Choose Microsoft 365 if…
desktop Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook are important, or the business is already built around Microsoft identities, Teams and Windows.
Compare · Email & productivity
Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: which fits a small business?
The choice is less about feature count than working style. Microsoft is strongest when desktop Office apps and the Microsoft ecosystem matter; Google is strongest when the business is naturally browser-first and collaboration-centred.
Quick answer
Choose around the way people already create documents, communicate and collaborate.
Choose Google Workspace if…
the team works mainly in the browser, Gmail/Drive/Docs are natural to users and live document collaboration is central.
Already settled on one?
Do not migrate a working company just because the other suite has a feature you like. Email, files, permissions and user habits make suite migration expensive.
What changes the choice
Focus on the daily workflow.
| Decision factor | Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Core working model | Desktop, web and mobile Office apps across the business plans that include them, plus Exchange, OneDrive/SharePoint and Teams options. | Browser-first Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet and related Workspace tools. |
| Entry pricing | Microsoft Business plans vary by app/security/Teams bundle; compare the current UK plan page for the exact package you need. | Google's UK page currently lists Business Starter at £5.90/user/month on annual commitment (£7 flexible), with higher Standard and Plus tiers. |
| AI direction | Copilot is available through dedicated business options and bundled plans. | Gemini capabilities are included across current Workspace editions with plan-dependent access. |
| Migration cost | Email, calendars, shared drives, permissions and user retraining can outweigh small plan differences. | |
What to do instead
If your current suite works, improve the setup before switching ecosystems.
Cleaning shared folders, permissions, Teams/Chat conventions or document templates is usually cheaper and easier than migrating email and files between suites.
Sources and scope
Primary sources checked
Page reviewed: 3 October 2026. Prices shown exclude applicable taxes where the vendor states this and can change with billing term or promotions.