Google Workspace
Google Workspace is Google's office suite: Gmail with a custom domain, Drive, Docs, Meet, and Calendar, all in one subscription per user.
Google Workspace is Google's subscription-based office suite: Gmail with a custom domain, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and the Admin console all in one package. It's the direct alternative to Microsoft 365 and the standard choice for startups.
You set up the domain once, and after that, email, calendar, storage, and video calls run from a single system; employees are managed via the Admin console. Its strength lies in browser-centric collaboration, especially for distributed teams. The Business Starter plan costs around 7 Euros per user per month with 30 GB of storage.
Microsoft 365 offers more powerful desktop applications with Word, Excel, and Teams, and is more widespread in German companies; Workspace is leaner and easier to manage. However, switching back is painful: email, files, and processes quickly become entirely tied to Google.
Ideal for startups, agencies, and SMEs without legacy Microsoft dependencies. Those with Excel power users, Access databases, or Windows server structures should stick with Microsoft 365. Operating both systems in parallel is rarely beneficial.
Functions
- A complete, integrated office environment, right in your browser
- Business Starter from around 7 Euros per user per month with 30 GB storage
- Administration that's noticeably simpler than Microsoft 365
- 99.9% availability commitment for Gmail
- Vault, Endpoint Management, and audit features in higher plans
Core Functions
- Gmail with your custom domain and central user management
- Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms for files and collaboration
- Meet and Chat for video conferencing and team communication
- Admin Console with device management and security policies
- Gemini AI across Gmail, Docs, and Meet
Alternatives to
Google Workspace
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a work management platform with a spreadsheet-style interface that combines familiar tables with powerful automation.
Wrike
Wrike is a work management platform designed for mid-sized and large teams, with a focus on marketing and professional services.
Trello
Trello is a simple Kanban board from Atlassian: just drag and drop cards across lists, get up and running in minutes, and use it for free.
monday.com
monday.com is a colorful Work OS toolkit that lets teams manage projects, processes, and tasks on vibrant boards.