Google Docs vs Microsoft Word

Not sure which of these tools fits your work? Compare Google Docs and Microsoft Word to see what you can do with each, what you'll pay and what to check before you choose.

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Check if these tools match how you work. Confirm the plans, limits and renewal prices with each provider before you choose.

Compare features and pricing for Google Docs, Microsoft Word
What matters to youGoogle DocsMicrosoft Word
Best suited to
  • Remote teams
  • Businesses collaborating on documents
  • Students and educators
  • Content creators and writers
  • Businesses
Starting priceFrom $0.00 / free plan availableFrom $6.99 / free plan available
CategoryOffice SoftwareOffice Software
Ratings shown4.7 / 5 (1 reviews shown)4.8 / 5 (1 reviews shown)
Features to compare
  • Live co-editing and suggestions
  • Comments and version history
  • Document tabs and smart chips
  • Drive sharing permissions
  • Configured offline editing
  • Document styles and templates
  • Comments and tracked changes
  • Tables and page-layout tools
  • References and document navigation
  • Co-authoring through OneDrive or SharePoint
Strengths
  • Free and easy to use
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Automatic saving and version history
  • Strong integrations with Google Workspace
  • AI writing tools with Gemini
  • Suitable for structured business documents
  • Detailed review and formatting controls
  • Widely used document file format
Considerations
  • Limited offline features compared to desktop editors
  • Advanced features require Google Workspace
  • Web and desktop capabilities differ
  • Advanced tools take time to learn

Before you decide

  1. Which tool fits the way you work?
  2. What will it cost you now and when you renew?
  3. Can you try it on a real task before you choose?

Questions you may have when comparing Google Docs and Microsoft Word

What's different about Google Docs and Microsoft Word?

Google Docs lists Live co-editing and suggestions, Comments and version history and Document tabs and smart chips. Microsoft Word lists Document styles and templates, Comments and tracked changes and Tables and page-layout tools. Start with the features you would actually use, then check which plan includes them. A shorter feature list doesn't necessarily mean a tool can't do something you need.

Which one will cost me less?

Compare the total for your team, not just the starting price. Check the billing period, currency, number of users, usage limits and renewal rate, then add any extras you need. If you try a free plan or trial, check what happens when you reach its limits.

How do I choose between Google Docs and Microsoft Word?

Pick a task you do often and try it in both tools. If you need Document Creation Software, start there. See which feels easier to use and works with the tools you already rely on. Before you pay, check the plan limits and whether you can get the support you need.