COMPARISON From a provider that sells both

Google Workspace
vs Microsoft 365.

We sell both — Google Workspace here at gws.asia and Microsoft 365 through office365.my — so this is the comparison we give clients when they ask which one to choose.

QUICK ANSWER

Is Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 better for a Malaysian SME?

Google Workspace is usually better for teams that work in the browser, share files constantly and want simple administration; Microsoft 365 is better for teams that depend on desktop Excel, Word and Outlook. Both give you email at your own domain, cloud storage, video meetings and built-in AI, and both work well for Malaysian businesses.

What is the main difference between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365?

Google Workspace is cloud-first: everything runs in the browser and collaboration is the default. Microsoft 365 is desktop-first: it includes the full Office apps your staff may already know, with cloud features added on top. The right choice depends on how your team actually works.

How do Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 compare feature by feature?

On the Business Standard tier, Google Workspace gives more pooled storage and simpler real-time collaboration; Microsoft 365 gives full desktop Office apps and larger Teams meetings. Both include email at your domain and AI assistance, with Gemini fully built into Workspace apps.

Google Workspace Business StandardMicrosoft 365 Business Standard
EmailGmail at your domainOutlook / Exchange at your domain
Storage2 TB per user, pooled across the company50 GB mailbox + 1 TB OneDrive per user
Office appsDocs, Sheets, Slides in the browser; opens and edits Word, Excel and PowerPoint filesFull desktop Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, plus web and mobile
Real-time co-editingBuilt in from the start, works in any browserSupported; strongest when files live in OneDrive / SharePoint
Video meetingsGoogle Meet, up to 150 participants, with recordingMicrosoft Teams, up to 300 participants, with recording
Built-in AIGemini included in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, MeetCopilot Chat included; full Microsoft 365 Copilot in apps is a paid add-on
Learning curveLight — familiar if staff use GmailFamiliar to staff who grew up on Office
AdminOne simple Admin consoleMicrosoft 365 admin centre + Entra, more granular

For current prices, see our Google Workspace price guide and office365.my for Microsoft 365.

When should I choose Google Workspace?

Choose Google Workspace if your staff already use Gmail, work across phones and laptops, edit the same documents together, and you want an admin console a non-IT manager can run. It also suits teams that want Gemini built into everyday email and documents.

  • Sales, marketing, trading and service teams who live in email and shared files
  • Companies without a full-time IT person
  • Teams that want storage pooled across the company
  • Businesses moving off cPanel or free Gmail

When should I choose Microsoft 365?

Choose Microsoft 365 if your finance or engineering team relies on advanced desktop Excel, macros or Access, your clients send complex Word templates, or you already run Windows and Teams across the company. In those cases switching away can cost more than it saves.

  • Accounting teams with heavy Excel models and macros
  • Firms exchanging complex Word documents with clients
  • Companies standardised on Windows device management
💡Mixed team? Many SMEs run Google Workspace for everyone and buy the separate Microsoft 365 Apps desktop licence only for the few staff who need full Excel.

Can I switch from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace?

Yes. Email, contacts, calendars and OneDrive files can be moved from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace with Google's migration tools. Plan the switch around your Microsoft 365 renewal date so you don't pay for both longer than necessary.

See our step-by-step Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace migration guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can Google Workspace open Word and Excel files?

Yes. Google Docs, Sheets and Slides open, edit and save Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, and you can download any document back in Microsoft Office format.

Can I still use Outlook with Google Workspace?

Yes. Staff who prefer Outlook can connect it to Google Workspace using Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook, so email, calendar and contacts stay in sync.

Which is cheaper, Google Workspace or Microsoft 365?

Entry prices are similar. Google Workspace Business Starter is RM29.99 per user per month in Malaysia. The better value depends on whether you need desktop Office apps — if not, Google Workspace usually gives more storage for the money.

Do you sell both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365?

Yes. O2O eCommerce sells Google Workspace through gws.asia and Microsoft 365 through office365.my, so we can recommend whichever genuinely fits your team.

Written by

Dr. KG Lim · 林启源博士

Dr. KG Lim is co-founder and CMO of O2O eCommerce Sdn Bhd, the company behind gws.asia. A digital transformation consultant and corporate trainer with over 20 years in website development, e-commerce and business digitalisation, he holds a DBA, is a guest associate professor at PIUC, and has coached over 2,000 professionals and entrepreneurs.

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