An in-depth comparison to help you choose the right productivity & collaboration solution for your business.
Overview
Google Workspace
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) provides cloud-native productivity tools including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and Chat — all built for real-time collaboration.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 combines the familiar Office desktop apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) with cloud services like OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, and enterprise security tools.
Feature Comparison
A detailed breakdown of how Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 stack up against each other.
| Feature |
A
Google Workspace
|
B
Microsoft 365
|
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per-user/month (Business Starter from $7.20) | Per-user/month (Business Basic from $6.00) |
| Max users | Unlimited (300 for Business plans) | Unlimited (300 for Business plans) |
| Gmail (custom domain) | Outlook (custom domain) | |
| Video conferencing | Google Meet (up to 500) | Microsoft Teams (up to 1,000) |
| Cloud storage | 30 GB to 5 TB pooled | 1 TB per user (OneDrive) |
| Desktop apps | Web-only (PWA) | Full desktop apps included |
| Real-time collaboration | Excellent (native) | Good (improving) |
| Admin & compliance | Good | Excellent (eDiscovery, DLP, retention) |
| CRM integration | Works with most CRMs | Deep Dynamics 365 integration |
| AI features | Gemini AI assistant | Copilot AI assistant |
| Mobile apps | Full suite (iOS/Android) | Full suite (iOS/Android) |
Pros & Cons
Google Workspace
Advantages
- Best-in-class real-time collaboration
- Simple, intuitive web-based interface
- Generous cloud storage (pooled)
- Powerful search across all services
- Native integration with Google ecosystem
- Strong mobile experience
Considerations
- Limited offline capabilities
- Less powerful spreadsheet vs Excel
- Fewer enterprise compliance tools
- No desktop apps (browser-only)
Microsoft 365
Advantages
- Industry-standard desktop apps (Word, Excel)
- Microsoft Teams for chat, calls & meetings
- Advanced enterprise compliance & eDiscovery
- Deep integration with Active Directory/Azure AD
- Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps included
- Offline desktop app access
Considerations
- More complex licensing tiers
- Steeper learning curve for admin
- Higher cost for full feature set
- Real-time co-authoring less seamless than Google
Our Recommendation
For teams that prioritise simplicity, real-time collaboration, and a cloud-first approach, Google Workspace is ideal. For enterprises needing powerful desktop applications, advanced compliance controls, and deep Microsoft ecosystem integration, Microsoft 365 is the better choice. Xcobean is an authorised reseller for both platforms and can handle migration, setup, and ongoing support.
Need help choosing?
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