For most funded startups selling to larger companies, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the simpler security choice. Google Workspace is still a good fit if your team already works there. Here is how to decide.
Key Takeaways
- Choose Microsoft 365 Business Premium if you run Windows, sell to enterprises, or want identity and device management in one license.
- Stay on Google Workspace if your team already works well there and you are happy to add device management separately.
- Don’t migrate just to answer a security questionnaire. The controls matter more than the platform.
The short answer
If you haven’t chosen yet and expect to sell to larger companies, we usually recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium. It includes identity controls, device management, and email protection in one license, which covers much of what a customer’s security review asks about.
If your company already runs on Docs and Gmail, stay there unless you have a specific reason to move. Migration costs real time, and you can meet the same security requirements on Google with some added tools.
One disclosure: Microsoft 365 is our main specialty. We also work in Google Workspace, and we’d rather tell you to stay on it than sell you a migration you don’t need.
How they compare
Editions and pricing change often, so confirm the details on each vendor’s site before you buy.
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | Google Workspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and access | Entra ID P1, including Conditional Access | Built-in SSO and 2-step verification. Context-aware access depends on edition. |
| Device management | Intune Plan 1 for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | Endpoint management built in, with more controls on higher editions and less depth on Windows. |
| Email protection | Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 | Gmail’s built-in filtering and protections |
| Everyday apps | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams | Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Meet |
| Best fit | Windows or mixed fleets, enterprise customers, regulated data | Browser-first teams, often on Macs, with simpler device needs |
When Microsoft 365 is the better choice
You run Windows laptops. Intune and Windows are designed to work together, including zero-touch setup through Windows Autopilot.
You sell to enterprises or regulated companies. Their security teams often know Microsoft’s controls well, and many of them will expect to exchange Word and Excel files with you.
You want fewer vendors. Business Premium includes identity, device management, and email protection, so there are fewer products to buy and connect.
When Google Workspace is the better choice
Your team already works well there. A migration interrupts everyone for a benefit they may never notice.
Your fleet is mostly Macs and work happens in the browser. You may be better served by a Mac-focused device manager. See our guide to the best MDM for startups.
You already have a separate identity provider. If SSO runs through another tool, you gain less from Microsoft’s bundle.
What matters either way
Customers and auditors check whether controls are working, not which logo is on your inbox. On either platform, you need these in place:
- MFA enforced for everyone, with stronger methods for admins
- Admin rights limited to the people who need them
- Every laptop managed and encrypted
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC at enforcement
- A repeatable offboarding process
- Limits on external file sharing