The trend of saving company files locally is on the decline.
People enjoy the independence, remote access to data, and often lower costs that come with cloud applications and managed cloud services. These advantages are key when considering Google Workspace versus Microsoft 365, the two leading productivity suites in the cloud.
With a solid 50% of the market, Google Workspace is slightly more popular than Microsoft 365. With notable companies like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter using Google Workspace, It makes the productivity tool more recognisable overall.
This blog will break down the basics of both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, compare prices, and discuss security and management tools to help you make an informed choice.
Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
With services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, it’s now easy to handle daily tasks “in the cloud” using just a web browser, from managing calendars and emails to spreadsheets and presentations. Google Workspace used to be known as “G Suite,” and Microsoft 365 was once called “Office 365.”
Both platforms have a lot in common, as they operate on a subscription model with monthly fees charged per user. Google Workspace can be used offline, whereas Microsoft 365 offers both desktop and web versions of its applications.
Both suites are dependable and feature-rich, catering to businesses of all sizes. Figuring out which productivity suite is the best fit for your company can be a bit tricky. Here’s a look at the features of Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 to help with your comparison.
Features Comparison
Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are loaded with features that provide extensive solutions. We have provided a table below to give a bit more of an overview.
| Features | Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity and Collaboration | Microsoft Office 365 fosters traditional teamwork with co-authoring and change tracking. | Google Workspace highlights in-app chat and direct editing for real-time collaboration. |
| Storage | Microsoft 365 gives you 1 TB of OneDrive storage along with 50GB of email storage. | Google Workspace offers 150GB of Drive storage and 30GB for Gmail for accounts with five or more users, plus 1 TB per user. |
| Security | Microsoft 365 includes advanced threat protection features like secure attachments and links. | Google Workspace utilises AI to counter threats and offers two-step verification and data loss protection for Gmail and Drive. |
| Third-Party Integration | Linking non-Microsoft apps with Microsoft accounts can be tricky. | Google includes a variety of third-party apps and services, broadening user options for advanced features. |
| Data Recovery | Microsoft 365 clears the Recycle Bin when limits are hit, allowing for a 30-day file history. | Google automatically deletes files after 30 days, giving limited recovery history and options. |
Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace Pricing
Affordability and fit of cloud services are largely influenced by pricing. Microsoft 365 has both “Business Essentials” and “Business Professional”, with the Essential plan priced at £12.99 per user per month, which is great for companies that need simple solutions. The regular business plan costs £17.99 monthly.
On the other hand, Google Workspace’s basic plan is £5.90 per user per month, offering 30GB of storage but missing advanced features. The very popular Business Standard plan costs £11.80 per user and provides 2TB of cloud storage as well as the ability to have up to 150 participants in video meetings.
App-Specific Comparison
Different businesses have various priorities, making specific apps more relevant depending on your needs.
For document editing, Google Docs has improved but still lags behind Microsoft Word, which offers a wider range of templates. In terms of spreadsheets,
Excel provides more advanced chart options and is generally easier for creating charts, whereas Google Sheets has more limited capabilities.
When it comes to presentations, PowerPoint excels in adding multimedia and advanced features, while Google Slides is simpler to use but lacks some of PowerPoint’s functionalities.
In the realm of email, Outlook is better for managing complex communications, while Gmail is praised for its simplicity and features like snooze and smart replies.
Finally, both suites offer ample storage and file-sharing options; Google Drive is mainly cloud-based, while Microsoft 365 integrates well with both local and cloud storage.
Final thoughts: Which one should you choose?
Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 both offer a wealth of tools designed to boost productivity. Google Workspace is perfect for startups or small businesses that need straightforward applications to get going quickly.
Microsoft 365 is better suited for companies that require robust functionalities. While both platforms facilitate collaboration, Google Workspace tends to be more straightforward to navigate.
For businesses more focused on operational efficiency rather than a long list of features, Google Workspace is a suitable option without the complexities of Microsoft 365.
Choosing the right office suite has a big impact on efficiency. When deciding between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, think about total costs, storage capacity, security features, bundled apps, and overall user experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the unique needs and goals of your organisation.
