The most predictable question in minds. Which one is better? Which one is more suitable for you? Google Workspace (formerly known G Suite) or Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365)? Well, of course, it depends on your needs.
Even though the differences between these two are obvious, many things in common cannot be avoided. Although being web-based, Google Workspace can also be used offline. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 is a software that also can be used on the web.
For the reason that Google Workspace is web-based, it works with all web browsers without a doubt. It also offers apps for Android and iOS like Office 365. But Microsoft is one step ahead by providing additional apps for Windows and macOS.
Both of them offer essential applications like email, calendar, contacts, spreadsheet, presentation, video conferencing, note-taking, and chat. So, if you are after to find the best one for your business, you should compare the distinctive characteristics of security features, the easiness of managing it, and also subscriptions for payments.
Which one is cheaper? – Google Workspace or Office 365
Google Workspace offers 4 different plans for businesses to make sure you find the best one that fits your business. The monthly price (per user) for the plans are; $6 for Business Starter, $12 for Business Standard, and $18 for Business Plus. The monthly price for this basic plan is not fixed and depends on the needs of the enterprise. The major differences between these plans are storage, additional apps, and some security and management tools. You may review the details on our “Google Workspace Plans – Which is for you or your business?” article.
On the other hand, Microsoft 365 also offers 4 different plans for businesses. If you commit for a year, monthly prices (per user) are as follows; $5 for Business Basic, $12.50 for Business Standard, $20 for Business Premium, and $8.25 for Apps. Major differences between these plans are the advanced threat protection and device management for PC and mobile.
What is the difference between Google Workspace and Office 365?
| Google Workspace | Microsoft 365 | |
| Web-based (but also offline) | Desktop-based (but also web-based) | |
| Apps* | Android and iOS | Windows, macOS, iOS and Android |
| Gmail, Drive Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Keep, Hangouts | Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note, Skype | |
| Plans | Business Starter, Business Standard,Business Plus, Enterprise | Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium, Apps for Business |
| Payments | Monthly subscription | Monthly subscription |
| Storage | From 30GB to unlimited | Only 1 TB + 50GB for emails |
*Apps such as email, calendar, contacts, spreadsheet, presentation, video conferencing, note taking, chat, and word processing.
Gmail by Google Workspace or Outlook by Microsoft 365?
Well, having a professional email address might be the most important thing even though you’ve just entered the market. With Google Workspace, you can register for a new domain name or use your current domain to create email accounts. As a matter of fact, up to 30 nicknames can be created for each user. If it is an important thing for you, it’s worth mentioning that with Microsoft 365, 400 nicknames can be created for each user. But on the other hand, the usage of Gmail apps is far more preferred than Outlook’s mobile and web apps.
Cloud storage and sharing
We must say that both parties are well-qualified with cloud storage. Google Workspace offers from 30GB to unlimited storage options with its plans. By using Google Drive, you can have access to your files from anywhere with any device and share them with anyone. On the other side, with any of the Microsoft 365 plans, you will only have 1 TB of storage with an addition of 50GB of email storage. Like Google Drive, OneDrive is also a good source for storage and sharing files.
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 for personal use
You can either choose Google Workspace basic license for $6 a month or Microsoft 365’s license for $7 a month. Since there is not much difference between the prices, some essential features must be considered. These should be cloud storage, app access, ease of use, and collaboration tools.
GW – 30 GB of storage, 8 different apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Keep, Calendar, Hangouts, Gmail, Photos), web-based, easy to collaborate with different individuals.
Microsoft 365 – 1 TB of storage, 5 different apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook), has desktop apps, needs to be upgraded for better collaboration.
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 security
With Google’s high-level security and cloud infrastructure, nothing much left to worry about. By using the admin console, you have the opportunity of setting up different rules for each user and set keywords to prevent security leaks. You can even set up two-factor authentication for each user. However, Microsoft 365 provides setting up multiple-factor authentication for all users along with tools for restricting user accesses on business devices.
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 for education
Actually, the answer depends on your needs. If you are looking for a free, cloud-based, and easy-to-adapt platform, then Google Workspace for Education is probably the best choice. But if you would like to have a solid system that provides good security, then you should go for Microsoft 365. But be aware of a subscription fee. By the way, this does not mean Microsoft provides the most secure platform among its competitors. They are all good when it comes to security. Even though the app names and tools are different from each other, what is provided by both parties is quite the same and good. By using these educational tools, you can easily; work together on the same file with students and teachers, use autocorrect and image editing, arrange audio or video calls with up to 250 participants, set assignments or grade them, etc.
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