Which is better for small businesses: Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?

For most Dutch SMEs, Microsoft 365 is the better choice. The reasons: better integration with existing Windows environments, more powerful desktop applications (Excel, Word), more extensive security options (essential for NIS2) and more compliance tools for GDPR. Google Workspace is a good alternative for businesses that want to work fully cloud-native and have less complex needs.

Can I switch from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?

Yes, migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 is very doable. We can migrate emails, calendars, contacts and files with minimal disruption. For an SME, the migration typically takes 1-2 weeks. TRON Group guides you through the entire process, including user training.

Which is more secure for business data: Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?

Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers more advanced security options for SMEs: Defender for Business (EDR), Conditional Access, Data Loss Prevention and Intune for device management. This matters for NIS2 compliance. Google Workspace has good baseline security but lacks some enterprise features in its SME plans.

What are the hidden costs of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace?

With Google Workspace: extra storage beyond your limit and add-ons for advanced security. With Microsoft 365: no hidden costs in Business Premium, as all security features are included. Bear in mind that both platforms need proper management, and the cost of an IT partner is comparable for either.

Which platform has better AI features: Copilot or Gemini?

Microsoft 365 Copilot (an extra €21 per user per month) is currently more mature for business use. It integrates deeply with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams. Google Gemini is newer and still being developed for Workspace. For SMEs that want to use AI now, Microsoft Copilot is the safer choice.

Can we use Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace side by side?

It's technically possible, but not recommended. It leads to confusion, double costs and security risks. Choose one platform and standardise on it. If you have Google Workspace but need Microsoft apps, consider migrating to Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace

Which cloud platform is the best fit for your business? Discover the differences in features, pricing, security and compliance. An objective comparison to help you make the right choice.

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Key Takeaways

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the stronger choice for NIS2 compliance and security
Desktop apps (Word, Excel) work offline - Google is fully browser-based
Similar pricing - Microsoft offers more value in the Premium tier
Microsoft Copilot is more mature than Google Gemini for business use

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

How do Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace score on the criteria that matter most to SMEs?

Category	Microsoft 365	Google Workspace
Email & Calendar	Outlook Powerful email with advanced features and excellent calendar integration	Gmail User-friendly with strong search, but fewer business features
Document Editing	Word, Excel, PowerPoint The industry standard, fully offline, with every advanced feature	Docs, Sheets, Slides Solid basics and real-time collaboration, but more limited features
Cloud Storage	OneDrive (1TB) 1TB per user, seamless Windows integration	Google Drive (30GB-5TB) Depends on the plan, strong sharing features
Video Conferencing	Microsoft Teams Up to 300 participants, full integration, recording	Google Meet Simple and browser-based, with fewer features
Security	Microsoft Defender Enterprise-grade, Conditional Access, MFA, DLP	Google Security Solid basics, fewer advanced options for SMEs
Compliance (NIS2/GDPR)	Compliance Center Extensive compliance tools, audit logs, eDiscovery	Admin Console Basic compliance, less comprehensive for EU regulations
Integrations	Power Platform Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps, Copilot	Google Workspace AppSheet, Looker, fewer business integrations
Working Offline	Desktop apps Full offline functionality with the desktop apps	Chrome extension Limited offline mode, depends on the browser

Pricing Comparison

Monthly cost per user (billed annually)

Basic

Business Basic€5.60

Web apps
1TB OneDrive
Teams
Exchange Online

Business Starter€5.75

Web apps
30GB Drive
Meet (100)
Gmail

Standard

Business Standard€11.70

Desktop apps
1TB OneDrive
Webinars
Clipchamp

Business Standard€11.50

Web apps
2TB Drive
Meet (150)
Recording

Premium

Business Premium€20.60

Everything + Defender
Intune
Azure AD P1
DLP

Business Plus€17.25

Web apps
5TB Drive
Meet (500)
eDiscovery

Our Recommendation

Choose Microsoft 365 if:

You need advanced Excel or Word features
Security and NIS2 compliance are a priority
You want to be able to work offline
You want to manage Windows devices centrally
You want to use AI (Copilot) to boost productivity

Choose Google Workspace if:

You want to work fully cloud-native
Your team mainly uses Chromebooks
Simplicity matters more than features
You don't have complex compliance requirements
You're already heavily invested in the Google ecosystem

TRON Group's advice: For most Dutch SMEs, we recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Its combination of powerful apps, extensive security and compliance tools offers the best value.

We're a Microsoft 365 specialist and help with implementation, migration and management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace

Need help choosing?

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