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Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: A 2025 Comparison for Businesses

Latest Update: July 2025 Google Workspace

Why NRG Digital stands by Google Workspace—and what our clients need to know


As a digital agency that supports over 100 clients across the UK with their websites and email, we know just how important it is for your day-to-day operations to run smoothly—especially when it comes to your inbox.

That’s why NRG Digital made the decision years ago to standardise client email setups on Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite). For most of our packages, your Workspace accounts are seamlessly included and fully managed by us—so you don’t have to worry about configuration, renewals, support, or updates.

But with a recent price increase by Google (from £6.00 to £7.00 per user per month), some of you may be wondering: is it still the right choice?

And how does it compare to alternatives like Microsoft 365?

Let’s take a closer look.


A Quick Overview of the Platforms

Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are both cloud-based productivity suites designed for businesses. They offer email hosting, document creation, file storage, calendars, collaboration tools, and video conferencing.

Feature Google Workspace Microsoft 365
Email Gmail Outlook
Word Processing Google Docs Microsoft Word
Spreadsheets Google Sheets Microsoft Excel
Storage Google Drive OneDrive
Video Conferencing Google Meet Microsoft Teams
Calendar Google Calendar Outlook Calendar

Why We Use Google Workspace

At NRG Digital, we’re not just recommending Workspace—we’re using it ourselves across our team.

Here’s why we believe it’s the right platform for most small-to-medium UK businesses:

Unmatched Simplicity & Usability

Google’s interface is clean, modern, and intuitive. Whether you're scheduling a calendar invite, writing a document, or sharing a folder—everything works together without unnecessary friction.

It’s ideal for teams who want to:

Seamless Collaboration

Google was built for collaboration. Multiple users can edit documents at the same time, leave comments, and chat live—without needing to send attachments back and forth.

If you’re tired of hearing "Which version is the latest?"... Workspace solves that.

Gmail: The World’s Leading Email Platform

Gmail has consistently ranked as the top business email client globally for over a decade. It's fast, secure, and integrates natively with the other tools you’re likely using, including:

Many of your customers already use Gmail personally—so your emails are more likely to be delivered smoothly and consistently.

Mobile Friendly by Default

Workspace apps are lightweight, fast, and built for mobile. Whether you’re replying to emails on the train or checking a shared doc on your phone, the mobile experience is streamlined and reliable.

Security You Can Trust

With two-factor authentication (2FA), regular updates, encrypted storage, and Google’s robust infrastructure, Workspace is one of the most secure options available today.

For clients on managed hosting plans, we ensure that these security features are enabled by default and monitored regularly.


The Microsoft 365 Comparison

Microsoft 365 has its strengths—particularly for businesses heavily reliant on the Microsoft Office desktop apps.

If you use Excel for complex macros or require access to advanced formatting in Word, 365 might be more familiar.

However, it can sometimes feel heavier and more “locked-in” than Workspace. Many clients find the Outlook web interface dated and harder to navigate, while Teams—although powerful—often overlaps awkwardly with Outlook and OneDrive in confusing ways.

You also need to download and install software in many cases, whereas Workspace runs entirely in the cloud.

For that reason, many modern businesses (especially service-based and remote-first teams) are now migrating to Google Workspace for simplicity, speed, and flexibility.


Pricing Update – July 2025

From July 2025, Google has increased the price of Workspace in the UK from £6.00 to £7.00 per user, per month.

For our clients, this only affects additional email addresses outside of your standard package. If you’ve got one or two team members using emails under your monthly retainer, you don’t need to do anything—we’ve got it covered.

However, if you’re thinking about adding more team members or aliases (like info@, bookings@, etc.), please note that these may incur an extra £7.00/month charge.

We’ll always check with you first and confirm anything before it’s added to your bill.


Included in Your Website Package

Most of our Platinum and Enterprise clients already have Google Workspace built into their monthly plan. We manage the entire process:

✅ Setup of your email addresses
✅ Domain-level DNS integration
✅ Spam protection and deliverability tuning
✅ Ongoing support if you forget a password, lose access, or need help on your phone
✅ Mobile and desktop syncing
✅ Out-of-office setup for holidays (see Summer Tips!)

This is why you’ve probably never had to think about your email once—it just works.


Great Features You Might Not Be Using Yet

Did you know that Google Workspace includes:

And thanks to AI improvements in 2025, Gmail’s Smart Compose and email summarisation features are more powerful than ever.

If you're not using these features, let us know—we can help set them up for you as part of your support package.


Need to Add a New Email Account?

Just email us with the name and purpose (e.g. bookings@yourdomain.co.uk for a new staff member) and we’ll take care of the rest.

If your current plan includes additional accounts, there’s no charge. If not, we’ll let you know and simply add the £7.00 per month to your standing order—no hidden fees or admin headaches.


Summary – Why We’re Sticking with Google Workspace

At NRG Digital, our job is to make your digital tools work for you—not against you.

Google Workspace continues to be our top choice for:

And we’re proud to offer it as part of our fully managed web hosting and support service.

No fiddly settings. No complex jargon. Just fast, professional, modern email that helps you get on with running your business.


📩 Got questions about Workspace or want a walkthrough of features?
We’re here to help. Just reply to this email or give us a ring.

Let’s make sure you’re getting the most out of the tools you already have.

1. Email Solutions for Modern Businesses:

Google Workspace
We pride ourselves on furnishing local businesses with dependable and cost-effective email client services.


Our platform of choice is Google Workspace (formerly Google GSuite), a robust and time-tested solution. This standard inclusion in each of our website packages ensures our clients benefit from a seamless, professional email experience.


Instead of a generic (home / personal) email address, businesses can elevate their brand identity with custom email addresses, such as johnsmith@yourbusiness.co.uk, aligning with their domain for enhanced credibility.

2. Features and Advantages:

The Google Workspace Business Starter package is packed with features tailored for the needs of UK businesses. With 30GB of cloud storage per user, companies never have to fret about storage limits. Collaboration is at the heart of this package, with tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides allowing real-time teamwork. Video conferencing via Google Meet ensures seamless communication, while advanced security measures, from encryption to two-factor authentication, offer peace of mind. Most importantly, our package promises affordability without compromising on quality, providing businesses with unmatched value.

3. Seamless Integration and Support:

Our expertise goes beyond merely providing an email solution; we integrate your email with your website domain, facilitating a unified digital presence. This integration projects a polished, professional image, distancing your brand from generic home internet providers. Recognising the pivotal role of email in modern businesses, we also offer comprehensive 9-5 support, assisting clients with any challenges they might face. When you collaborate with us, not only do you get a great new website but also a smooth email setup and consistent support, underlining our commitment to your business's growth.
Basically come to us to discuss your website and we will ensure a smooth set up or transfer of your email accounts.
Moving forward we offer 9-5 support to help clients with any issues they may have.



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