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    Microsoft 365 vs Google

    Both work. Different strengths.

    Microsoft 365 Personal ($70/yr)

    • Full Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
    • 1TB OneDrive cloud storage.
    • Works offline (download apps).
    • Best for: heavy document work.
    • Family Plan $100/yr — share with 5 others.
    • Senior favorite — familiar from work.

    Google Workspace (FREE personal)

    • Gmail + Google Docs + Sheets + Slides + Drive.
    • 15GB free, $2/mo for 100GB, $3/mo for 200GB.
    • Works in any browser.
    • Auto-saves everything.
    • Easier sharing/collaboration.
    • Best for: simple needs, no install.

    Pick MS 365 if

    • Used Word/Excel for 30+ years.
    • Heavy spreadsheet work.
    • PowerPoint presentations.
    • Want desktop apps (offline).
    • Track Changes for editing.
    • Have lots of existing .docx/.xlsx files.

    Pick Google if

    • Want everything free.
    • Use Gmail already.
    • Simple documents only.
    • Collaborate with family on shared docs.
    • Don't want software install.
    • Use Chromebook (paired natively).

    Free alternatives

    • LibreOffice — free, Microsoft Office compatible.
    • Microsoft Office Online — free web version.
    • iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) — free on Apple devices.
    • Apache OpenOffice — older free alternative.
    • Save $70/yr vs paid versions.

    Both share files easily

    • Word .docx opens in Google Docs (and vice versa).
    • Excel .xlsx opens in Google Sheets.
    • Don't worry about "wrong format."
    • Email PDFs for max compatibility.
    • Both export to PDF easily.

    Senior pick

    For most seniors: Google free if simple needs. M365 Personal $70/yr if Word/Excel native. M365 Family $100 = best deal — share 5 ways. Whichever you used at work feels easier. AARP sometimes offers M365 discount.