Google Docs vs Google Slides
Google Docs
docs.google.comGoogle Slides
workspace.google.comSide by side
| Figure | Google Docs | Google Slides |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $7/mo | $7/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 11 | 9 |
| Spec score · Google Workspace Office Tools | 8.5 (#4) | 8.8 (#2) |
| Collaboration | People can edit and comment together, assign tasks, manage access permissions, and restore earlier document versions. | People can edit together live, comment, use live pointers, and control who can view, comment on, or edit a presentation. |
| File compatibility | Users can import Microsoft Word and PDF files, and Docs can directly edit Word files while preserving the original. | Slides can import or directly edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, and can import Canva presentations online. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Docs connects with Gmail, Google Drive, Sheets, Calendar, Chat, and Meet features. | Slides supports add-ons and developer tools, and the Workspace Marketplace lists apps that work directly with Slides, including Nearpod and Lucidchart. |
| Offline access | Users can access, create, and edit documents without an internet connection. | Users can access, create, and edit Slides without an internet connection. |
| Purpose | Google Docs is an online document editor for creating and collaborating on content. | Google Slides is a browser-based presentation tool for creating and delivering presentations without installation. |
| Security | Google says Docs data is encrypted by default and supports privacy controls and advanced client-side encryption. | Google says Slides data is encrypted by default and protected by measures including advanced client-side encryption, anti-abuse measures, and privacy controls. |
Plans
Google Docs
- Business Starter — Flexible$8.40 a month
- Business Starter — Annual/Fixed-Term$7 a month
- Business Starter — Annual payment$84 a year
- Business Standard — Flexible$16.80 a month
- Business Standard — Annual/Fixed-Term$14 a month
- Business Plus — Flexible$26.40 a month
- Business Plus — Annual/Fixed-Term$22 a month
- Business PlusPrice not published
- Business StandardPrice not published
- Business StarterPrice not published
Google Slides
- Business Starter$7 a month
- Business Standard$14 a month
- Business Plus$22 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- Google SlidesFree
- Business Starter$7 a month
- Business Standard$14 a month
- Business Plus$22 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Google Docs
Google Docs is an online document editor for creating content and collaborating with others. It includes templates, smart canvas building blocks, smart chips, pageless mode, and document tabs. Collaborators can edit and comment together, assign tasks, manage permissions, and restore earlier versions. Gemini in Docs can draft documents using information from Drive, Gmail, and Chat. Docs can create meeting notes from Calendar events and supports electronic signatures and contract templates. Microsoft Word and PDF files can be imported, while Word files can be edited while preserving the original. Documents can be created, accessed, and edited offline. Docs connects with Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Calendar, Chat, and Meet. Anyone with a Google Account can create documents, although some features require a Google Workspace plan. It runs in web browsers and on Android and iOS devices. A free plan and 14-day trial are listed; paid Workspace plans start at 7 USD per user per month with annual billing. Google says data is encrypted by default.
Google Slides
Google Slides is a browser-based presentation tool for creating and delivering presentations without installation. Anyone with a Google Account can create slides, and the service runs on the web, Android, and iOS. Users can start with templates and add videos, animations, transitions, GIFs, and stickers. Gemini in Slides can summarize content, generate slides from prompts and Drive content, and create images. Collaborators can edit live, comment, use live pointers, and control who can view, comment on, or edit a presentation. Slides can also be accessed, created, and edited offline. It can import or directly edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and import Canva presentations online. Users can present through Google Meet, add speaker spotlight, or record presentations on some Workspace plans. Google offers a free plan; paid plans start at $7/user/mo, with a 14-day trial. Some capabilities require a Workspace plan or add-on. Google says Slides data is encrypted by default and describes additional security and privacy controls.