Microsoft 365 vs Act!

Google Workspace

Google Drive

Google Docs

Google Workspace is a suite of applications from Google which offers a number of tools to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, store files, and manage data from all devices.

Google Drive is a cloud storage and backup platform to access files, docs, photos & more, store them in a safe place, and collaborate with other people

Google Docs is an online word processor that lets businesses create and format text documents and collaborate with team members in real time.

Microsoft 365, formerly Office 365, provides web, desktop, and mobile apps for Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, Skype, OneDrive, Exchange Online, and more

Activity Tracking

Address Book

Alerts/Notifications

Appointment Management

Archiving & Retention

Audit Trail

Authentication

Booking Management

Brainstorming

Calendar Management

Calendar/Reminder System

Chat/Messaging

Collaboration Tools

Commenting/Notes

Communication Management

Conferencing

Contact Management

Content Creation

Content Management

Customizable Templates

Data Security

Data Synchronization

Data Visualization

Discussions/Forums

Document Automation

Document Capture

Document Editing

Document Generation

Document Management

Document Storage

Email Management

Email Monitoring

Email Templates

Encryption

Event Management

File Conversion

File Management

File Sharing

File Transfer

Full Text Search

Image Editing

Inbox Management

Live Chat

Meeting Management

@mentions

Messaging

Mobile Access

Mobile App

Multi-Language

Multiple Format Support

Multiple Projects

Notes Management

Office Suite

Offline Access

Presentation Tools

Productivity Tools

Project Management

Real-Time Notifications

Real-Time Updates

Reminders

Remote Access/Control

Reporting/Analytics

Response Management

Room Booking

Scheduling

Screen Sharing

Search/Filter

Secure Data Storage

Single Sign On

Task Management

Task Progress Tracking

Team Calendars

Team Collaboration

Templates

To-Do List

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Way Audio & Video

User Management

Version Control

Video Conferencing

Video Streaming

Video Support

Whiteboard

Reviews for Microsoft 365 come from a wide variety of industries, including Information Technology and Services (8% of reviewers), Education Management (6%), and Computer Software (6%). The most frequent use case for Microsoft 365 cited by reviewers is document management (67% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Some users report that Microsoft 365 offers good value for money due to its bundled applications and flexible payment options. However, some reviewers feel the recurring subscription, complex pricing, and high costs for extras can be drawbacks.

Value for money

The Microsoft 365 integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Microsoft Excel (a spreadsheet product rated 4.8 out of 5 for its integration with Microsoft 365), Microsoft Outlook (an email management product, 4.6), and Microsoft PowerPoint (a presentation product, 4.8).

Integrations

Microsoft 365 is a document management program offering key features such as document generation, document storage, secure data storage, file sharing, calendar management, and collaboration tools, among others.

Microsoft 365

Web-based

Android

Windows

iPad

iPhone

LibreOffice

Apache OpenOffice

Google Sheets

Numbers

WPS Office

WordPerfect Office

iCloud

Dropbox Business

Gmail

Pages

Zoho Mail

Google Calendar

Zoom Workplace

Microsoft 365 Personal

Microsoft 365 Family

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Sluggish performance and lag

77% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s performance and speed. Users report frequent slow load times, lag when handling large files, and occasional freezing or crashing, especially on older devices or with unstable internet connections. Reviewers indicate that syncing with the cloud and constant updates can further slow down workflows. Many mention that certain applications, like Teams and Excel, are particularly prone to sluggishness, and that these delays disrupt productivity and cause frustration during critical tasks or collaborative work.

Dependence on internet access

Clergy

I have a laptop that is for working travel purposes, and I don't need it to be connected to the internet, and it's so annoying when suddenly a message pops up saying my software won't allow me to edit any documents until I sign in online.  

42% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s reliance on an internet connection. Users report frustration when they cannot access files or use applications offline, especially while traveling or in areas with unreliable connectivity. Reviewers say cloud-based features and real-time collaboration require stable internet, and outages can disrupt work or cause data loss. Many mention that syncing, authentication, and updates are problematic without consistent access, making the suite less suitable for users in remote or bandwidth-limited environments.

Subscription model drawbacks

51% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s subscription model. Users dislike the ongoing monthly or yearly payments, preferring a one-time purchase option. Reviewers say the subscription can become costly over time, especially for those who use only a few applications or have infrequent needs. Many find managing subscriptions and understanding plan differences confusing. Users also express frustration at losing access to software and files if the subscription lapses, and note that some features are locked behind higher-tier plans.

Frequent bugs and glitches

Executive Producer

We tried to use this software while drafting up contracts and it would randomly kick either me or my colleague out while we were working, revert to old formatting, and add columns(?) and other random formatting choices.

64% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s bugs and issues. Users frequently encounter software crashes, syncing errors, and unpredictable formatting problems, especially when working with large or complex files. Reviewers mention recurring glitches in applications like Word, Excel, and OneDrive, leading to lost work or duplicated files. Many users express frustration with persistent bugs that remain unresolved across updates, and note that troubleshooting can be time-consuming, often requiring reliance on Microsoft support or community forums for solutions.

High and complex pricing

Systems administrator

Pricing will always be the downfall of microsoft and the IT management of implementation getting burned by microsoft will always be a thing, and the pricing is ADHD with everything, it can range from $5 a user upwards to 55+ a user per month which doesn't include any storage prices in there as well.

Student

There is a  catch however because the program is based on monthly fees, it might be hard for College Student to be able to use it except their university pay for it, you could use the free version, but it has fewer features and also sometimes it has a weird bug when converting the word file (particularly when writing the footnotes) where it will add one more line between the footnotes,

47% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s pricing. Users indicate the cost is a significant barrier, especially for students, small businesses, or those who only need basic features. Reviewers say the shift to annual or monthly payments is less appealing than previous one-time purchases. Many find the bundled approach forces them to pay for unused applications, and note that adding users or premium features quickly increases expenses. Users also mention that free alternatives, like Google Workspace, make Microsoft 365’s pricing harder to justify.

Essential for daily workflow

Operations

Microsoft 365 has several really good applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook which are crucial for the daily work in almost any company worldwide.  

Data Analysts 

I use this software on daily bases and it one of the best software with all the required tools which I need at work and which are useful to complete my task fast minimum error.

97% of reviewers feel positive about Microsoft 365’s daily use. Reviewers indicate they rely on the suite’s core applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to manage a wide range of daily business and personal tasks. Users say the integration of these tools streamlines their workflow, helps organize routines, and increases productivity. They appreciate having all necessary applications in one platform, making it easier to handle finances, communication, and documentation. Many users find the cross-device compatibility and frequent updates valuable for maintaining efficiency and consistency in their daily operations.

Versatile academic resource

Tutor

For me Microsoft 365 allows me to help my students make great presentations, and to make presentations myself that I can share even when tutoring online.

95% of reviewers feel positive about Microsoft 365’s value for school and student use. Users say the suite provides essential tools for assignments, presentations, and research, supporting both students and educators. Reviewers appreciate the accessibility of applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint across devices, as well as features like cloud storage and real-time collaboration. Many highlight the benefit of free or discounted access through educational institutions, which helps students and teachers manage coursework, group projects, and communication efficiently in both traditional and online learning environments.

Robust document creation tools

office staff

The PowerPoint application includes all the capabilities required to assist users in creating succinct, clear, and equally appealing presentation slides for individuals who frequently have to give presentations.

Claims Analyst

In a business office setting where I am required to produce several differently letters, presentations and spreadsheets, Microsoft Office 365 definitely gives me the tools to produce and complete my daily tasks.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Microsoft 365’s capabilities for presentations and spreadsheets. Users indicate they depend on PowerPoint for professional and academic presentations, and Excel for managing data, calculations, and reports. Reviewers appreciate the wide range of templates, advanced features, and integration between apps, which enable them to create polished documents, analyze data, and collaborate on projects. Many say these tools are indispensable for organizing information, visualizing data, and producing high-quality work for business, school, and personal needs.

Owner

The ability to use version history to restore previous drafts and the powerful search functionality across the entire ecosystem means I never lose track of important documents.

Territory Account Executive

You can do everything without Ms 365, from sending emails, creating meetings, having meetings virtually, manage documents, manage appointments, and you can easily collaborate with your different teams.

Open Source Contributor

starting from using Outlook for sending emails, then taking notes with oneNote and storing files with OneDrive. and other tools for editing and creating documents and images.

Chiropractor and Owner

I use Word for my documents and patient notes, Excel for my book keeping and tax documents and love the capabilities of PowerPoint for my health lectures. As times have changed, options like google docs have provided alternatives, but I find Microsoft 365 has always been a more reliable product.

Microsoft 365 stands out for its seamless integration of powerful tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, all accessible across devices through the cloud.

One of the best features that I appreciate is real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously with automatic saving via OneDrive.

Ms 365 has everything our team needs, from emailing platform, calendar scheduling, document creation and management, collaboration, note taking, content management, the list goes on and on.

Building Operator

The ability to access files across devices and collaborate in real time has made workflows more efficient and organized. While it can take some time to fully explore its features, it remains a powerful and dependable platform for both routine work and larger projects.

Office Manager

The integration between apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive makes everyday tasks efficient, especially for collaboration and document sharing.

Co-Founder

Microsoft 365 is a modern, secure, and efficient tool that supports productivity, collaboration, and growth, making it a smart investment for businesses of any size.

Agent Mode: Users are now using "AI Agents" to automate repetitive chores like processing invoices or summarizing long email threads into actionable To-Do lists.

Project Manager

It's allowed for much easier file sharing through Teams, email management through Outlook, document management through Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Enginner

What I liked most was that it is compatible with Windows and Mac, as well as the management of licenses, creation, modification and deletion of users.

The Authenticator application crashes a lot; it suddenly stops sending notifications, and I have to reset the MFA parameters so that users can configure their account.

One of my favorite features of Microsoft 356 is the ability to use the cloud features to any device that is connected to the account.

Creative Designer

Microsoft 365 makes it easy to work on Microsoft office programs without having to download all the programs which takes storage space on computer. Plus, I get all my documents saved and backed up for easy and convinient retrieval anytime.

Medical laboratory generalist

You can access your files, emails, and apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) from anywhere and on any device.

VP of Finance and Operations

Simplified licensing compared to standalone Microsoft products, all the core tools we use are in one place (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint).  

Software Engineer Intern

Some things that I don't like about Microsoft 365 is that even after such a long history of Microsoft as a company and best developers talent, some of their products like Word and Powerpoint have a very poor user experience and are quite inferior compared to Google's Docs and Slides.

Project and IT Manager

I didn’t give highest score as I really see how much M365 can become, and I’m sad it’s still not there, and how sometimes some basic issues aren’t resolved with new updates, like in SharePoint (searchable columns with metadata fields), or with Excel files that contain macros and in which multiple people collaborate simultaneously.

Senior Designer

Microsoft 365 is an essential tool for daily work, having the ability to use word, excel, PowerPoint and email from one account is something I couldn’t do without.

Additionally, its user-friendly interface and deep functionality, like advanced Excel analytics or AI-powered suggestions in Word, make it suitable for both personal and professional use.

Community Manager

The best part is the valuable because for a one yearly payment we can use fully Excel, Word, Outlook and all others Microsoft app and best collaboration capacities.

IT Support Engineer

SharePoint also offers a good alternative to document storage and management while allowing easier/safer file sharing and collaboration with external parties.

The seamless integration between Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote means I can manage my academic life from one place. Despite the few limitations, it’s a powerful and reliable tool for any student.

Community Programs Specialist

You can access your Teams chat/video calls, create team chats, access your documents and email from Outlook on your phone when you are not in the office.

Microsoft 365 vs Act! Comparison (2026)

Microsoft 365

Act!

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives