Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: Which Is Better for Your Business?
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are the two dominant cloud productivity platforms for UK businesses. Both offer email, document editing, video conferencing, and team collaboration — but they approach these differently, have different pricing structures, and suit different types of organisations. This detailed comparison will help you choose the right platform for your business in 2026.
Pricing Comparison
Microsoft 365 Business Basic costs £4.90/user/month (web apps, Teams, Exchange email, 1TB OneDrive). Business Standard is £9.40/user/month (adds full desktop Office apps). Business Premium is £18.60/user/month (adds Defender for Business, Intune MDM). Google Workspace Business Starter is £5.20/user/month. Business Standard is £10.40/user/month. Business Plus is £15.60/user/month. At comparable feature levels, the platforms are similarly priced — Microsoft 365 Business Standard vs Google Workspace Business Standard differ by around £1/user/month.
Desktop Apps vs Browser-Based Working
The most important practical difference is Microsoft 365's desktop applications. Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes full installations of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams on up to five devices per user. Google Workspace is entirely browser-based — Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides work in Chrome but there are no desktop apps. This matters significantly if your team works with complex Excel spreadsheets or if your internet connection is unreliable. For teams that need to work offline frequently, Microsoft 365 has a clear advantage.
Security and Compliance
Both platforms offer enterprise-grade security at their premium tiers. Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes Microsoft Defender for Business, Intune MDM, Azure AD Conditional Access, and Microsoft Purview compliance tools — making it the stronger choice for businesses with serious compliance requirements (financial services, healthcare, legal). Google Workspace Business Plus and Enterprise offer Google Vault, DLP policies, and Context-Aware Access. For ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR compliance, both platforms have the necessary certifications when configured correctly.
Which Should Your UK Business Choose?
Choose Microsoft 365 if: your team relies heavily on Word, Excel, or PowerPoint; you need Outlook's advanced calendar and email features; you have compliance requirements; or your existing IT infrastructure is Microsoft-based. Choose Google Workspace if: your team prefers browser-based working and real-time collaboration; you're a startup with no legacy Microsoft dependency; or you need simple, intuitive tools with minimal IT overhead. For most UK SMEs with 10+ employees and any existing Microsoft infrastructure, Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Premium is the better long-term choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 (or vice versa)?▾
Yes. Both migrations are well-documented and regularly performed. Email can be migrated using IMAP; files require download and re-upload or a migration tool. A managed IT provider can handle the entire process with minimal disruption.
Is Microsoft 365 compliant with GDPR?▾
Yes. Microsoft 365 stores EU customer data in EU datacentres by default and provides a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) in compliance with GDPR. Microsoft is also ISO 27001 certified and holds Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Does Google Workspace work well with Microsoft Office files?▾
Google Workspace can open, edit, and export .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files, but complex formatting and advanced features don't always translate perfectly. For businesses exchanging complex Office files with clients, Microsoft 365 avoids compatibility issues entirely.
Which platform is better for remote working?▾
Both are excellent for remote working. Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are comparable video conferencing tools. Microsoft 365 has the edge for businesses that need to work offline, while Google Workspace's real-time multi-user editing is slightly more seamless in collaborative document editing.
Can AARAi Solutions help us migrate to Microsoft 365?▾
Yes. AARAi Solutions is a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) and manages Microsoft 365 migrations for UK SMEs, including email migration, SharePoint/OneDrive setup, Teams configuration, and security hardening.
Need help choosing between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace? AARAi Solutions offers free consultations and handles end-to-end migrations for UK businesses.