboration functions either. With Office 365, Microsoft has introduced a shared folder system where users can share documents and projects. The downside is that anyone you want to invite to collaborate with you in real time has to be an Office 365 subscriber.

Google Docs wins here. This does not mean that it is not possible to collaborate effectively in Word. However, Word definitely loses points for an expensive and complicated process.

7. add-ons and plug-ins

Microsoft Office as a whole offers a variety of options when it comes to add-ons and plug-ins. Microsoft allows you to install third-party connectors such as IFTTT (If This Then That) or Zaps that connect Microsoft Office with other Microsoft products and services.

Collaboration in Google Docs

For example, you can connect Microsoft Access with Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Excel with Microsoft SharePoint. This functionality also extends to Word and allows you to create efficient workflows.

The Google ecosystem as a whole does not offer as many integrations at the time of writing. You can still use add-ons to make Docs even more productive, but they are not as robust as Microsoft's add-ons. Microsoft will also update and improve its add-ons much more frequently so that Microsoft Word is always up to date.

Docs will probably never reach the same level of professionalism as Word, but it comes close. If you are dedicated enough, you can replicate many of the Word functions that are missing in Docs with the help of add-ons.

Final considerations

Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs are excellent word processors that can be used for a variety of purposes. If you only use the programme to compose documents, Microsoft Word is hard to beat for its wide range of features and compatibility with all devices. However, if you need a simpler solution or want to store your document in the cloud, Google Docs is probably the better choice.

Despite these comparisons, Docs still has an advantage over Microsoft Word in some respects. Have you made your choice? If you have decided on the right software, you will find instructions, tips and tricks in our help centre and blog to help you get started.

You can purchase the Microsoft Word programme together with other Office applications by buying the Office 2021 Professional Plus package for €59.99, or if you only want the Word 2021 programme, for €38.99.

Do you have any questions?

Our support team is here to help 24/7. Remember, you can always read a little more about Microsoft Word. in our online shop.

Write us a comment or give us a call.

Greetings,

Your Licendi team.