Google Workspace Enterprise Plus vs Standard: Which Is Best?
Choosing the right Google Workspace plan can feel overwhelming. With options like Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Standard available, understanding the differences is key to making an informed decision. This comparison will break down everything you need to know.
Are you a large enterprise seeking advanced features, or a smaller business looking for a cost-effective solution? The answer impacts which plan is right for you. We’ll delve into the features, pricing, and benefits of both Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Standard.
This guide aims to provide clarity. We’ll explore the nuances of each plan, helping you determine whether Google Workspace Enterprise Plus’s premium capabilities or Google Workspace Standard’s streamlined approach aligns best with your needs. Get ready to discover the ideal fit for your organization!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Enterprise Plus | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Video Meetings Max Participants | 500 | 150 |
| Cloud Storage per User | Unlimited (with conditions) | 30 GB |
| eDiscovery | Yes | No |
| Data Loss Prevention (DLP) | Yes | No |
| S/MIME Encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Google Vault | Yes | No |
| Advanced Endpoint Management | Yes | No |
| Custom Email Addresses | Yes | Yes |
| Shared Drives | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Premium Support | Standard Support |
| AppSheet | Included | Included |
| Number of Google Sites | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Storage
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Offers unlimited storage or 5TB per user if fewer than 5 users. This provides ample space for large files and extensive data storage, ideal for organizations with significant storage needs. However, the unlimited storage is subject to fair use policies.
- Standard: Provides 30GB of storage per user. This is suitable for basic storage needs but can become restrictive for users who frequently work with large files or require extensive data archiving.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Video Conferencing (Meet) Features
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Includes advanced Meet features like in-meeting noise cancellation, attendance tracking, and live streaming to up to 100,000 viewers. Provides enhanced features for larger meetings and webinars, offering a more professional and interactive experience.
- Standard: Offers standard Meet features, including screen sharing, chat, and up to 150 participants. This is suitable for basic video conferencing needs but lacks the advanced features of the Enterprise Plus plan.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Security & Compliance
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Provides robust security features, including advanced data loss prevention (DLP), eDiscovery, and Vault for data retention and legal holds. Offers the highest level of security and compliance capabilities, crucial for regulated industries.
- Standard: Includes standard security features such as two-factor authentication and basic DLP. Provides a good level of security but lacks the advanced features of the Enterprise Plus plan.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Support
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Offers premium support, including 24/7 phone and chat support, with faster response times and dedicated account management. This ensures quick resolution of issues and personalized assistance.
- Standard: Provides standard support, which includes email and chat support during business hours. Support can be slower to respond, and dedicated account management is not included.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Offers advanced DLP features, allowing for customized policies to prevent sensitive data from leaving the organization. Provides granular control over data security.
- Standard: Includes basic DLP capabilities, which offers a more limited set of predefined rules and less customization.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Archiving and eDiscovery
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Includes Google Vault for archiving, eDiscovery, and legal holds. This allows organizations to retain data for compliance and legal requirements.
- Standard: Does not include Google Vault, limiting the ability to archive and manage data for compliance.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Business Intelligence (BI) Tools
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: May include access to more advanced BI tools and integrations. This enables deeper insights and analytics.
- Standard: Typically has access to standard BI tools.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Customization and Branding
- Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Often offers more customization options for branding and user experience.
- Standard: Provides standard branding capabilities.
- Winner: Enterprise Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Security | Enterprise Plus |
| Storage | Enterprise Plus |
| Compliance | Enterprise Plus |
| Advanced Features | Enterprise Plus |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Standard |
| Collaboration | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Email: Both plans offer Gmail with custom domain email addresses, enabling professional communication.
- Calendar: Both include Google Calendar for scheduling meetings, managing appointments, and sharing calendars with colleagues.
- Drive: Both provide access to Google Drive for cloud storage and file sharing, allowing users to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Meet: Both have access to Google Meet for video conferencing, facilitating remote collaboration and communication.
- Docs, Sheets, and Slides: Both include the core Google Workspace apps for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Mobile Apps: Both plans offer mobile apps for accessing Google Workspace features on smartphones and tablets.
Google Workspace Enterprise Plus Vs Standard Buying Guide
Understanding Your Needs
Before choosing between Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Standard, carefully assess your organization’s needs. Consider factors like company size, data security requirements, and the importance of advanced features. Enterprise Plus is geared towards large enterprises with complex needs, while Standard suits smaller to medium-sized businesses with simpler requirements. Evaluate your current communication, collaboration, and storage needs. Think about how many users you need to support and the volume of data you’ll be handling. This initial assessment helps narrow down the optimal solution.
Feature Comparison: Communication and Collaboration
Enterprise Plus offers advanced features like enhanced Meet capabilities with noise cancellation and recording transcripts, and eDiscovery for compliance. Standard provides core services like Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and Chat, but with fewer advanced functionalities. Consider if features like live streaming for larger audiences, custom branding for Meet, and advanced data loss prevention (DLP) are essential to your workflow. Enterprise Plus also has enhanced support and more customization options for collaboration. Standard offers solid collaboration tools but lacks some of the advanced features.
Feature Comparison: Storage and Data Security
Data security is a critical factor. Enterprise Plus provides enhanced security features like data loss prevention (DLP) for Drive and Gmail, Vault for data retention and eDiscovery, and advanced access controls. Standard offers core security features, but with limited DLP and eDiscovery capabilities. Enterprise Plus also provides more storage per user. Consider the sensitivity of your data and the need for compliance with industry regulations. Evaluate whether you need features like custom encryption keys and advanced threat protection, which are more readily available with Enterprise Plus.
Feature Comparison: Administration and Control
Enterprise Plus gives administrators granular control over various aspects of the Google Workspace environment. This includes advanced mobile device management, enhanced reporting, and custom administrative roles. Standard provides essential administrative tools, but with less control and flexibility. Consider the need for in-depth insights into user activity, the ability to customize security policies, and the level of support needed from Google. Enterprise Plus offers more robust management capabilities, enabling administrators to tailor the platform to specific needs.
Cost Considerations and Budgeting
The pricing structure differs significantly. Enterprise Plus is a premium offering with a higher per-user cost. Standard is more affordable, making it a viable option for businesses with budget constraints. Evaluate your budget and consider the return on investment (ROI) for the additional features offered by Enterprise Plus. Determine whether the advanced features justify the higher cost. Consider factors like the number of users, storage needs, and the importance of advanced security and compliance features when making your decision. Make sure to compare the overall cost.
Scalability and Future Growth
Consider your organization’s potential for future growth. Enterprise Plus is designed to scale to accommodate large numbers of users and increasing data volumes. Standard also offers scalability, but its limitations might become apparent as your business expands. If you anticipate significant growth, Enterprise Plus provides a more future-proof solution. Think about the need for additional storage, advanced features, and increased support as your organization evolves. Enterprise Plus offers better scalability.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Enterprise Plus If…
- Your organization requires advanced security features like Data Loss Prevention and S/MIME encryption.
- You need unlimited cloud storage and advanced eDiscovery capabilities.
- Your company needs premium support and advanced endpoint management.
- You require the highest level of data protection and compliance features.
Buy Standard If…
- Your organization is a small to medium-sized business that does not require advanced security features.
- You need a cost-effective solution with ample storage for everyday tasks.
- You prioritize essential collaboration tools and features.
- Your organization doesn’t require advanced data governance and compliance tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Enterprise Plus and Standard?
The primary difference lies in the features and functionality. Enterprise Plus offers advanced security, compliance, and administrative controls, along with more storage and support, while Standard provides core features at a more affordable price point. Enterprise Plus caters towards larger businesses with complex needs, whereas Standard is suitable for smaller organizations.
Does Enterprise Plus offer better data security?
Yes, Enterprise Plus provides enhanced data security features. It includes advanced data loss prevention (DLP) for Drive and Gmail, Vault for data retention and eDiscovery, and more sophisticated access controls and threat protection. Standard offers core security features but with limited DLP and eDiscovery capabilities, making Enterprise Plus the superior choice for high-security environments.
Is Enterprise Plus more expensive than Standard?
Yes, Enterprise Plus is a premium offering with a higher per-user cost compared to Standard. The price difference reflects the additional features, enhanced security, and more comprehensive support provided by Enterprise Plus. Standard is more affordable and is a good option when budget is a major concern. Contact Google to get accurate pricing.
What are the key collaboration features in Enterprise Plus?
Enterprise Plus offers advanced collaboration features, including enhanced Meet capabilities with noise cancellation, live streaming for larger audiences, and recording transcripts. It also provides more customization options and integrated data loss prevention (DLP) to secure your data. Standard offers core collaboration features like Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and Chat.
Who should choose Enterprise Plus?
Enterprise Plus is best suited for large organizations with complex needs, stringent security requirements, and a need for advanced features and control. This includes organizations that require enhanced data loss prevention, advanced eDiscovery capabilities, and granular administrative controls. Businesses needing comprehensive features should choose Enterprise Plus.
What administrative tools are available in Enterprise Plus?
Enterprise Plus offers comprehensive administrative tools, including advanced mobile device management, enhanced reporting, and the ability to create custom administrative roles. This gives administrators granular control over the Google Workspace environment, allowing for tailored security policies and better insights into user activity. Standard offers more limited administrative controls.
Can I upgrade from Standard to Enterprise Plus?
Yes, you can upgrade from Google Workspace Standard to Enterprise Plus. Contact Google Workspace support or your reseller to initiate the upgrade process. You will need to review your current setup and ensure that your organization meets the requirements for Enterprise Plus. The upgrade allows you to access more features.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Standard depends on your organizational needs. Enterprise Plus provides advanced security, comprehensive features, and robust administrative controls, making it ideal for large enterprises with complex requirements. Standard offers a cost-effective solution with essential features for smaller to medium-sized businesses. Consider your budget, security needs, and scalability requirements to make the best decision for your team.
Winner: Google Workspace Enterprise Plus