Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace: Which is Right for Your Business?
Published: June 17, 2025
Choosing a cloud productivity suite is one of the most fundamental IT decisions a modern business will make. The two dominant players in the market are Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). Both are excellent, but they have different strengths. Here's a breakdown to help you decide.
The Core Difference: Desktop-First vs. Cloud-Native
The biggest philosophical difference lies in their origins. Microsoft 365 is built around its powerful, feature-rich desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) that have been the industry standard for decades. Its cloud components (OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams) are designed to extend and enhance that desktop experience. It's ideal for businesses that rely heavily on complex spreadsheets, detailed document formatting, and a traditional desktop workflow.
Google Workspace, on the other hand, was born in the cloud. Its applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail) are designed for real-time online collaboration from the ground up. They are fast, simple, and excel at allowing multiple people to work on the same document simultaneously. It's perfect for agile teams that prioritise collaboration and accessibility from any device.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Core Apps | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote. Generally more feature-rich and powerful for offline work. | Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Chat, Meet. Built for speed and best-in-class real-time collaboration. |
| Outlook is a powerful desktop client with deep integration. Exchange Online is a robust and highly configurable backend. | Gmail offers a fast, search-driven web interface that many users are already familiar with. Excellent spam filtering. | |
| Cloud Storage | OneDrive for personal storage and SharePoint for team-based document libraries. Deeply integrated with Windows File Explorer. | Google Drive is simple, fast, and features powerful universal search capabilities across your entire suite. |
| Familiarity | High, as most users have grown up using Microsoft Office applications. | Also high, due to the widespread personal use of Gmail and Google Docs. |
Which One Should You Choose?
There's no single right answer. It depends on your business:
- Choose Microsoft 365 if your business relies on complex Excel spreadsheets, needs advanced document formatting, or operates in an industry where Office files are the standard.
- Choose Google Workspace if your team prioritises real-time collaboration, speed, and simplicity, and works primarily from web browsers across different devices.
As a consultant with extensive experience in migrating, setting up, and managing both platforms, The Tec Wizard can help your Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire business make the right choice and ensure a seamless transition. Contact me for an impartial consultation.