Gmail vs Google Workspace
On privacy it's a tie. On price it's Gmail. On features it's Google Workspace. Here's everything side by side, last checked 22 October 2026.
Should you pick Gmail or Google Workspace?
- Go for Gmail if you'd like email without paying for it and to try it free first.
- Google Workspace is the better pick if you want email at your own domain name and more room (30 GB, against 15 GB).
| Feature | Gmail | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2.5 | 2.0 |
| Privacy | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Price | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Features | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Cheapest plan | Free (Google One 100 GB for more space) Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month | Business Starter £5.90 per user a month, yearly, ex VAT |
| Free plan | Yes, 15 GB shared with Drive | No |
| Storage | 15 GB | 30 GB |
| Your own domain | No | ✓ Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | No |
| Company based in | United States | United States |
| Your data is kept in | United States and worldwide | Choice of region only on Business Plus and above |
| Founded | 2004 | 2006 |
| Free trial | Free | 14 days free |
| Funded by advertising | Yes, or its parent company is | Yes, or its parent company is |
| Works in any mail app | ✓ IMAP and SMTP | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Aliases | Plus addressing only | Yes |
| Open-source apps | No | No |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | No |
| Reader offer | None | Offer 10% off your first year |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 |
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The key differences
- On price: Gmail Free (Google One 100 GB for more space) at Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month, against Google Workspace Business Starter at £5.90 per user a month, yearly, ex VAT.
- Gmail has a free plan (15 GB shared with Drive); Google Workspace has no free plan.
- Space: Gmail gives 15 GB of storage, Google Workspace 30 GB of storage.
- Your mail is stored in the United States and worldwide with Gmail, and in Choice of region only on Business Plus and above with Google Workspace.
- You can use your own domain with Google Workspace, but not with Gmail.
- Aliases: Gmail offers plus addressing only, Google Workspace yes.
Gmail and Google Workspace: your questions
Is Gmail more private than Google Workspace?
They score the same for privacy: 0 out of 5 each. The differences are in the details, such as where your mail is kept (the United States and worldwide for Gmail, Choice of region only on Business Plus and above for Google Workspace).
Is Gmail cheaper than Google Workspace?
Gmail costs nothing to start (Free; 100 GB about £1.59–£1.99 a month). Google Workspace's cheapest plan, Business Starter, is £5.90 per user a month, yearly, ex VAT.
Can I use my own domain with Gmail or Google Workspace?
Only Google Workspace does (Yes). With Gmail your address stays on its own domain.
Where is my email stored with Gmail and Google Workspace?
Gmail keeps it in the United States and worldwide. Google Workspace keeps it in Choice of region only on Business Plus and above.
Prices and the latest news
Neither price has changed since my first check on 22 October 2026.
The latest headlines: Gmail news · Google Workspace news.
Not sold on either? Try these
Gmail vs mailbox.org · Google Workspace vs mailbox.org · Gmail vs Posteo · Google Workspace vs Posteo · Gmail vs Proton Mail · Google Workspace vs Proton Mail
How to switch
Switching takes an evening to set up. Follow the steps for your direction: Gmail to Google Workspace · Google Workspace to Gmail.