Microsoft 365 has become an essential productivity tool for businesses of all sizes. However, the number of options available can feel overwhelming. Since they all offer slightly different things, it is essential to compare Microsoft 365 plans before making a decision. This will help you choose the right one for your business.
Understanding Microsoft 365 Subscription Plans
Microsoft 365 subscription plans can be broadly categorised into Personal, Business and Enterprise offerings. Microsoft 365 Business plans cater to organisations with up to 300 users, while Enterprise plans are designed for larger companies with more complex needs. Personal plans are designed for individuals, and are generally unsuitable for businesses as they are more expensive per-user and lack many features.
Microsoft 365 Plan Comparison
To understand your needs, it is important to discuss the plans available. Both Microsoft 365 Business plans and Enterprise plans have multiple levels with different services.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
This entry-level plan is ideal for businesses just starting out, or those primarily needing cloud-based tools.
Web and mobile versions of Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
Microsoft Teams.
Exchange email with a 50 GB mailbox per user.
Small businesses on a budget.
Teams that don’t require desktop versions of Office apps.
Organisations focused on remote or hybrid work setups.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
This plan includes desktop versions of Office apps, and advanced tools for managing your business.
Desktop, web, and mobile versions of Office apps.
1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
Microsoft Teams with scheduling and collaboration tools.
Exchange email with a 50 GB mailbox per user.
Tools like SharePoint.
Organisations that need desktop apps for offline use.
Teams collaborating on documents across multiple platforms.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
This plan combines the features of Business Standard with additional security and device management tools.
Everything in Business Standard.
Advanced security features like Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
Intune for mobile device and app management.
Azure Information Protection for data security.
Conditional access and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Businesses handling sensitive data (e.g., healthcare or finance).
Teams needing more advanced cyber security and device control solutions.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
This standalone plan is focused solely on providing access to Office apps, without additional cloud services.
Desktop, web, and mobile versions of Office apps.
1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
Businesses that already have email and collaboration tools in place.
Organisations that primarily need Office apps for document creation and storage.
Microsoft 365 E1
This entry-level Enterprise plan focuses on collaboration and cloud-based productivity.
Web and mobile versions of Office apps.
Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange.
1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
Large organisations prioritising collaboration over desktop app access.
Teams managing light workloads or focused on remote work.
Microsoft 365 E3
This mid-tier Enterprise plan includes more comprehensive tools for compliance and data security.
Desktop, web, and mobile versions of Office apps.
Advanced data governance and compliance tools.
100 GB mailbox per user with Exchange.
Azure Active Directory Premium for identity management.
Mid to large-sized organisations handling sensitive data.
Teams requiring robust compliance and security capabilities.
Microsoft 365 E5
The top-tier plan, E5, is designed for businesses needing advanced analytics, security, and compliance features.
Everything in E3.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Identity, and Cloud Apps.
Advanced analytics with Power BI Pro.
Threat intelligence and proactive risk management tools.
Enterprises in highly regulated industries like finance or healthcare.
Organisations prioritizing advanced security and analytics capabilities.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Similar to Apps for Business, this plan only offers access to apps. However, companies choosing the Enterprise version will be able to use Forms, Delve, and Sway.
- Organisations that only want app access, but need more functionality than that provided by Apps for Business.
How to Compare Microsoft 365 Plans and Choose the Right One
In order to effectively compare Microsoft 365 plans, you should follow these steps:
- Assess Your Needs: Identify your team’s priorities—do you need enhanced security, advanced collaboration tools, or just the basics?
- Consider Your Budget: While advanced plans offer more features, you should not waste money paying for tools your business will not use.
- Think About Scalability: Consider future growth. Will your plan accommodate more users or evolving needs?
- Test Before Committing: Microsoft offers free trials for many plans, allowing you to test them before making a decision.
Take the Headache out of Microsoft 365
The right Microsoft 365 plan for you will depend on your business size, industry requirements, and collaboration needs. It is important to strike the right balance between costs and features, as it can be tempting to overspend on unnecessary tools ‘just in case’. Perform a careful comparison, and take your needs into account, and you will be able to choose a plan that perfectly suits your business.
If you’re having trouble choosing the right plan, ask the experts at Austin Technology. Our fully managed Microsoft 365 services handle the stressful parts for you, allowing your team to leverage the benefits of this powerful productivity suite without the headache. Learn how we can help you increase your productivity today.
