Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: Which is better?

As of mid-2022, Google discontinued its free offering for legacy G Suite users. With that shift, organisations must now pay for access, levelling the playing field between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

So, which is better for your business today? At Texaport, we’re trusted Microsoft Partners and experts in modern workplace solutions. We’ve reviewed both platforms with a focus on flexibility, value, collaboration, and, most importantly, security.

Table of contents

1. Google Workspace plans (2025 Overview)
2. Microsoft 365 Business plans (2025 Overview)
3. Microsoft Enterprise options
4. Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace
5. Why choose Microsoft 365?
6. Move to Microsoft 365 with Texaport

Google Workspace plans (2025 Overview)

Google Workspace is still a strong contender in the collaboration space. Its core apps, Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Meet, and Drive are browser-based, lightweight, and intuitive. Here's a breakdown of their business plans:

• Business Starter (£5.90/user/month): 30 GB cloud storage, video calls up to 100 participants, custom email. Shared Drives are not included, which can limit team collaboration.
• Business Standard (£11.80/user/month): Adds Shared Drives, 2 TB storage per user, and 150-person meetings.
• Business Plus: (£18.40/user/month): 5 TB storage, 500-participant video meetings, recording, eDiscovery, and enhanced controls.
• Enterprise (Custom pricing): This top-tier plan has the most extensive and advanced features for every user, including S/MIME encryption, noise cancellation, in-call streaming, unlimited storage, and advanced security.
  
  

Microsoft 365 Business plans (2025 Overview)

Microsoft 365 offers robust cloud services, rich desktop applications, and industry-leading security. It’s also the platform of choice for many businesses transitioning from on-site to hybrid or fully remote working.

• Business Basic (£4.60/user/month): Online-only Office apps, Exchange email, OneDrive (1 TB), Teams (300 participants), and SharePoint.
• Apps for Business (£8.10/user/month): Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher. No email or Teams.
• Business Standard (£9.60/user/month): Full desktop apps, Teams, email hosting with Exchange, SharePoint, and webinar hosting features.
• Business Premium (£16.90/user/month): Everything in Business Standard plus advanced cyber threat protection, endpoint security, and data access controls.

Each licence includes a 50 GB mailbox and the ability to use a custom domain for professional email.

Microsoft 365 Enterprise options

For larger or security-focused organisations, Microsoft also offers four Enterprise plans:

• E1 (£6/user/month):  Web-based Office apps, Teams, Exchange, SharePoint.
• E3 (£18.60/user/month):  Full Office apps, security, compliance tools, and unlimited OneDrive storage.
• E5 (£32.10/user/month):  Advanced analytics, voice, threat protection, and compliance.
• Apps for Enterprise (£11.70/user/month): Full desktop Office apps with enterprise licensing.

Still unsure which Enterprise plan is right for your organisation? Read our in-depth comparison: Microsoft 365 E3 vs E5 – Which plan is right for you?

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace

Storage comparison

Regarding cloud storage, Google Workspace offers a range of storage on Google Drive, starting from 30GB per user on a Business Starter plan to 5 TB of storage per user on their Business Plus package.

At the same time, Microsoft 365 gives you 1 TB OneDrive storage for each user, along with 50 GB of email storage. Generally, 1 TB storage per user is sufficient, and users seldom need more. So, if you don’t need more storage, Microsoft 365 has Enterprise plans that allow you to choose the amount that you need.

Email and communication

Gmail and Outlook are both powerful email platforms. Gmail excels at intuitive search and filtering. Outlook, especially the desktop version, offers better features for business users, including custom rules, integrations, and calendar sharing.

Microsoft 365 also includes Microsoft Teams for chat, calls, meetings, and webinars. Google Meet is improving, but Teams remains the more fully featured solution for hybrid work.

Productivity apps

Google Workspace Apps: Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Meet, Gmail, Calendar, and Chat.

Microsoft 365 Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange, and Teams.

With Microsoft 365, you can work from the browser, mobile device, or desktop app. This flexibility, especially offline access via desktop apps, is a key reason many businesses choose Microsoft.

Collaboration and hybrid work

Both platforms enable real-time editing, file sharing, version control, and commenting. But Microsoft 365’s integration with Teams and SharePoint gives it the edge in long-term collaboration, especially across departments or external partners.

Teams supports video conferencing for up to 300 people by default, with webinar features and advanced scheduling tools. Google Meet is improving, but Teams integrates more deeply with Microsoft’s full ecosystem.

Security and compliance

Security shouldn't be optional. Both Google and Microsoft operate at the forefront of cyber security. But Microsoft offers more granular control and policy management, particularly in its Business Premium and Enterprise plans.

Features include:

• Advanced Threat Protection
• Microsoft Defender
• Data loss prevention
• eDiscovery and Compliance tools

For businesses in regulated sectors or concerned with data residency and compliance, Microsoft is typically the preferred choice.

Why choose Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 offers:

• Full-featured desktop and web apps
• Seamless hybrid work tools
• Flexible, scalable plans
• Built-in advanced security
• Outstanding integration across your digital workplace
  
  

Move to Microsoft 365 with Texaport

Whether you’re launching a new setup or moving away from Google Workspace, we’re here to make it simple.

At Texaport, we provide fully managed Microsoft 365 migrations with no disruption to your team. We’re certified Microsoft Partners and trusted by organisations across the UK to deliver secure, efficient cloud environments.

Get in touch today to explore how Microsoft 365 can support your growth, empower your people, and strengthen your security.