Choosing the right productivity suite is essential for Mac users—whether you’re a student, professional, freelancer, or running a small business. Two of the most popular choices are Microsoft Office for Mac 2016 and Google Workspace. Both offer powerful tools to create, communicate, and collaborate, but they differ significantly in how they work, what they offer, and who they serve best.
In this detailed comparison, we explore how these platforms perform on macOS across key categories like features, collaboration, file compatibility, offline access, pricing, and security—so you can make the right decision based on your needs.
Introduction to the Platforms
Microsoft Office for Mac 2016
Released in September 2015, Microsoft Office for Mac 2016 includes familiar desktop apps such as:
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- OneNote
Office 2016 is a one-time purchase, meaning users pay once and own it indefinitely. It’s designed to run natively on macOS, providing an offline, stable experience with professional-grade tools.
Google Workspace (Formerly G Suite)
Google Workspace is a cloud-based subscription suite that includes:
- Google Docs
- Sheets
- Slides
- Gmail
- Google Drive
- Meet and Chat
Unlike Office 2016, Google Workspace is browser-driven, with real-time collaboration and frequent cloud syncing. It’s designed for flexibility, collaboration, and accessibility from any device.
1. User Interface and Mac Integration
Microsoft Office for Mac 2016
- Native macOS app design
- Ribbon-based interface, familiar to Windows users
- Retina display optimization
- Full keyboard shortcuts and trackpad gestures
- Integrates with macOS file system and Time Machine for backups
Google Workspace
- Operates entirely through a web browser
- Consistent UI across all platforms
- Doesn’t use Mac-native menu systems
- Requires internet connection for full features
- Google Drive acts as a cloud-based file manager
Winner: Office 2016 for Mac — Offers tighter macOS integration and a more native experience.
2. Core Applications Comparison
| Function | Office 2016 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) |
| Document editing | Full-featured, with desktop precision | Light, real-time collaboration focus |
| Templates | Extensive | Basic |
| Advanced formatting | Yes | Limited |
| Charts and graphs | Highly customizable | Basic |
| Macros and scripting | Yes (Excel VBA) | Basic (Apps Script) |
| Version history | Manual or autosave with OneDrive | Automatic, detailed |
| Add-ons | Office Store | Google Workspace Marketplace |
Winner: Office 2016 for Mac — Superior functionality for advanced formatting, macros, and offline work.
3. Collaboration and Sharing
Google Workspace
- Real-time editing with multiple users
- Commenting and suggestions mode
- Seamless sharing via Google Drive
- Integrated with Gmail and Google Meet
Office 2016 for Mac
- Basic collaboration via OneDrive or SharePoint
- No real-time co-authoring on Mac 2016 version
- Email-based file sharing
- Lacks built-in chat or meeting tools
Winner: Google Workspace — Best for teams that collaborate frequently in real time.
4. Offline Access
Office 2016 for Mac
- Fully functional offline apps
- No need for internet to open, edit, or save files
- Files stored locally or optionally synced to OneDrive
Google Workspace
- Requires configuration to work offline
- Limited editing capability without internet
- Not all features available in offline mode
- Offline files are stored in browser cache
Winner: Office 2016 for Mac — Better offline support with full functionality.
5. Email and Communication
Office 2016 for Mac (Outlook)
- Desktop Outlook app with calendar, contacts, and tasks
- Supports IMAP, POP, and Microsoft Exchange
- Works offline
- Advanced filtering, rules, and folder management
Google Workspace (Gmail)
- Cloud-based Gmail with chat, video, and calendar integration
- Excellent spam filtering
- Real-time updates across devices
- Accessible from any browser or Gmail app
Winner: Google Workspace — Seamless communication tools built into the platform.
6. File Compatibility and Format Handling
Microsoft Office for Mac 2016
- Native support for DOCX, XLSX, PPTX
- Maintains formatting across systems
- Opens older Office file types (.doc, .xls, .ppt)
- Excellent for long, complex documents and spreadsheets
Google Workspace
- Opens Office files but may alter formatting
- Saves in proprietary Google formats by default
- Exports to Office formats with possible layout issues
Winner: Office 2016 for Mac — Best for accurate file formatting and compatibility with third-party systems.
7. Security and Privacy
Office 2016 for Mac
- Local file storage—user controls data location
- Compatible with encrypted disk storage (FileVault)
- No cloud sync required unless configured
- No tracking or data harvesting
Google Workspace
- Data stored in the cloud (Google’s servers)
- Strong security with 2FA and admin controls
- Subject to Google’s data policies
- Automatic backups and virus scanning
Winner: Tie
Office 2016 offers more privacy and control, while Google Workspace excels in backup and centralized security management.
8. Pricing Model
Microsoft Office for Mac 2016
- One-time payment
- No recurring subscription
- Lifetime access on one Mac
- Ideal for budget-conscious users who don’t need cloud sync
Google Workspace
- Monthly or yearly subscription (per user)
- Includes cloud storage, communication tools
- Continual updates and feature rollout
- Can become expensive over time for multiple users
Winner: Office 2016 for Mac — Cost-effective for long-term, single-device users.
9. Best for Business Use
Office 2016 for Mac:
- Suitable for businesses with document-heavy workflows
- Better for legal, financial, and academic documents
- Better control over data and formatting
- Great for businesses needing precise formatting and offline access
Google Workspace:
- Ideal for startups, remote teams, educators
- Best for fast-paced collaboration and cloud-first environments
- Great for shared document editing and communication tools
10. Customer Support and Updates
Microsoft Office 2016
- Mainstream support ended in October 2020
- No feature updates, but still usable
- Limited official support unless under warranty
Google Workspace
- Ongoing updates and cloud-based improvements
- 24/7 support for paid business accounts
- Regular enhancements to Gmail, Drive, and Docs
Winner: Google Workspace — Better long-term support and ongoing feature development.
Pros and Cons Summary
Microsoft Office for Mac 2016
Pros:
- One-time payment
- Full offline access
- Strong file compatibility
- Mac-native performance
- No data syncing unless chosen
Cons:
- Limited collaboration features
- No longer receives new updates
- Tied to one device
Google Workspace
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration
- Accessible from any device
- Built-in email, chat, and video tools
- Cloud backups and syncing
- Continuous updates
Cons:
- Requires internet for full features
- Formatting issues with complex Office files
- Ongoing subscription fees
If you prioritize full-featured apps, offline functionality, strong document formatting, and a one-time purchase, then Microsoft Office for Mac 2016 is the right choice—especially for professionals in law, finance, academia, or traditional businesses.
If your work is collaboration-heavy, remote, cloud-first, and you want communication tools baked in, then Google Workspace is a more dynamic solution.
Ultimately, your ideal productivity suite depends on your workflow, budget, and the level of collaboration you require. Many users even combine both to get the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use both Office 2016 and Google Workspace on the same Mac?
Yes. You can install and use both independently—many users do so for flexibility.
2. Is Office 2016 still supported?
Mainstream support ended in 2020. It still works, but won’t receive future updates or bug fixes.
3. Does Google Workspace work offline on Mac?
Yes, but with limitations. You need to enable offline access manually in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
4. Which is better for teams?
Google Workspace, thanks to its real-time collaboration and built-in communication tools.
5. Can I transfer my Office 2016 license to another Mac?
Yes, if you purchased a retail version of Microsoft Office for Mac 2016, you can transfer it to another device.
