Comparison · Office suites
Google Docs vs Microsoft 365: which is better in 2026?
Microsoft 365 ranks higher in our list of office suites (#1 against #2, score 93.0 against 91.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 91.0Editorial score93.0
- 3Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Google Docs if you want
Shared documents edited in a browser.
Shared editing in the browser with comments and Drive storage, free with a personal Google Account. Its layout tools are simpler than Word's, and it has no desktop app.
Choose Microsoft 365 if you want
Office documents and Outlook for work teams.
The reference suite for Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with Outlook and Copilot features in the subscription. It costs a recurring fee, and its desktop apps are the main draw over the free options here.
The main differences
- Only Microsoft 365 runs on Windows.
- Only Microsoft 365 runs on macOS.
- Only Google Docs runs on iOS.
- Only Google Docs runs on Android.
Side by side
 Google Docs |  Microsoft 365 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.0 | 93.0 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree with a personal Google Account; Google Workspace is paid | Free plan, paid upgradesFree web apps with a Microsoft account; desktop apps and extras need a plan |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | WindowsmacOSWebWindows, macOS, Web |
| Made by | Microsoft | |
| Desktop apps | None, browser only | Windows, macOS |
| Works in a browser | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Free with a personal account | Subscription, free web apps |
| Best for | Shared documents edited in a browser | Office documents and Outlook for work teams |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Google Docs vs Microsoft 365
- Is Microsoft 365 better than Google Docs?
- Microsoft 365 ranks higher in our list of office suites (#1 against #2, score 93.0 against 91.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Google Docs is best for: shared documents edited in a browser. Microsoft 365 is best for: office documents and Outlook for work teams.
- Which is cheaper, Google Docs or Microsoft 365?
- Google Docs: Free with a personal Google Account; Google Workspace is paid. Microsoft 365: Free web apps with a Microsoft account; desktop apps and extras need a plan.
- Do Google Docs and Microsoft 365 run on the same platforms?
- Google Docs supports Web, iOS, Android. Microsoft 365 supports Windows, macOS, Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Google Docs and Microsoft 365
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