Google Docs vs Microsoft Word

Both support real-time co-editing and comments. Google Docs builds the workflow around Google Drive in the browser, and Word builds it around Microsoft 365 on the web and in its apps.

Edge: a tie, so choose the ecosystem your collaborators already use.

Google Docs has suggested edits, which show changes in a new color and cross out deletions, and the owner accepts or rejects each one or all at once. Google says tracked changes from Microsoft Office files become suggestions, and suggestions become tracked changes in Office files. Its version history shows who changed a file and lets editors restore or name versions. Word keeps previous versions of files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, and has Track Changes on the desktop, the web, iPhone, and iPad. Track Changes underlines additions and strikes through deletions, and reviewers accept or reject changes one at a time or all together.

Edge: a tie, because both have mature review tools and Docs converts Word’s tracked changes into its own suggestions.

.docx is Word’s native format, and in our test Word handled the test contract and exported it with its formatting intact. Google Docs can edit Office files directly, with changes saved in the original Office format, or convert them to Google’s format. We did not run a controlled formatting round trip through Docs, so check complex files in Word before you send them.

Edge: Word, because .docx is its own format and we tested how it handles one. Docs can also edit .docx in place.

Word’s AI is Copilot, which is included in Microsoft 365 Personal (and for the subscription owner on Family) with usage limits and runs on models Microsoft selects. In our contract-review test, Copilot found issues and listed them as cards in its chat panel rather than as margin comments. When we asked it to fix one, it changed the text directly and marked the change with a blue highlight and an undo button.

Gemini in Docs needs Workspace Business Standard or, for individuals, Google AI Pro. In the same test, Gemini first answered with a long chat reply. After some nudging, it left comments in the document under the user’s own name and made edits as Docs suggestions that you accept or reject.

Edge: Word on list price, because Microsoft 365 Personal ($9.99 a month) costs less than Google AI Pro ($19.99). The bundles include different products, though, and Copilot has usage limits. In our one contract test, Gemini presented edits as Docs suggestions, while Copilot rewrote the text in place with a highlight and undo.

Google Docs runs in the browser and has apps for iOS and Android. Word runs on the web and has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, including desktop apps on Windows and Mac.

Edge: Word, if you want a full desktop app. Otherwise it is a tie.