Comparing WPS Download with Google Docs for Daily Office Work
In today’s digital workplace, choosing the right productivity suite can be as important or more central to your daily workflow as it is to your boss. Two popular choices in this space include a productivity suite available through a WPS Download and the ubiquitous Google Docs. Both have document creation and sharing features, but from very different angles, and with very different priorities and workflows for each. Understanding what is/is not in each ‘s favor, and how each of these fits together will enable individuals/businesses to choose the right fit for their workflow.
Installation and Offline Accessibility
The most striking difference between the two programs is how they are structured. A WPS Download releases a powerful piece of software straight to your computer, like you might see with an office suite. This kind of setup allows for unprecedented offline functionality once installed, all the writer, presentation, and spreadsheet software can function just fine without an Internet connection. Google Docs is completely cloud based. Once set up, though, Google Docs does support offline work, but it does so only with limitations, and that makes a WPS Download the better choice for anyone who sometimes needs to work in environments without reliable or nonexistent internet access.
User Interface and Microsoft Office Compatibility
For users who have recently moved to the Microsoft Office environment, the WPS Download users are presented with will look exactly the same. The classic ribbon toolbar, detailed menu options and detailed right-click context menus make the transition from Microsoft Office very quick. There is also a great compatibility with Microsoft file formats (. docx,. pptx,. xlsx) so that often, complex documents are rendered with a higher quality than they would in Google Docs. This also makes a WPS Download indispensable for professionals who exchange detailed documents with clients or colleagues who use Microsoft Office as their default application.
Comprehensive Feature Set and Advanced Tools
As far as advanced features and deeper control over document formatting go, the suite with a WPS Download can probably trump the competition because it’s just tougher to create complex table formats, maneuver complicated charts (in spreadsheets) or add animation effects in presentations with the built-in PDF toolkit. It’s also the only solution that’s consistent (though still evolving) with Google Docs because you have to do all the work yourself and don’t use a third party to edit or convert a PDF file. Google Docs has been consistently improving but the basic functionality is always something to avoid for more complex or special use document creation/editing.
Collaboration and Cloud Integration
This is where Google Docs really shines. Its real-time collaboration features are flawless. There are many ways to edit a document, just one or more of them, and the changes are instantly produced and on the screen. Google Docs has a very well-integrated, intuitive comment and suggestion system. But while the software from a WPS Download has made the leap in this area from owning its own cloud service, it’s not quite as fluid and widely used as the full-featured collaboration ecosystem of Google. For teams that prioritize real-time, multi-user editing above all else, Google Docs has got the job done.
Cost and Accessibility Considerations
Google Docs has a pretty compelling premise when it comes to it’s free-to-use nature. You need only a Google account for access to all its basic features, and that makes it an excellent choice for students, startups, and your personal use. The free version of the suite from a WPS Download also offers a really good free version, although often some of its templates and functions are limited and if you want to download those you’ll have to pay extra. Google’s paid premium version, on the other hand, often appears to be cheaper than Microsoft’s 365 plans, without the ads, and with all its advanced features you still get to access it for free.
Platform Flexibility and Mobility
Google Docs is a web-based product that runs through a web browser (meaning the experience on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux should be consistent). Its mobile apps are as good. The software provided with a WPS Download runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices, but the experience is more application-centric.
Conclusion
From a product-benefit perspective, deciding whether to perform a WPS Download or go with Google Docs isn’t about finding a “better” product—it’s choosing the right product for your role. For administrators wanting to know about powerful offline features, and the ability to configure and customize their products to be equally advanced on Windows, complete a WPS Download to give your organization exactly what it is looking for – an inexpensive alternative to desktop applications. If however you are looking for true real-time collaboration for your organization, smart cloud-based workflow, and maximum accessibility from any device (and browsers).
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by WPS Office or Google. Product features, pricing, and availability may change over time. Readers should verify details on the official websites of WPS Office and Google before making any decisions or downloads.
