Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 2026: Which Suite is Better?

Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are the two titans of business productivity. Most organizations will use one or the other for years—so this decision matters.

At a Glance

FeatureGoogle WorkspaceMicrosoft 365
Starting Price$7.20/user/mo$6/user/mo
Storage30 GB - 5 TB1 TB
Desktop AppsWeb-based✅ Native
Best ForCollaborationPower users
EmailGmailOutlook

Pricing Comparison

Google Workspace

PlanPrice/User/MoStorageFeatures
Business Starter$7.2030 GBBasic
Business Standard$14.402 TB+ Meet recording
Business Plus$21.605 TB+ Vault, eDiscovery
EnterpriseCustomUnlimitedFull features

Microsoft 365

PlanPrice/User/MoStorageFeatures
Basic$61 TBWeb apps only
Standard$12.501 TB+ Desktop apps
Premium$221 TB+ Security
Apps$8.251 TBApps only (no email)

Verdict: Microsoft 365 is slightly cheaper, but storage varies.

App Comparison

Office/Productivity Apps

App TypeGoogleMicrosoft
DocumentsGoogle DocsWord
SpreadsheetsSheetsExcel
PresentationsSlidesPowerPoint
EmailGmailOutlook
CalendarGoogle CalendarOutlook Calendar
NotesKeepOneNote
StorageDriveOneDrive

Best for Each Category

CategoryWinnerWhy
SpreadsheetsMicrosoft ExcelFar more powerful
DocumentsTieBoth excellent
PresentationsPowerPointMore polished
EmailGmailBetter interface
CollaborationGoogleReal-time is smoother
Offline WorkMicrosoftNative apps

Collaboration

Google Workspace

  • ✅ Real-time editing by default
  • ✅ Simpler sharing
  • ✅ Better commenting
  • ✅ Version history
  • ✅ Works everywhere (web-first)

Microsoft 365

  • ✅ Real-time editing (improved)
  • ✅ Co-authoring in desktop apps
  • ✅ SharePoint for documents
  • ✅ Teams integration
  • ❌ Collaboration less smooth

Winner: Google Workspace — Real-time collaboration is DNA.

Desktop Apps vs Web

Google Workspace

  • Web apps only (no desktop)
  • Works in any browser
  • Always up to date
  • Requires internet (mostly)
  • Lighter system requirements

Microsoft 365

  • Full desktop applications
  • Works offline completely
  • More powerful features
  • Higher system requirements
  • Excel/PowerPoint shine on desktop

Winner: Microsoft 365 — If you need desktop power.

Email & Calendar

Gmail vs Outlook

FeatureGmailOutlook
Interface✅ CleanMore complex
Search✅ ExcellentGood
Labels/FoldersLabelsFolders
Scheduling✅ Easy✅ Easy
IntegrationGoogle ecosystemMicrosoft ecosystem

Winner: Tie — Gmail is simpler, Outlook more powerful.

Storage

PlanGoogleMicrosoft
Entry30 GB1 TB
Mid-tier2 TB1 TB
Top tier5 TB / Unlimited1 TB

Winner: Depends — Microsoft starts with 1 TB, Google scales higher.

Security & Compliance

FeatureGoogleMicrosoft
2FA✅✅
Admin controls✅✅
DLPBusiness Plus+Premium+
Vault/eDiscoveryBusiness Plus+Premium+
HIPAA compliant✅✅

Winner: Tie — Both offer enterprise security at higher tiers.

Who Should Use What?

Choose Google Workspace If:

  • Real-time collaboration is critical
  • You prefer web-based apps
  • Gmail is your preference
  • Your team is remote-first
  • You want simpler admin

Choose Microsoft 365 If:

  • You need Excel power features
  • Desktop apps are required
  • You’re in Microsoft ecosystem
  • Offline work is important
  • Teams is your communication hub

Migration Considerations

Moving to Google

  • Email migration tools available
  • Documents convert automatically
  • Calendar imports smoothly
  • 2-4 weeks typical transition

Moving to Microsoft

  • Google files convert to Office
  • Email migrates with tools
  • Consider SharePoint structure
  • Training needed for Teams/Outlook

Our Verdict

NeedChoose
CollaborationGoogle Workspace
Spreadsheet powerMicrosoft 365
Web-first teamGoogle Workspace
Offline workMicrosoft 365
Simpler adminGoogle Workspace
Enterprise securityTie
ValueMicrosoft 365

Bottom Line

Google Workspace excels at collaboration and simplicity.

Microsoft 365 wins for power users and offline work.

If your team lives in spreadsheets, choose Microsoft. If you prioritize seamless collaboration, choose Google.

Last updated: January 2026