Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 solve the same problem: professional email on your company domain (you@yourcompany.com), files in the cloud, calendar, video calls and team document editing. The choice depends less on “which is better” and more on how your team works.
In this article
Quick summary
| Google Workspace | Microsoft 365 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | Outlook (Exchange) | |
| Documents | Docs, Sheets, Slides — in the browser | Word, Excel, PowerPoint — desktop apps on the Standard and Premium plans, plus web |
| Files | Google Drive | OneDrive and SharePoint |
| Video calls | Google Meet | Microsoft Teams |
| Storage on the entry plan | 30 GB per user (Business Starter) | 1 TB of OneDrive + 50 GB mailbox per user (Business Basic) |
| Device management | Basic (geared more toward Chromebooks and phones) | Intune in Business Premium (Windows, Mac, phones) |
| AI assistant | Gemini | Microsoft Copilot |
When Google Workspace makes more sense
- Your team works in the browser and often edits documents at the same time.
- The business doesn’t rely on advanced Excel (macros, add-ins, huge spreadsheets).
- You use Chromebooks or want the simplest possible administration.
When Microsoft 365 makes more sense
- Your team uses desktop Excel and Word every day, exchanges files with clients and accountants who use Office, or relies on macros.
- The business runs on Windows and wants to manage and protect its computers (Intune, Defender for Business and BitLocker, in Business Premium).
- You need a lot of storage per user right from the entry plan (1 TB).
See each plan in detail in Microsoft 365 for business: which plan to choose.
Plans
| Google Workspace | Storage per user | Meetings | Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Starter | 30 GB | up to 100 participants | up to 300 |
| Business Standard | 2 TB | up to 150, with recording | up to 300 |
| Business Plus | 5 TB | up to 500 | no limit |
| Enterprise | 5 TB (expandable) | up to 1,000 | no limit |
| Microsoft 365 | What’s included | Users |
|---|---|---|
| Business Basic | Email, Teams, 1 TB OneDrive, Office on the web and mobile | up to 300 |
| Business Standard | Everything in Basic + desktop Office | up to 300 |
| Business Premium | Everything in Standard + security and management (Intune, Defender for Business) | up to 300 |
| Apps for business | Desktop Office + OneDrive, no email | up to 300 |
Before you migrate
- Don’t switch email without a plan: the move requires changing your domain’s DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM). One mistake and the business stops receiving email. See SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
- Bring your history: both platforms have email and file migration tools.
- Turn on two-step verification for everyone from day one. See two-factor authentication.
- Backup: the cloud is not a backup. See cloud backup for small businesses.
FAQ
Can I use Excel with Google Workspace?
Yes: Sheets opens and saves .xlsx files, but macros and advanced Excel features don’t work. If that’s essential, a Microsoft 365 Apps for business license for the people who need it solves it.
Which one is cheaper?
On the entry plans, prices are similar. What changes is what each includes: Microsoft’s Business Basic has far more storage; Workspace Business Standard includes meeting recording and 2 TB. Compare based on what your team will actually use.
