18 years helping Irish businesses
choose better software

What Is Google Docs?

Web-based document editor platform designed to store, create and edit spreadsheets, use templates, create charts, comment on documents, and more. It allows real-time editing and secure sharing and offers features such as smart compose to help users write and edit Word files. The tool also helps convert docs to PDFs, track changes, and more.

Who Uses Google Docs?

Designed for businesses of all sizes, it is a document management system that helps teams collaborate, share, edit, chat, and comment across multiple files in real-time.

Google Docs Software - Google Docs font selection
Google Docs Software - Google Docs collaboration
Google Docs Software - Google Docs comments
Google Docs Software - Google Docs storage
Google Docs Software - Google Docs access

Not sure about Google Docs? Compare with a popular alternative

Google Docs

Google Docs

4.7 (28,306)
US$6.00
month
Free version
Free trial
17
8
4.7 (28,306)
4.8 (28,306)
4.3 (28,306)
VS.
Starting Price
Pricing Options
Features
Integrations
Ease of Use
Value for Money
Customer Service
US$7.20
month
Free version
Free trial
21
13
4.5 (1,827)
4.5 (1,827)
4.3 (1,827)
Green rating bars show the winning product based on the average rating and number of reviews.

Other great alternatives to Google Docs

Microsoft OneNote
Top rated features
Collaboration Tools
Document Storage
Search/Filter
Omnicontext
Top rated features
Ad hoc Reporting
Monitoring
Performance Metrics
Evernote Teams
Top rated features
Notes Management
Task Management
To-Do List
Google Forms
Top rated features
Access Controls/Permissions
Reporting/Analytics
Survey Builder
Confluence
Top rated features
Collaboration Tools
Document Storage
Knowledge Base Management
Google Sheets
Top rated features
Access Controls/Permissions
Data Import/Export
Document Management
Airtable
Top rated features
Multiple Projects
Project Planning/Scheduling
Task Management
Notion
Top rated features
Project Planning/Scheduling
Task Editing
Task Management
OneDrive
Top rated features
Access Controls/Permissions
Document Storage
File Sharing

Reviews of Google Docs

Average score

Overall
4.7
Ease of Use
4.7
Customer Service
4.3
Features
4.5
Value for Money
4.8

Reviews by company size (employees)

  • <50
  • 51-200
  • 201-1,000
  • >1,001
Jill
Jill
Communications and Brand Manager in Canada
Verified LinkedIn User
Higher Education, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Couldn't Survive Without Google Docs

5.0 last month New

Comments: Google Docs is my most-used tool when it comes to day-to-day responsibilities at work.

Pros:

I couldn't survive a single day in my career without Google Docs. It is user-friendly, the collaboration options are better than any other platform.

Cons:

There are very few things I dislike about Google Docs. With the recent addition of improved tab options, any issues I have had in the past have been addressed.

Phil
Marketing Manager in UK
Automotive, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Cost-Effective Word Competitor

4.0 3 weeks ago New

Comments: For basic documents, Google Docs allows us to open, read, and write with ease and minimal cost.

Pros:

As a company, we are always looking for cost-effective ways to do business. Google Docs allows us to implement a word-processing function with minimal outlay.

Cons:

Google Docs is less feature-rich compared to Microsoft Word and only manages basic functions.

Michael
Senior Consultant in US
Accounting, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Docs - It is what it is and it does pretty well, what it does

3.0 last year

Comments: Amazing that we have such tools at our disposal. We can work on almost anything, from anywhere, and collaborate with anyone in the world. Obviously Google did not invent this concept but they are the #1, the go-to. Its really revolutionizing the way we all work together.

Pros:

Just the simple fact that we live in such a time where geography doesn't make much difference at all when it comes to collaboration and teamwork, is amazing. I find myself being a big perfectionist in judging Google Docs negatively, instead of simply appreciating that we even have such technology.

Cons:

The loss of cross functionality between versions of MS Office and Google, whether it's documents or spreadsheets. It is admittedly pretty great for what it is, but it still isn't standardized enough, in my opinion. Downloading a doc/sheet created using google, into Office, often ends in file corruption.

Allison
Owner and Project Manager in US
Marketing & Advertising, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Docs are great for real-time edits, collaboration, and tracking changes.

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: Overall Docs has been great for my own personal documents, for documents I need to share with clients, and for documents that require collaboration with a team. I like that you can share with different access rights - view only, edit, etc.

Pros:

I like that Docs can be edited in real time by multiple people and that you can track the changes people make. I also like that there's a historical record and it's really easy to leave comments and tags for others.

Cons:

It's hard to think of something I don't like.

Samantha
President in US
Translation & Localisation, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Beats Microsoft Word- Everytime.

5.0 2 months ago

Comments: We love Google Docs- Super easy way to conveniently use and save documents. All online based, so no installation required, and not taking up space on your computer. I love it!

Pros:

Huge pro is cost. - Free to personal users with Google accounts. I have a Google Pixel, and using Google Docs on the go, is very convient. You can easily convert Microsoft word into a google doc. Auto Save in Online Feature- Is a must have.

Cons:

Sometimes when using google docs to open word documents, the spacing isnt quite right. But ultimately, Google Docs wins over Microsoft Word, EVERYTIME!

Melissa
Owner in Canada
Arts & Crafts, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Great app and convenient

5.0 last month New

Comments: Very convenient and free to use if you have a Gmail

Pros:

I like the flexibility of this app and how it syncs nicely with my iPhone as well.

Cons:

There used to be a long workaround for inserting an image, but I think that has now been updated. Otherwise that was the only problem I had.

Asim
Student in Germany
Accounting, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Amazing software

5.0 2 months ago New

Pros:

Simple interface and interconnectivity to the web app.

Cons:

Easy to use drom almost any other software, freely and easily available

Eileen
Dietitian in US
Health, Wellness & Fitness, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Works great like word

5.0 last month New

Pros:

Easy to use and just like word, can use for person or business

Cons:

The way they share the files to other places

Amanda
Chiropractic Assistant in US
Hospital & Health Care, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Cloud based and easy to navigate

5.0 last month New

Comments: Overall google docs is my go to. I choose google docs over word everytime because it has the access of being cloud based and much easier to navigate

Pros:

I love that it’s especially a ‘cloud’. I can access any of my documents from anywhere on any computer with just my login

Cons:

I wish there was more font options and that it was easier to add tables and graphs

cynthia
General Manager in US
Leisure, Travel & Tourism, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Love, love, love!

5.0 2 weeks ago New

Comments: I have had nothing but success using this program.

Pros:

So easy to use. I love if you make a mistake you can undo it.

Cons:

I don't think there is anything I don't like about the program.

A.
IT Director, Administrato in US
Education Management, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Oh crap!!!

4.0 4 months ago

Pros:

I love the fact that I can access Google Doc's anywhere. I also love that work is saved every once in a while without having to click on "save". Gone are the days of "oh crap! I forgot to save!"

Cons:

At first Google Docs was not very user friendly but most if not all kinks (that I know of) have been worked out.

Melissa
Pest control Technician in US
Environmental Services, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Administrative assistant at my fingertips

5.0 9 months ago

Comments: It has helped me run my business. All of my documents look professional and I have gotten a lot of good ideas from the examples and the templates they have

Pros:

The templates and the suggestions when putting a document together have been very helpful.They really do have something for every business situation

Cons:

It is very tough to speak with somebody.If you have a technical issue navigating through a problem is a bit aggravating.

Jamie
Onboarding Manager in US
Marketing & Advertising, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Best folder and document management system

5.0 9 months ago

Comments: Google Docs is the best document keeper and creator. It has made it so easy for me to share folders with clients and collab with them on their work - totally recommend.

Pros:

It is so easy to share folders, whether that's adding others to it or sending people the link! I love how you can search the name of the doc on your search engine and it comes up! I think the best feature on google docs is how you can see real time updates from other people editing the document - it is so great for collaboration. And, I do not even need clients to turn in the documents to me - because I can see them! I also love how it saves all your changes live!

Cons:

I have been using google docs forever and have no complaints.

Morgan
Chief of Staff in US
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

An Essential Software

5.0 5 months ago

Pros:

Google Docs is my favorite. I use it everyday in some capacity--whether it is taking notes, collaborating with my team on a project, tagging outside organizations into a document, creating various informational sheets, etc. It works very well for our industry.

Cons:

My only true complaint I have is the formatting when printing. If this could be fixed to work more similar to Microsoft Word, then I would have zero complaints.

Shane
Owner in US
E-Learning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Google Docs - Great word processing tool

5.0 6 months ago

Comments: Google Docs is my word processing tool of choice. The ability to integrate with other Google tools and to share easily make it my clear number one choice.

Pros:

Google Docs is an easy-to-use word processing program. It has all of the needed elements to create and share a document of any size. It integrates seamlessly with other Google products. Sharing is an easy task that can be done for others to view or to collaborate.

Cons:

The downside of using Google Docs is that it operates the majority of the time in the cloud, so no internet access can be detrimental.

Advaldo
Director in UK
Automotive, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Docs

5.0 6 months ago

Comments: Google Docs is a free document management app with all the features that I could find in paid apps. It works well, I can export as PDFs or other extensions I need.

Pros:

The most I like at Google Docs is that it is a web app and does not need to be installed as software. Document management is made with Google Drive, which makes all the documents available from any device. Another great feature is the sharing, it can be easily shared with viewer or edit permissions, and more people can work on the same document.

Cons:

In my opinion, there are no cons to using Google Docs.

Samantha
Independent contractor in US
Hospital & Health Care, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Life saving Google docs

5.0 last year

Comments: I recommend Google docs to anyone that has any kind of files folders or documents of any kind and is on a budget because it's very inexpensive and compared to other doc event managers is definitely something I would recommend using

Pros:

Makes my life so much easier as far as customizable templates template generators the surge helps me find my files and my docs more efficiently and effectively and saves time other than have to do it manually one by one so it's definitely something I would recommend doing if you have an organized files and folders or docs and have a hard time finding them I would definitely use Google docs search options

Cons:

I didn't really find anything not to like it's very inexpensive so it's definitely also budget friendly

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Telecommunications, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Very Good program

5.0 last year

Comments: This led to the work being done faster and more accurately. The management noticed the amazing change and performance in the work and the work became easier and more advanced.

Pros:

Since I used this program, I prefer it a lot because it allows any sharing of my data. In a safe, easy and simple way, which led to rapid development in work performance. However, it has many helpful tools that you can use on the mobile phone as well.

Cons:

In fact, I can't see any flaws in it since I used it and it works so well that I always recommend it to my colleagues.

Shivam
willpower in India
Farming, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Google Docs review

5.0 last year

Pros:

Its cloud-based platform ensures accessibility and ease of use across devices, enhancing productivity and teamwork. Effortless collaboration and cloud-based accessibility streamline productivity in Google Docs.

Cons:

some users may find limitations in formatting options or offline functionality compared to desktop word processing software.

Karin
Karin
Executive Director in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Entertainment, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Docs is the gold standard of team document creation

5.0 10 months ago

Pros:

Producing plays requires a huge amount of team work. Collaborating on cast lists, costume inventories, prop plots, set designs and more are made far easier using Google docs. It's so easy to have all parties able to work on the same document, seamlessly, adding comments, tracking versions and seeing who commented what using tags

Cons:

Offline editing gets a little tricky for those with multiple accounts but overall it's great

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Arts & Crafts, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Docs: very useful to anyone.

4.0 last month New

Comments: I find it very useful for keep notes and writing. You can also design it as a quiz or questionnaire.

Pros:

Its absolutely free to use. It has an auto save feature so i never lose my work no matter what.

Cons:

Its limited in fonts and other features.

Maria
Chief in Spain
Marketing & Advertising, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Esencial tool for a team

5.0 last year

Comments: I use It everyday to work with my team fir mamy years now. I justo wouldnt gol back to other kind of doc editor.

Pros:

I think DOCs is a really useful tool that should be taught from school. Being able to work in the same document with a team or even with customers in real life is very helpful in productivity and creativity

Cons:

I think this tool is quite good the way It is

Chris
Account Manager in UK
Insurance, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Docs

5.0 7 months ago

Comments: Overall Google Docs is the best alternative to Microsoft Word and is free. Is easy to use and document management is easy because all data is stored in the cloud.

Pros:

One of the most important features for me is that it is a webapp, is easy to access from any device without having software installed on all devices and paying more licenses. It works very well and is fast.

Cons:

When importing a Microsoft Word document, the formatting is gone; you need to format again in Google Docs.

Lee
Manager in UK
Civil Engineering, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Google Docs

5.0 7 months ago

Comments: Even if free and only web-based Google Docs works exactly as the paid version of other document managements/creatiion apps. It is integrated in Google Drive wich makes documents management and storage easy and secured.

Pros:

Google Docs is the free alternative to Office pack from Microsoft. Using web-based apps is great because all the documents are stored safely in Google Drive and are available from any device, sharing, editing and updating them when needed. Another great feature is that is easy to share and giving permissions for editing or viewing to other colleagues.

Cons:

Sometimes is hard to format the documents when they are imported.

Andrew
Insurance Verification Specialist in US
Hospital & Health Care, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Docs, an extremely versatile word processor.

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: Google Docs has helped me stay organized in ways that were just not possible before. It makes me more secure that my work will not be lost and if there is a problem, I can easily look at previous versions. This is one of the best products Google has ever created.

Pros:

I love that there is no installation needed. It doesn’t take up space and that is very important to me. It allows me to share my work seamlessly. Also, controlling who can make edits to a document with edit permissions is a great feature. Collaborations are made simpler as well. Finally, being able to access documents from anywhere, at any time, is a huge plus.

Cons:

Some of the settings and options aren’t placed where one would expect them to be, but there is a learning curve with any new product. There aren’t many cons.