Deciding on the right productivity and collaboration suite for your business can be a daunting task, with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace being the two most popular options. While both ecosystems offer powerful tools and features, there are significant differences between the two.
Microsoft 365 is the evolution of Office and Office 365, featuring familiar apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive, along with newer tools like Teams and SharePoint. On the other hand, Google Workspace is Google's cloud-first alternative to Microsoft 365, including products such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, Keep, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and Sites.
One key difference is that Google Workspace is primarily cloud-based, with no desktop apps for its core productivity apps. In contrast, Microsoft 365 offers web-based versions of its apps alongside desktop and mobile versions, providing greater flexibility and functionality.
In terms of cybersecurity and support, both platforms offer enterprise-grade encryption, cloud security, data loss prevention, and 2FA, with 99.9% uptime guarantees. However, Microsoft 365 offers more robust support for multi-factor authentication and higher-tier security features. Google Workspace offers standard support across all plans, with the option to upgrade to enhanced support for a fee.
Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer live co-authoring and editing of documents, but Microsoft's wider app availability and tighter ecosystem make it easier to integrate with Windows, OneDrive, and network infrastructure. Microsoft also offers a suite of collaboration and communication tools, including the powerhouse app Teams and the de facto standard in standalone email applications, Outlook. Google Workspace's apps are lighter weight and highly streamlined, but may not be as efficient for running multiple apps concurrently.
Ultimately, the choice between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace will depend on your business's specific needs and preferences. Once you've made your decision, our team is ready to help you set up your platform, establish governance and policy, and educate your team on how to use the various tools within your chosen platform.
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace both offer cloud storage for every user, but there are differences between the plans. Microsoft 365 includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage for each user, file syncing across devices, secure sharing, permission-based email, and access or guest links for external recipients. Google Workspace offers 30 GB, 2 TB, and 5 TB of storage per user, depending on the plan. Google Workspace also omits shared drives for teams and target audience sharing in its Starter plan, but includes these features in its pricier plans.
Actual use is another area where the two platforms differ noticeably. Microsoft 365 is the more fully-featured of the two and is geared towards businesses that want to retain a traditional file structure. Google Workspace, on the other hand, is streamlined and lightweight, but can be challenging for power users or those who need certain functions.
Administration is another area where the two platforms differ significantly. Microsoft 365 offers more robust administrative controls, including setting password policies, configuring file access control, and much more. Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers also gain advanced administrative abilities, such as remotely wiping lost or stolen devices and setting limits on the transfer of company information. Google Workspace offers a streamlined experience with fewer administrative controls.
In terms of pricing, Microsoft 365 has simplified its pricing structure to four plans, with prices ranging from $6 to $22.50 per user per month. Google Workspace has three pricing tiers, ranging from $6 to $18 per user per month. Both platforms have their own strengths and weaknesses, but we recommend Microsoft 365 for most customers, either the Business Premium or Business Standard plan.
If you have questions about which productivity and collaboration suite is right for your business, we are here to help. Our managed IT services can assist with any aspect of your IT needs. Contact us to get started today.
