Google Workspace is great.
It's the perfect tool to get your business off the ground. It's all there - email, calendars, shared docs — all simple, all familiar.
But what about now - now your business is growing? With more people, more responsibilities, more need for control, is Google Workspace still the right tool for the job?
If you're a long-standing Google Workspace user starting to wonder if Microsoft 365 a better fit for where you are now, you're not alone. It’s a question we hear a lot from businesses that have outgrown the “just getting things done” phase and are now looking for tools that support structure, security, and scale.
So let’s take a look at Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace alongside each other to see if we can help you reach a decision that's right for your business.
Why should I consider switching from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?
If your SME is growing fast, now’s the perfect time to upgrade your digital toolkit.
If your team is spending more time managing tools than using them, Microsoft 365’s integrated approach, especially with AI features like Copilot, might offer a more streamlined experience, enabling you to boost productivity, improve collaboration, and scale with your business.
Why choose Microsoft 365 over Google Workspace?
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Smarter productivity with AI
Microsoft Copilot helps automate repetitive tasks, generate content, and surface insights—saving your team time and effort.
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Seamless collaboration tools
Microsoft Teams and SharePoint make it easy to chat, meet, and co-edit documents in real time—ideal for hybrid or remote teams.
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Enterprise-grade security
Built-in threat protection, data loss prevention, and compliance tools help keep your business secure and regulation-ready.
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Scalable licensing for growing teams
Flexible plans let you add or remove users as needed, so you only pay for what you use.
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Better integration with Windows and Office apps
Enjoy a consistent experience across Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows—no extra plugins or workarounds required.
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Support for your migration journey
Microsoft and its partners offer tools and services to help you migrate from Google Workspace with minimal disruption.
Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace feature comparison summary
| Feature | Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace |
| Office Applications | Full desktop and web apps (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) | Web-based apps only |
| Collaboration | Microsoft Teams with deep Office integration | Google Meet and Chat |
| Storage | 1 TB+ OneDrive per user | 30GB to 2TB per user |
| Security & Compliance | Advanced threat protection, DLP and eDiscovery | Basic security features |
| AI Integration | Copilot in Word, Excel and Outlook | Limited AI features |
| Offline Access | Full offline functionality with desktop apps | Limited offline capabilities |
What Microsoft 365 doesn’t do as well as Google Workspace
While Microsoft 365 excels in integration, security, and scalability, Google Workspace can be a better fit for teams prioritising simplicity, speed, and real-time collaboration. Its browser-based tools offer a clean, intuitive interface with minimal setup, making it ideal for small teams or startups.
Google’s real-time editing and commenting features are often seen as more seamless than Microsoft’s, and its lower learning curve suits users already familiar with Gmail or Android. For very small teams, Google Workspace may also offer better value, especially if enterprise-grade features aren’t required, though Microsoft 365 remains the stronger choice for businesses with complex needs or heavy reliance on Office apps
What are the ROI benefits of switching to from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?
Switching to Microsoft 365 can deliver immediate and long-term returns by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and boosting productivity.
Top ROI benefits of Microsoft 365:
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Lower software costs
Replace multiple third-party tools with one integrated platform to reduce licensing fees.
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Simplified IT management
Built-in admin controls and security features reduce overheads and free up IT resources.
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Increased productivity
Familiar apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook work seamlessly together, helping staff work faster and smarter.
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Anywhere access
Employees can securely access files and tools from any device—ideal for hybrid and remote work.
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Scalable for growth
Flexible plans and cloud-based infrastructure make it easy to scale as your business evolves.
How easy is it to switch from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace?
Migrating to Microsoft 365 is easier than you might think - especially with expert support and a structured process.
Steps to a smooth Microsoft 365 migration:
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Comprehensive data transfer
Move emails, calendars, and documents from Google Workspace or other platforms with minimal disruption.
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Tailored user training
Equip your team with the knowledge they need to hit the ground running from day one.
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Expert change management
Follow best practices to ensure a smooth transition and high adoption rates.
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Ongoing support
Get help before, during, and after migration to keep everything running smoothly.
Who can help me make the switch from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?
