Microsoft Forms vs Google Forms: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Microsoft Forms is built for microsoft 365 users, while Google Forms suits free basic forms. For most users Google Forms is the stronger default, but Microsoft Forms can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
If you're weighing Microsoft Forms against Google Forms, the right answer depends on your priorities. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Microsoft Forms | Google Forms | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | free form builder | free form builder |
| What it's known for | Simple forms and quizzes bundled with Microsoft 365, integrated with Excel and Teams. | Free, simple forms tightly integrated with Google Sheets and Workspace. |
| Pricing | Included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions; free tier with a Microsoft account. | Free with a Google account; advanced admin controls via Google Workspace plans. |
| Best audience | Microsoft 365 organizations, educators and internal teams running quizzes and polls. | Students, educators and Google Workspace users needing quick free forms and quizzes. |
| Best for | Microsoft 365 users, Quizzes for education, Internal polls | Free basic forms, Google Sheets workflows, Quick internal surveys |
| Entry price | Free | Free |
| Biggest strength | Bundled with Microsoft 365. | Completely free. |
| Main caveat | Personal accounts capped at 200 responses per form. | Limited design control and branding. |
Features compared
The feature sets only partly overlap. Here is what each one actually gives you:
Microsoft Forms key features
- Forms and quizzes with built-in scoring
- Native Excel response export
- Teams, SharePoint and Power Automate integration
- Branching logic
Google Forms key features
- Free unlimited forms and responses
- Quizzes with answer keys, auto-grading and feedback
- Native Google Sheets integration
- Response close-date or response-count cap
Pricing tiers side by side
Microsoft Forms plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | With a Microsoft account, 200 responses/form |
| Microsoft 365 | included in subscription | Up to 50,000 responses/form (work/school) |
Google Forms plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | With any Google account |
| Google Workspace | from Workspace plans | Advanced admin controls and governance |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Microsoft Forms wins
Simple forms and quizzes bundled with Microsoft 365 and tightly integrated with Excel and Teams.
- Bundled with Microsoft 365.
- Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration.
That makes it the stronger pick for microsoft 365 organizations, educators and internal teams running quizzes and polls.
Where Google Forms wins
Free, simple forms with seamless Google Sheets and Workspace integration.
- Completely free.
- Tight Google Sheets and Workspace integration.
That makes it the stronger pick for students, educators and Google Workspace users needing quick free forms and quizzes.
Verdict: choose by fit
Pick by fit rather than by an overall score.
- Choose Microsoft Forms if you fit its core audience — microsoft 365 organizations, educators and internal teams running quizzes and polls.
- Choose Google Forms if you fit its core audience — students, educators and Google Workspace users needing quick free forms and quizzes.
FAQ
Is Microsoft Forms better than Google Forms?
Google Forms is the stronger default for most users, but Microsoft Forms can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Microsoft Forms and Google Forms?
Microsoft Forms is simple forms and quizzes bundled with Microsoft 365 and tightly integrated with Excel and Teams. Google Forms is free, simple forms with seamless Google Sheets and Workspace integration.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Forms or Google Forms?
Both Microsoft Forms and Google Forms offer a free tier, so the real comparison is the paid plans above — pick based on the storage, features and limits you actually need.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Microsoft Forms and Google Forms: