Google Workspace · Comparison
Google Workspace or Microsoft 365?
Both are excellent. The right choice depends on how your team works, which apps they know and what your clients use.
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Quick answer
Choose Google Workspace if your team works in the browser, collaborates live on documents and wants simple administration. Choose Microsoft 365 if you rely on desktop Excel and Word, need deep Windows device management, or your clients exchange complex Office files. Not sure? Try our six-question fit finder.
Side by side
| Google Workspace | Microsoft 365 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail at your domain | Outlook and Exchange at your domain | |
| Documents | Google Docs, Sheets, Slides in the browser, live co-editing | Word, Excel, PowerPoint on desktop and web |
| Meetings and chat | Google Meet and Google Chat | Microsoft Teams |
| Storage per user | 30 GB to 5 TB by plan | 1 TB OneDrive on business plans |
| AI | Gemini included in Business plans | Copilot Chat included; Microsoft 365 Copilot is an add-on |
| Device management | Built into the Admin console | Intune on Business Premium |
| Suits | Browser-first, collaborative teams | Desktop Office users and Windows-heavy offices |
Plans and features change. Check both providers before you decide.
When Google Workspace fits better
- Your team edits documents together and hates emailing attachments.
- You want admin that a non-specialist can run.
- People work on Chromebooks, Macs and phones as well as Windows.
When Microsoft 365 fits better
- Finance lives in desktop Excel with complex macros.
- You need detailed Windows device and compliance controls.
- Clients and partners send heavily formatted Word and Excel files.
Switching between them
Moves work in both directions. Email, calendars, contacts and files can be migrated, and people can keep using Outlook with Google Workspace (see our Outlook guide). We handle migrations either way.
Questions
FAQ
- Which is cheaper?
- They are close at entry level. Compare the plans you actually need, including storage, AI and device management, rather than the headline price.
- Can I use Outlook with Google Workspace?
- Yes. See how to use Google Workspace in Outlook.
- Can we open Word and Excel files in Google Workspace?
- Yes. Google Docs and Sheets open and edit Office files, though very complex Excel files are easier in Excel.
- Do you support both?
- Yes. We set up and migrate to either. Get in touch.
Want it set up for you?
We set up Google Workspace for businesses across EMEA and the Gulf: domain, users, email migration, security and training.