Google Forms vs. Microsoft Forms

Do you need to create a survey or poll? How about making a fun quiz for the kids?

In the past, you had to create these types of forms from scratch using a word processing program. But Google found a solution for that. They created Google Forms and Microsoft soon followed suit.

But which form is the right form for you?

That depends on what you want to do.

Find out the pros and cons of both Google Forms and Microsoft Forms so that you can choose the right one for your needs.

Google Forms vs. Microsoft Forms

Both Google Forms and Microsoft Forms offer the same core functions, so it may be hard to choose between the two. Some of those primary functions include:

Question and Answer Templates

First and foremost, both forms offer choices about how to ask questions and log the answers. But Google comes out a little ahead of Microsoft in this area with more choices in its range of question types.

Multiple choice answers are a mainstay, but Google also allows users to craft forms that require text-based and linear scale answers. You can even use multiple sections in a single form or add conditional logic to your Google forms.

Microsoft, on the other hand, doesn’t support multiple, separate sections. You can use Branching or conditional logic in MS forms, but your choice in form types is limited to six options like Text and Multiple-choice answers.

Sharing and Collaborating with Others

Both tools allow you to share forms with others.

With Microsoft, you just need an active MS ID to share a link directly or via email. You can also use the embed feature on web pages. However, you can’t restrict who’s able to click on the link unless you have a paid subscription. You also can’t add collaborators using the free version of Microsoft Forms.

Google allows sharing links in the same way that Microsoft does, but it also allows you to add collaborators without dishing out additional bucks. You just need a working email address to add someone as a collaborator. Google also gives you more control over who sees the form with editing options about who has access or who can add collaborators.

The King of Templates

Unless you’re in the design industry or have a ton of time to learn, odds are that you need a template that you can just plug-in information and send away. This is where Google shines.

They have a vast array of selections from elegant invitations for your grandparents’ 50^th anniversary to a plain text-based survey for the team. And you can manage most of your form needs using this simple feature.

Sadly, Microsoft hasn’t quite caught up with this type of selection and ease.

Stylized Forms

Okay, so Microsoft may not have the best selection of templates in comparison to Google. But you may overlook that with their variety of themes. If you’re a stickler for graphic themes that carry through the entire form, Microsoft may be the clear winner here.

That’s not to say that Google doesn’t offer theme choices. They do. They may not be as attractive or dynamic as Microsoft’s themes, but if you’re willing to compromise with a basic color scheme, Google’s template selection is worth it.

So those are the primary functions that both Google Forms and Microsoft Forms share. Now, let’s get into some things that are unique to each form.

Microsoft’s Unique Form Features

Microsoft has some specific features that may be the deciding factor for you:

QR Codes

Microsoft Forms gives you QR codes to help share the love. It may not be a necessary feature, but it does make it easier for mobile device and tablet users to access the form and respond. It also gives it more of a modern feel using technology that’s relevant today.

As a bonus, users can also download the QR code or add it to other communications like emails for better accessibility.

Spreadsheet Support

Both Google Forms and Microsoft Forms offers support for their respective spreadsheet suite. The difference is how the built-in support works. For MS users, that means having an active Office Suite open and downloading the spreadsheet to your system. Once that’s done, you can import form data from it.

Google’s Unique Form Features

Still undecided about Google Forms?

Take a look at some exclusive features that you won’t find on Microsoft Forms:

Uploading Files

If you need to keep track of college or school assignments, Google Forms allows you to upload files. This feature makes it simple if you need the forms for document verification.

Spreadsheet Support

As mentioned above, both Microsoft and Google offer built-in support for their respective spreadsheet programs. But Google makes it a little easier because the information is stored in the cloud. That means that instead of downloading a spreadsheet, you just need to tap one button to open the sheet. No extra downloading required.

Google Forms vs. Microsoft Forms for Quizzes

Who’s the clear winner for quizzes?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple one.

Both Google Forms and Microsoft Forms offer a variety of choices for quiz creation. So, it really depends on how intricate you plan on making your quizzes.

Go with Microsoft Forms if you want to:

• See a preview of the form using built-in desktop or mobile
  
  
• Use share options like QR code, embed into OneNote
  
  
• Import data or export results using Excel
  
  
• Set start and end dates with specific times for access. Then,View the average time to complete the quiz
  
  
  

Go with Google Forms if you want to:

• Use file upload feature for document verification
• Organize a question into multiple pages
  
  
• Share to social media using link sharing
  
  
• Interact with live Google Sheet

If you don’t think you’ll need any of the features listed, you can feel free to use either form suite to create a quiz. They both perform similar primary functions with the exceptions listed above.

Additional FAQs

What Is Microsoft Forms in Office 365?

Microsoft Forms in Office 365 allows you to create a variety of forms for personal, business, and educational purposes. But you do need a paid subscription to access the MS Suite programs in Microsoft 365.

You can access Microsoft Forms in four ways:

• Via web browser

• OneDrive for Business

• ExcelOnline

• OneNoteOnline

Keep in mind, though, that you do need valid 365 login credentials to access the Forms program.

How Do You Use Microsoft Forms?

One of the simplest ways to use Microsoft Forms is through a web browser.

Follow these steps to get started:

• Go to the Microsoft Forms website

• Login with Microsoft 365 work credentials, school credentials, or MS account

• Click on New Form

• Name the Form

• Select Add Question

• Choose question type

• Click on Section to organize question sections

For Choice Questions:

• Enter the text for the question and each choice

• Select Add Option to add more choices or Add “Other” option for Other choice text

• Click on the trash can button next to the choice to remove it

• Select the three horizontal dots for More and Shuffle to randomly shuffle options

The form automatically saves as you create it.

What Are Some Alternatives to Google Forms?

If Google Forms doesn’t have the level of customization that you need, you can also try these alternatives:

SurveyMonkey

If you want to use a forms program for business purposes like getting customer feedback or market research surveys, SurveyMonkey may be a good option. It’s not completely free, but you do get up to 10 questions for free.

CaptainForm

Are you looking for a WordPress alternative? CaptainForm is a form plugin that features a variety of templates as well as a drag-and-drop editor. They also offer a free plan so you can take it on a test run first.

Can You Use Google Forms in Microsoft Teams?

Yes, it is possible to use Google Forms in Microsoft teams. This is how to edit some settings and start using your forms in MS Teams:

• Save the Google Form to Drive and create a copy

• Open the copy of the Google Form

• Click on the Settings gear icon in the form copy

• Under the “Requires sign-in” heading, uncheck “Limit to 1 response”

• Click Save

• Select Share on the form copy

• Click on the link icon and select Copy

• Go to Microsoft Teams and share the copied link

How Do I Convert Google Forms to Microsoft Forms?

There are plenty of ways to move documents from G Suite to the Microsoft Suite, but unfortunately, it doesn’t extend to forms. You may try third-party apps but there’s no guarantee that the data will remain intact.

Is Google Forms the Same as Microsoft Forms?

Google Forms and Microsoft Forms have many of the same primary functions with a few key differences. Most notably, both form suites work well within their own office ecosystems but not with others.

Get Creative with Forms

Whether you’re making a math quiz for a class or getting feedback from your team, there are plenty of ways to use a forms program. It may be a no-brainer for you to use Google or Microsoft because you go with the office suite you have, but those aren’t your only options.

Try out both and see which one works best for you. You may find that some situations call for one program over another, and that’s alright, too!

Do you prefer Microsoft Forms or Google Forms? Tell us why in the comments section below.