8 reasons why I prefer Google Docs over Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word used to be my word processor of choice, but I switched to Google Docs a few years ago and haven’t looked back since. Thanks to free access and seamless collaboration, it offers everything a great word processor should have. Here’s why I prefer Google Docs over Microsoft Word—and why you should, too.

1 Google Docs is completely free

The online version of Microsoft Word is free, but the desktop app requires a paid subscription or one-time purchase for most users. While students and teachers can get Microsoft 365 for free, this option is not available to everyone. Regular users have free access to Microsoft 365 desktop applications only through a limited trial.

Microsoft Word for the web has fewer features than its desktop version, while Google Docs is completely free and provides full access to all essential features with no hidden costs. If, like me, you want to avoid additional expenses, Google Docs is an excellent alternative that saves you the monthly cost of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

2 It offers all the features I need

While Google Docs doesn’t have all the features available in Microsoft Word for desktop, it has all the tools I need to create and manage documents. In addition to basic formatting options, I can translate documents, use voice input when I don’t want to type, compare different versions of my document, and correct grammar issues.

I can easily add and manage citations and use the Explore tool to do research without leaving my document. I can use hundreds of add-ons, full-screen mode for distraction-free typing, and collaborate in real time. This makes it a compelling alternative to Microsoft Word. This means I’m missing a few Word features like advanced links and sending mail.

3 Collaboration is easy and seamless

While Microsoft Word has improved real-time collaboration, Google Docs offers a smoother workflow. In desktop Word, I have to upload documents to OneDrive before sharing, whereas Google Docs saves everything to the cloud from scratch. Changes sync almost instantly in Docs, while there is often a slight delay in Word.

With Google Docs, I can easily share documents with others, manage access permissions, communicate through comments, and track changes—all in real time. Doing these tasks in Word on the desktop can seem slower and more cumbersome because shared documents load fully. If you’re new to Docs, learn about its collaboration features.

4 Google Docs fits seamlessly into my workflow

Having previously used most of the Google Suite products, Google Docs integrated naturally into my workflow. With one Google Drive account, I can easily manage documents in Docs, tables in Sheets, and presentations in Slides. I can even start a Google Meet call right from Docs and set reminders and appointments using Google Calendar.

The seamless transfer of data between these applications allows me to link documents, collaborate easily, and stay within one ecosystem. Sharing files with others is also easier because I don’t need to import from other sources. Plus, having all my data stored on one cloud platform means I don’t have to switch between multiple storage solutions to find what I need.

I also recently switched from Windows to macOS after getting my first MacBook Air, so moving away from Windows gave me another reason to ditch Microsoft products.

5 The interface is clean and clear

​​​​​​​Google Docs has a clean, minimalist interface that reduces distractions. Instead of rows of buttons and menus, it shows only the most necessary, thanks to which I can focus on typing without the clutter of unnecessary options. As a writer, I appreciate this simplistic design, which is neither overwhelming nor bloated.

In comparison, Microsoft Word, while packed with powerful tools, can sometimes feel cluttered or difficult to navigate, especially since I don’t need advanced features for every document. Even though we can hide the ribbon, repeatedly switching can interrupt my workflow. Additionally, I find writing in Docs more visually appealing than in Word.

6 Google Docs is better optimized for mobile

With IBS and lower back pain, I can’t sit for long periods of time working on my laptop, so I often switch to typing on my phone from bed. Although Microsoft Word has a mobile app, it feels cumbersome and clunky, especially when working with large, media-rich documents. Even basic editing is sometimes tedious and annoying.

In contrast, Google Docs is easy to use on a smartphone. Its Android and iOS apps are lightweight, responsive and intuitive, mirroring almost all the features of the web version, making the transition easy. Even on a smaller screen, the large, easy-to-use buttons make typing and editing simple, unlike the cumbersome Word mobile experience.

7 It doesn’t take up space on my computer

One major benefit of Google Docs is cloud storage and online management, which means neither the software nor my files take up space on my computer. In contrast, Microsoft Word and my saved files take up local storage space, and large document files constantly fill up my hard drive or desktop. This is not a problem if you use Office online.

While I could store files on OneDrive, I usually make local copies that gradually fill up my hard drive. Additionally, while Google Docs automatically saves everything to Google Drive for access from any internet-connected device, locally saved Word files aren’t available everywhere unless they’re synced with OneDrive.

8 No compatibility issues

I appreciate Google Docs because it’s web-only and has no compatibility issues. I can access my document in its original format on any device—whether it’s a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, or smartphone—making document sharing and collaboration so easy. I don’t have to worry if the recipient has the latest software.

In Microsoft Word, documents saved in newer formats may lose their formatting in older versions of Word, and some features may be missing on public devices with outdated software. Although Microsoft Word has a compatibility mode that addresses these issues, Google Docs offers a consistent experience across all devices, no matter where or how you use it.

For all these reasons I switched to Google Docs from Microsoft Word and I am very happy with the change. However, you shouldn’t switch regardless of your needs – Microsoft Word may still be a better choice, especially if you work in an office or corporate environment. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.