Microsoft 365 vs Avast Ultimate Business Security

Google Docs

Google Workspace

Google Drive

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

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

Team Lead - Professional Services

Microsoft 365 can be a challenge to deploy initially, and the customer servive/technical support provided by Microsoft is not what I would consider top-tier.

Property Manager

They have plenty of ways to contact their support teams, and always strive to ensure they provide you with the best service possible, and make sure to resolve any issue you may have!

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 (68% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Some reviewers feel Microsoft 365 offers good value for money due to its bundled applications and flexible pricing, and they appreciate special deals and the free trial. However, some users report the subscription model is expensive, confusing, and lacks a one-time purchase option.

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 solution offering key features such as document storage, email management, secure data storage, file sharing, and calendar management, among others.

Microsoft 365

Web-based

Android

Windows

iPad

iPhone

LibreOffice

Apache OpenOffice

Google Sheets

Numbers

WPS Office

WordPerfect Office

Gmail

iCloud

Pages

Dropbox Business

Zoom Workplace

Zoho Mail

Google Calendar

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 delays

Technical Quality Manager

Attempts are made to back up each Word, Excel, and PowerPoint update made for clients and save them in the cloud Performance suffers as a result, especially with the intermittent internet connection.

77% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s performance and speed. Users report frequent slowdowns, lag, and long load times, especially when working with large files or on older devices. Reviewers indicate that syncing and cloud-based operations can cause delays, and that the suite often requires significant system resources. Some users say real-time collaboration features may lag or freeze, disrupting workflow. They find that updates and background processes can further slow down their computers, and that performance issues are more pronounced with unstable or slow internet connections.

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 that cloud-based features and file access are limited or unavailable without stable internet, causing disruptions during travel or in areas with poor connectivity. Reviewers say losing access to files, emails, or collaboration tools when offline is inconvenient and can hinder productivity. Some users mention issues with license validation and syncing, and find that needing constant connectivity is a drawback for remote or rural users.

Ongoing subscription drawbacks

51% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s subscription model. Users express frustration with the need for continuous payments, preferring one-time purchases over recurring fees. Reviewers say costs can add up quickly, especially for businesses or users who don’t need the full suite. They find managing subscriptions and understanding plan differences confusing. Some users dislike losing access to the software and their files if the subscription lapses, and feel that comparable free alternatives make the ongoing expense harder to justify.

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.

Business Development Manager

Desktop apps do not respond or crash if CPU utilization is very high. If you are using more than one tool at the same time, one of the tools can freeze which is frustrating especially when you are in hurry.

64% of reviewers feel negative about Microsoft 365’s bugs and issues. Users report recurring crashes, freezing, and unexpected shutdowns across various apps, leading to lost work and frustration. Reviewers mention syncing errors, duplicated or corrupted files, and formatting inconsistencies, especially when collaborating or switching devices. They say troubleshooting can be complex, with some bugs persisting through updates. Some users highlight compatibility problems between desktop and web versions, and note that resolving issues often requires waiting for Microsoft support or relying on community forums.

High and confusing 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 think the cost is high compared to free or one-time purchase alternatives, especially for small businesses, students, or those who only use core apps. Reviewers report frustration with monthly or annual fees, bundled features they don’t use, and the inability to buy individual apps at a lower price. Some users say pricing tiers and regional billing options are confusing, and that the overall expense makes them consider switching to other platforms.

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.  

97% of reviewers feel positive about Microsoft 365’s daily use. Users think the suite is indispensable for managing a wide range of everyday tasks, from note-taking and document creation to organizing finances and project management. Reviewers appreciate having all necessary tools—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more—in one platform, which streamlines their workflow and increases productivity. They say the integration between apps helps them stay organized and efficient, regardless of device or location. Users report that the suite’s versatility supports various roles and industries, making it a core part of their work routines.

Academic versatility for students

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 suitability for school and student use. Reviewers indicate that the suite provides essential tools for assignments, presentations, and collaboration, supporting both in-person and remote learning. Users appreciate access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for note-taking, research, and group projects. They value the integration with university systems and the availability of free or discounted licenses for students. Some users say cloud storage and real-time collaboration features make academic tasks more manageable and accessible from any device or location.

Comprehensive 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 presentations and spreadsheets capabilities. Users think the suite’s combination of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint allows them to efficiently create professional documents, manage data, and design engaging presentations. Reviewers appreciate advanced features like templates, formulas, and real-time suggestions that streamline complex tasks. They say these tools are vital for business, academic, and personal projects, enabling everything from financial analysis to visual storytelling. Some users report that the suite’s flexibility supports both simple and advanced document 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.

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.

Marketing Manager

It provided a reliable and efficient way to manage company emails and offered a suite of easy-to-use applications that support daily work. While there were some challenges with backend complexity and occasional overlap between tools, the platform overall improved productivity and collaboration.

System Adminstrator

Microsoft 365 is a reliable service that integrates email, file storage that can be shared, and other apps that allow for customization/editing or creating files and while also being able to collaborate with others.

I enjoy real time co authoring in Word and Excel, the ability to edit same paragraph together at the same time without any issue. When we are on large project the direct video conferencing feature in Teams ensures our day to day work moves forward smoothly.

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.

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.

Counselor

Microsoft 365 is a quality product that comes with a monthly or annual subscription fee, and like so many Microsoft products as of late, there's plenty of popups to remind you it exists as a viable option just in case you forget.

Office Manager

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

Project Manager

What I liked most about Microsoft 365 is how complete it feels: it brings email, document creation, cloud storage, collaboration, and file sharing into one platform.

Sales Specialist

Microsoft 365 is one of the core platforms I use everyday to manage communication, collaboration, document creation, file storage, and productivity.

Cloud-based & cross-device: Access to files, emails, and tools from any device, anywhere, with automatic synchronization via OneDrive and SharePoint.

Project Analyst

Microsoft 365 as a whole ecosystem of data and knowledge sharing tool helped our organization to streamline the ease of operations and enabled us to be away from any kind of wrongful scams.

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.

Nurse Supervisor

The integration between apps makes workflows efficient, and the ability to access files from anywhere is a major advantage. While there are occasional frustrations with updates or syncing, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for day to day use.

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.

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.

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).  

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.

Microsoft 365 vs Avast Ultimate Business Security Comparison (2026)

Microsoft 365

Avast Ultimate Business Security

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives