Office 365 vs Google Workspace: Which Is Better For Your Business?

Choosing between Office 365 and Google Workspace is pretty overwhelming, as each software has a competitive pricing model and a set of robust features. Google Workspace allows a seamless transition to a digital business structure with its smart collaboration tools.

Office 365, on the other hand, is famous for its automation capabilities and a wide array of cloud-based applications that simplify your hectic business tasks. Both software applications are designed for non-tech-savvy people, so that everyone, irrespective of their technical knowledge, can use them.

Since both systems have a similar package of apps, it makes sense to install one of them. Before we discuss the differences between the two, know that Office 365 and Google Workspace are designed to increase productivity and streamline your workflow. Let’s define each in brief.

Office 365 is helping entrepreneurs, employees, and all sizes of companies since 2011. The company is catering to a global audience, covering more than 40 markets. Most of us have used Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for our routine jobs—be it the students making presentations or employees importing clients’ records.

Microsoft 365 is for companies looking for advanced features with robust security. Featuring pre-made templates, excellent storage capacity, HIPAA Compliance, and an exciting range of built-in features that automate most of your work, Office 365 is an ideal solution for all businesses.

Google has turned its famous G Suite into Google Workspace, which claims to offer the best user experience. For international collaboration and uninterrupted communication, Google Workspace is a highly effective choice.

Google’s cloud-based software consists of Docs, Slides, Google Meet, Calendar, Drive, and more. These are suitable for small and large-scale companies that are either fully remote or hybrid. Its advanced collaborative tools allow users to work with their teams flawlessly.

Let’s check the key differences between Office 365 and Google Workspace.

Since both tools are developed to increase productivity and streamline collaboration, they work in similar ways. The difference lies in the individual features and their uses.

Each software package has documents, spreadsheets, video conferencing, emails, calendars, and other apps that businesses need for their regular tasks.

Email, cloud storage, video conferencing, and advanced protection for cyber threats are a few basic features you can find in both software packages. However, Microsoft Office 365 offers an extensive range of features and excellent admin control. You get Bookings, SharePoint, Tell Me, Microsoft Teams, Share Calendars, Planner, etc.

For those looking for advanced features that can streamline their hectic manual jobs, Microsoft Office is your best bet. That being said, Google Workspace doesn’t lack vital features. It offers standard support, cloud-based storage, Google Sheets, Docs, and other must-have tools for businesses, but it has a comparatively less extensive suite than Office 365.

Office software has been used for years. People have grown familiar with its interface and functionalities. The same goes for Google Workspace. However, for first-time users, Google Workspace looks less intimidating.

It has comparatively fewer features than Office, making it simple and straightforward. Microsoft has integrated a vast range of features, which may sometimes hinder user experience. If you integrate third-party apps into the suite, the interface will look cluttered.

You should make a choice based on the platform you are more familiar with. If you are new to both, go for Google Workspace.

Microsoft’s Outlook allows you to send 5,000 emails a day with a whopping 50GB storage limit, excluding cloud storage. Gmail has a quick and easy setup process, but it allows you to send 2,000 and receive 86,000 emails a day.

The maximum size of the file you can attach to Google’s email is 25MB. It has an intuitive interface with features, like adding an email signature. However, it’s not as efficient as Outlook. Microsoft Outlook offers a combination of robust security features and a clean interface with advanced features, making it perfect for larger organizations.

While both allow easy email setup for your domain, Microsoft’s feature-packed Outlook and robust security protocols give it an edge.

Microsoft is a clear winner when it comes to pricing. While both have pricing plans starting at $6 per month, Microsoft has included more features in its lowest-tier plan than Google Workspace. For instance, you get 1TB storage in this plan and a video conferencing allowing 300 participants.

Workspace offers a free trial for 14 days, while Office offers the same for 30 days. Google offers 30GB storage and 100 participants in videos. Google Workspace offers a monthly subscription that you can cancel at any time. Office, however, requires an annual commitment, whether you choose a monthly or annual billing cycle.

One-click document sharing, video conferencing, and live chat are a few interesting collaboration features you can find in both software applications. Google is slightly better than Microsoft when it comes to collaboration tools. It allows you to share links, connect with your team while editing the document in real time, and save different versions of the file.

You can also set permission levels for different users based on their roles. Microsoft doesn’t offer permission settings, but it allows more people to join video conferences and AI-powered tools for better function. Both are okay, but Google Workspace has an easy and effective collaboration service.

Office 365 and Workspace offer 24/7 support services to their subscribers. They also offer extensive self-help libraries where users can find answers to basic questions and access to community forums. You get the phone and live chat support in both.

Google offers customer support service in 14 languages and self-help knowledgebase. In terms of customer support, both software systems are great.

There’s no clear choice. The best software for your business depends on the size and nature of your organization, workflow, number of employees, and routine operations. While Workspace has excellent collaboration tools and an intuitive interface, Microsoft Office has a flexible pricing policy and an array of features that can automate most of your manual jobs.