Microsoft and Google both offer productivity software and services to help individuals and businesses get through meetings and save important files. In addition, you can create project proposals, presentations and spreadsheets on desktop and Android phones. But if you’re not a business owner or entrepreneur looking to improve your productivity, one of their business plans maybe be overkill. So luckily, both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer plans tailored to a wider audience, perfect for anyone looking to boost productivity without overdoing it. But which one is best for you? Let’s find out.
Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365 for Home: Cross-platform accessibility
Cross-platform availability is one of the main factors when choosing a productivity suite. Microsoft has built-in Office 365 apps such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive, Teams and Outlook on the following platforms:
- Windows PC
- Mac
- Android
- iOS
- iPad
- Samsung smart screens such as the M7 and M8
- Web
Google Workspace offers cloud-based productivity apps on the desktop and has built-in mobile versions for Android, iPhone and iPad. In addition, the company’s cloud storage service, Google Drive, is available on Windows and Mac. Google Workspace subscribers must use web shortcuts or pin apps to access Docs, Sheets, and Slides with a single click.
Microsoft has native desktop versions of Word (word processing software), PowerPoint and Excel on Windows and Mac. Linux and ChromeOS users must rely on the Office 365 web or mobile apps to view and edit files. You can easily work offline in Microsoft Office apps, but Google Workspace apps only work offline in the Google Chrome browser.
Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365 for Home: Apps and services in every plan
Here’s every app and service you get with your Microsoft 365 for Home subscription:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- 1 TB of OneDrive storage
- Feature-rich Microsoft Teams
- Ad-free Microsoft Outlook
- Premium filters and effects in Clipchamp video editor
Google Workspace Individual unlocks the following enhancements to your Google Account:
- Google Docs (word option)
- Google Slides (PowerPoint alternative)
- Google Sheets (Excel alternative)
- Full-featured Google Meet (Teams option)
- Better Gmail Experience (Outlook Alternative)
You can always integrate third-party add-ons from the Google Workspace Marketplace to enhance your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Real-time collaboration and ease of use also remain superior in Google Workspace.
Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365 for Home: Email and calendar
Microsoft 365 for Home offers an ad-free email experience on Outlook for mobile and web. You can also use Outlook calendar, tasks and contacts to manage your tasks, reminder lists and workflow like a pro.
Google boosts Calendar and Gmail with useful additions in the Workspace Individual plan. For example, Google Calendar has an appointment booking system to easily set up and share appointment bookings and automate availability updates to avoid conflicts. Gmail unlocks professional-looking email templates for newsletters, marketing emails, and more. You can also run email campaigns to grow your business using multi-send. Gmail allows you to upload your own images and customize your branding with a specific logo and color.
Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365 for Home: Cloud storage
While Google Workspace easily beats Microsoft 365 with better email and calendar tools, Microsoft jumps right back in with ample OneDrive cloud storage for subscribers. The Microsoft 365 Personal plan comes with 1 TB of OneDrive file storage, which is shared between OneNote and Outlook email storage. The family plan sweetens the deal with up to 6 TB of storage (1 TB per person).
OneDrive cloud service also lets you generate password-protected file sharing links and add an expiration date for shareable links, and it has built-in ransomware detection and a personal vault to store important documents. Thanks to a new partnership between Samsung and Microsoft, OneDrive integrates seamlessly with the default Gallery app on Galaxy devices.
Google Workspace Individual also comes with 1 TB of Google Drive storage, so you. You can use Google Drive on any device, but it’s integrated into Android and ChromeOS, making it easy for automatic backups. You can also use Google Drive storage to upload high-quality photos and videos to the Google Photos service.
Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365 for Home: Video meetings
Video meetings are an important part of every entrepreneur’s daily routine. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace leave no stone unturned to deliver a smooth video calling experience. Google Workspace Individual subscribers can host group conversations for up to 24 hours. They can also record meetings to watch later, reduce background noise in real time and have productive discussions with polls, group rooms and more.
Video conferencing in Microsoft Teams (the company’s team collaboration tool) is just as good, if not better, than Google Meet. You can record brainstorming sessions, enable live captioning, use different backgrounds, create group rooms for better messaging and download a participant list.
Microsoft 365 for Home vs. Google Workspace Individual: Price
Microsoft 365 for Home has two plans to choose from. You can start with Microsoft 365 Personal for $7 per month or $70 per year. If you plan to share it with your team or family members, subscribe to Microsoft 365 Family for $10 per month or $100 per year. The family plan unlocks the same goodies and permissions for up to six users. As a limited offer, Microsoft is also bundling six free months of Uber One and a $25 discount on your first Uber East order.
Microsoft 365 for home users can also access premium filters and effects in the Clipchamp video editor on Windows. If you want collaboration tools like Microsoft Lists, Yammer, Forms, and Planner apps, enterprise-class email, enterprise apps like SharePoint, and Microsoft Bookings (to let clients book appointments), review the Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise plans. The company’s Business Basic, Business Standard, and Business Premium plans start at $6, $12.50, and $22 per user per month, respectively.
Google Workspace Individual pricing starts at $10 per month or $100 per year. Like Microsoft 365 Business, Google Workspace offers Business packages to allow multiple participants in video meetings, use custom and secure business emails (@gmail.com vs. @androidpolice.com), and advanced tools for security, authentication and administration. The Business Starter plan is priced at $6 per user per month. You can check details for other Google Workspace subscriptions like Business Standard and Business Plus from the official Google Workspace website.
The Google Workspace Individual subscription does not come with any Google Drive storage, as Google Workspace Individual’s premium features are compatible with Google One. Google One offers a variety of storage size options, with prices starting at $2 per month for 100GB of storage.
Your one-stop shop for productivity software
We recommend consumers try individual plans from Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 for Home. Both programs are great for personal use or for building a small business. Both software options are a great starting point, and as your business expands, you can always upgrade to higher plans to unlock more functionality. While you’re at it, try some of the best productivity apps on Android to stay on top of your tasks, files, and meetings.
