Workplace vs Liveshare: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Workplace and Liveshare comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Workplace
Collaboration tools for business, now in read-only mode.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need communication features specifically
Liveshare
Real-time collaboration in VS Code
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
| At a Glance |  Workplace | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Communication | Productivity |
Rating | 83/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Workplace | Liveshare |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 43 |
| Categories | Communication | ProductivityCommunication |
Understanding the Differences
Both Workplace and Liveshare solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Workplace positions itself as "collaboration tools for business, now in read-only mode." while Livesharefocuses on "real-time collaboration in vs code". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Workplace
Workplace makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 83/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Liveshare
Liveshare is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Workplace lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Workplace
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Workplace handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Workplace
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Workplace
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Workplace is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Workplace higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted Liveshare more (43 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Workplace Does Better
- Higher overall score (83/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Liveshare If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Workplace (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Workplace scores higher in our analysis, but Liveshare might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Workplace or Liveshare better?
Based on our analysis, Workplace scores higher with 83/100. Workplace isfree while Liveshare is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Workplace to Liveshare easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Workplace and Liveshare offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Workplace is completely free.Liveshare is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.