Choosing the right office suite for your Android device can be a difficult decision. The two most popular options are Microsoft Office and Google Docs. Both suites have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to functionality, collaboration, pricing, and more. This article compares Microsoft Office for Android and Google Docs across several key factors to help you determine which is the better fit for your needs.
Functionality and Features
When it comes to sheer functionality and features, Microsoft Office tends to have the edge over Google Docs. The Microsoft Office app for Android combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into a single solution with powerful tools for creating and editing documents. Key features include:
- Support for opening and editing Microsoft Office file formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx
- Templates, styles, charts, images, tables and more
- Review tools like comments and track changes
- Advanced formatting options
Google Docs takes a more streamlined approach, focusing on real-time collaboration and accessibility. Notable Google Docs features include:
- Real-time co-editing allowing multiple people to work on a document simultaneously
- Add-ons and integrations with G Suite apps like Gmail and Google Calendar
- Built-in translation for documents
- Accessibility features such as screen reader support
For advanced formatting, macros, and maximum compatibility with Microsoft Office documents, Microsoft Office is the better choice. But Google Docs offers the better collaboration experience.
Mobile Optimization
The Microsoft Office mobile app provides an optimized editing experience for Android phones and tablets. The interface is clean, simple and easy to navigate with touch gestures. In comparison, Google Docs can feel a bit clunky on mobile devices, especially on smaller screens. Microsoft Office also adapts better to different screen orientations.
So when it comes to mobile optimization specifically, Microsoft Office is the winner. The app feels like it was built first for mobile instead of being ported over from the desktop.
Pricing and Plans
Microsoft Office requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription to unlock full editing functionality on Android devices. Microsoft 365 Personal plans start at $7 per month, while Microsoft 365 Family plans for up to 6 people cost $10 per month.
Google Docs is free to use with a Google account. This gives it a significant advantage in terms of pricing. The free version provides ample functionality for most lightweight document creation and collaboration needs. Upgrading to paid Google Workspace plans unlocks additional features like unlimited storage, advanced admin controls, audit logging and more security features.
For individual use, Google Docs provides plenty of free functionality. But if you need the full Microsoft Office experience on mobile and access business-grade features, a paid Microsoft 365 plan is required.
Collaboration Capabilities
Real-time co-editing is where Google Docs shines over Microsoft Office. Multiple people can work within the same Google Doc simultaneously with changes appearing instantly. Microsoft Office provides basic collaboration powered by OneDrive document sharing and integrates with Microsoft Teams, but doesn’t allow the same real-time editing.
Google Docs also makes it easy to highlight portions to get feedback from collaborators. And features like version history, commenting and task assignments streamline teamwork. For teams that need to collaborate closely on documents in real time, Google Docs is the top solution.
Cloud Integration
Since Google Docs lives online in Google Drive, it offers tight integration with other Google services. For example, you can open attachments from Gmail directly in Google Docs and pick up right where you left off editing on any device. Microsoft Office provides deep integration with OneDrive allowing you to access documents across devices. But the cloud capabilities don’t extend much further beyond Microsoft’s own ecosystem.
So Google Docs is better in terms of broader cloud integration. But Microsoft Office syncs beautifully across Windows, Android and iOS for those more embedded in Microsoft’s solutions.
Security
Enterprise-grade security is crucial for any office suite dealing with sensitive documents and data. Google Docs features robust encryption, compliance certifications, and advanced admin controls through Google Workspace plans. All files are encrypted at rest and in transit by default.
Microsoft Office also provides enterprise-level security and compliance when paired with certain Microsoft 365 plans. Features like multi-factor authentication, information rights management, data loss prevention and more help keep documents secure.
Both Google and Microsoft take security seriously for their office suites. Enterprise administrators may favor the advanced controls in Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 plans if working with confidential data. But both solutions check the right boxes for encryption and compliance capabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, Microsoft Office for Android outperforms Google Docs when it comes to features and functionality. But Google Docs is better optimized for real-time collaboration and tight integration with other Google services.
For individuals and very small teams, Google Docs provides an unbeatable free solution. The paid Microsoft 365 subscriptions offer more value for larger organizations that rely on the full Microsoft Office feature set.
Consider how you will be using the office suite and what capabilities are most important for your needs. Weigh factors like pricing, functionality, collaboration features and security policy. Determining priorities around these critical areas will help decide whether Microsoft Office or Google Docs is the right fit as your Android office suite.
