Google Workspace pricing has changed a few times over the last few years. It’s not surprising. These days, the Workspace platform is more powerful than ever, featuring new productivity apps, access to the free version of Google Gemini, and even no-code tools.

When Google introduced its most recent price hike in February 2023, the 20% increase was only applicable to users purchasing new plans. In 2024, everyone (including existing enterprise users) will face the same pricing increase.

With that in mind, I created this guide to the current Workspace plans to help you understand the potential costs and choose the right subscription model for your team.

Google Workspace Pricing: The Features on All Plans

Google Workspace, previously known as G-Suite, is the all-in-one productivity suite that combines numerous Google apps into a single environment. It’s similar to Microsoft’s 365 collection of apps or the more recently introduced Zoom Workplace. Plans for the platform range from $6 to $18 per month, with custom pricing for enterprise customers.

Although each plan has its own unique benefits, all subscriptions come with access to a handful of critical Google tools, such as:

  • Gmail: With a custom business email and phishing/spam protection.
  • Google Meet: This includes varying limits on features, users, and meeting length.
  • Google Drive: For secure cloud storage.
  • Google Chat: For simple team-based messaging.
  • Google Calendar: With reservations and appointment booking on some plans.
  • Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides: For collaborative content creation.
  • Security and management features, Such as 2-step verification and group-based policy controls.

You’ll also get Google Keep, Forms, and Sites and access to the free version of Google Gemini, Google’s generative AI app. If you want to upgrade to the more advanced version of Gemini (Gemini Pro), you’ll need an add-on plan costing $19.99 per month.

Google Workspace Pricing Plans: Annual or Monthly?

Currently, there are four Google Workspace Pricing plans available, all of which have increased in cost by 20% since the start of 2023. However, you can still access the previous prices by purchasing Google’s subscription packages on an annual rather than monthly basis.

If your team relies on Google’s Workspace apps and features for everyday work, productivity, and collaboration, I’d recommend considering an annual plan. Paying yearly requires at least a one-year commitment (you can’t cancel for a refund); however, you’ll eliminate the price increases coming for all companies in 2024.

This means instead of paying $7.20 for a Business Starter plan for 12 months (adding up to $86.40 per year, per user), you’ll pay only $72 per year. It might not seem like a huge difference, but you basically get two months of your service for free.

Google Workspace Pricing Comparison

As mentioned above, you’ll have four “official” plans to choose from with Google Workspace, as well as a handful of other “specific” plans for certain industries, and add-ons. Plus, there’s a 14-day free trial available if you’re just getting started.

Let’s compare the options.

Business Starter

Pricing: $6 per month per user (annually), or $7.20 per month (monthly)

Business Starter is Google’s most basic Workspace plan, giving you access to all the features mentioned above, with a few limitations. You’ll get:

  • Gmail with a custom email address, no ads, and phishing and spam protection.
  • Google Meet for up to 100 users, and 24-hour meetings, with digital whiteboarding, and US or international dial-in numbers.
  • 30GB of storage per user on Google Drive.
  • Shared Calendars for your team with conference room booking.
  • Full Docs, Sheet, and Slide access (without custom branding)
  • Basic endpoint management and Google’s security features.

I’d recommend this plan for beginners and smaller companies, using Google Workspace for basic collaboration and everyday work.

Business Standard

Pricing: $12 per month per user (annually) or $14.40 per month (monthly)

The next step up in Google Workspace pricing (Business Standard) gives you all of the benefits of the Starter package, with a few added extras. For instance, you’ll have:

  • Access to Google Meet for up to 150 users, with noise-cancellation features, the option to save recordings to Google Drive, Polling, moderation controls, breakout rooms, and hand-raising features.
  • 2TB of storage per user on Google Drive, shared drives for Teams, and target audience sharing.
  • Google Chat with advanced chat rooms, threaded rooms, and guest access.
  • Appointment booking apps for Google Calendar.
  • Custom branding for document and form templates on Google’s productivity apps.
  • Google Workspace’s migration tool.

This is probably the base plan you’ll need for comprehensive online collaboration with hybrid teams, particularly if you need access to more meeting tools.

Business Plus

Pricing: $18 per month per user (annually) or $21.60 per month (monthly)

Business Plus is the most expensive Google Workspace Pricing plan before you upgrade to the “Enterprise” level. This plan features all of the capabilities of the previous plans, as well as:

  • Google Meet for up to 500 users, with attendance tracking capabilities.
  • 5TB of storage per user on Google Drive.
  • Advanced endpoint management for security.
  • Google Vault for retaining, archiving and searching through data, and secure LDAP.

There isn’t much difference between Google’s Business Standard and Business Plus plans. Usually, I’d recommend this plan for companies with bigger teams simply because you have more storage space and options for additional meeting attendees.

Enterprise

Pricing: Custom Quote

Unfortunately, there aren’t any specific Google Workspace pricing details available for Enterprise users online. That’s because you’re given a quote based on the features you need to access. This is the plan most likely to benefit much larger hybrid and collaborative teams.

Alongside all of the features from Business Plus, you also get:

  • Google Meet conferences for up to 1,000 users and in-domain live streaming.
  • Custom storage limits for Google Drive.
  • Enterprise-level “Connected Sheets.”
  • Enterprise-level endpoint management
  • Data Loss Prevention, Cloud Identity Access, Context aware access, Google’s Security Center, Custom data regions, S/MIME encryption and access transparency.

The biggest upgrades to Google Workspace Enterprise come from its advanced security tools and more customizable storage limits, making it ideal for larger companies.

Specific Pricing Plans and Add-Ons for Google Workspace

Like Microsoft, Google also offers a range of unique plans for “qualifying” organizations. Most of these plans require you to contact Google for a specific quote, but options include:

  • Google Workspace Frontline Editions: Specific solutions designed for frontline workers, with features similar to those offered by the Business Starter and Business Standard Pricing plans. You’ll also get more automated device management, eDiscovery features, and advanced security controls to help support frontline teams.
  • Google Workspace for Education and Nonprofits: The Google Workspace pricing plans for educational groups and nonprofits give you access to the same features as the plans above but at a discounted rate. There are also a few bonus features for the Education edition, such as the option to control access to services based on a user’s age.
  • Government Editions: Google’s Workspace packages for Government groups provide access to more advanced access and security controls to comply with the latest regulations. Prices are offered on a per-quote basis.

Alternatively, users can access some of the basic features of Google Workspace with an “Essentials” package. The Essentials Starter Edition plan is free for up to 100 users and includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Google Meet, and Chat for conferencing and event scheduling. However, there’s no access to email.

There are also two paid versions of the Essential plan, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus (both priced on a per-quote basis). These give you access to more storage features, meeting capabilities, and security controls for a custom price.

Google Workspace Pricing for Add-Ons

As mentioned above, some of the “extra” capabilities offered by Google are only available through a paid add-on subscription. For instance:

  • Gemini for Workspace: Google’s Gemini for Workspace add-on brings the Generative AI app into your Google apps (like Docs and Sheets). Plans start at $24 per month per user for the “Business” plan, with access to Gemini Ultra, or $36 per month per user for the Enterprise plan. The Enterprise plan gives you full access to the Gemini LLM and advanced meetings with translated captions in 15+ languages.
  • Google Meet Hardware: If you want to buy compatible hardware for your Google meetings, such as microphones and cameras, you can purchase endpoints directly from Google (for varying prices) or from third-party certified vendors.
  • Chrome Enterprise: The Google Chrome Enterprise offering provides the browser, OS, and devices companies need to work safely in the cloud. Upgrading costs around $50 per device per year, although the prices may vary depending on the reseller you choose.
  • Google Voice: To access VoIP capabilities with Google, you’ll need a Voice telephony subscription. Prices start at around $10 per month for up to 10 users on the Starter plan. There’s also the Standard plan for $16 per month (with unlimited users and locations) and the Premier plan for $24 per month per user, with advanced reporting.
  • Google AppSheet: The Google AppSheet platform allows users to build and create apps without code. You can access this feature for up to 10 users on any Google Workspace pricing plan for free. Alternatively, you can add more users for $5 per user per month.

There are also plenty of other Google solutions you can access alongside your Workplace subscription, such as extra Google Drive storage, and Google’s advanced security solutions, like AI classification and Assured Controls.

Choosing the Right Google Workspace Pricing Plan

Ultimately, the right Google Workspace Pricing plan for you will depend on your specific needs. Generally, I’d recommend the free Essentials plan for basic users and freelancers, and the “Starter” plan for full access to the Workspace apps for smaller teams.

As your business starts to grow, the Business Plus plan seems to offer a lot more value for money, especially for companies hosting a lot of hybrid meetings.

Whichever option you choose, definitely consider an annual payment plan rather than paying monthly if you’re going to be using the apps long-term. You can save a lot of cash with a yearly plan, particularly if you’re buying licenses for many users.

FAQs:

How much is Google Workspace in the UK?

Google Workspace pricing in the UK ranges from £5 per month for Business Starter, to £10 per month for Business Standard, and £15 per month for Business Plus (paid annually). There’s also an enterprise-level plan available for a custom quote.

Can you use Google Workspace for free?

You can access Google Workspace for free with the basic Google Workspace Essentials plan. However, this doesn’t include access to a professional Gmail address, and lacks some of the extra security and productivity features of paid plans.

Is there a Google Workspace for personal use?

Yes, Google offers a Google Workspace Individual plan, designed for a single user. You can access a 14-day free trial, however after that, you’ll need to upgrade to one of the paid plans, starting at $6 per month paid annually, or $7.20 per month (paid monthly).



from UC Today https://ift.tt/8yegsSL