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WPS Office and Google Docs Comparison: A Comprehensive Analysis

July 31, 2023 4.4K views

Whether you're writing a school paper, crafting a business report, or working on a personal project, a good word processor can make all the difference. While Microsoft Word and Google Docs are two of the most popular word processing apps on the market, WPS Office is an excellent third-party option to consider. Offering a range of unique features, including built-in PDF tools, extensive formatting options, and the ability to work offline, WPS Office has quickly become a favorite among both individual users and businesses. WPS Office in comparison with  Google Docs will help you decide which platform is the best fit for your needs.

1. File Compatibility

Transferring files over a different software can become a major hustle. However, with the right tools and suite you can comfortably work on the project without having to go through third-party software to make the file compatible with your suite.

Google Docs is an online word processing platform that runs entirely in the cloud, meaning you can access your documents from any device with an internet connection. Whether you're using an iPhone, a Mac, an Android phone, or a Windows PC, you can easily edit, collaborate, and share your files with colleagues and friends. Plus, since Google Docs is compatible with most file formats, you won't have to worry about converting your files before sharing them with others.

WPS Office, on the other hand, is a desktop-based word processing program that offers a range of tools for creating, editing, and sharing documents. It's available for both Mac and Windows, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. With its file compatibility feature, you can open and edit almost any document format, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

2. Security

When it comes to transferring or saving information, the security of the documents is a reasonable concern. WPS Office offers a built-in document encryption feature, which allows users to set passwords for their documents, and also offers the ability to add digital signatures to protect against tampering. In addition, WPS Office offers a safe mode that disables any active content in documents to prevent any potential security threats. Google Docs, on the other hand, uses two-factor authentication to ensure secure access to user accounts, and also provides advanced sharing settings that allow users to control who has access to their documents.

Google Docs also offers various security features such as data loss prevention, which scans documents for sensitive information and prevents it from being shared. Though both WPS Office and Google Docs take security seriously, WPS Office's built-in encryption and safe mode features may give some users added peace of mind when it comes to protecting their documents. However, it's important to note that both options offer strong security measures and it's always a good idea to take additional precautions such as using strong passwords and regularly backing up important documents.

3. Features

Google Docs is famous for its cloud-based, real-time collaboration features, which allow multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. It also has a variety of built-in templates and formatting tools, making it easy to create professional-looking documents. WPS Office has a number of features that may appeal to users who want more traditional, desktop-based office software. For example, it includes a PDF reader, which allows users to open and edit PDF files directly within the software. It also has a built-in tabbed interface, which allows users to work on multiple documents within a single window. WPS Office also includes a number of advanced formatting tools, such as the ability to create custom watermarks, apply artistic effects to images, and add sound effects to presentations. It also has a built-in file recovery feature, which can help users retrieve documents that have been accidentally deleted or lost due to a system crash.

While both WPS Office and Google Docs have a lot to offer, WPS Office may be a better choice for users who want more control over their documents and prefer desktop-based software. However, for users who prioritize cloud-based collaboration and accessibility across devices, Google Docs may be the better choice.

4. User Interface

Google Docs has a more streamlined look with fewer icons and options on the screen at any given time. And WPS Office has a more robust interface with more icons and options that may be overwhelming for some users. One feature that sets WPS Office apart from Google Docs is its customizable toolbar, which allows users to add or remove frequently used icons for a more personalized experience.

WPS Office also includes a more traditional ribbon interface similar to Microsoft Office, which may be more familiar and comfortable for users who are used to that style of interface. Google Docs, on the other hand, has a simpler and more intuitive interface that is ideal for users who prefer a clean and minimalist look. The icons and options that are available in Google Docs are carefully curated to provide a seamless user experience without overwhelming the user.

5. Price and Plans

WPS Office and Google Docs are two popular office suites that offer free and paid plans to users. While both provide similar features for creating and editing documents, there are certain differences in their pricing and plans.

First off, Google Docs is completely free to use, with no paid plan available. This means that all of its features, including real-time collaboration, cloud storage, and access to Google's suite of applications, are available to everyone for free. However, users are limited to 15GB of storage space, which is shared across all Google services, including Gmail and Google Drive. In contrast, WPS Office offers both a free and a paid plan.

The free version of WPS Office provides basic document editing and creation features, but it also includes ads and only offers 1GB of cloud storage. The paid plan, WPS Office Premium, is available for a one-time fee and provides users with more advanced features, including the ability to password-protect documents, convert PDFs to Word documents, and access to 20GB of cloud storage. While Google Docs may be a great option for those on a tight budget, the limited storage space may be a concern for some users who need to store a large number of documents.

WPS Office provides more storage space and a one-time payment model that may be more appealing to users who don't want to be locked into a subscription-based service. In terms of which office suite is a better choice for most users, it ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Google Docs may be more suitable for users who don't require a lot of storage space and don't want to pay for additional features.

It can get really frustrating when a document is not compatible over your suite, especially when you're working with important files. That's why file compatibility is such an important factor to consider when choosing a productivity suite. WPS Office and Google Docs each have their strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a closer look. WPS Office is compatible with most major file formats, including Microsoft Office formats like .docx and .pptx. This makes it a great choice for users who frequently work with files created in Microsoft Office programs.

WPS Office can also save files in PDF format, which is a popular choice for documents that need to be shared or printed. On the other hand, Google Docs is designed to work with its own file format, which is not compatible with Microsoft Office formats. While Google Docs can import and export Microsoft Office files, the conversion process can sometimes result in formatting issues. This can be frustrating for users who frequently collaborate with others who use Microsoft Office.

That being said, one advantage of Google Docs is its seamless integration with Google Drive, which allows users to store and access their files from anywhere with an internet connection. WPS Office, on the other hand, requires users to download and install the program on their device. So, when it comes to file compatibility, WPS Office may be a better choice for users who frequently work with Microsoft Office files and like to work on the go while being offline, while Google Docs may be a better choice for users who prioritize seamless online collaboration and file access.

WPS Office VS. Google Docs

Features

WPS Office

Google Docs

User Interface

Cluttered and overwhelming for some new users

Clean and intuitive

Collaboration

No real time collaboration

Real time collaboration

Price

Freemium with paid plans for additional features

Completely free

Pros

A standalone desktop application, so it can be used without internet

It's free to use, and you can access it from any device with internet access.

Cons

Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming

Requires internet access to be used

Sharing

Exporting and sending files required for sharing

Easy to share documents

Compatibility

Compatible with Windows Excel and other software

Compatible with Microsoft Office documents

Accessibility

Standalone desktop application

Web-based application

Reviews


Is WPS Office better than Google Docs?

Google Docs is an excellent online alternative to many software suites, while WPS Office provides standalone services to those who want to be able to utilize productivity tools without worrying about internet connectivity. Both platforms offer major advantages for individuals and businesses however, at the end of it all it all comes down to user preferences. If you prefer a cloud-based solution that allows you to access your files from anywhere while enabling seamless online collaboration and file access, then Google Docs might be the better choice for you. Meanwhile, if you work frequently with Office files on a desktop based solution with more advanced features and prioritize compatibility, then WPS Office might be the way to go. To download WPS Office click here to be able to enjoy creating and modifying documents.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.