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Software · head to head

Google Workspace vs iA Writer

Google Workspace logo

Google Workspace

Software

Everything you need to get work done, all in one place

From
€3.4/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
iA Writer logo

iA Writer

Software

Distraction-free markdown writer with powerful focus mode

From
$4.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Workspace starter tier storage limited to 30 GB per user, requiring upgrade to Standard or higher for adequate document storage; iA Writer licences are per platform rather than per person, at $49.99 for Mac, $49.99 for iPhone and iPad and $29.99 for Windows
  • They diverge on capability: Google Workspace covers Gmail business email, iA Writer covers Distraction-free writing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Workspace and iA Writer actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Workspace and iA Writer differ
AttributeGoogle WorkspaceiA Writer
Starting price€3.4/month$4.99/month
PlatformsWebMacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web
Founded20062008

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Workspace

  • Gmail business email
  • Google Drive storage
  • Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
  • Google Calendar
  • Google Meet video conferencing
  • Google Chat
  • Google Forms
  • Google Sites

Only in iA Writer

  • Distraction-free writing
  • Markdown editing
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Dark and light themes
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Typewriter mode
  • Focus mode
  • Statistics

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Workspace

  • Business email and calendar managementnot iA Writer
  • Collaborative document editingnot iA Writer
  • Video conferencing and meetingsnot iA Writer
  • Secure document storage and sharingnot iA Writer

iA Writer

  • Distraction free markdown writing on desktop and mobilenot Google Workspace
  • Drafting and exporting long form text with focus modenot Google Workspace

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Workspace

  • Starter tier storage limited to 30 GB per user, requiring upgrade to Standard or higher for adequate document storage
  • Starter and Standard tiers both capped at maximum 300 users per organisation
  • Video meetings limited to 100 participants on Starter tier, 150 on Standard tier
  • Recording capabilities only available on Standard tier and above
  • eDiscovery, Vault, and advanced security features only available on Plus and Enterprise tiers

iA Writer

  • Licences are per platform rather than per person, at $49.99 for Mac, $49.99 for iPhone and iPad and $29.99 for Windows
  • Writing on a Mac and a PC therefore means buying the software twice

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Workspace

€3.4/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Workspace review.

iA Writer

$4.99/month
  • Monthly$4.99/month
    • All platforms
    • Sync
    • All features
  • Annual$39.99/year
    • All platforms
    • Sync
    • All features

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Workspace if

  • You need gmail business email.
  • You also want google drive storage.
Google Workspace review

Choose iA Writer if

  • You need distraction-free writing.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want markdown editing.
iA Writer review

Questions people ask

Is Google Workspace or iA Writer better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Workspace starts at €3.4/month and iA Writer at $4.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Workspace or iA Writer?
Google Workspace starts at €3.4/month and iA Writer at $4.99/month.
Does Google Workspace or iA Writer run on more platforms?
Google Workspace runs on Web. iA Writer runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web.
What is Google Workspace best used for?
Google Workspace is most often used for business email and calendar management, collaborative document editing, video conferencing and meetings, secure document storage and sharing. Of those, business email and calendar management and collaborative document editing are not what iA Writer is typically brought in for.
What can Google Workspace do that iA Writer cannot?
Google Workspace covers Gmail business email, Google Drive storage, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Google Calendar. iA Writer covers Distraction-free writing, Markdown editing, Syntax highlighting, Dark and light themes.
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Related pages

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