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Head-to-head · Word Processing Software

Microsoft Word vs Google Docs

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft Word #1 in Word Processing Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Microsoft Word
Google Docs #2 in Word Processing Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Google Docs

Microsoft Word leads on 2 checks, Google Docs on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft Word · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Google Docs
  • Most featuresMicrosoft Word · 4 of 4

Microsoft Word scores higher on our rubric for word processing software: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Microsoft Word offers desktop apps; Google Docs doesn't. Microsoft Word leads on maximum document size: 512 MB versus 50 MB.

Microsoft Word is the better fit for professional users needing a complete word processor. Google Docs is the better fit for teams prioritizing browser collaboration.

  • Microsoft Word fits best

    Professional users needing a complete word processor

  • Google Docs fits best

    Teams prioritizing browser collaboration

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft Word 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Google Docs 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Word Processing Software #2 in Word Processing Software
Best for Professional users needing a complete word processor Teams prioritizing browser collaboration
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $7/user/mo $7/user/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Integrations 3 integrations 6 integrations
Features Microsoft Word 4/4 · Google Docs 3/4
Desktop apps ✓ (best) —
Offline editing ✓ ✓
Real-time collaboration ✓ ✓
Track changes ✓ ✓
Specs
Desktop platforms Windows, macOS Not checked yet
Maximum document size 512 MB (best) 50 MB
Our review
Pros
  • Real-time co-authoring, track changes, and version history support review workflows
  • Desktop, web, and mobile access across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
  • Templates, dictation, accessibility checking, and Copilot-assisted writing tools
  • Deep real-time co-editing with comments, tasks, and suggested edits
  • Granular sharing permissions and restorable version history
  • Offline editing plus Microsoft Word and PDF import support
Cons
  • The free plan is limited to Word for the web and basic editing features
  • Desktop Word requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription
  • The 512 MB maximum applies to Word files opened by Word
  • No verified desktop apps are listed
  • Higher tiers are needed for Gemini or advanced management features
  • Paid plans bundle Docs with broader Workspace tools
Our verdict

Microsoft Word is a word-processing application for creating, editing, formatting, reviewing, and sharing documents. It suits professional users who need a complete document workspace across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Core…

Read the review →

Google Docs is a cloud-based word processor for individuals, organizations, and teams. It supports document creation and formatting through templates, building blocks, document tabs, and pageless layouts. Users can collaborate in real…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft WordWord Processing Software 9.4Free plan
  2. Google DocsWord Processing Software 9.2Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft Word — where it wins

    • Real-time co-authoring, track changes, and version history support review workflows
    • Desktop, web, and mobile access across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
    • Templates, dictation, accessibility checking, and Copilot-assisted writing tools

    Where it doesn't

    • The free plan is limited to Word for the web and basic editing features
    • Desktop Word requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription
    • The 512 MB maximum applies to Word files opened by Word

  • Google Docs — where it wins

    • Deep real-time co-editing with comments, tasks, and suggested edits
    • Granular sharing permissions and restorable version history
    • Offline editing plus Microsoft Word and PDF import support

    Where it doesn't

    • No verified desktop apps are listed
    • Higher tiers are needed for Gemini or advanced management features
    • Paid plans bundle Docs with broader Workspace tools

More comparisons

All word processing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update