In this guide 10 sections
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 comes down to how your team works. Choose Microsoft 365 if your business relies on desktop apps like Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, works with clients who send Office files, or wants device management and advanced security in the same business plan. Choose Google Workspace if your team works mostly in the browser, needs real time collaboration on the same document, and doesn't depend on Office-specific software. For most Australian professional services firms, Microsoft 365 is the safer default; for browser-first teams, Google Workspace offers a simpler, intuitive interface.
Key differences at a glance
| Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Core apps | Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; desktop versions from Business Standard up, web versions and mobile apps on every plan | Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, Gmail; browser-first with mobile apps |
| Email and calendar | Exchange and Outlook | Gmail and Google Calendar |
| Meetings and chat | Microsoft Teams | Google Meet and Google Chat |
| Cloud storage and file sharing | OneDrive (1 TB per user) and SharePoint Online | Google Drive, pooled storage that varies by plan |
| Offline access | Full desktop software works offline | Offline mode in Chrome; more limited |
| Security and device management | Business Premium adds Microsoft Defender for Business, Intune and conditional access | Advanced security and compliance tools, including Google Vault, in higher tier plans |
| AI tools | Microsoft Copilot (add-on) | Gemini built into plans |
| Third party apps | Most accounting, legal and practice software integrates with Microsoft Office | Strong marketplace; check each industry app |
| Entry price | Business Basic about $10.50 per user per month (AUD, ex GST, annual) | Business Starter about $9.90 per user per month (AUD, ex GST, Google's list price checked October 2026) |
| Security tier price | Business Premium about $32.90 per user per month | Business Plus about $30.90 per user per month |
| Maximum users on business plans | 300 | 300 |
Microsoft prices checked September 2026. Confirm both vendors' current pricing before deciding.
Collaboration capabilities
Google Workspace was built for real time collaboration: multiple users edit the same document in Google Docs or Google Sheets at once, with changes saved instantly to Google Drive. Microsoft 365 now offers real time collaboration too, through the web versions of Word and Excel and co-authoring in the desktop apps, but Google's productivity suite still feels simpler for teams that live in the browser. Both productivity suites include file sharing, shared calendars and document sharing with external clients.
Apps: desktop software vs cloud tools
Microsoft 365 is the traditional office suite moved to the cloud. The desktop apps are the most capable versions, with advanced features power users in finance and legal rely on. Google apps are cloud tools first. They're fast and easy to learn, but complex spreadsheets, Word templates with track changes, and Excel macros often work better in Microsoft Office.
Security and data protection
Both platforms have robust security features. The difference for small business owners is which plan includes them:
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium bundles Microsoft Defender for Business (advanced threat protection for devices), Intune device management, conditional access and data loss prevention, for enterprise grade security in one licence.
- Google Workspace includes strong baseline security on every plan, with enhanced security features, data loss prevention and Google Vault in its higher tier plans and enterprise plans.
If you handle sensitive data, compare the plan that gives you full data protection, not the entry plan. The Essential Eight, which ASD designed primarily around Windows environments, is easier to evidence in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Business plans compared
- Microsoft 365: Business Basic (web and mobile apps, email, Teams), Business Standard (adds desktop apps), Business Premium (adds security and device management). Enterprise plans above 300 users.
- Google Workspace plans: Business Starter, Business Standard and Business Plus, with Enterprise plans above that. Higher tiers add storage, recording, Vault and more management tools.
When Microsoft 365 is the better fit
- Staff live in Excel or rely on Microsoft Word templates and track changes with clients.
- Your practice, accounting or legal software integrates with Outlook or Microsoft Office.
- You want device management and endpoint security in one licence (Business Premium).
- You need to meet the Essential Eight or a cyber insurance questionnaire.
When Google Workspace is the better fit
- Your team works almost entirely in the browser on shared documents.
- You value an intuitive interface and minimal user training.
- You're a small, newer business with simple needs and little Office file exchange.
Switching between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
Email, calendars, contacts and files can all be migrated in either direction. The work is in the details: shared mailboxes, permissions, broken file links, and user training. A typical small-business migration takes a few days of preparation and a weekend cut-over. Avoid running both productivity suites long-term; tool overload confuses staff and doubles your security surface.
Static Computers' view
Static Computers supports both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, but recommends Microsoft 365 Business Premium for most Sydney professional services businesses, because the security tools come in the same licence and client software usually expects Office. Microsoft 365 setup and migration.