Google Workspace is one of the most widely used business productivity suites in the world. The big question is, is it free?
While Google does offer limited free options for individuals and small teams, most business features require a paid plan. Ultimately, what matters is what you and your business want out of Google Workspace.
This blog covers what you can get for free, possible discounts and who would qualify, and a breakdown of each paid tier.
The free options of Google Workspace
Free trials
You won’t find a completely free version of Google Workspace. If you want to experience the full benefits of Workspace without paying, your only real option is to take advantage of free trials.
Most business plans offer a 14-day trial that allows you to test out Google Workspace to its fullest, but of course, this isn’t a long-term solution.
The best this offers is the chance to try before you commit to the paid monthly options.
Google Workspace Essentials Starter
This is the best option if cost is important to you. Google Workspace Essentials Starter includes tools like Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.
You also get 15 GB of free storage, and the best thing about this option is that you can use it for as long as you like.
For organisations, it’s a great free use of the suite, but you are missing out on some features that might help with collaboration:
- Gmail: The free plan is aimed at organisations that already have an email provider. If a major reason you want Google Workspace is email synchronisation, it’s best to consider paid options.
- Shared drives: Another huge benefit of paid options is the ability to sync and keep things organised within your business. Unfortunately, with Essentials Starter, you miss out on this option.
These are two of the biggest features you’ll miss out on, but you also won’t have access to Google Vault, you won’t be able to record Google Meet meetings, and you also won’t have access to any admin controls.
The paid options of Google Workspace
Business Starter
This entry-level plan offers a professional productivity suite with 30 GB of pooled storage per user and up to 100 participants in video meetings, ideal for start-ups and freelancers.
Business Standard
This plan includes all the features of Business Starter, but upgrades the storage to 2 TB of pooled storage per user and allows up to 150 participants in video meetings, with meeting recording capabilities.
Business Plus
This advanced business plan includes 5 TB of pooled storage per user, supports up to 500 video participants, and offers enhanced security and compliance, including Google Vault.
Enterprise
This plan is suited for larger organisations with many employees, as it offers higher security and management controls, 5 TB of pooled storage per user, advanced data loss prevention, and larger video meetings.
To find out more about the paid options, read our blog here:
Picking a Workspace plan: Starter vs Standard vs Plus vs Enterprise
A final thought
Depending on what you want out of it, using a free version like Google Workspace Essential Starter is often enough for smaller organisations or freelancers.
But if you want something more advanced and to really use Workspace to its full potential, paid options are definitely the way to go, especially for bigger organisations.
