Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: how to choose
A plain-English guide to help you decide between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 for your business.
Two platforms dominate business email and productivity software: Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Both are excellent. Both will serve your business well. The question is which one fits your team better.
This section walks you through every angle of the decision — features, price, email, file storage, collaboration, and how to switch if you ever change your mind.
Our default recommendation
For most small businesses we work with — especially those starting fresh — we recommend Google Workspace. It is simpler to set up, easier for non-technical teams to use day to day, and the browser-based tools require no software installs. That said, if your team already lives in Outlook and Word, or your industry demands Microsoft Office formats, Microsoft 365 is the right call. We are happy with either.
If you only read three things
- Which is better for small teams? — the most common question, answered.
- Feature comparison, side by side — the full picture in one table.
- Pricing compared — what each really costs at scale.
What these guides cover
Each article below tackles one specific part of the decision. You do not need to read them all — jump to the comparison that matters most to you.
Start here
Feature comparison, side by side
Every major feature compared in one table.
Pricing compared
What each platform costs at each tier.
Which is better for small teams?
A focused guide for teams of 1–15 people.
Compare specific tools
Gmail vs Outlook
Which email client is easier and more powerful?
Drive vs OneDrive & SharePoint
How file storage and sharing compare.
Docs vs Office collaboration
Real-time editing, comments, and co-authoring compared.
Already on one and thinking of changing?
If you are still unsure
Tell us what matters most to you. The questions that usually settle it quickly:
- Do you or your team already use Outlook or Word daily? If yes, consider Microsoft 365 — the familiar tools are already there.
- Is your team entirely on web browsers and phones? Google Workspace will feel more natural.
- Do you work with a lot of clients who send Excel or Word files? Both platforms open those formats, but Microsoft 365 handles them natively.
- Do you want the simplest possible admin setup? Google Workspace's admin console is generally easier to learn.
Not sure? Get in touch and we will help you decide in five minutes.
Related guides
- Google Workspace overview
- Microsoft 365 overview
- Professional email options compared
- Why not use a free Gmail for business?
Need a hand?
Troubleshooting Microsoft 365
Solutions to the most common Microsoft 365 problems — from sign-in issues and email not sending to OneDrive sync problems and app errors.
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: feature comparison, side by side
Every major feature of Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 compared in one place, so you can make a clear-eyed decision.