Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace? Choose for your work
Compare Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for your team. Check applications, security, ownership and migration needs before choosing a plan or changing tools.
Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace? Start with the work your team needs to do, the files it relies on and the systems you already use. There is no reliable headcount rule that makes one the right choice for every small business.
Start with your everyday work
Consider Microsoft 365 when your work depends on desktop Office applications. Test the actual spreadsheets, templates, add-ins and document formats your team uses. Business Basic offers web and mobile applications; desktop applications require a suitable plan. Check whether Teams is included in the exact subscription being quoted, especially when comparing EEA options. See Microsoft’s current plan comparison.
Consider Google Workspace when browser-based collaboration suits your workflow. Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets and Meet can support a team working together online. Test your important Office files and any specialist features before deciding. Storage, meeting features, retention and administration controls vary by edition; see Google’s current plan comparison.
Compare the whole setup
- Applications and compatibility: which files, add-ins and business systems must work?
- Email and ownership: who controls your domain, administrator accounts and recovery methods?
- Security and devices: what access controls, device management and staff training are needed?
- Information management: what must be kept, shared, backed up and recoverable?
- Change and support: what migration, training, licences and ongoing work must be included in the scope?
Compare equivalent subscriptions and the cost of the complete arrangement. One provider is not automatically cheaper once the required features, add-ons and support are included. We agree the scope and price before work starts.
A subscription does not make your business compliant
Both platforms offer controls that can support data protection work. Your responsibilities still depend on the information you process, your agreements, access permissions, retention choices and the way staff use the system. Buying a product is not proof of GDPR compliance. The Data Protection Commission’s guidance explains why suitable organisational and technical measures matter.
Plan a move before changing providers
Inventory mailboxes, shared addresses, calendars, contacts and files. Agree what is in scope, check the source and destination limits, protect the original data and run a small pilot. Set a cutover plan, validate the results and keep a record of anything that needs manual attention. A migration should not be sold as a promise that every item will transfer without loss or interruption.
Our business email service and Google Workspace setup and migration support explain the next steps. The free account ownership checklist can help you gather the access and responsibility details first.
Talk through how your business works
Tell me what you use today, what gets in the way and what must keep working. I can help compare a suitable setup and agree any migration or support work. Message me on WhatsApp.
