Comparison · 15 shared capabilities
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365
They overlap on 15 things. Google Workspace is stronger at 1 of them, Microsoft 365 at 1, and they're roughly equal on 13. If you pay for both, check whether you use the parts that don't overlap.
Google Workspace
Google's business suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet and more) with Gemini AI now bundled into the plans.
From $7/seat/mo Verified
Microsoft 365
Microsoft's business suite of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive, with Copilot Chat included.
From $7/seat/mo Verified
Capability by capability
| Capability | Google Workspace | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Analyse data and spreadsheets | StrongGemini in Sheets needs Business Standard or above | StrongDesktop Excel (best for analysis) needs Business Standard or above |
| Ask questions across company documents | PartialMostly limited to Google content | PartialAI answers grounded in work data need Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| Automate simple app-to-app workflows | PartialConnectors outside Google apps are limited | PartialPremium connectors and advanced flows need separate Power Automate licences |
| Build dashboards from spreadsheets and data | PartialNo dedicated dashboard builder inside Workspace itself | PartialPower BI is sold separately |
| Build internal tools and lightweight apps | PartialAdvanced AppSheet features may need a separate AppSheet licence | PartialPremium connectors need separate Power Apps licences |
| Collect information with forms and surveys | StrongLimited visual branding and advanced logic compared with Typeform-style tools | StrongLimited branding and advanced survey logic |
| Create presentation decks | StrongFewer design and animation options than PowerPoint or Keynote | Core featureFull desktop PowerPoint needs Business Standard or above |
| General-purpose AI assistant | StrongBusiness Starter has basic access only | StrongCopilot Chat is web-grounded; grounding in your emails and files and Copilot inside Word/Excel/PowerPoint need Microsoft 365 Copilot (add-on) |
| Hold video meetings | Core featureNo recording on Business Starter | Core featureNot included in 'no Teams' versions or Apps for business |
| Proofread and improve writing | PartialOnly inside Google apps; does not follow you across other sites and apps | PartialOnly inside Microsoft apps |
| Run an internal knowledge base / wiki | PartialNo page verification, structured spaces or wiki-style navigation | PartialSharePoint is powerful but hard for non-experts to structure well |
| Store structured data in a shared database or spreadsheet | StrongNot a relational database; linked records and per-record permissions need workarounds | StrongLists is simpler than Airtable for relational data |
| Transcribe and summarise meetings | StrongNot available on Business Starter | PartialAI meeting summaries and recaps need the paid Copilot add-on |
| Write documents and notes | Core featureComplex print layouts are better in desktop word processors | Core featureBusiness Basic has web and mobile apps only |
| Write marketing and business copy | PartialGemini in Docs not on Business Starter | PartialIn-app drafting in Word and Outlook needs the Copilot add-on |
| Build a business website | PartialLimited design control | — |
| Collect legally binding e-signatures | PartialNot on Business Starter | — |
| Manage projects and tasks | — | PartialBasic compared with dedicated project management tools |
| Edit videos | — | PartialSimple edits only |
Choose Google Workspace if…
- • you need strong transcribe and summarise meetings
- • you rely on build a business website (the other doesn't do it)
- • you rely on collect legally binding e-signatures (the other doesn't do it)
- • Email on your domain, calendars and shared drives are core infrastructure that is risky to move
- • Real-time co-editing in Docs and Sheets remains best-in-class
Choose Microsoft 365 if…
- • you need strong create presentation decks
- • you rely on manage projects and tasks (the other doesn't do it)
- • you rely on edit videos (the other doesn't do it)
- • Complex Excel models, macros and PowerPoint templates rely on desktop Office
- • Exchange email, calendars and Teams history are core infrastructure
Switch between them
- Run your company wiki in Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 instead of paying for Notion or ConfluenceFor teams of up to about 15 who already pay for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365: move the wiki into a shared drive of Google Docs with a Google Sites front page (or SharePoint/OneNote on Microsoft 365). Includes an information architecture template, a Notion export-and-import checklist, AI prompts for cleanup, and the honest list of what you lose — mainly databases, Notion AI and slick page linking.moderate1–3 days for a typical s…$0 extrauses Google Workspace
- Consolidate overlapping AI assistant subscriptions (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Grok, Copilot)If you pay for two to four AI assistants, run a one-week, side-by-side test on your real tasks with a provided prompt set and scoring sheet, check which assistant your Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 plan already includes, and cancel the rest at their renewal dates. Some heavy users will rightly keep two; the test tells you which.easy1 hour to set up$0 extrauses
- Replace Tableau Creator seats with Data Studio (Looker Studio) dashboards on Google SheetsFor SMB reporting on spreadsheet-sized data: prep your Sheets properly, build the dashboard in Google's free Data Studio (renamed from Looker Studio in 2026), use Claude or ChatGPT for analysis and formulas, and schedule PDF email delivery. Microsoft 365 shops can use free Power BI Desktop, but sharing needs Power BI Pro.moderate1–2 days for the first d…$0 extrauses Looker Studio, Google Workspace
- Drop Grammarly when you already pay for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or CopilotIf you already pay for an AI assistant, prompts handle rewrites, tone and careful proofreading, and built-in checkers (Google Docs, Microsoft Editor, Apple Writing Tools) cover everyday spelling and grammar. What you genuinely lose is Grammarly's real-time underlines everywhere you type, plus plagiarism checks, AI detection and team style guides on paid plans.easy30–45 minutes$0 extrauses
- Stop paying for Otter: use the transcription and AI notes already in Meet, Teams or ZoomMany business plans already include meeting transcripts and AI notes: Google Meet transcripts and 'Take notes for me' on eligible Workspace editions, Teams transcription (with AI notes via Teams Premium or Microsoft 365 Copilot), and Zoom's built-in meeting summaries on eligible paid plans. Check what you have, fill gaps with a transcript-to-action-items prompt, and handle recording consent properly.easy30–60 minutes$0 extrauses
Fit levels are editorial judgements based on each product's documented features. See each tool page for sources and verification dates.