Google Docs vs Microsoft Word: Which Is Better?

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

Google Docs can be accessed from any device with any modern web browser. While Microsoft allows you to install Word and other 365 apps on up to five devices, Google lets users access Docs and the rest of Google Workspace on an unlimited number of devices. That said, Microsoft Word also works offline, so you are not entirely dependent on an internet connection.

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 stacks up against Microsoft Word.

Why compare Microsoft Office and Google Docs?

Finding the right word-processing software can be a difficult task. Some options are free, others require a one-off purchase or a monthly subscription. You want something that is easy for everyone to use and has all the features you need, but too many functions can feel 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 highlight their similarities and differences to help you decide.

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

Word and Google Docs are fairly comparable in terms of file compatibility. Both can open the most common Word formats and handle extensions such as HTML and PDF. The biggest difference is that when you save a Google Docs file, you have to export it as a Microsoft Word-compatible file or convert it manually.

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

Let us take a closer look at the two office tools on the market today. A comparison of the available features 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 documents. 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 companion apps for iOS and Android that provide basic editing functions on the go.

Google Docs started as an alternative to Microsoft Word. It cannot completely replace Word, but it is a solid alternative. It is free and can be used from anywhere with an internet connection. Google Docs is compatible with all devices because it runs in the browser rather than being installed locally. It offers fewer features out of the box but has great community-developed add-ons.

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

Let us take a look at the most important points you should consider when deciding on your software.

1. Accessibility

More and more of us work on the move. Whether we are at home, in the office 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 and has been in use for decades. It is available almost everywhere: on your phone, your tablet and your PC.

Google Docs is even more accessible. You can view and edit your documents from any browser simply by logging in with your Google account. With Microsoft Word, you need either the desktop application or access to Word Online. Google Docs, being entirely browser-based, removes that barrier.

Google Docs wins in this category, though Microsoft has been making its products more mobile-friendly. The Microsoft Office apps for Android and iPhone are a good step in that direction.

2. Pricing

Both Microsoft Word and the broader Microsoft Office suite are paid products. If you do not want to pay, you do not have legal access to the full desktop software. This is an important factor when deciding which application to invest in.

You can buy a Microsoft Office licence as a one-off purchase at Licendi. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for an annual fee. Google Docs, on the other hand, is completely free and available to anyone with a browser and an internet connection.

3. Reliability

Speaking as someone who frequently works with Google Docs: there is nothing more frustrating than being unable to edit a document because your internet connection drops. Since the application is browser-based, you need a stable internet connection to view, edit and save files.

Microsoft Word is always available, even without an internet connection. Microsoft has also introduced OneDrive and Microsoft 365 cloud syncing to ensure you can synchronise files across multiple devices.

Note that losing your files is more likely if you work with Word without auto-save enabled. Because Google Docs is online, it saves your document every few seconds automatically. Microsoft Word only saves your changes regularly if you are logged in with your Microsoft account or have activated the automatic saving feature.

There is no clear winner here; it depends on your preferences and working style.

4. Interface and features

Google Docs is extremely user-friendly and relatively capable. It is easy to learn and master, but its limited feature set might be a drawback for power users. Compared to Microsoft Word, it is quite basic, especially without third-party add-ons.

Google Docs interface

Microsoft Word has a variety of templates for different projects such as CVs, blog posts, reports and much more. Google Docs also offers templates, but they are less extensive.

Microsoft Word interface

Microsoft Word can feel overwhelming at first, but once you take the time to learn it, the investment pays off. The software goes far beyond the basics and offers all the tools you need to produce virtually any kind of document.

If you need advanced features and want to work efficiently, we would recommend sticking with Word. It is a heavyweight application with the power to handle any task you throw at it. If you are curious about getting Word for free, have a look at our guide to downloading Microsoft Word.

5. Compatibility

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

Docs can be accessed via any web browser, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox. This means documents can also be created on platforms that are not officially supported by Word.

A wide range of file types can be opened and edited with both applications. However, Google has a slight edge here. Docs allows you to export your work in many formats, including DOCX, ODT, PDF, RTF, HTML, TXT and EPUB. Word Online documents can only be saved as PDF, ODT or DOCX.

Again, there is no clear winner. It all depends on your requirements for handling different file types and exporting documents.

6. Collaboration

Both applications support remote, real-time collaboration. Google offers a simple collaboration feature: just share the link to the document so others can edit it.

Microsoft is no slouch when it comes to collaboration either. With Microsoft 365, users can share documents and projects via shared folders. The downside is that anyone you invite to collaborate in real time generally needs a Microsoft 365 subscription as well.

Google Docs wins here. That does not mean effective collaboration in Word is impossible, but Word does lose points for requiring a paid subscription from all collaborators.

7. Add-ons and plug-ins

Microsoft Office as a whole offers a wealth of 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 Outlook or Microsoft Excel with SharePoint. This functionality also extends to Word, enabling efficient workflows.

The Google ecosystem currently does not offer as many integrations. You can still use add-ons to make Docs more productive, but they are not as robust as Microsoft's options. Microsoft also updates its add-ons more frequently, keeping Word at the cutting edge.

Docs will probably never reach quite the same level of depth as Word, but it comes close. If you are dedicated, you can replicate many of Word's missing features 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 primarily compose documents and need advanced formatting, Microsoft Word is hard to beat. However, if you prefer a simpler solution or want your documents stored in the cloud by default, Google Docs is probably the better choice.

Despite these comparisons, Docs still holds an advantage over Word in some respects. Have you made your choice? If you have settled on your preferred software, you will find instructions, tips and tricks in our help centre and blog to get you started. You might also want to read about which type of Microsoft Office licence is most economical for businesses.

You can purchase Microsoft Word together with other Office applications by buying the Office Professional Plus package, or buy Word as a standalone product.

Do you have any questions?

Our support team is here to help around the clock. Remember, you can always browse our Microsoft Office licences in the online shop.

Drop us a comment or give us a call.

Best regards,
The Licendi Team