Google Workspace vs Runbox
Runbox wins on privacy, Runbox wins on price and Google Workspace wins on features. Every fact below was checked on or before 22 October 2026.
Which should you choose?
- Google Workspace is the better pick if you want 30 GB of storage.
- Go for Runbox if you'd like your mail kept in Norway; email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts; and to pay less: $34.95 a year.
| Feature | Google Workspace | Runbox |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2.0 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 0.0 | 3.0 |
| Price | 2.5 | 4.0 |
| Features | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Cheapest plan | Business Starter £5.90 per user a month, yearly, ex VAT | Mini $34.95 a year |
| Free plan | No | No (30-day trial) |
| Storage | 30 GB | 10 GB |
| Your own domain | ✓ Yes | ✓ Up to 5 |
| End-to-end encryption | No | No |
| Company based in | United States | Norway |
| Your data is kept in | Choice of region only on Business Plus and above | Norway |
| Founded | 2006 | 2000 |
| Free trial | 14 days free | 30 days free, then a 60-day refund |
| Funded by advertising | Yes, or its parent company is | No |
| Works in any mail app | ✓ IMAP and SMTP | ✓ IMAP and SMTP |
| Calendar and contacts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Aliases | Yes | 100 aliases |
| Open-source apps | No | ✓ Yes |
| Sign up without ID | No | No |
| White label | No | No |
| Reader offer | Offer 10% off your first year | None |
| Last checked | 22 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 |
Want to add another? Open this in the compare tool.
Where they differ
- Google Workspace's cheapest plan is Business Starter (£5.90 per user a month, yearly, ex VAT); Runbox's is Mini ($34.95 a year).
- Google Workspace has no free plan; Runbox has no free plan.
- Space: Google Workspace gives 30 GB of storage, Runbox 10 GB of storage.
- Your mail is stored in Choice of region only on Business Plus and above with Google Workspace, and in Norway with Runbox.
- The companies sit under different laws: Google Workspace in United States, Runbox in Norway.
- Google Workspace (or its parent company) makes money from advertising; Runbox doesn't.
- Aliases: Google Workspace offers yes, Runbox 100 aliases.
Common questions
Is Google Workspace more private than Runbox?
Runbox scores 3 out of 5 for privacy and Google Workspace 0. Runbox gives you your mail kept in Norway, email from a company that doesn't make money from adverts and open-source apps anyone can check.
Is Google Workspace cheaper than Runbox?
Runbox is cheaper. Its Mini plan is $34.95 a year, against £5.90 per user a month, yearly, ex VAT for Google Workspace's Business Starter. Check the renewal price before you pay, as some first-year prices go up.
Can I use my own domain with Google Workspace or Runbox?
Yes, both do. Google Workspace: Yes. Runbox: Up to 5.
Where is my email stored with Google Workspace and Runbox?
Google Workspace keeps it in Choice of region only on Business Plus and above. Runbox keeps it in Norway.
Prices and the latest news
No price changes for either since 22 October 2026. I check regularly and add any change here with its date.
The latest headlines: Google Workspace news · Runbox news.
Alternatives to Google Workspace and Runbox
Google Workspace vs mailbox.org · Runbox vs mailbox.org · Google Workspace vs Posteo · Runbox vs Posteo · Google Workspace vs Proton Mail · Runbox vs Proton Mail
Moving your email
Ready to move? My step-by-step guides cover your mail, contacts, forwarding and your own domain: Google Workspace to Runbox · Runbox to Google Workspace.