Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace for Adelaide businesses
It's one of the most common questions we get from Adelaide businesses: should we go with Microsoft or Google? Both are solid platforms, but the right choice depends on how your team works, what tools you already use, and what you actually need day to day.
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The short answer
If your team lives in Excel, works with enterprise clients, or needs deep integration with Windows tools, Microsoft 365 is usually the better fit. If you're a smaller, cloud-first team that values simplicity and real-time collaboration in the browser, Google Workspace does the job well and costs a bit less. Neither is a bad choice, but picking the wrong one means your team fights the tools instead of using them.
What to consider
Pricing
Both start around $7 to $10 per user per month. Microsoft gives you more storage at the entry level, while Google keeps things simpler with fewer plan tiers.
Email & calendar
Outlook is more powerful for complex scheduling and shared mailboxes; Gmail is cleaner and easier to pick up without training.
File storage
OneDrive and SharePoint suit businesses that need structured file libraries; Google Drive is simpler but less organised at scale.
Desktop apps
Microsoft 365 includes full desktop versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Google's equivalents are browser-only and lighter weight.
Collaboration
Google Docs still edges ahead for real-time co-editing in the browser, though Microsoft has closed the gap with its web apps.
AI features
Microsoft's Copilot and Google's Gemini both offer AI assistance. Copilot is available as an add-on from $21/user/month for small business plans.
Who this guide is for
- Business owners choosing a platform for the first time or switching from an old setup.
- Teams already on one platform wondering if the other would suit them better.
- Businesses growing and needing to standardise on one system across the team.
- Anyone tired of conflicting advice and just wanting a straight answer.
What to do next
- List what your team actually uses. If no one touches Excel beyond basic lists, you probably don't need full Microsoft.
- Check what your clients use. If you're constantly swapping Word docs with enterprise clients, Microsoft avoids formatting headaches.
- Think about email needs. Shared mailboxes, room booking and complex calendars point to Outlook; simple email points to Gmail.
- Factor in the rest of your stack. If you're already on Windows PCs with Active Directory or Entra, Microsoft slots in more naturally.
- Talk to someone who sets up both. We work with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace daily and can give you an honest recommendation based on your setup.
How WaTo can help
- We set up and manage both platforms, so we've got no bias towards one or the other.
- We'll look at your current setup and recommend what actually fits, not what has the biggest commission.
- We handle the full migration (email, files, contacts) without losing anything or disrupting your day.
- Licensing sorted properly so you're not overpaying for features nobody uses.
- Ongoing support from a real person in Adelaide, not a ticket queue overseas.
Related questions
Can we switch from one to the other later?
Yes, but it's a proper migration: email, files and habits all need to move. It's worth getting the choice right upfront, but it's not a life sentence if things change.
Is Microsoft 365 more secure than Google Workspace?
Both offer strong security when configured properly. The difference is usually in how well it's set up, not the platform itself. MFA, proper admin controls and email filtering matter more than the brand name.
What about the free versions of Google apps?
Free Gmail and Google Docs are fine for personal use, but for a business you need your own domain, admin controls, proper storage and support. That's what Workspace provides.
Do we need to buy hardware to use either one?
No. Both work on the computers you've already got: Windows, Mac, tablets and phones. Microsoft's desktop apps are a bonus, but the web versions work on anything with a browser.
How WaTo can help with this
Still not sure?
Give us a call or send a message. We'll have a quick look at how your team works and tell you straight which platform makes more sense. No obligation, and we won't give you a sales pitch.
Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
