What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace?

Since Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are designed to boost productivity while enabling effective communication and team collaboration, the solutions are very similar. However, there are individual applications and management tools that are quite different from each other.

Key differentiators

The functionality of the two productivity suites is largely the same. However, a key differentiating factor that separates Microsoft 365 from Google Workspace is that Microsoft 365 apps are available in both desktop and web versions. As such, Microsoft offers licenses for “browser-based apps” and other licenses for “full installations.” This enables you to download and install desktop versions on their local devices and use them offline if required. Microsoft 365 also offers Publisher, a desktop publishing app, Access, a database app, Project, a project management tool, and Planner, a browser-based app, to organize and manage tasks.

Google Workspace doesn’t provide the installable desktop versions that you can use on your PC. However, Google Workspace does have a web-app feature that provides offline functions for Docs, Sheets and Slides.

Another key difference is storage. Microsoft 365 offers its users 1TB of cloud storage, while with Google Workspace, the storage capacity varies depending on the edition you purchase from 30GB to unlimited storage (with the Enterprise edition).

Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are secure platforms. However, Microsoft’s multi-factor authentication takes it a notch higher as compared to Google Workspace’s two-factor authentication. Also, since Google Workspace integrates with a plethora of third-party apps, this may prove to be risky when users grant permissions to take advantage of these apps.

Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace: Which is the best for my business?

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have a long list of impressive features that are designed to make your workflow smoother and more productive. For startups or small businesses that require simple, easy-to-use business applications that could get you up and running instantly, Google Workspace is the best choice.

For businesses that require powerful and sophisticated features, Microsoft 365 is the go-to productivity suite. Microsoft 365 has similar capabilities for collaboration and productivity. However, the learning curve could be a bit steep when compared with the simplicity of Google Workspace.

In terms of “running a business” versus “saving money,” Google Workspace can be a great choice for businesses that don’t need all the functionality of Microsoft 365.