# Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: which one for your SME?

> A complete comparison of the two most popular office suites, to help you make the right decision.

URL: https://quinatec.es/en/blog/microsoft-365-vs-google-workspace-which-to-choose-2024/

Tomas E. Cordoba · 19 April 2026 · Updated on 25 September 2026

Choosing between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace can shape your company's productivity. Here is how to decide.

## Microsoft 365: strengths

### Robust desktop applications
- Advanced Excel for complex analysis
- PowerPoint with professional features
- Outlook with advanced email management

### Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem
- Full compatibility with Windows
- Active Directory for user management
- Teams integrated natively

### Enterprise features
- Power BI for business intelligence
- SharePoint for corporate intranets
- Advanced compliance and auditing

## Google Workspace: strengths

### Real-time collaboration
- Simultaneous editing without conflicts
- Built-in comments and suggestions
- Automatic version history

### Simplicity and speed
- A clean, intuitive interface
- Instant start from the browser
- Automatic synchronisation

### Constant innovation
- AI built into every app
- New features every month
- Meet with superior quality

## A detailed comparison

### Pricing (per user/month)
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: €5.10
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: €10.50
- Google Workspace Business Starter: €5.40
- Google Workspace Business Standard: €10.80

### Storage
- Microsoft: 1TB per user (all plans)
- Google: 30GB (Basic) / 2TB (Standard)

## The key applications

### Word processor
- **Word vs Docs**: Word wins on advanced features, Docs on collaboration
- **Winner**: a draw — it depends on how you work

### Spreadsheets
- **Excel vs Sheets**: Excel is superior for complex analysis
- **Winner**: Excel for established businesses, Sheets for simplicity

### Presentations
- **PowerPoint vs Slides**: PowerPoint is more professional
- **Winner**: PowerPoint

### Email
- **Outlook vs Gmail**: Outlook is better for business management
- **Winner**: Outlook

### Video conferencing
- **Teams vs Meet**: Meet has better quality, Teams better integration
- **Winner**: a draw

### When to choose Microsoft 365?

- You have worked mainly in Office for years
- You need advanced Excel features
- Your company runs Windows and Active Directory
- You have strict compliance requirements
- Your business processes are complex

### When to choose Google Workspace?

- Real-time collaboration is your priority
- Your team is mostly mobile
- You value simplicity over feature depth
- You are a startup or a fast-moving company
- Your budget is tighter

## Migration: what to consider

### From Office to Google
- Converting .docx/.xlsx files
- Training the team on new interfaces
- Reviewing macros and complex formulas
- 2–4 weeks to settle in

### From Google to Office
- Exporting data from Google Drive
- Setting up Outlook with Gmail
- Migrating calendars and contacts
- 1–2 weeks to settle in

## Recommendation by company type

### Startups (1–10 employees): Google Workspace
- Lower initial cost
- Faster setup
- Collaboration built in

### Small businesses (11–50 employees): Microsoft 365
- More complete feature set
- Better business support
- Integration with existing tools

### Large companies (50+ employees): Microsoft 365
- Advanced compliance
- Centralised management
- Enterprise integrations

### A hybrid approach
Some companies use both:
- Google for everyday collaboration
- Microsoft for analysis and formal presentations