Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace both give a business email, file storage, video meetings and document apps for a monthly per-user fee. Microsoft 365 wins for businesses that rely on desktop Office apps and Windows; Google Workspace wins for teams that live in the browser and value simplicity.
Where Microsoft 365 is stronger
- Full desktop Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook) – important if you use complex spreadsheets or documents
- Deep Windows and Active Directory integration
- More granular security and compliance controls, especially on Business Premium
- The default in most Canadian professional firms – clients expect Office file formats
Where Google Workspace is stronger
- Simpler to administer – less to configure and maintain
- Real-time collaboration was built in from the start
- Generous, straightforward storage
- Often a lower learning curve for a small team
Price
Entry plans are similar (a few dollars per user per month); the gap opens at the security tiers – Microsoft 365 Business Premium costs more but bundles device management and advanced security that would be add-ons elsewhere. See Microsoft 365 licensing.
Our default
For most Edmonton small businesses – especially professional firms – we recommend Microsoft 365, usually Business Premium, for the security and device management. Google Workspace is a good fit for browser-first teams with simpler needs. We will make the call based on how you actually work, as part of our cloud services.
Need help with Microsoft 365? See our cloud services or talk to our Edmonton team.
Microsoft 365 guides
- Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365 licensing explained
- What you get with Business Premium
- OneDrive vs SharePoint vs Teams files
- Microsoft 365 security checklist
- Is Microsoft 365 backed up?
- Migrating email to Microsoft 365
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 later?
Yes – email, files and calendars migrate. It takes planning and a migration window, so it is better to choose well up front, but it is not a lock-in.
Is Microsoft 365 more secure than Google Workspace?
Both are secure platforms. Microsoft 365 offers more built-in security and compliance tooling at the Business Premium tier; Google’s security is strong but some equivalent controls are add-ons or enterprise-tier.
Which is cheaper?
Entry tiers are comparable. Microsoft 365 Business Premium costs more per user but includes device management and advanced security that reduce the need for separate products.
How does Scandifix help?
We recommend the platform and plan based on how your team works, handle the migration, and manage it afterwards.