Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: Which Should a Small Business Choose?

The question behind the question

Small business owners asking "Google or Microsoft?" are usually really asking one of three things:

1"We're starting fresh - which platform should we build on?"

2"We're on one platform and it's not working - should we switch?"

3"Our team uses a mix of both - should we consolidate?"

This article answers all three. The honest summary: for most small businesses in Israel and across Europe, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the better fit - but Google Workspace is a genuinely good choice in specific situations, and a hybrid approach sometimes makes sense.

The feature comparison

When Google Workspace is the right answer

Your team is primarily on Macs and already uses Google Drive/Docs for everything

You're under 10 people and want the simplest possible setup

Real-time collaborative document editing is your primary workflow

You don't need device management - everyone uses personal or company-managed devices through a different system

When Microsoft 365 is the right answer

Your team is primarily on Windows

You need device management (Intune is substantially more capable than Google's MDM at this)

You're in a regulated industry - finance, legal, healthcare, accounting - where Outlook and Excel are expected

You want a single platform for email, security, device management, and backup (with Acronis added)

You need advanced email security (Defender for Office 365 is a level above Google's filtering)

The device management difference

This is the most important practical difference for small businesses: Microsoft Intune is significantly more capable than Google's MDM for managing Windows devices.

If your team is on Windows and you need to enforce encryption, push software, manage updates, or configure security policies remotely, M365 Business Premium with Intune is the clear choice. Google's MDM works well for Android and has reasonable Mac support, but Windows management via Google is limited.

The hybrid approach

Some businesses use M365 for security and device management while keeping Google Workspace for specific workflows (e.g., a design team that lives in Google Slides). This works, but it adds cost (you're paying for both platforms) and complexity (two admin consoles, two identity systems to manage). Standardise on one platform unless you have a specific reason not to.

Migrating from one to the other

Switching platforms is disruptive but manageable. A 10-person migration typically takes 3-4 weeks and costs €1,500-€5,000 in provider fees, depending on how much historical data needs migrating. The time to switch is before you grow, not after.