Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for business?
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Short answer: if your team works in Word and Excel installed on the computer, exchanges Office files with customers, or needs device management and endpoint protection in one plan, Microsoft 365 (Business Standard or Business Premium) is the better fit. If it works almost entirely in the browser and wants simple collaboration on shared documents, Google Workspace is also a sound choice. Both cover businesses of up to 300 users.
The plans side by side
| Tier | Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Business Basic: 50 GB mailbox per user, 1 TB OneDrive per user, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook on web and mobile | Business Starter: 30 GB pooled storage per user, Gmail, Drive, Meet, Docs, Sheets, Slides |
| Middle | Business Standard: everything in Basic plus Office desktop apps for Windows and Mac, on up to 5 PCs, 5 tablets and 5 phones per user | Business Standard: 2 TB pooled storage per user |
| Upper | Business Premium: everything in Standard plus Intune, Entra ID P1, Defender for Business, Defender for Office 365 Plan 1, Purview | Business Plus: 5 TB pooled storage per user, Google Vault, advanced endpoint management |
Sources: Microsoft plan pages and Google's Business editions comparison (see Sources). Checked 26/10/2026.
Where they differ in practice
- Apps: Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook installed on the computer. Google Workspace works mainly in the browser.
- Storage: Microsoft gives each user a separate 50 GB mailbox and 1 TB of OneDrive. Google gives storage per user that is shared across the whole company (pooled).
- Device security: in Business Premium, PC and mobile management (Intune) and endpoint protection (Defender for Business) are part of the plan. In Google Workspace, advanced endpoint management starts at Business Plus.
- Archiving and eDiscovery: in Google Workspace, Vault is in Business Plus. In Microsoft 365, Business Premium includes Purview for information protection.
- Teams in Europe: in the EEA, Microsoft 365 plans are available with or without Teams, so you only pay for Teams if you need it.
How to decide (our own practical advice)
- Count how many users open Excel or Word files with macros, templates or links to accounting and ERP systems. If many do, stay with Microsoft 365.
- Check what your auditor or insurer requires (e.g. NIS2): device management, MFA, email protection. Compare the plans that include them, not the cheapest ones.
- Do not pay for the same plan for everyone: you can mix Business Basic for users who only work on web and mobile with Business Standard or Premium for the rest.
- Plan the migration: email, files, calendars and training. Switching platforms costs time, so it is only worth it if you gain something specific.
ITHACA offers both, with setup, email migration and support. Indicative Microsoft 365 prices are on our price list; for Google Workspace, request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have email on my company domain with both?
Yes. Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace work with your company domain. Existing email is migrated without changing the address.
How many users do they support?
The Business plans of both are for up to 300 users. Above 300 there are Enterprise plans (in Microsoft 365, for example E3 and E5).
Which one has more storage?
It depends on the plan. Microsoft gives each user 50 GB of email and 1 TB of OneDrive from Business Basic. Google gives 30 GB, 2 TB or 5 TB per user, pooled across the company, depending on the plan.
Can I move from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?
Yes. We migrate email, calendars and files and configure the domain, so users keep the same address.