Google Docs vs Google Apps – Differences Between Standalone Google Docs and Google Apps

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I started using Google Docs and I like it a lot for simple documents and spreadsheets I collaborate on. I still use Word/PowerPoint/Excel for the heavy lifting. I'm using Outlook with Exchange Online for email and I'm happy with it.

Now my question is: will I get more out of Google Docs if I pay for Google Apps? I have a small team so the price doesn't bother me, but since I'm not interested in Google Sites, Calendar or Mail, I wonder what benefit is there for the Google Docs user like me.

Best Answer

I use Google Docs with Google Apps (the free version), and they are practically identical. There are a few marginal benefits:

  • You can set all documents to be shared within your team by default
  • You can block users from sharing documents outside your team

There are also some drawbacks:

  • New features often take a while to be available in the Google Apps version of Google Docs
  • You cannot transfer ownership of a document to someone outside your team (this one has bitten me a few times)

If you already own a domain name, and you don't need more than 10 accounts for your team, you can try Google Apps for free.

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