Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: features by plan
How we compared: we list only what Microsoft and Google publish on their plan comparison pages and documentation, checked on 4 November 2026. We do not list prices.
How we compared: we list only what Microsoft and Google publish on their plan comparison pages and documentation, checked on 4 November 2026. We do not list prices. Check current pricing on the Microsoft 365 business plan comparison and the Google Workspace editions comparison.
Microsoft gives each user separate mailbox and OneDrive storage. Google gives each plan pooled storage that is shared across the organisation.
Features side by side
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| Product | Mail storage | Desktop apps | Video meetings | File storage | Admin and security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Business BasicTeams that work in the browser and need email, Teams and OneDrive | 100 GB mailbox and 50 GB archive per user | No, web and mobile versions only | Teams meetings, up to 300 people | 1 TB OneDrive per user | Entra ID free version; spam and malware filtering |
| Microsoft 365 Business StandardSmall businesses that need desktop Word, Excel and Outlook | 100 GB mailbox and 50 GB archive per user | Yes, desktop, web and mobile versions | Teams meetings, up to 300 people | 1 TB OneDrive per user | Entra ID free version; spam and malware filtering |
| Microsoft 365 Business PremiumBusinesses that need device management and stronger security | 100 GB mailbox and 1.5 TB archive per user | Yes, desktop, web and mobile versions | Teams meetings, up to 300 people | 1 TB OneDrive per user | Intune Plan 1, Entra ID advanced identity, Defender for Business, Purview data protection |
| Google Workspace Business StarterVery small teams that mostly need email and shared documents | Shares 30 GB pooled storage per user | Browser-based apps; Drive for desktop | Meet, up to 100 participants; no recordings to Drive | 30 GB pooled per user | Fundamental endpoint management |
| Google Workspace Business StandardSmall businesses that record meetings and share large files | Shares 2 TB pooled storage per user | Browser-based apps; Drive for desktop | Meet, up to 150 participants; recordings to Drive | 2 TB pooled per user | Fundamental endpoint management |
| Google Workspace Business PlusBusinesses that need eDiscovery and retention | Shares 5 TB pooled storage per user | Browser-based apps; Drive for desktop | Meet, up to 500 participants; recordings and attendance reports | 5 TB pooled per user | Google Vault for eDiscovery; advanced endpoint management |
| Google Workspace EnterpriseLarger organisations that need enterprise controls | Shares 5 TB pooled storage per user, more on request | Browser-based apps; Drive for desktop | Meet, up to 1,000 participants; recordings to Drive | 5 TB pooled per user, more on request | Enterprise endpoint management; S/MIME encryption |
Features as documented by each vendor, checked 4 Nov 2026. Prices change often, so check each vendor's current pricing.
Which one fits
Includes desktop, web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Adds Intune, advanced Entra ID, Defender for Business and Purview data protection.
2 TB pooled storage per user and Meet recordings saved to Drive.
Adds Google Vault and advanced endpoint management.
How to choose
Desktop apps decide a lot. If staff rely on desktop Excel or Outlook, Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Premium includes them. Google Workspace apps run in the browser, with Drive for desktop for file sync.
Compare storage the right way. Microsoft gives fixed mailbox and OneDrive storage per user. Google pools storage across the organisation, so heavy and light users balance out.
Check security needs. If you need device management and eDiscovery, compare Microsoft 365 Business Premium with Google Workspace Business Plus or Enterprise.
Plan the move. See our Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 guide or Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Workspace include desktop apps like Word and Excel?
Google Workspace apps such as Docs and Sheets run in the browser. Every plan includes Drive for desktop to sync files to your computer.
How many people can join a meeting?
Microsoft documents up to 300 people in Teams meetings on Business plans. Google lists 100, 150, 500 and 1,000 participants for Starter, Standard, Plus and Enterprise.
Which plan includes email archiving?
Microsoft lists an archive mailbox on all three Business plans. Google lists Vault for eDiscovery and information governance on Business Plus.
Is Microsoft 365 Business Basic enough?
Business Basic includes email, Teams and 1 TB OneDrive, but Office apps are web and mobile versions only.
Why are there no prices in this comparison?
Plan prices change and differ by region and term. Check each vendor's plan comparison page for current pricing in your region.