Feature comparison: Google Workspace for Education and Office 365 Education
Get to grips with how these digital education platforms can solve your remote learning problems, so you can make an informed decision about which to go for. If you've got one of these already, remind yourself what it can do and how else you might use it.
No matter which platform you choose, you won't have to compromise on your pupils' education or sense of community. You're able to upload video lessons, set work and provide feedback so pupils can continue learning while they're self-isolating.
Here's a breakdown of how Google and Microsoft each help you to create a virtual school that mimics real-life schooling, as closely as possible. Where there are differences in what each platform can do, we make it clear.
Note: Google's platform has been renamed 'Google Workspace for Education'; previously it was 'G-Suite for Education'. It's also added different versions to choose from, with additional features to its free package. You can compare the different versions here. We also outline below where there are limitations on a feature in the free version.
Comparison: Google Workspace for Education and Office 365 Education
I want to... |
Google's solution | Microsoft's solution |
Assign and receive work |
Google Classroom Staff and pupils can log in on a computer, tablet or mobile device (using the Google Classroom app). Pupils complete tasks in Google Classroom using tools like Google Docs and Google Sheets. Staff can check for plagiarism in pupils' work using originality reports (unlimited use of this feature only with upgraded versions). Here's what Google Classroom looks like in action. |
Microsoft Teams Staff and pupils can log in on a computer, tablet or mobile device (using the Microsoft Teams app). Pupils complete tasks in Office 365 using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Class Notebook and so on. Take a look at the Teams interactive classroom demo. |
Communicate with staff |
Google Meet Google Chat Google Classroom |
Teams Meetings Teams Chat |
Communicate with pupils |
Google Classroom Use interactive tools like polling, breakout rooms and attendance tracking (only included in upgraded versions). |
Class Teams Give pupils feedback on any work they've handed in. Respond to pupils either in group conversations or 1-to-1 messages. Use interactive tools like polling, breakout rooms and attendance tracking. |
Communicate with parents | Google Classroom Set up automatic email digests to parents. These can be daily or weekly, and summarise class activity and work that's due or overdue. |
Teams Schedule a parent-teacher conference or create a Team with guest access for parents to share announcements. |
Enable collaboration between pupils |
Google Classroom Google Meet Jamboard |
Class Teams Teams Chat Class Notebook Teams Whiteboard |
Teach remotely | Google Meet Deliver a lesson to pupils, and save a recording so pupils can watch (or re-watch) later.* Google Classroom Upload videos you've recorded (e.g. on a mobile phone) to Google Drive or YouTube. When you set a task, you can attach the video for pupils to watch alongside any written instructions. |
Microsoft Stream Live-stream a lesson to pupils, and record it for pupils to watch later, with a transcript for full accessibility. |
Test pupils' learning |
Google Classroom Make template mark schemes (called 'rubrics') to speed up marking on any task. Google Forms |
Class Teams Make rubric templates to speed up marking on any task. Microsoft Forms |
Store resources for pupils and staff | Google Drive 100 TB cloud storage space for worksheets, videos, and any other resources you need. Link resources to assignments in Google Classroom. |
Microsoft Teams and Sharepoint Online OneDrive |
Safeguard pupils |
Google Workspace for Education Set up calls so pupils can't re-join the call once it's ended, and pupils and staff can only join if the teacher has invited them. |
Office 365 Education Teams Meeting Record all group calls so you have an audit trail in case of safeguarding concerns (you can record 1-to-1 calls with Meet Now). Teams Chat |
Comply with subject access requests under the GDPR | Google Vault and Google Drive audit log Search for and export data on a staff member or pupil. |
Microsoft eDiscovery content search Search for and export data on a staff member or pupil. |
*After 9 January 2022, the recording feature will only be included in the upgraded versions of Google Workspace for Education.
For more information, take a look at what Google and Microsoft say about their platforms.
What to read next
Or, apply directly for DfE-funded support with setting up Google Workspace for Education or Office 365 Education via our digital education platform hub.
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- G Suite for Education: instructions for pupils, parents and staff
- How 4 primary schools are making excellent use of G Suite for Education or Office 365 Education
- How 4 secondary schools are making excellent use of G Suite for Education or Office 365 Education
- How to deliver live lessons to pupils learning from home and in school
- How to track the quality of your remote learning: strategies and templates