Zoho Workplace or Google Workspace? The 2025 Guide for SMEs

It’s Monday morning, and your team is scattered across different locations. Emails are piling up, deadlines are looming, and collaboration feels like herding cats. Sound familiar? Enter Zoho Workplace and Google Workspace, two of the biggest names in the productivity game. Both promise to boost collaboration and keep your team connected. But which one truly delivers? Is it Zoho, with its affordability and customisation, or Google, with its sleek interface and deep ecosystem integration? Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

At A2Z Cloud, we’re proud to be a Zoho Premium Partner, but we’re also firm believers in giving you the full picture. So, let’s dive into a detailed, unbiased comparison of Zoho Workplace and Google Workspace. Whether you’re a tech-savvy startup or a growing SME, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

The battle of the Titans

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. Both Zoho Workplace and Google Workspace are cloud-based productivity suites that offer email, document editing, cloud storage, and collaboration tools. They’re designed to help teams work smarter, not harder. But while they share many similarities, there are some key differences that could sway your decision.

Where they shine together

First, let’s talk about what these platforms have in common. After all, they’re both leaders in the productivity space for a reason.

Core Productivity Tools

Both suites offer email, calendar, document editing (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations), and cloud storage. Whether you’re drafting a report in Zoho Writer or Google Docs, you’re covered.

Real-time Collaboration

Need to work on a project with your team? Both platforms allow multiple users to edit documents simultaneously, leave comments, and track changes.

Cloud-based flexibility

Access your files and tools from anywhere, on any device. All your data is stored securely in the cloud, so you’re never tied to a single location.

Mobile apps

On the go? Both Zoho and Google offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, so you can stay productive no matter where you are.

Security

Both platforms take security seriously, offering features like encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and compliance with global standards like GDPR and HIPAA.

Third-party integrations

Whether you’re using Slack, Trello, or Salesforce, both platforms support integrations with popular business tools.

Where they diverge

Now, let’s get into the meat of the matter. While Zoho Workplace and Google Workspace share many features, they each have unique strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand where they stand apart:

Pricing – what’s the damage?

Let’s talk numbers. Pricing is often a deciding factor for SMEs, so here’s a breakdown of what you can expect as of January 2025.

Zoho Workplace Pricing

• Free Plan: Limited features, up to 5 users, 5GB storage, web access only. 
• Standard Plan: £2.40/user/month (billed annually) – Includes 30GB Mail storage, Zoho Mail, and basic productivity apps.
• Professional Plan: £4.80/user/month (billed annually) – Includes 100GB Mail storage, advanced email features, and more customisation.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing. 

Google Workspace Pricing

• Business Starter: £5.90/user/month (billed annually) – Includes 30GB storage, Gmail, and basic productivity tools.
• Business Standard: £11.80/user/month (billed annually) – Includes 2TB storage, advanced Google Meet features, and more.
• Business Plus: £18.40/user/month (billed annually) – Includes 5TB storage, enhanced security, and eDiscovery.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing – Includes unlimited storage, advanced controls, and 24/7 support.

Key Takeaway: Zoho Workplace is generally more affordable, especially for businesses needing more storage at lower price points. Google Workspace is more expensive but offers deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem.

Integration possibilites

Both platforms offer quality integration options, but they cater to different ecosystems.

Zoho Workplace: If you’re already using Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, or Zoho Books, the integration is great. Zoho also supports third-party integrations with tools like Slack, Microsoft Office, and Zapier.

Google Workspace: If you’re deep in the Google ecosystem (think Google Ads, Google Analytics, YouTube), Google Workspace will feel like a natural extension. It also integrates with popular tools like Salesforce, Trello, and Asana.

The verdict – which platform should you choose? 

So, which platform is right for your SME? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose Zoho Workplace if:

• You want a cost-effective solution with strong customisation and integration with Zoho’s ecosystem.
• Privacy-focused email and more storage at lower prices are important.
• You’re looking for a highly customisable platform that can adapt to your specific workflow needs.

Choose Google Workspace if:

• You prioritise ease of use, advanced AI features, and integration with Google’s ecosystem.
• Your team relies heavily on Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Meet.
• You’re willing to pay a premium for a more polished, user-friendly experience.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, both Zoho Workplace and Google Workspace are excellent choices for SMEs. Your decision will ultimately come down to your specific needs, budget, and existing tech stack. If you’re still on the fence, why not take advantage of free trials or demos? Both platforms offer a chance to test-drive their features before committing.

At A2Z Cloud, we’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your business. Whether you choose Zoho Workplace, Google Workspace, or another platform entirely, we’re committed to providing unbiased, expert advice to help your business succeed.