In short: Microsoft 365 is the stronger choice for most UK SMEs — particularly those in regulated industries, businesses wanting to grow into Dynamics 365 or Power BI, and organisations where powerful desktop applications are part of daily work. Google Workspace is a credible, lower-cost alternative for businesses that work primarily in a browser and do not need to integrate with ERP or CRM systems. For businesses already using any Microsoft tools, staying within the ecosystem delivers compounding value over time.
Feature comparison at a glance
Pricing excludes VAT and is indicative as of early 2025.
| Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace | Advantage view | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price (Business) | From £4.90/user/month (Basic) | From £5.20/user/month (Starter) | Comparable pricing — value lies in what's included per tier |
| Desktop applications | Full desktop apps Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook |
Browser-based only (Docs, Sheets, Slides) |
Desktop apps critical for finance, legal, and complex documents |
| Email & calendar | Outlook (desktop + web) | Gmail + Google Calendar | Both excellent — largely personal preference |
| Collaboration hub | Microsoft Teams (chat, video, files, tasks) |
Meet + Chat + Drive (separate apps) |
Teams is a more unified hub; Google splits across multiple apps |
| Security & compliance | Advanced Defender, Purview, Intune |
Strong baseline; fewer advanced tools |
M365 Business Premium leads significantly for regulated sectors |
| AI assistant | Microsoft Copilot | Google Gemini | Both rapidly evolving — Copilot deeper in enterprise workflows |
| ERP / CRM ecosystem | Dynamics 365, Power BI, Azure | No equivalent native ecosystem | Decisive advantage for businesses wanting a unified platform |
| Device management | Intune (included in Business Premium) | Google Endpoint (add-on) | Intune is market-leading for SME device management |
| Real-time co-authoring | Yes (Word, Excel online) | Yes (native strength) | Google was first — Microsoft has closed the gap significantly |
Which platform fits your business?
Choose Microsoft 365 if…
- Your teams rely heavily on Excel, Word, or PowerPoint
- You need advanced security, compliance, or device management
- You plan to implement Dynamics 365, Power BI, or Azure services
- You operate in a regulated sector (finance, legal, healthcare)
- Teams is your preferred platform for communication
- You want Microsoft Copilot AI across your productivity suite
- You're connecting to SharePoint-based document workflows
Consider Google Workspace if…
- Your team works primarily in a browser on simple documents
- Real-time collaboration is the top priority
- You're a small team wanting fast, low-friction deployment
- You use Google's advertising or analytics tools extensively
- You have no plans to integrate CRM or ERP with your productivity suite
- Cost is the primary driver and simpler features meet your needs
Managed Microsoft 365 — deployed and supported by Advantage
Advantage manages Microsoft 365 deployments for UK SMEs across all sectors — from initial licensing and configuration through to ongoing security management, device enrolment, and user support. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we hold competencies across Microsoft 365, Azure, and the full Dynamics 365 suite.
The Advantage methodology
Whether you're deploying Microsoft 365 for the first time, migrating from Google Workspace, or looking to get more from an existing deployment, we deliver it in three structured phases.
We assess your current setup, user needs, and security posture before recommending the right Microsoft 365 tier and configuration.
Deployment, email migration, Teams configuration, device enrolment, and user training — delivered to a clear timeline with minimal disruption.
Ongoing managed support, security monitoring, licence management, and access to our UK-based helpdesk team.
Frequently Asked Questions — Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace
Common questions from UK businesses choosing between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace — answered honestly by Advantage, Microsoft Solutions Partner.
Is Microsoft 365 better than Google Workspace for businesses?
For most UK SMEs, particularly those in professional services, finance, distribution, or manufacturing, Microsoft 365 is the stronger choice. It offers more powerful desktop applications, deeper security and compliance features, and the ability to connect into Dynamics 365, Power BI, and Azure.
Google Workspace is a credible, lower-cost alternative for businesses that work primarily in a browser, prioritise real-time document collaboration, and do not need to integrate with ERP or CRM systems.
How much does Microsoft 365 cost compared to Google Workspace?
Microsoft 365 Business Basic starts at approximately £4.90 per user per month, Business Standard at £9.90, and Business Premium (which includes advanced security) at £19.90 per user per month (as of 2025, excluding VAT). Google Workspace Business Starter starts at £5.20 per user per month.
At comparable tiers pricing is similar — the difference lies in what’s included at each level and the depth of the applications.
Which is more secure — Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?
Both platforms meet enterprise security standards, but Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes more advanced features relevant to UK SMEs: Microsoft Defender for Business, Intune device management, Azure AD Identity Protection, and Purview compliance tools.
This makes it particularly strong for businesses with regulatory requirements or those managing cyber security risk seriously. Google Workspace has strong baseline security but fewer built-in advanced threat protection features at comparable price points.
Does Microsoft 365 work with Dynamics 365 and Power BI?
Yes — Microsoft 365 is the foundation of the Microsoft commercial ecosystem. It integrates natively with Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP, Power BI, Power Automate, SharePoint, and Azure. Businesses using Microsoft 365 can extend into full ERP, CRM, and analytics capabilities without changing platforms or managing complex integrations.
This ecosystem coherence is one of Microsoft’s most compelling advantages over Google Workspace for businesses that anticipate growth or increasing operational complexity.
Is it difficult to migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?
Migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 is a well-understood process. Email, calendar, and contacts migrate cleanly. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides convert to their Microsoft equivalents, though complex formatting may need manual adjustment.
Advantage manages this migration end-to-end including user training and change management — call us on 020 3004 4600 to discuss your current setup and what migration would involve.
Can you use Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace together?
Yes — some businesses use both, but this creates friction around file formats, version control, and security policy management. Choosing one platform and deploying it well is more cost-effective and operationally simpler than maintaining two productivity suites in parallel.
Which has better collaboration — Microsoft Teams or Google Meet?
Microsoft Teams is a more comprehensive collaboration platform than Google Meet. While Google Meet is a strong video conferencing tool, Teams combines meetings, persistent chat, file sharing, task management, and deep integration with other Microsoft 365 apps in a single hub.
For businesses wanting a single platform for all team communication and collaboration, Teams is typically the more capable choice.
How do I get started with Microsoft 365 through Advantage?
Advantage manages Microsoft 365 deployments for UK SMEs across all sectors — from initial licensing and configuration through to ongoing security management, device enrolment, and user support.
You can contact us online, call us on 020 3004 4600, or email hello@advantage.co.uk to discuss your current setup.
