Choosing productivity tools for your team can feel like picking toppings at an ice cream shop – so many options, and it seems everyone has a favorite.
For most businesses, it’s a toss-up between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Both make working together a breeze, help keep your business secure, and offer a host of useful tools. But how do you know which one is right for your day-to-day?
Let’s break things down in a fun, easy-to-digest way. We’ll take a look at how each platform helps you collaborate, how they protect your info, and what you get for your budget. And at the end, we’ll give you our honest take – no jargon, just what you need to know to choose the best fit for your team!
Collaboration Features
Teamwork That Just Flows
Google Workspace is famous for teamwork. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides make live collaboration so simple, it almost feels like magic. Share a link and – boom! – everyone’s typing, commenting, and editing in real time. The interface is friendly, modern, and gets out of your way so you can focus on the work.
Microsoft 365 isn’t sitting on the sidelines, though. Its co-authoring features in Word and Excel have come a long way, and Microsoft Teams acts as a one-stop shop for meetings, chat, and working on files together. If your team already loves Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, you’ll probably enjoy how easily everything ties together in this suite.
Power for the Extra Mile
Google Workspace absolutely nails simple, flexible collaboration. Where Microsoft 365 really shines is when you want more muscle under the hood. SharePoint lets you organize files and projects for bigger teams, while Excel and PowerPoint deliver extra features for data lovers and presentation pros. If you crave slick designs and want your workflow all in one place, Microsoft 365 might have an edge.
But honestly, if effortless, live collaboration is your top wish, you’ll be perfectly happy with Google Workspace.
Security and Management Tools
Your Business, Locked Down
No matter which suite you choose, you’re in safe hands. Google Workspace bakes security into everything, with two-factor authentication and easy-to-manage admin controls. The dashboard is straightforward, so even smaller teams can keep things secure without a hassle.
Microsoft 365, on the flip side, goes all-in on advanced security. Features like Advanced Threat Protection and Microsoft Defender give larger organizations or those with complex needs even more peace of mind. You can customize access, set detailed rules, and manage everything from a central, powerful admin center. It’s a bit more to learn, but it pays off if you need that next-level control.
Pricing and Value
Pricing and Value Plans to Fit Every Team
Both platforms offer budgets and options for everyone. Google Workspace starts at $6 per user/month, which is great for small teams wanting easy collaboration and not too many extras. Upgrade a bit and you get more storage and a few pro features, but things still stay pretty simple (and hey, that’s a good thing for lots of people!).
Microsoft 365 kicks off at a similar price, but its higher tiers unlock serious perks – think desktop apps, advanced analytics, and next-gen security tools. If your business is growing fast or tackling complex projects, those options really start to show their value.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the best part: You won’t go wrong with either one! Google Workspace makes teamwork simple, quick, and fun (especially if your crew is remote-first or design-oriented).
But if you want a platform that can stretch and grow with your business – offering deep features, strong security, and really smooth app integration – Microsoft 365 is a fantastic pick.
And since we’re proud to be a Microsoft Partner here at iwx in Chicago, we can help you get the most out of everything Microsoft 365 has to offer, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take on the world. Let’s team up – iwx style – to unlock the best of Microsoft 365 for your business. Reach out or schedule a time that works for you – we’re ready when you are!