There are many options when it comes to business productivity application suites. These software suites are designed to help with efficiency and completing common tasks on a computer in the workspace. Two of the most commonly used of these are Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. FirstLink routinely offers and uses both of these suites for our clients. Let’s review these two side-by-side to determine which may be the best fit for your organization’s needs.
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace: The Breakdown
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace share numerous similarities in their subscription-based models, charging businesses per-person fees on a monthly basis across various tiers tailored to customer needs. While Google Workspace operates primarily on the web, it also boasts offline functionality. In contrast, Microsoft 365 relies on installed desktop software in order to utilize some of the more advanced features.
Both suites exhibit compatibility with a diverse range of devices. Google Workspace, being web-centric, functions seamlessly in most browsers on any operating system, with dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS. Microsoft 365 provides Office client apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, alongside web-based apps that are compatible across browsers.
Each suite encompasses essential productivity tools such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, email, and applications for calendar and contacts management. They both also have a note taking and sharing program, file hosting, and an in-house chat and meeting capability.
The decision between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace often hinges on specific user preferences. Microsoft 365 stands out for its inclusion of desktop apps, with most plans offering access to fully install-able versions of industry-standard Microsoft applications like Outlook and Word. These applications are generally more feature-rich than their Google counterparts, facilitating a seamless transition between online and offline work. Moreover, Microsoft 365’s entry-level plans come with more generous file storage and email quotas.
Compare Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Packages
All of Microsoft 365 plans include the following programs:
MS365 Business Basic:
- Identity, access, and user management for up to 300 employees
- Custom business email
- Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Chat, call and video conference with Teams
- 1 TB of cloud storage per employee
- 10+ additional apps for your business needs (Bookings, Planner, Forms and others)
- Automatic spam and malware filtering
- Anytime phone and web support
Secure cloud services: Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange
Web and Mobile Apps Only: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
MS365 Business Standard:
Everything in Business Basic, plus:
- Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Webinars with attendee registration and reporting
- New: Collaborative workspaces to co-create using Loop
- New: Video editing and design tools with Clipchamp
Desktop, web, and mobile apps and secure cloud services:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange, Clipchamp, Loop
MS365 Business Premium:
- Everything in Business Standard, plus:
- Advanced identity and access management
- Enhanced cyber threat protection against viruses and phishing attacks
- Enterprise-grade device and endpoint protection
- Discover, Classify and protect sensitive information
Desktop, web, and mobile apps and secure cloud services:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange, Clipchamp, Loop, Defender, Intune, Entra ID, Information Protection
MS365 Apps for business:
- Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- 1 TB of cloud storage per user
- Anytime phone and web support
Desktop, web, and mobile apps and secure cloud services:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive
Conversely, Google Workspace excels in interoperability. This allows users to edit files created in both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Although caution is advised for complex documents, this interoperability offers flexibility. The cloud-centric nature of Google Workspace encourages a collaborative work environment, nudging users toward a more interconnected and cooperative approach.
All of Google Workspace plans include the following programs:
Gmail, Drive, Meet, Calendar, Chat, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Keep, Sites, Forms, AppSheet
Google Business Starter:
- Custom and secure business email
- 100 participant video meetings
- 30 GB pooled storage per user
- Security and management controls
- Standard Support
Google Business Standard:
- Duet AI add-on available now
- Custom and secure business email
- 150 participant video meetings + recording
- 2 TB pooled storage per user
- Security and management controls
- Standard Support (paid upgrade to Enhanced Support)
Google Business Plus:
- Duet AI add-on available now
- Custom and secure business email + eDiscovery, retention
- 500 participant video meetings + recording, attendance tracking
- 5 TB pooled storage per user
- Enhanced security and management controls, including Vault and advanced endpoint management
- Standard Support (paid upgrade to Enhanced Support)
Enterprise
- Duet AI add-on available now
- Custom and secure business email + eDiscovery, retention, S/MME encryption
- 1000 participant video meetings + recording, attendance tracking, noise cancellation, in-domain
- live streaming
- 5 TB pooled storage per user, with ability to request more
- Advanced security, management, and compliance controls, including Vault, DLP, data regions, and enterprise endpoint management
- Enhanced Support (paid upgrade to Premium Support)
The Pros and Cons of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Microsoft 365 Pros
- 1TB Cloud Storage on basic plan for just files
- entry level email plan 50GB of storage for email only (does not take away storage from 1TB of cloud storage)
- Desktop Apps
- Collaboration
- Mobile Apps
- 24/7 Support
Google Workspace Pros
- Larger storage available on larger plans. (2TB-5TB storage range with the option to add more then 5TB on ‘Enterprise’ Plan) for low cost
- Google Workspace apps let you open Microsoft Office documents, collaborate on them, and save them in MS format
- Collaboration
- Mobile Apps
- 24/7 Support
- Good solution for businesses that use multiple devices and operating systems
Microsoft 365 Cons
- Larger storage tiers are available but come at a premium cost
- Cost
Google Workspace Cons
- 30GB Cloud Storage on basic plan includes files and email
- Can’t always preserve the format when creating/editing a Microsoft Office document.
Still have questions about which choice is right for you?
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