Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace comparison for Australian businesses

Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for Your Business?

Choosing between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace affects every person in your organisation, every day. Email, document creation, file storage, video calls, and team collaboration all depend on this decision.

Quick Summary: Microsoft 365 wins on desktop app power, offline capability, security depth, and Australian software compatibility. Google Workspace wins on real-time collaboration, simplicity, ease of setup, and consistent cross-platform experience.

Both platforms serve the Australian market well, but the right choice depends on your team size, industry, existing tools, and working style. This guide covers pricing, features, and specific recommendations by business type.

View detailed comparison

Australian Pricing Comparison (AUD, ex-GST)

Both platforms offer competitive pricing — value depends on the features your team actually uses

Entry Level

M365:
Business Basic: $9/user/mo
Google:
Business Starter: $10.80/user/mo

M365: Web apps only, 1TB OneDrive, Teams, Exchange email

Google: Web apps, 30GB storage, Gmail, Meet (100 users)

M365 cheaper with more storage

Mid-Range

M365:
Business Standard: $18.70/user/mo
Google:
Business Standard: $16.80/user/mo

M365: Desktop apps + web apps, 1TB OneDrive, Teams, Webinars

Google: Web apps, 2TB storage, Meet recording, AppSheet

Google cheaper; M365 includes desktop apps

Premium

M365:
Business Premium: $33/user/mo
Google:
Business Plus: $27/user/mo

M365: Everything + Intune, Defender, advanced compliance, Azure AD P1

Google: Everything + 5TB storage, Vault, advanced endpoint mgmt

M365 more security tools; Google more storage

Enterprise

M365:
E3/E5: $54-$82/user/mo
Google:
Enterprise: Custom pricing

M365: Unlimited OneDrive, advanced compliance, phone system

Google: Unlimited storage, S/MIME encryption, advanced DLP

Both offer enterprise-grade features

Prices as of July 2026. All prices in AUD, ex-GST. Annual billing shown. Monthly billing is typically 20% higher.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureMicrosoft 365Google WorkspaceWinnerWhy
Starting Price (AUD)$9/user/month (Business Basic)$10.80/user/month (Business Starter)Microsoft 365M365 Business Basic is slightly cheaper at the entry level
Desktop ApplicationsFull Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook desktop appsWeb-based Docs, Sheets, Slides onlyMicrosoft 365M365 includes full-featured desktop applications
Email (Business)Outlook — 50GB mailbox, shared mailboxes, focused inboxGmail — 30GB (Starter), powerful search, labelsMicrosoft 365Outlook offers more advanced business email features
Cloud Storage1TB OneDrive per user + SharePoint30GB (Starter), 2TB (Standard), 5TB (Plus)Google WorkspaceGoogle offers more storage at Standard and Plus tiers
Real-Time CollaborationGood co-authoring in web apps, slower in desktopExcellent — built for simultaneous editingGoogle WorkspaceGoogle Docs pioneered real-time collaboration
Video ConferencingTeams — breakout rooms, recording, whiteboard, 300 usersMeet — simple, browser-based, up to 500 users (Plus)Microsoft 365Teams offers more advanced meeting features
Offline CapabilityFull offline desktop apps, auto-sync on reconnectLimited offline via Chrome browser onlyMicrosoft 365Desktop apps work fully offline without configuration
Security & ComplianceAdvanced threat protection, DLP, Intune, DefenderVault archiving, endpoint management, DLP (Plus)Microsoft 365M365 Business Premium includes more security tools
Admin ConsoleMicrosoft 365 Admin Center — comprehensive but complexGoogle Admin Console — clean, intuitive interfaceGoogle WorkspaceGoogle admin console is easier to navigate and manage
Integration EcosystemPower Platform, Azure, 400+ connectorsGoogle Cloud, AppSheet, Marketplace appsMicrosoft 365Larger ecosystem of business integrations and automation
Spreadsheet PowerExcel — macros, VBA, pivot tables, Power QuerySheets — simpler, Apps Script, good for collaborationMicrosoft 365Excel remains the gold standard for complex spreadsheets
Ease of SetupModerate — more configuration options and complexityEasy — minimal setup, browser-based from day oneGoogle WorkspaceGoogle Workspace is faster to deploy and simpler to manage

Overall Score: Microsoft 365: 7 winsGoogle Workspace: 4 winsTie: 1

Microsoft 365 Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Full-featured desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Superior offline capability for remote and field workers
  • Advanced security features included in Business Premium
  • Excel macros, VBA, and Power Query for complex data work
  • Microsoft Teams for comprehensive collaboration
  • Better integration with Australian accounting software (MYOB, Xero)
  • SharePoint for intranet and document management
  • Power Platform (Power Automate, Power BI, Power Apps)
  • Larger enterprise ecosystem and partner network
  • Familiar interface for most Australian office workers

Limitations

  • More complex setup and administration
  • Desktop apps can be slow to sync with cloud changes
  • Teams can feel overwhelming with too many features
  • Licensing tiers can be confusing
  • Some features require Windows — Mac experience differs
  • Real-time co-editing in desktop apps not as smooth as Google
  • Higher cost for full-featured Business Premium tier
  • OneDrive sync issues can frustrate users

Google Workspace Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Excellent real-time collaboration in Docs, Sheets, Slides
  • Simple, intuitive admin console
  • Fast deployment — works from any browser on any device
  • Clean, distraction-free interface
  • Superior search across all files and emails
  • More generous storage at Standard and Plus tiers
  • Google Meet works without software installation
  • Consistent experience across Mac, Windows, ChromeOS
  • Lower learning curve for non-technical teams
  • Strong AI features with Gemini integration

Limitations

  • No full desktop applications — web-based only
  • Limited offline capability (Chrome browser only)
  • Google Sheets cannot match Excel for complex analysis
  • Fewer enterprise security controls at lower tiers
  • Document formatting less precise than Word/PowerPoint
  • Smaller integration ecosystem for Australian business tools
  • Limited macro and automation capabilities vs Excel VBA
  • Printing and page layout control weaker than Office apps

Which Platform Fits Your Business Type?

The right choice depends more on your industry and working style than on raw feature counts

Professional Services (Law, Accounting, Consulting)

Microsoft 365
Document formatting precision matters for contracts, proposals, and reports. Excel macros are essential for financial modelling. Outlook manages complex calendars. SharePoint handles document management with version control. Most clients expect Word and Excel files, not Google Docs links.

Key features: Word templates, Excel macros, Outlook calendar, SharePoint DMS

Creative Agencies (Design, Marketing, Media)

Google Workspace
Real-time collaboration on briefs, copy, and campaign plans is critical. Creative teams often use Mac and browser-based workflows. Google Drive integrates well with Figma, Canva, and other creative tools. Simple sharing with external clients and freelancers without licence friction.

Key features: Real-time Docs collaboration, easy sharing, cross-platform consistency

Retail & Hospitality

Google Workspace
Lower cost per user for shift workers who need basic email and shared documents. Browser-based access works on tablets and shared devices without installing apps. Google Forms for customer feedback. Simple rostering and communication through shared calendars.

Key features: Low-cost email, browser access, shared calendars, Google Forms

Construction & Trades

Microsoft 365
Offline document access is critical on remote job sites with poor connectivity. Excel handles job costing, progress claims, and variation schedules. Teams integrates with project management tools like Procore. SharePoint stores project documentation with proper version control for compliance.

Key features: Offline access, Excel job costing, Teams project comms, SharePoint DMS

Startups & Tech Companies

Google Workspace
Fast deployment with minimal IT overhead. Real-time collaboration suits agile teams. Integrates natively with modern SaaS tools. Lower upfront cost. Google Cloud Platform integration for tech teams. Easy onboarding and offboarding without desktop software management.

Key features: Fast setup, real-time collaboration, SaaS integrations, low overhead

Healthcare & Regulated Industries

Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes advanced compliance tools, data loss prevention, and Intune device management essential for patient data protection. Australian health records require strict access controls and audit trails that M365 handles natively. IRAP assessment provides additional assurance for government health contracts.

Key features: DLP, compliance tools, Intune MDM, audit trails, IRAP assessed

Australian Market Considerations

Factors specific to Australian businesses choosing between these platforms

Data Residency

Both Microsoft and Google operate Australian data centres (Sydney and Melbourne regions). Microsoft 365 data residency is available for all business plans. Google Workspace stores core data in-region for Australian customers. For government and regulated industries, both meet Australian data sovereignty requirements, though Microsoft has stronger IRAP assessment credentials.

Slight M365 advantage

Accounting Integration

Australian accountants overwhelmingly use Excel. MYOB exports to Excel natively. Xero integrates with both platforms but Excel exports are standard for BAS preparation, tax returns, and financial reporting. If your accountant or bookkeeper needs to work with your files, Microsoft 365 creates less friction.

M365 advantage

Remote & Regional Access

Many Australian businesses operate in regional areas with unreliable internet. Microsoft 365 desktop apps work fully offline with automatic sync. Google Workspace requires an internet connection for most functionality, with limited offline mode only in Chrome. For mining, agriculture, construction, and regional businesses, M365 offline access is critical.

M365 advantage

IT Support Availability

The Australian IT support market has significantly more Microsoft-certified professionals than Google-certified ones. Finding local MSPs (managed service providers) and IT consultants with Microsoft expertise is easier and often cheaper. Google Workspace support talent is growing but still smaller in Australia.

M365 advantage

Annual Cost — 20-Person Australian Team

M365 Business Standard
~$4,488 AUD/yr
$18.70/user/mo x 20 users x 12 months
Google Business Standard
~$4,032 AUD/yr
$16.80/user/mo x 20 users x 12 months

Prices ex-GST. M365 includes desktop apps; Google is web-only at this tier. Annual billing.

Migration Scenarios & Costs

Google to M365

Complexity: Medium
1-3 weeks
Typical cost: $2,000-$10,000
Key Benefits:
  • Full desktop app access for power users
  • Better offline capability
  • Advanced security and compliance
  • Stronger Australian software integration

M365 to Google

Complexity: Medium
1-3 weeks
Typical cost: $2,000-$8,000
Key Benefits:
  • Simpler administration and lower IT overhead
  • Better real-time collaboration
  • Consistent cross-platform experience
  • Potentially lower per-user cost

Legacy Office to M365

Complexity: Low-Medium
1-2 weeks
Typical cost: $1,000-$5,000
Key Benefits:
  • Cloud-based email and storage
  • Anywhere access to documents
  • Automatic updates and security patches
  • Teams for modern collaboration

No Platform to Google

Complexity: Low
3-5 days
Typical cost: $500-$3,000
Key Benefits:
  • Professional email with custom domain
  • Shared file storage from day one
  • Video conferencing included
  • Minimal IT setup required

Related Resources

Microsoft 365 Integration

Expert M365 setup and migration services

Office 365 Migration FAQ

Common questions about migrating to Microsoft 365

Cloud Integration

Connect your cloud platforms seamlessly

All Comparisons

Browse all software comparison guides

Frequently Asked Questions

For most Australian businesses, Microsoft 365 is the better choice. It offers deeper desktop app functionality, better offline capability, stronger enterprise security, and broader compatibility with Australian accounting software like MYOB and Xero. Google Workspace is better for cloud-native startups, creative teams, and businesses that prioritise real-time collaboration over document formatting control.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic starts at $9 AUD/user/month; Business Standard is $18.70/user/month. Google Workspace Business Starter is $10.80 AUD/user/month; Business Standard is $16.80/user/month. For a 20-person team, annual costs range from $2,160-$7,920 for M365 vs $2,592-$6,480 for Google Workspace.

Yes, but it adds complexity and cost. You can sync calendars, access files cross-platform, and use connectors. However, most businesses benefit from standardising on one platform rather than maintaining two parallel systems.

Outlook offers more advanced features including shared mailboxes, distribution lists, focused inbox, and scheduling. Gmail has simpler interface, better search, and faster browser performance. For high-volume business email, Outlook is superior. For teams preferring simplicity, Gmail wins.

Microsoft 365 includes 1TB OneDrive per user across all business plans. Google Workspace ranges from 30GB (Starter) to 5TB (Plus) per user. At Standard tier and above, Google offers more per-user storage.

Google Workspace is stronger for real-time co-editing — it was designed for simultaneous collaboration from day one. Microsoft 365 has improved significantly but desktop apps can still lag with multiple simultaneous editors.

Google Workspace offers limited offline capability in Chrome browser only, requiring pre-configuration. Microsoft 365 desktop apps work fully offline with automatic sync. For regional Australia and field workers, M365 provides significantly better offline access.

Both offer enterprise-grade security. Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes advanced threat protection, DLP, Intune, and Defender at no extra cost. Google Workspace Business Plus includes Vault and advanced endpoint management. For strict compliance needs, M365 generally offers more granular controls.

Microsoft 365 integrates better with most Australian accounting software. MYOB and Xero export to Excel natively. Most Australian accountants work with Excel spreadsheets. Google Sheets can open Excel files but complex formatting and macros may not transfer perfectly.

Yes. Microsoft provides free migration tools. Typical migration for a 20-person team takes 1-2 weeks. Email, contacts, and calendar data transfer well. Google Docs convert to Office format with minor formatting adjustments. Professional migration costs $2,000-$10,000.

Teams offers more features: breakout rooms, whiteboarding, recording with transcription, and deep Outlook integration. Google Meet is simpler and works in browsers without software. Teams supports 300 participants; Meet supports up to 500 at Plus tier.

Google Workspace works equally well on Mac and Windows since it is browser-based. Microsoft 365 for Mac lacks some Windows features (macros, certain Excel functions, Access). For Mac-only teams preferring browser tools, Google Workspace provides a more consistent experience.

Need Help Deciding?

Our certified consultants have migrated and managed both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for hundreds of Australian businesses. Get unbiased advice tailored to your team size, industry, and existing tools.

Get Free Assessment M365 Services