Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Gemini for Google Workspace for small businesses (2026)
Last updated October 18, 2026 · Prices and features change, so check the linked sources before you buy.
| Microsoft 365 Copilot Business | Gemini in Google Workspace | |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s sold | Add-on to Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard or Premium; up to 300 users [1][2] | Included in Workspace Business plans [3] |
| Price | $21/user/mo yearly; promo $18 for annual purchases through Dec 31, 2026; $25.20 monthly [1] | Starter $7, Standard $14, Plus $22 per user/mo (1-year plan) [3] |
| Bundles | Business Standard with Copilot $23.50; Business Premium with Copilot $32 (per user/mo, yearly) [1] | n/a (already included) |
| Where AI shows up | Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams [1] | Starter: Gemini in Gmail and the Gemini app. Standard and up: Docs, Meet and more, plus NotebookLM [4] |
What a 10-person team pays (list, annual)
| Setup | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Google Workspace Business Standard (Gemini included) | 10 × $14 = $140 |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard with Copilot (bundle) | 10 × $23.50 = $235 |
| Existing Microsoft 365 plan + Copilot Business add-on at $21 | Your current licences + 10 × $21 = +$210 ($180 at the 2026 promo) |
Switching suites to save on AI rarely pays off. Moving email, files and habits costs far more than the price gap. Run this comparison when you’re choosing a suite for the first time, or when a big renewal is coming up.
Choose Copilot if…
- Your team lives in Outlook, Excel and Teams.
- You want meeting recaps and email summaries where you already work, and the $21 add-on is worth it to you. Try it on a few heavy users before buying it for everyone.
Choose Gemini (Workspace) if…
- You’re on Gmail and Google Docs already. Check the AI you’re paying for before buying another tool.
- You’re setting up email for a new business and want AI included in the price.
Adoptly earns no commission from any tool on this page (as of October 18, 2026). Prices are US list prices from each vendor’s site on the date above unless we label them otherwise.
FAQ
Is Gemini free with Google Workspace?
Gemini is included in Google Workspace business plans at no extra charge. Business Starter includes Gemini in Gmail and the Gemini app, and Business Standard and higher add Gemini across Docs, Meet and more.
How much is Microsoft 365 Copilot for a small business?
Microsoft 365 Copilot Business is a $21 per user a month add-on, paid yearly, for organizations with up to 300 users. Microsoft is offering it at $18 for annual purchases through December 31, 2026. It needs an eligible Microsoft 365 Business plan.
Do I need Microsoft 365 to buy Copilot Business?
Yes. Copilot Business is an add-on for Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard or Premium. Microsoft also sells bundles: Business Standard with Copilot at $23.50 and Business Premium with Copilot at $32 per user a month, paid yearly.
Should I switch from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace to get cheaper AI?
Usually not. Migration time and retraining cost more than the price difference. Compare them when you first choose a suite or when a big renewal is due.
Sources
- Microsoft: Copilot plans and pricing for business (checked Oct 18, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Copilot Business FAQ
- Google Workspace pricing (checked Oct 18, 2026)
- Google Workspace for business (Gemini by edition)