With its extensive feature set and familiarity, Microsoft Word has been the preferred word processor for a long time. But Google Docs has been upending the status quo by providing flexibility, real-time collaboration, and cloud-based ease of use.
Do you still think Microsoft Word is the superior choice, or is it time to move to Google Docs? To assist you choose the one that best meets your needs, we’ll examine both of their advantages and disadvantages in this comparison.
Table of Contents
Which is Better Microsoft Word or Google Docs?
- Purpose: Think about the function that your paper fulfills. If it will be shared and cooperation with editing and real-time tracking is required, you should choose a solution that simplifies this process.
- Document type: How complicated is the document you’re writing? You’re better off selecting a feature-rich alternative that will enable you to construct this document if it calls for a lot of formatting.
- Accessibility: Would you like your document to be available and readable on any device? Online and offline? If so, pick an option that is accessible both online and offline and has a higher compatibility rating with the majority of devices.
- Subscription: Is there a subscription package available for your choice? Are you able to pay the package renewal fees? When your subscription expires, you don’t want some of your documents to remain inaccessible.
- Storage backup: Can you get your document back if something goes wrong? Are you familiar with the position of Word autosave? Think about the location of your documents’ storage and determine whether it is a practical choice.
What are the Differences Between Google Docs and Microsoft Word?
Google Docs and Microsoft Word can be compared in a variety of ways, including their offline capabilities, formatting tools, cloud integration, and collaboration features. Although both are strong word processors, each has special benefits based on the needs of the user, so it’s critical to know how they differ before selecting the best one for your work.
1. Features
1.1 Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word leads the way in terms of features because to its vast and strong feature set. You can be certain that Word is your go-to tool for formatting and templates, regardless of whether you want to write a simple document or one with sophisticated formatting.
If you want to make calendar templates or business cards, Microsoft Word can assist you. Word also offers a vast collection of templates for different types of documents, so you don’t have to start from blank when creating a letter or a resume.
Although it’s not that complicated, you might require some instruction on how to utilize specific functions, such as making a table of contents, making a checklist, or learning the fundamental Word shortcut keys to increase efficiency.
1.2 Google Docs
Google Docs is as effective as Microsoft Word at formatting documents. Once you open a blank document, you can easily learn how to use its fundamental formatting features. Because it eliminates the need to share documents and open them on several devices, the majority of users adore it for its versatility.
Although the features are somewhat simple—limited templates and edit options—they aren’t entirely uninteresting. For example, you can add document outlines or make a cover page in Google Docs.
If you think you need more, you can install some extensions to increase its capability, but even then, they won’t be as good as Word. This might not be the right tool for you if you need sophisticated formatting.
2. Accessibility
2.1 Microsoft Word
You may use Microsoft Word offline as well as online. You can use Word without the Internet and save your work after you’re done if you download it to your desktop. After that, you can collaborate by sending the document to others via email.
To monitor any modifications and compare them to the original, you will need to activate the track changes option. The Word online edition can easily provide real-time updates if you want them.
2.2 Google Docs
You can continue where you left off on the previous device by opening your Google document from any device as long as you have a Google account. Once offline mode is enabled, you can still make changes, but the collaborators won’t see them until the document is reconnected to the Internet and the modifications are synchronized.
3. Integration
2.1 Microsoft Word
You must have a Microsoft 365 subscription in order to utilize the desktop version of Microsoft Word, which is a component of the Microsoft office suite. Although there is a free trial version, most of the features will be restricted or you won’t be able to use the word processor when the trial time ends.
Word effortlessly connects with Microsoft ecosystem products, allowing you to plan calendar meetings and import data from your Excel sheet. Because all of the apps are connected, you don’t have to switch between them, which increases efficiency.
3.2 Google Docs
Google Docs is available for free. All you need to do is use your Google account to log in. If the document’s sharing settings haven’t been restricted, you can also access it anonymously if you’re not an active participant.
You can store your documents on Google Drive, use text from your papers to present on Slides, and use additional Google services with ease thanks to Google Docs’ integration with the Google ecosystem.
As this post comes to a close, we would appreciate hearing your thoughts on both. Depending on our requirements and the kind of document at hand, we use the two equally. What about you? Which do you like more, one or the other? If so, what is the reason? Tell us in the space provided for comments below and visit Trendblog for more informational content.