microsoft 365 business plans compared

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is now available for small and medium-sized businesses.

Find the best Microsoft 365 plan for your business

Customers can choose between plans with and without microsoft teams., microsoft 365 business basic (no teams).

Originally starting from ₹ 115.00 now starting from ₹ 115.00

₹ 115.00 ₹ 115.00

(Annual subscription–auto renews) 1

Apps and services to kick-start your business, including: 

Identity, access, and user management for up to 300 employees 

Custom business email ([email protected]) 

Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook  4

1 TB of cloud storage per employee

10+ additional apps for your business needs (Microsoft Bookings, Planner, Forms, and others) 

Automatic spam and malware filtering 

Anytime phone and web support 

Microsoft 365 Business Standard (no Teams)

Originally starting from ₹ 630.00 now starting from ₹ 630.00

₹ 630.00 ₹ 630.00

Everything in Business Basic, plus:

Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook  

New: Collaborative workspaces to co-create using Microsoft Loop 

New: Video editing and design tools with Microsoft Clipchamp   

Copilot for Microsoft 365 available as an add-on. 3

Microsoft 365 Business Premium (no Teams)

Originally starting from ₹ 1,645.00 now starting from ₹ 1,645.00

₹ 1,645.00 ₹ 1,645.00

Everything in Business Standard, plus: 

Advanced identity and access management 

Enhanced cyberthreat protection against viruses and phishing attacks 

Enterprise-grade device and endpoint protection 

Discover, classify, and protect sensitive information

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Sign in to add Copilot to your existing Microsoft 365 business plan.

If you’re not an existing customer, buy a Microsoft 365 plan to get started.

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Get Microsoft Teams as a standalone solution

Microsoft teams essentials.

(Annual subscription—auto renews) 1

Microsoft Teams Essentials includes:

  • Unlimited group meetings for up to 30 hours
  • Up to 300 participants per meeting
  • 10 GB of cloud storage per user 
  • Anytime phone and web support
  • Unlimited chat with coworkers and customers
  • File sharing, tasks, and polling
  • Data encryption for meetings, chat, calls, and files 
  • [1] Once your paid subscription begins, cancellation policies vary based on your status as a new customer and your product and domain selections on Microsoft.  Learn more . Cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription any time by going to the Microsoft 365 admin center. When a subscription is canceled, all associated data will be deleted.  Learn more about data retention, deletion, and destruction in Microsoft 365 .​
  • [2] After your one-month free trial ends, your subscription will automatically convert into a 12-month paid subscription and you will be charged the applicable subscription fee. Cancel anytime during your free trial to stop future charges. Credit card required to sign-up. Learn more .
  • [3] Copilot for Microsoft 365 may not be available for all markets and languages. To purchase, enterprise customers must have a license for Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 or Office 365 E3 or E5, and business customers must have a license for Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium, or a version of these suites that no longer includes Microsoft Teams.
  • [4] iOS and Android require separate app download. Availability of mobile apps varies by country/region.

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Microsoft 365 Family vs Microsoft 365 Business: which is better for work?

Not sure whether to spend extra on corporate software? We weigh up Microsoft’s productivity possibilities

A person working at a laptop.

Most of us have been using apps like Word and Excel for decades, so it’s no surprise that productivity suites like Microsoft 365 are popular – they combine top tools and security features into easy, accessible packages.

If you’re not familiar with the range of Microsoft 365 options on the market, though, the range of options can be extremely confusing. It’s even trickier if you’re weighing up Microsoft’s various family and business plans.

And while it might seem odd to compare home and work products, the rise in freelancing and hybrid working means more people and companies are trying to figure out if they can use Microsoft 365 home products instead of a pricier business package.

Whether you’re a freelancer, an IT manager or a business owner, it’s worth weighing up Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Business to find the best option for you – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.   

That’s not the end of our software support, either. We’ve delved into the best photo recovery apps and explored the best apps for managing your money .

Microsoft for Business

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Microsoft 365 Family: what do you get?

There’s no denying that Microsoft 365 Family offers great value. Pay $99.99 per year in the US or £79.99 in the UK and you get Word , Excel , PowerPoint , OneNote , Outlook and OneDrive . Users can run those apps on PCs, Macs, Android and iOS devices and on the web. Access and Publisher are available for PC users, too.

It’s huge versatility, and the impressive set of features doesn’t stop there. Each user gets 1TB of cloud storage so you can sync files across devices. Each user gets 50GB of space with their Outlook email address, and Family users can enjoy Microsoft Teams and Skype for easy communication.

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Elsewhere, conventional data protection comes from Microsoft Defender, and OneDrive incorporates ransomware detection and recovery services. There’s even a basic free video editing software and royalty-free templates, stock photos and stock videos.

If you need reliable, synchronized access to productivity tools, then the Home product makes loads of sense – especially if you want productivity software that your family can use. And with support for six users, the Family package is ideal for small businesses with relatively basic productivity needs.

There’s a great option if you’re self-employed, too: the Microsoft 365 Personal product only supports one user, but it only costs $69.99 or £59.99 per year.

Microsoft 365 Business: a better option?

There’s no doubt that Microsoft 365 Family is well-suited to anyone who needs relatively straightforward productivity and email tools, but if you run a business or handle corporate IT systems then you’ll find its limits very quickly.

If that’s the case, then you should consider Microsoft 365 Business instead. These products are more expensive, but they’re far more powerful.

Let’s start with Microsoft 365 Business Basic, which costs $6 or £4.50 per user per month. You get web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook. You get Exchange, too, so you can use your domain name rather than Outlook. Each user gets 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage space alongside 50GB of email capacity.

The Basic product has more collaboration options, in-depth calendaring capabilities and a solid range of admin settings, and its tools also work on Android and iOS – just like in Microsoft 365 Family.

If you’d like to switch your business to downloadable apps rather than online versions, you can pay $8.25 or £7.90 for Microsoft 365 Apps for Business.

Upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Standard and you get everything in Business Basic alongside downloadable apps and the ability to host webinars . You’ll also get more detailed options about how Microsoft controls and processes your data, which is perfect if you want to retain your existing domain.

Microsoft’s top option, 365 Business Premium, costs $22 or £16.60 per user per month. That’s pricey, but you get class-leading security and management features that you simply won’t find on any other Microsoft 365 product. It’s the best product here if you have a wider network that you need to manage and sensitive data that you have to protect.

The various Microsoft 365 Business products offer more than the Family and Personal tools. Even at the Basic level you get Exchange, and as you upgrade through the tiers then Microsoft adds enterprise-grade management and security abilities.

And, no matter which Microsoft 365 Business tool you purchase, you’ll be able to add 300 users to your system and allow each user to use Microsoft’s products across five different devices.

We can’t deny the increase in cost, though. When all the Business products charge per user and per month, those products will quickly become pricier than Microsoft 365 Family or Personal.

Which should you use?

The relatively high costs means that there are plenty of situations where Microsoft 365 Family will be your best option – even if you’re buying software for business use.

If you’re a small company that only has relatively basic productivity needs, for instance, then you can easily buy Microsoft 365 Family, grant access to five other employees, and enjoy web, mobile and PC-based access to crucial apps.

It’s also ideal for freelancers, people who need a product for their family, and many people who work from home.

Pretty soon, though, you’re going to hit the limits of Microsoft 365 Family, especially if you’re part of a growing business or if you operate in a larger team. If that’s the case, then you or your business should stump up for a Microsoft 365 Business product.

Exchange compatibility means you can use corporate email addresses, those tools support a broader number of users, and as you progress through the tiers you get better security and management options. In terms of protection, deployment and administration, there’s really no competition.

Ultimately, freelancers, sole traders and people who need basic productivity tools can certainly save money with Microsoft 365 Family, and that’s a great option if you want one package to cover home and work use. But if you have a larger business then you’ll almost certainly need the more robust security and management tools available from Microsoft’s proper corporate software. 

L ooking for a new laptop to WFH? Check out our best laptop for working from home

Mike has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has written for most of the UK’s big technology titles alongside numerous global outlets. He loves PCs, laptops and any new hardware, and covers everything from the latest business trends to high-end gaming gear.

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microsoft 365 business plans compared

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COMPARISON OF Microsoft 365 BUSINESS PLANS AND PRICING

Since April 21, 2020, Microsoft has officially renamed all ‘Office 365 Business’ plans to ‘Microsoft 365 Business’. Here’s the table of feature comparison of Microsoft 365 Business plans:

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All Our Microsoft 365 Business Plans Include

Free end-user support, free migration help, 24 x 7 phone, chat, & email, online knowledge base, savings on it costs, fully automatic updates, regular data backup, 1 tb of online storage, business email service, tier-1 partner expertise, faqs on m365 business plans, why microsoft changed name from office 365 to m365.

Name changes are not unconventional at Microsoft. The tech giant changes the names of its popular products and services from time to time. The reason behind this name change is cited as a more holistic approach which appeals to a wider base, rather than just the ‘office’ sphere.

What plan should I choose if I do not need Microsoft Office apps?

If you do not need Microsoft Office applications, go with the most basic plan – Microsoft 365 Business Basic (earlier called as Office 365 Business Essentials). This plan is priced at only $6 user/month. At $8.30 user/month, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business is a standard plan includes Microsoft Office applications along with OneDrive for Business. In addition to all the features of the above plans, Microsoft Business Standard has more advanced features priced at $12.50 user/month.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OFFICE 365 AND MICROSOFT 365?

Microsoft 365 is a bundle of services including Office 365, comprising of Microsoft services including Windows 10 Enterprise. Office 365 is a cloud-based productivity suite which is a bundle of popular Microsoft apps.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE MY OWN DOMAIN NAME FOR THE EMAILS IN MICROSOFT 365?

Yes, you can add the domain name you own to your Microsoft 365 account and set up your domain-based email addresses. You can even add multiple domains and sub-domains to Office 365 and host any of the services, including email, on any of the domains that you add. You must own a domain name and as an admin, you will have to make some changes on the DNS records of your domain – we will guide you for this.

WHAT OFFICE VERSIONS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH MICROSOFT 365 BUSINESS BASIC?

Microsoft 365 Business Basic, earlier known as Office 365 Business Essentials, is most compatible with the latest version of Office, Office 2016, and Office 2011 for Mac. The ancient versions of MS Office before 2013 may work with the plan, but with reduced functionality.

HOW EXACTLY WILL APPS4RENT HELP ME WITH THE PLANS?

As your Cloud Solution Provider for Office 365, we will provide free migration and 24/7/365 support to end-users for issues that take up your time, such as email configuration accounts, password resets, setting up aliases and contacts, creating groups, configuring MS Teams, synchronizing OneDrive, exploring search features, and optimizing browser settings. We will also help you with installing and configuring the latest Office version on your devices and handling DNS records.

IS A DESKTOP VERSION OF OFFICE REQUIRED TO USE MICROSOFT 365 BUSINESS BASIC?

No. You do not need to have a desktop version of Office to use Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan. However, you will have a richer experience and also be able to work offline when you connect a desktop version of Office to the Microsoft 365 services and get it in sync.

WILL BY MS OFFICE BE AUTOMATICALLY UPDATES TO THE LATEST VERSION IF I HAVE MICROSOFT 365 PLANS?

Yes. MS Office apps are always up to date on Microsoft 365. If you already had subscription of erstwhile Office 365 plans which is now Microsoft 365, you already have a version of Office that has all the functions of the latest MS Office version.

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Office 365 Business Plans Compared with Comparison Chart

Office 365 Business is best suited for small and mid-size business. There are three business plans within Office 365, Business Essentials, Business and Business Premium . But which plan do you need, what are the important differences and how do you decide which one you should buy? In this article, I will compare the different plans, highlight the most important differences between them. At the end of the article, you will find a comparison chart between the plans.

If you want to compare all the Office 365 versions (Business and Enterprise), make sure you check  this article  with all the versions and details.

Comparing the Business Plans

Desktop versus browser only.

There a few big decision makers between the Office 365 Business plans and one of them is if you need the desktop Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Onenote and Access) or if you are fine with the browser version only. Business Essentials comes with only the Online versions of Office, so if you need the desktop versions (or mobile apps) of Office, you have to choose between Business and Business Premium.

Email hosting and Cloud storage

The second big decision maker is if you want to use Exchange and/or SharePoint. Office 365 Business does not have Exchange for hosting your mailbox or SharePoint. You can host your email at your current web host and still use Outlook, but this way you miss the ability to easily share mailboxes or calendars. So if you want desktop applications and hosted mail and/or SharePoint, then your only choice is to go for Business Premium .

Using Exchange for your Business will make managing your mail a lot easier. No more looking up those Pop3 or Smtp details to get your mail in Outlook or on your mobile phone, just fill in your email address and password and you are done. But besides the ease of configuration, also the ability to create shared mailboxes (like [email protected] or [email protected]) really helps you to bring your business to the next level.

Those shared mailboxes (and calendars) won’t cost an additional license. All users with an Office 365 license can access the mailbox if they are granted access to it. With Exchange, you get a 50 GB mailbox per user, which is a lot more than your typical hosting provider.

All the Office 365 Business Plans come with a OneDrive for Busines account for each user. And yes, you can share folders from your OneDrive with your coworkers, but that’s not really the way to go here. With Onedrive, you’re the owner of the file and in control who can access them etc. If you add a new file or folder, it’s private until you share it.  While with SharePoint the whole group or team members are the owners, allowing them to create, edit and share files with (external) users and manage version history.

But SharePoint is more than a file storage, you can create lists, web pages, calendars and add metadata to documents. Another great advantage of SharePoint is that you can access your documents from anywhere in the world. Just use the SharePoint app on your mobile phone or any internet browser to log in and access your documents.

Terminal Server / Citrix environment

Business plans do not support shared computer activation. Something you need when you use a terminal server or Citrix environment. If you have a terminal server environment you will have to go for the Enterprise plan.

Office Add-ins (CRM/ERP add-ins)

This is one of the differences that are easily overlooked, but very important for larger corporations. With Office 365 Business and Business Essentials you can’t use Office Add-ins, ActiveX or Browser helper objects. Now you might think, I don’t really need add-ins. But no add-ins also means no connection with your CRM or ERP application. So no looking up that customer record when you receive an email. Or linking an email to a project or customer.

Start with a trial

If you want to test Office 365 for Business you can start with a 30-day trial. You don’t need a domain name for it, you can use a free *.onmicrosoft.com domain name that can be used during the trial. Later on, you can always add your domain name to your trial account if you are ready to move over.

Comparison Chart Office 365 Business Plans

* MyAnalytics will be available for every business and enterprise plan with hosted exchange. Rolling out in January 2019

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Compare Microsoft Office 365 Business Plans: Apps, Features and Pricing

Microsoft 365 for Business (previously known as Office 365 for Business) is a cloud productivity subscription-based service geared towards small to medium-sized businesses. With a Microsoft 365 for Business subscription, your organization gets access to the most up-to-date Office applications as well as Microsoft’s flagship collaborative online services.

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Microsoft Office 365 Plans for Business Overview

Microsoft Office 365 for Business is a complete solution that brings together the best-in-class productivity of Office 365, advanced security, and device management tools. Within your organization, you and your co-workers can be more productive and work better together with Office apps, email, cloud storage, and a hub for teamwork. Microsoft Office 365 plans for business come with building tools that let you manage access to your data, keep sensitive data safe, and keep your business compliant and protected against most (but not all) security threats.

Microsoft currently offers four business plans to choose from, depending on an organization’s needs. The Microsoft 365 plans for businesses are:

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 apps for business, microsoft 365 business standard, microsoft 365 business premium.

Note that all Microsoft 365 plans for business have a limit of 300 users per license. If your organization requires more users, you may want to consider subscribing to a Microsoft Office 365 enterprise plan.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the Microsoft 365 plans for businesses and see what they have to offer in terms of features and pricing.

For a subscription fee of $5.00 per user/month, Microsoft 365 Business Basic (formerly known as Office 365 Business Essentials) offers web and mobile versions only of Office apps. These apps include Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This entry-level plan also gives your organization access to collaborative services like Exchange Online with 50 GB of mailbox storage, SharePoint Online, Yammer, Skype for Business Online, and Microsoft Teams. Also included with this subscription is 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user.

This Microsoft Office 365 plan is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that want to unlock the benefits of cloud integration and remote work using the Office for the web suite and online communication services.

For a subscription fee of $8.25 per user/month, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business (formerly known as Office 365 Business) gives your organization access to the most up-to-date desktop versions of Office applications. These include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Access, and Publisher. The Office suite in this plan can be installed on up to 5 devices per user. None of the collaborative tools and services are available in this plan but the 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user feature and the Office for the web suite are still present.

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business provides both cloud-based and on-premises Office suites to deliver the right set of capabilities to your organization. This plan is ideal for organizations whose computing workload heavily revolves around Office applications.

Priced at $12.50 per user/month, the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan  (formerly known as Office 365 Business Premium) combines in one package the features available in both Business Basic and Apps for Business plans. In addition to the cloud-based and on-premises Office suites, Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes a complete set of collaborative tools thus making this Microsoft Office 365 plan ideal for organizations looking to expand their remote work capabilities.

Priced at $20.00 per user/month, Microsoft 365 Business Premium (formerly known as Microsoft 365 Business) includes all the features available in the lower Business tiers in addition to an advanced security infrastructure and device management tools. The Business Premium plan is ideal for organizations that require a comprehensive remote work solution with cyber threat protection and a powerful mobile management system.

Microsoft Office 365 Comparison of Plans

Here is a comparison of pricing and available apps and collaboration services between all four Microsoft 365 plans for business:

Microsoft 365 suite apps comparison

Along with the traditional Office applications and online collaborative services, Microsoft 365 plans for businesses include applications used for knowledge, insights, content, project and task management, automation, and app building.

Business plans security and management options

As stated before, when it comes to advanced security options and management tools, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the most feature-packed plan. The other Microsoft 365 plans do include basic security tools, but they pale in comparison to the Business plan’s features, as shown below:

Despite the advanced security features available in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, third-party Office 365 backup solutions is necessary to ensure that your SaaS data is safe and recoverable.

Your Microsoft 365 data can be compromised by human error or malicious cyber threats like ransomware. Files can be deleted or encrypted even when stored in the cloud. To keep your data safe, NAKIVO Backup & Replication offers full backup and recovery functionality for Exchange Online, OneDrives for Business, and SharePoint Online.

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Microsoft 365 Business VS. Enterprise: A Detailed Comparison

Microsoft 365 Business vs Enterprise

As businesses of all sizes become increasingly reliant on technology, the choice of software becomes a crucial factor in determining their success. For many organizations, Microsoft 365 has become the go-to solution for productivity and collaboration needs.

However, with the different subscriptions available, it can be confusing to decide which one is best for your company. This article explains the differences between Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft 365 Enterprise editions and helps you understand which one is the right fit for your organization’s unique needs.

Table of Contents

What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 has revolutionized the way businesses operate, offering a subscription-based service that provides access to the complete suite of Office applications , alongside advanced enterprise business services such as Exchange Online and SharePoint Online.

As a cloud-based platform, it also offers unparalleled storage capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for companies of all sizes. But that’s not all – Microsoft 365 goes beyond the basics by offering optional add-ons, such as Windows 10 Enterprise license and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS), which delivers top-of-the-line security solutions for organizations.

Additionally, Microsoft 365’s collaboration tools, including Teams , Lists, and Planner, enable team members to work seamlessly together and share ideas effortlessly. While both pricing plans – Business and Enterprise – offer similar basic features, the unique characteristics of each can have a significant impact on productivity and day-to-day operations, making it crucial for businesses to choose the right plan for their needs.

Microsoft 365 Business

Microsoft 365 Business is a powerful suite of tools and services designed to help Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) streamline their operations and increase productivity.

It includes access to popular Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as business-specific services such as Exchange Online for email and calendaring, SharePoint Online for document management and collaboration, and Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration.

Microsoft 365 Business is a versatile platform suitable for various industries and can be utilized by individuals, startups, small businesses, and medium-sized businesses. It provides an integrated approach to productivity and collaboration, allowing teams to work together effectively, from any location.

Microsoft 365 Business comes in three different pricing plans, each tailored to suit different business needs. The Business Basic plan offers access to essential Office apps, email and calendar services, and OneDrive storage.

The Business Standard plan includes additional features such as desktop versions of Office apps and Microsoft Teams, while the Business Premium plan offers even more advanced security features, including device management and information protection, as well as advanced analytics.

Here is a detailed comparison of the Microsoft 365 plans for businesses:

Microsoft 365 Enterprise

Microsoft 365 Enterprise is a cloud-based productivity suite that brings together a range of Microsoft applications and services to help businesses of all sizes to work smarter, collaborate more effectively, and stay secure in the digital age.

It is designed for organizations with more than 300 users at a time and is ideal for businesses looking for a secure and scalable platform to manage their operations. It is used by a wide range of businesses, including large enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions.

The suite offers a range of features and benefits, including access to the latest versions of MS Office apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as cloud-based services like OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, and Teams. With Microsoft 365 Enterprise, businesses can collaborate in real-time, share documents and data securely, and work from anywhere, on any device.

Microsoft 365 Enterprise also provides advanced security and compliance features to help businesses protect their data and stay compliant with industry regulations. This includes advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and encryption capabilities, as well as compliance features like eDiscovery and legal hold.

Here is a table that illustrates the significant features of the different Microsoft 365 plans for enterprises:

Key Differences in Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise

The major differences between these plans are the range of features and capabilities they provide. In this section, we will explore the key differences between these two plans to help you determine which one is best for your business.

Compatibility

Microsoft 365 Business allows for Azure AD Join without Azure Virtual Network (VNet) support, as well as Azure AD Join with VNet support. However, support for Hybrid Azure AD with VNet is only available in Windows 365 Enterprise. Other domain support is currently in development for 365 Enterprise.

On the other hand, MS 365 Enterprise offers more advanced compatibility options for businesses. It includes all the features of 365 Business but also allows for Hybrid Azure AD with VNet support. In addition, it offers support for other domain options that are currently in development.

License Requirements

For businesses considering Microsoft 365 Business plans, there are no pre-existing licensing requirements needed to purchase and implement Windows 365 Business. However, certain features such as device management will require users to have a license for Microsoft Endpoint Management.

Whereas, Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans require each user to have specific licensing requirements. This includes being licensed for Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise , as well as having licenses for Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Azure AD P1. These licensing requirements are essential to ensure full access to all enterprise features and functionalities.

Device Management

For Microsoft 365 Business plans, device management is somewhat limited. The Microsoft Admin Center allows for the assignment and unassignment of cloud PC licenses, while some device management is possible through Microsoft Endpoint Manager with an Intune license. However, cloud PCs are not visible in the Windows 365 blade.

Speaking of the Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans offer a robust device management solution. With access to the Microsoft Intune admin center, you can manage Cloud PC images, access on-premises resources, and apply granular policies to devices.

Additionally, Intune allows for the resizing of Cloud PCs and configuration of user experience settings, as well as all the policy-based management options available to physical devices. In short, Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans provide a comprehensive device management solution for businesses.

Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise: Which One to Select

If you are looking to choose between Microsoft Business and Enterprise plans, it is important to consider the size and needs of your organization. If you have 300 or fewer users and do not require advanced security or compliance features, a Business plan can offer basic Office apps and cloud-based versions of Word, Excel, and Outlook, along with Teams and device management capabilities.

Furthermore, the Business plan is often more cost-effective, making it a suitable choice for small businesses or startups with a limited budget.

However, if you need local desktop installations for Office programs or require advanced security controls, an Enterprise plan may be more appropriate for your needs. An Enterprise plan would also only be considered if the size of your organization exceeds 300 users.

Microsoft offers two distinct plan categories tailored to meet the unique needs of different types of businesses: Business and Enterprise.

Choosing the right plan can be critical to the success of your business, and Microsoft’s range of options ensures that you can find a plan that fits your specific needs. Whether you’re a small business owner just starting or a large company with thousands of employees, Microsoft has a plan that can help you grow and succeed.

So, take the time to evaluate your needs, explore the available options, and make the right decision for your business. With Microsoft, you can be confident that you’re getting the best tools and services to help your business thrive.

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Comparison of Microsoft 365 Business Plans

Ever lost an important document or forgotten to take it with you when it was due the same day? Ever had to wait on your colleague's email response? If yes, then you must know the frustration that comes with the traditional ways of working. Many small and medium businesses are still operating like that. The main reason is that it seems daunting for them to initiate such a significant transition.

But with the introduction of remote work and advancement in work technologies, increased businesses are shifting to cloud-based solutions. Moving to the cloud is critical if you want to collaborate with your clients and partners in today's fast-paced world. And if you're one of those business owners who are still in the process of deciding, we've done the research for you!

If you're short of time and prefer video content, we've got you covered! Watch our latest YouTube video. But if you prefer to read, we also have a detailed blog post for you to dive into.

This blog will compare Microsoft 365 Business plan for small and medium businesses . Over the years, Microsoft has perfected its cloud technologies to help businesses of all sizes with their growth and efficient work practices. Microsoft offers products and tools that not only provide various productivity solutions but also come with enterprise-level security across all your devices. Should you wish to explore how the Microsoft 365 Business plans compare to Microsoft Enterprise plans, we have a blog that presents a detailed comparison of Microsoft 365 Business plans vs. Microsoft Enterprise plans.

Microsoft 365 business plans

Microsoft 365 Suite for Business

Microsoft 365 business plan is a suite of productivity and collaboration tools that can bring a range of benefits to businesses of all sizes. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Improved productivity: Microsoft 365 offers a range of tools, such as the Office Suite (Word, Excel , PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and cloud storage (OneDrive and SharePoint), that can help businesses to create, share, and collaborate on documents and share files with ease.
  • Better communication and collaboration: Microsoft 365 is a productivity cloud that includes communication and collaboration tools such as Teams, Skype, and email, which can help businesses to stay connected and work together more effectively, whether they are working in the same office or remotely.
  • Enhanced security and compliance: Microsoft 365 include advanced security and compliance features such as Advanced Threat Protection, Azure Active Directory, and Cloud App Security, which can help businesses to protect sensitive data and comply with industry regulations.
  • Mobile device management: With Microsoft 365 business plan, businesses can manage and secure mobile devices, ensuring that employees can access the tools and resources they need from anywhere, at any time.
  • Cost savings: By using a subscription-based model, businesses can save money on software costs and avoid the need for expensive upgrades.
  • Scalability: Microsoft 365 is a flexible solution that can scale to meet the needs of businesses of any size, allowing them to add or remove users as needed.
  • Continuous updates: Microsoft 365 is regularly updated with  new Microsoft 365 features and security updates, ensuring that businesses always have access to the latest tools and capabilities.

All Microsoft 365 Business Plans

The Microsoft 365 Business suite has three individual plans, including:

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 business standard, microsoft 365 business premium.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic is preferable for startups. It comes with the basic set of tools and applications required by a small number of users. This plan includes 1 TB of cloud storage per user and supports a maximum of three hundred users. It also includes web and mobile app versions of Office apps, including Microsoft Teams for communication, and SharePoint for collaborating on documents. In addition, you also get access to a User Business-Class Email with a custom domain and standard security and protection capabilities. The Basic plan is a cost-effective solution for small businesses, providing access to the core productivity and collaboration tools at a lower cost compared to other plans.

The Microsoft 365 Standard plan is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that want to take advantage of a more comprehensive set of productivity and collaboration tools. This plan has all the benefits included in the M365 Business Basic plan along with additional tools and features. Additionally, it includes installable desktop apps of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (along with web and mobile versions of Office 365 apps), and a ccess to database and data visualization.

Microsoft 365 Business plan premium is suitable for larger businesses with up to three hundred users and offers advanced security options. In addition to all the tools and features available in M365 Business Standard, Business Premium 365 also includes device management, control access to company data, and cyber threat protection. You will get access to Microsoft Intune , and Azure Information Protection for privacy controls. You can restrict the copying and saving of company information to unauthorized apps and locations with app protection for Office mobile apps.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium Features:

The Microsoft 365 Business Premium license provides businesses access to a comprehensive set of productivity tools and services. One of the key Microsoft 365 Business Premium features is access to popular applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Exchange for email and calendar, and SharePoint for team collaboration and content management. Additionally, the license provides users with access to Microsoft Teams, which allows for seamless communication and collaboration both internally and with external partners.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium Pricing:  

When it comes to Microsoft 365 Business plan Premium pricing, the cost of the license depends on the number of users and the length of the subscription. The license can be purchased on a monthly or annual basis, and discounts are often available for multi-year commitments. The Microsoft 365 Business plan Premium price is designed to be affordable for small and medium-sized businesses, making it excellent value for organizations looking to improve their productivity and collaboration.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium Security:  

The Microsoft 365 Business plan Premium cost is offset by the features and benefits it provides to businesses. One of the key Microsoft 365 Business plan Premium features is the ability to access productivity tools and services from anywhere, on any device. The license also includes robust security features, such as Advanced Threat Protection and device management, which help protect businesses from cyber threats and data loss. The Microsoft Business Premium cost also includes regular software updates, ensuring that businesses always have access to the latest versions of the productivity tools they need. Overall, the M365 Business Premium cost is a small investment that can provide significant benefits to businesses, helping them to be more productive, secure, and competitive.

High-level Comparison of the Microsoft 365 Business Plan

Ready to make a decision.

In conclusion, Microsoft 365 business plan offer a range of intelligent cloud services and features that can help businesses to improve productivity, protect sensitive data, and stay connected with their teams. From Office Suite and cloud storage to communication and collaboration tools, these plans are designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

When choosing a Microsoft 365 business plan, it's important to consider the specific needs of your business and the features that will be most beneficial to you. And if you are looking for a service provider to help you set up and manage your Microsoft 365 business plan, Communication Square can be a great fit for you. Contact Communication Square today to learn more about how they can help your business to thrive with Microsoft 365.

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Fasiha is a tech enthusiast who possesses a passion for all things technology. She also enjoys indulging in reading and writing as a form of self-expression and personal fulfillment.

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Have questions before purchasing office 365.

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Which Microsoft 365 plan is right for your business?

Your business has unique needs, which is why there are several Microsoft 365 plans to choose from, so you get the apps and features you need. Many of the plans sound similar, so we'll guide you through the options to help you find the plan that will best support you to run your business.

If you want a full breakdown and comparison of features in each plan, check out more here .

You can also take a quick 2-minute assessment to get a recommendation on which plan is best for you.

Microsoft 365 for business  is a subscription service that lets you run your organization in the cloud while Microsoft takes care of the IT for you. It connects employees to the people, information, and content they need to do their best work, from any device.

The most popular plan and what is recommended for most businesses is Microsoft 365 Business Standard.

If you have other needs, choose one of the options below:

We already have Word and Excel, but we're interested in email and Microsoft Teams

If your business already has licenses of Microsoft Office, you might only want to get business-class email that gives you a custom email domain address and Microsoft Teams for online meetings. If this is the case, then Microsoft 365 Business Basic would be your best option. 

Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Host email with a 50GB mailbox and custom email domain address.

1TB of cloud storage to store and share files.

Facilitate online meetings and video calls for up to 300 users and create a hub for teamwork using Microsoft Teams.

Manage appointments with Bookings and manage projects with Forms, Lists, and Planner.

Click here if Microsoft 365 Business Basic is the right option.

My business and employees just need apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

If your business only needs desktop apps like Word or Excel, Microsoft 365 Apps for business will be your best option.

The latest desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote (plus Access and Publisher for PC only).

Automatic updates to your apps with the latest features and capabilities.

1 TB of cloud storage to store and share files.

Each license lets you install Microsoft 365 apps on five mobile devices, five tablets and five PCs or Macs per user.

Click here if Microsoft 365 Apps for business is the right option.

What add-ons are there for my business plan?

There are a plenty of add-ons to choose from, but two that we recommend you consider are Microsoft Defender for Business and Teams Phone.

Help keep your devices and servers secure from online threats such as ransomware and malware. Defender for Business is an easy-to-use cybersecurity solution to help protect against, detect, and respond to cyberattacks.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Business

Help administrators keep your organization connected with Microsoft Teams calling solutions. Empower employees in remote, in-office, or hybrid work environments with the flexibility of Teams Phone and devices that fit the way you work.

Learn more about Microsoft Teams Phone

Check out  Buy or manage add-ons for Microsoft 365 business plans to learn how to add new features to enhance your subscription.

How do I change subscriptions?

If you chose a plan for your business, but later want to change it, check out Upgrade or change to a different Microsoft 365 for business plan to read how you can switch your plan.

Buy Microsoft 365 for your small business

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Microsoft license comparison in a m365 license matrix .

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a cloud-based service from Microsoft that offers a suite of apps and services for productivity, communication, and collaboration. Despite being known for those applications, it also contains many security services designed to protect organizations’ cloud ecosystems that many companies might not know about.

Differentiating between seemingly similar plans (e.g., E3 vs. E5 or Frontline F1 vs. F3) requires a granular analysis of security controls, compliance mechanisms, and core productivity features. Without a proper understanding of these differences, an organization might overspend on security features they don’t understand or need while still having security gaps. 

In this article, we look at various licensing models and security features that M365 subscriptions offer, so you understand what might be the most appropriate license to satisfy the security requirements of your organization. We also discuss some additional security enhancements to M365 that your organization can implement to take your email security to the next level. Our analysis focuses on three key areas: general security, threat protection, and information protection.

Summary of key Microsoft 365 licensing concepts

Microsoft 365 enterprise e3 vs e5.

While both Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5 offer similar Office 365 functionalities, there is a substantial difference in the security features between the E3 and E5 packages. Since Microsoft 365 is composed of Office 365, Enterprise Mobility Security 365, and Windows, we will take a closer look at each component and compare these two licensing models. The table below summarizes the differences.

Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 versus E5 security features matrix

Upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 empowers your organization with a suite of advanced tools that are critical for modern security and compliance. Below, we discuss the most important security features that this license offers compared to M365 E3 in each of the three key areas mentioned earlier: general security, threat protection, and information protection.

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General security 

  • Microsoft Defender for Identity : Proactive threat detection against compromised identities and risky sign-in behaviors
  • Privileged Identity Management (PIM) : Fine-grained administrative role management with just-in-time access and approvals
  • Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2: Advanced features like access reviews, entitlement management, and risk-based conditional access for robust identity governance

Threat protection

  • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 : Provides advanced email protection (Safe Attachments, Safe Links, real-time reporting, and automated remediation) to fight zero-day attacks and advanced phishing.
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 : Comprehensive endpoint protection with advanced detection/response capabilities, vulnerability management, attack surface reduction, and automated investigation and response capabilities
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps : Integrates with other Microsoft security solutions for cross-platform threat intelligence and coordinated response; provides visibility, threat detection, and controls for cloud app usage within your organization.

Information protection

  • Information Protection for M365 : Automated classification, auto-labeling, and encryption across the Microsoft 365 suite
  • Customer Key : Provides additional control over encryption for data at rest
  • Customer Lockbox : Gives you approval rights over Microsoft’s access to your data in support scenarios
  • Advanced eDiscovery : Extensive search, analysis, and legal hold capabilities for compliance
  • Insider risk management : Identifies internal threats like data leaks or policy violations through behavioral analysis

Microsoft 365 Business Basic versus Standard versus Premium 

For small businesses venturing into the cloud, Microsoft 365 Business Basic lays the groundwork with essential online tools. Stepping up, the Standard license builds upon this with desktop Office apps and enhanced collaboration features. At the top, the Premium license caters to organizations demanding higher levels of security, comprehensive device management, and stringent compliance capabilities. It’s crucial for your organization to assess and select the Microsoft 365 plan that not only fits your operational scale and industry but also meets specific security and regulatory needs.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic versus Standard versus Premium security features matrix

Microsoft 365 Business Premium builds the foundation for a zero-trust approach to security. Additionally, different from the rest of the Microsoft 365 Business licenses that don’t provide many security features, Microsoft 365 Business Premium can improve your overall security in different areas:

General security

  • Privileged Identity Management (PIM) : Just-in-time administrative access with time-bound authorization and approval workflows, reducing the attack surface of privileged roles
  • Intune Plan 1 : Comprehensive mobile device and application management (MDM/MAM) for in-depth device configuration, compliance enforcement, and app protection policies
  • Conditional Access : Granular access controls based on device, location, user, and risk signals, providing zero-trust framework alignment
  • Defender for Business : Comprehensive endpoint protection with advanced detection/response, vulnerability management, automated investigation and remediation, attack surface reduction, and more
  • Microsoft 365 Cloud App Discovery : Analyzes your network traffic to reveal cloud app usage, including shadow IT, and assesses the risks associated with each app
  • Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 : Enhanced email protection with Safe Attachments, Safe Links, and real-time reporting; also protects against zero-day attacks, targeted phishing, and business email compromise
  • Information Protection for M365 : Unified data classification, labeling, and encryption across M365 apps and services; enhances compliance with data governance regulations
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP) : Proactively safeguards sensitive data with policies to detect, monitor, and automatically apply protection actions (encryption, rights management, and blocking)
  • Message Encryption (advanced) : Granular controls for email encryption, including rights management, expiration, and revocation

How IRONSCALES can help

Considering that some Microsoft add-ons or upgrades to their existing licenses can be expensive and complex to evaluate, you can always look at other specialized solutions that complement your existing Microsoft configuration, such as IRONSCALES, which provides:

  • Advanced AI-based detection : Detects phishing emails that other tools might miss.
  • User training : Simulated phishing attacks and educational content help employees spot threats.

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Microsoft 365 frontline f1 versus f3 and f5 add-ons .

M365 Frontline licenses, although sometimes confused with the M365 Business licenses, focus only on frontline employees: those who work directly with customers, clients, or other recipients of services. Microsoft’s goal with M365 Frontline is to “simplify processes, unify communication tools, and engage frontline workers in a secure, all-in-one platform with Microsoft 365.” 

The table below summarizes the differences in features between M365 Frontline F1, F3, and F5.

Microsoft 365 Frontline F1 versus F3 versus F5 Add-ons security features matrix

While Microsoft 365 Frontline F1 and F3 can provide a decent level of security, the Microsoft 365 Frontline F5 Add-On vastly expands your visibility and control. Below we highlight some of the most important security enhancements, divided into the same three categories seen in the table above.

  • Basic mobility and security : MFA, limited device management, and passwordless authentication capabilities
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps : Gives visibility and control over cloud app usage, extending security to applications that frontline workers use.
  • Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2 : A complete identity and access management solution offering advanced threat protection, risk-based conditional access, and identity governance tools
  • Microsoft Privileged Identity Management (PIM ): Increased protection for highly privileged accounts and frontline workers who might have elevated permissions
  • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 : A significant upgrade with Safe Attachments, Safe Links, real-time reporting, automated investigation/response, and zero-day attack protection
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 : Robust endpoint protection with advanced detection/response, vulnerability management, and attack surface reduction
  • Information Protection for M365 : Enables sensitivity labels for frontline workers to automatically classify and protect documents
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP) : Provides policies to prevent unauthorized sharing of sensitive data handled by the frontline workforce.

If your organization wants to avoid analyzing different add-ons and the complex licensing behind them while enhancing email protection, it’s worth looking at complementary solutions in the market. IRONSCALES helps organizations with:

  • Detecting sophisticated phishing attacks : AI and community-sourced intelligence to enhance standard email filters.
  • Automating quarantine and remediation : Suspect emails are automatically removed to protect employees.
  • Training employees to spot threats : Phishing simulations and education improve awareness.
  • Integrating with your existing email security : IRONSCALES natively integrates with other solutions, including M365 and GWS, via its API.

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Microsoft 365 education a3 versus a5 .

M365 Education is another licensing bundle that Microsoft offers as a set of student-centered solutions that help create an equitable learning environment for all while supporting students with their learning activities. Very much like Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 and E5, the Education bundle brings everything from the Enterprise powerhouse while additionally enhancing it with functionalities that are deemed more appropriate for educational bodies.

Based on an educational institution’s professional and security-related needs, you can choose between the M365 A3 or A5 license, whose differences are summarized in the table below.

Microsoft 365 Education A3 versus A5 security features matrix

Microsoft 365 A5 is built for educational organizations that need advanced security and sensitive data protection, and it is subject to strict regulations. It ships with Information Protection, eDiscovery, and security features like the whole Microsoft Defender stack to ensure advanced security. Let’s see some of the most important security enhancements it provides, divided into the three main categories again.

  • Microsoft Defender for Identity : Proactive identity-based threat detection
  • Privileged Identity Management (PIM ) : Granular controls and just-in-time access for sensitive administrative roles
  • Entra ID Plan 2 : Advanced identity governance with access reviews, entitlement management, risk-based conditional access, and more
  • Information barriers : Enforces communication and collaboration restrictions between groups within the organization
  • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 : Advanced protection against zero-day attacks, targeted phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise with Safe Attachments, Safe Links, real-time reporting, and automated remediation
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 : Comprehensive endpoint protection with advanced detection/response, vulnerability management, attack surface reduction, and automated investigations
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps : Deep integration with other defenders for cross-platform threat intelligence and mitigation.
  • Customer Key : An additional layer of encryption control for data at rest
  • Customer Lockbox : Approval rights for Microsoft accessing your data during support operations
  • Advanced eDiscovery : Extensive search, analysis, and legal hold features for compliance
  • Information Protection for M365 : Automated data classification, labeling, and encryption across M365
  • Insider Risk Management : Identifies internal threats like data leaks or policy violations through behavioral analysis

Complementary email security integrations

Basic Microsoft 365 plans like Microsoft 365 F1, F3, and Business Basic, leave your email security vulnerable or incomplete. This could represent the right moment to leverage a comprehensive AI-powered solution for email protection, such as IRONSCALES . Their native API integration makes it easy to complement your Microsoft 365 solution with features such as:

  • Advanced URL and malware protection : Scans received URLs and attachments for possible malware or phishing attempts. Compared to Defender for Office, which scans suspicious links against a list of existing threats , IRONSCALES employs a multi-layered strategy, analyzing content and communication patterns to detect and remove malware threats, suspicious URLs, and attachments in real time. 
  • Crowdsourced threat intelligence : The IRONSCALES global network of more than 20,000 security experts uses real-time threat data that is shared and analyzed to increase the platform’s detection capabilities. Complementing this is its AI-powered threat detection capabilities to locate phishing attempts, zero-day attacks, and impersonation scams that often bypass the traditional email filters offered by Microsoft 365. 

IRONSCALES anti-phishing capabilities ( source )

  • Phishing simulation testing : Unlike Defender for Office, which uses generic canned phishing scenarios, IRONSCALES uses GPT-powered technologies built on real-world data to craft personalized spear-phishing emails to train the users.

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In this article, we explained the security features that various Microsoft 365 subscriptions offer, giving IT (security) professionals an insight into what exactly they need to choose for their organizations. The optimal M365 configuration is not necessarily the most expensive option. Based on our organization’s risk tolerance, regulatory complaint requests, and various user workflows, you might want to actually select multiple plans and even add solutions that complement the existing infrastructure, such as IRONSCALES , to achieve a robust security posture.

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Best Microsoft 365 email price comparison 2024

William Bacchus

William Bacchus

Published: April 2, 2024

Last updated: April 2, 2024

Table of Contents

microsoft 365 email price comparison

In today’s digital age, where communication plays a pivotal role in business success, the significance of a professional email cannot be overstated. For many years, emails have served as the primary mode of communication for businesses of all sizes and industries. From initial client interactions to internal communications among team members, a well-crafted email not only conveys professionalism but also establishes credibility and fosters trust. But having a well-written email is only part of the equation. The email address is the first thing a client or colleague will see when they are notified of your email.

Thus brings us to the importance of professional Microsoft 365 email addresses. When wanting to communicate professionalism, they are one of the most important tools that help separate a hobby from a professional. You don’t us to tell you how important it is to have professional email for your company (but if you do, check out this article), what you do need to know is where you should purchase professional email for your company from. Well, don’t worry about scouring the internet, comparing every plan out there. That’s long and a complete waste of your time, especially since we’ve already done it for you! Check out the price comparison table below, which consists of all the leading email providers.

microsoft 365 business plans compared

Get everything your business needs with Microsoft 365 from The Elite Web Co.!

The tools offered by Microsoft 365 from The Elite Web Co., are crafted to enhance efficiency and productivity. Whether in a workplace setting or starting a new venture, Microsoft Teams and email streamline collaboration effortlessly. Whether you’re launching a new business or transitioning an existing one, you’re in the right spot. Our comprehensive offerings ensure a swift and simple setup process. With bundled essentials like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, our Online Essentials and Business Premium plans empower you to accomplish more in less time.

Purchasing Microsoft 365 from Elite not only gives you the most competitive prices on the market, but many extras too. You’ll never need to worry about keeping your office application updated, as the team take care of any major updates for you! With no additional fees, you will be constantly given the most up-to-date version, allowing you to keep your business updated with the progressive world.

microsoft 365 business plans compared

Microsoft 365 from The Elite Web Co., spotlight features:

Microsoft outlook.

Manage your emails from your desktop or your phone, or anywhere in between thanks to the responsive and constantly updated Microsoft Outlook

99.9% uptime guarantee

Never have to worry about losing emails or work with this uptime guarantee for your emails and office 365 tools.

Chat and video meetings

Thanks to the ever-growing Microsoft Teams , you’ll have access to unlimited HD conferencing with features designed for your business meetings.

Office 365 web apps

Enjoy all the popular Microsoft apps like Word , Excel , PowerPoint , to supercharge productivity in the workplace.

5 device install

Each user will be able to install Office on up to five devices, so whether you’re in the office, working from home, or on-the-go, you’ll never be out of touch with the office.

Plentiful cloud storage

Never stress about running out of storage with 1TB of online storage, plus a whopping 50GB for your email, contacts, and calendar!

Email security

With spam filters and extra layers of security, you’ll never have to worry about your emails being unprotected, or being endlessly spammed by bots.

Auto-updates

Keep everyone in the office on the same page, with all applications automatically updating to the latest versions – free of charge!

microsoft 365 business plans compared

Unite the workplace with Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is an indispensable tool for businesses, offering a comprehensive platform that streamlines communication, collaboration, and productivity. With its seamless integration of chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and collaborative workspace features, Teams facilitates efficient teamwork regardless of physical location. Its versatility allows for real-time collaboration on documents, presentations, and projects, enhancing productivity and fostering innovation. Teams also integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 applications, providing a unified ecosystem for business operations. Furthermore, its security and compliance features ensure data protection and regulatory adherence, instilling confidence in businesses of all sizes. Whether facilitating remote work, enabling cross-departmental collaboration, or conducting virtual meetings, Microsoft Teams empowers businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic and interconnected world.

If you’re uncertain about which Microsoft 365 email plan best suits your needs, we’re here to assist you in making that decision. Explore the various options available to you below and discover what each plan includes by engaging in a chat with us. We’re dedicated to providing you with the information you need to choose the perfect Microsoft 365 email plan for your requirements.

MICROSOFT 365 EMAIL ESSENTIALS

Professional email with 10GB of email storage.

  • Professional email using your domain name
  • 10 GB of Storage for email, contacts and calendar
  • Sync across all devices
  • Shared online calendars
  • Up to 400 email aliases

$5.99/month

Microsoft 365 email plus.

Professional email with 50GB of email storage.

  • 50 GB of Storage for email, contacts and calendar

$6.99/month

Microsoft 365 online essentials.

Office web apps & Professional email.

  • Office apps (online only) versions of Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.
  • Access to Microsoft Teams for business
  • 1 TB online Storage
  • Unlimited online meetings & HD video conferencing

$9.99/month

Microsoft 365 business premium.

Office apps on 5 devices, web apps & Professional email.

  • Office apps installed on up to five devices
  • Business apps – Make your small business run better and more efficient.

$13.99/month

Compare microsoft 365 email plans:, professional email plans.

Microsoft 365 email plans that don’t come with Office apps.

Microsoft 365 Email Essentials:

Harness professional email services tailored to your domain name, inclusive of calendar and contact synchronization across various mobile devices and email clients. This package includes 10 GB of email storage and up to 400 email aliases.

Microsoft 365 Email Plus:

For those requiring additional storage while maintaining the features of Email Essentials, this plan offers 50 GB of storage capacity.

Microsoft 365 Plans:

Email plans that include Office apps.

Microsoft 365 Online Essentials:

With a generous 50 GB email storage, this plan extends its offerings to include OneDrive (1 TB), file sharing, and online iterations of Office applications such as Word and Excel. Accessible on Android and iPhone devices, it also facilitates instant messaging and online audio/video meetings through Teams.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium:

Augmenting the features of Online Essentials, this plan furnishes desktop downloads of beloved Office programs, installable on up to 5 computers (PC or Mac) and 5 tablets/smartphones per user. It ensures seamless productivity with offline access and file synchronization upon reconnection, along with 50 GB of email storage.

FAQs about Microsoft 365 email

What is Microsoft 365?

Previously known as Office 365, Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service provided by Microsoft, granting users access to Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, from any location with an internet connection. One of its primary advantages is the constant updating of applications, alleviating concerns about obtaining the newest versions of Microsoft Office software, as was previously necessary.

Moreover, with Microsoft 365 Email Essentials (or higher plans)​, users not only enjoy access to web-based versions of Office applications but can also install these applications directly onto their devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

How much does Microsoft 365 from The Elite Web Co., cost?

The price you pay for your Microsoft 365 email plan depends on the type of plan you purchase. Elite offer the most competitive rates on the market, with plans starting from just $5.99.

What’s the difference between Office 365 and Microsoft 365 from Elite?

In essence, Microsoft 365 includes all the features and applications provided by Office 365, and extends them further. The name change reflects a broader scope of offerings, incorporating not just traditional Office apps, but also innovative applications and intelligent cloud services.

For those accustomed to using Office 365, transitioning to Microsoft 365 should feel familiar, as it builds upon the foundation of its predecessor while introducing additional functionalities and benefits.

Why would I need a professional business email address?

Having a professional business email address means having an email address that incorporates your own domain name . This not only adds a touch of professionalism to your correspondence but also enhances your credibility as a serious professional in the eyes of your recipients. For instance, an email address like [email protected] signals to others that you are committed and dedicated to your business endeavors, projecting a strong image of professionalism.

What if I need more than 1 email address and to install Office on more than 5 devices?

In many workplaces, there’s a common need for individual email addresses and the ability to install Office 365 on personal devices for multiple employees. In such cases, each user or employee would require their own Microsoft 365 Business Premium license.

However, setting up multiple owner accounts isn’t necessary. Instead, a single administrator, typically the owner account, can procure all required email addresses under their own account. This centralizes all email addresses and Microsoft 365 subscriptions under one account. Consequently, any future additions or removals of email users can be managed seamlessly through the primary owner/administrator account.

Why would I need Office 365 if I already have Microsoft Office installed on my computer?

One of the primary advantages of Office 365 is the assurance of constantly accessing the latest Microsoft Office programs. Notably, users incur no additional costs for updates. Under our Microsoft 365 Online Essentials plan, users can both utilize Office programs online and install the latest versions directly onto their computers. This ensures that essential productivity tools like Word, Publisher, OneNote, PowerPoint, and others remain consistently updated.

Moreover, users benefit from enhanced collaboration capabilities with colleagues and team members through online document sharing via OneDrive. This facilitates secure and seamless document sharing. Additionally, Microsoft Teams enables real-time screen sharing for conducting meetings. While traditional Microsoft Office installed on a single device suffices for basic usage, Office 365 stands out for its array of integrated features beyond mere program functionalities.

Which Office apps come included with Microsoft 365?

With Microsoft 365 Online Essentials and Business Premium plans, users can access a comprehensive suite of Office applications, including:

  • Word: Ideal for crafting documents with embedded writing-enhancement tools.
  • PowerPoint: Empowers users to create standout presentations with impressive visuals.
  • Excel: Simplifies the creation of user-friendly spreadsheets, regardless of data complexity.
  • Outlook: A unified platform for managing emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks seamlessly.
  • Publisher: Enables the creation of professional designs such as marketing materials, newsletters, or flyers.
  • Microsoft Teams: A user-friendly chat-based application fostering streamlined collaboration through chat and video among coworkers and colleagues.
  • OneDrive: A versatile cloud storage solution facilitating the saving, editing, and sharing of various file types.
  • SharePoint: Facilitates content and information sharing and management across organizations.

With Microsoft 365 Online Essentials, users not only gain access to the web-app versions of these Office applications but can also install Office on up to 5 devices of their choice.

How do I sign in to Outlook on the web?

Outlook on the web, previously known as Outlook Web Access (OWA) and Outlook Web App, provides you with the capability to access your Outlook email directly from a web browser.

What is Office Online?

Office Online serves as the online counterpart to programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These programs can be accessed from any device through a web browser while connected to the internet. Additionally, you can conveniently access Office Online directly from your cloud storage. This allows you to create files, share them with colleagues or co-workers, and collaborate in real-time, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

What does online document collaboration mean?

With Microsoft 365 Online Essentials and Business Premium plans, documents you create can be stored in your OneDrive cloud storage and SharePoint. This enables easy access for individuals who need to view or edit the document. By sharing a link to the document, co-workers or colleagues can simultaneously make edits in real-time alongside you. You can witness live edits as they occur.

Hence, if you require collaborative work on a document with multiple individuals simultaneously, online document collaboration facilitates seamless interaction. Gone are the days of exchanging documents via email for edits; this process is now a pain of the past!

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Microsoft unbundles Teams and Office 365 for customers worldwide

It follows the products' separation in eu countries last fall..

In October, Microsoft unbundled Teams from Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites in the European Union and Switzerland to avoid potential fines. Now, the company is expanding this offering, selling Microsoft Teams separately from Microsoft 365 and Office 365 worldwide, Reuters reports . "Doing so also addresses feedback from the European Commission by providing multinational companies more flexibility when they want to standardise their purchasing across geographies," a Microsoft spokesperson told the publication.

Current users can now choose to keep their current deal or switch to one of the separate offerings — especially helpful for anyone who uses the Office suite but prefers another communication service like Zoom or Google Meet. Commercial customers new to Microsoft's offerings can pick up Teams on its own for $5.25, while Office sans Teams is going for anywhere from $7.75 to $54.75.

Microsoft's journey to unbundling Teams and Office started in 2020 when Slack filed an antitrust complaint with the EU. The now Salesforce-owned company alleged that it was illegal to include Teams in the Office suite and that Microsoft was blocking customers from removing the chat platform. The European Commission has subsequently been investigating this matter, with Microsoft announcing in April 2023 that it would separate Teams from Microsoft 35 and Office 365. Though the move went into effect last fall, Microsoft is still at risk of owing the EU a hefty fine if found to have broken antitrust laws.

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How-To Geek

Microsoft 365 cheaper 'basic' plan now has more features.

Microsoft is bringing more features to the $2/month Microsoft 365 Basic plan.

Microsoft 365 Basic is the entry-level version of Microsoft 365, giving you 100GB of OneDrive cloud storage and access to the web Office apps without spending much money. Now, Microsoft is bringing more features down to the Basic plan.

Microsoft 365 Basic costs $1.99 per month (or $19.99 per year), and it gives you full access to the web and mobile Office apps, 100GB of cloud storage in OneDrive, and no advertisements in Outlook. There’s still not a family plan version, or access to the native macOS and Windows Office apps—you have to get a regular Microsoft 365 plan for that. Still, the Basic plan is a great option if you just need more cloud storage and the core Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps across all your devices.

Starting today, Microsoft 365 Basic is an even better deal, as Microsoft is adding some features that were previously exclusive to full Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The plan now includes cloud-based ransomware detection and recovery, which monitors your account and sends you alerts for unusual file modifications, encryption actions, and other suspicious indicators.

Microsoft said in a blog post, “When Microsoft 365 detects a ransomware attack, you’ll receive a notification on your device and an email from Microsoft, alerting you to the potential threat. We guide you through the process of assessing the extent of the issue, deleting suspicious files and then help you identify a safe point in time for restoration.”

Microsoft 365 Basic also now has improved support for Personal Vaults. The feature allows you to store important documents in OneDrive with additional two-factor authentication, but Basic subscribers were limited to only storing three files. That limit has now been removed—you can upload as many files in a Personal Vault as you want, up to your account’s regular 100GB limit.

You can also now create password-protected links and expiring links for OneDrive files. The options are available in the sharing settings menu, alongside the existing options for public links or sharing files with specific contacts. If you set an expiration date, the shared link will stop working after the specified time, but the file will remain in your OneDrive.

Finally, Microsoft 365 Basic now includes support for offline files and folders in the mobile OneDrive app. When you have an internet connection, you can now mark any file or folder for offline access from the file options menu, and the data will still be viewable when you lose your connection. Google Drive offers offline support for free across all platforms , so Microsoft hasn’t quite caught up to the competition, but at least it’s on the cheapest paid plan now.

You can sign up for Microsoft 365 Basic from Microsoft’s website. The price remains the same: $1.99/month or $19.99/year. The full Microsoft 365 plan starts at $70/year for one person or $100/year for families.

Source: Microsoft

IMAGES

  1. Which Office 365 Plan is right for you? [Infographic]

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  2. What’s the Right Microsoft Office 365 Plan for My Business?

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  3. Microsoft 365 Plans Explained: SMB, Frontline Worker & Enterprise User

    microsoft 365 business plans compared

  4. Cms Microsoft 365 Office 365 Plan Comparison

    microsoft 365 business plans compared

  5. Office 365 E3 Vs Microsoft 365 for Business for MSP's

    microsoft 365 business plans compared

  6. Microsoft 365 Plans Explained: SMB, Frontline Worker & Enterprise User

    microsoft 365 business plans compared

COMMENTS

  1. Compare All Microsoft 365 Plans

    Try free for one month. See trial terms 2. Everything in Business Basic, plus: Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Webinars with attendee registration and reporting. New: Collaborative workspaces to co-create using Microsoft Loop. New: Video editing and design tools with Microsoft Clipchamp.

  2. Compare Microsoft 365 Business Subscription Plans

    To provide you with the greatest amount of flexibility, different payment options are available. Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Apps for business, Business Standard, and Business Premium plans are available for monthly commitment payment or annual commitment payment.

  3. Compare Microsoft 365 Plans

    Apps and services to kick-start your business, including: Identity, access, and user management for up to 300 employees. Custom business email ([email protected]) Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Chat, call, and video conference with Microsoft Teams. 1 TB of cloud storage per employee.

  4. Microsoft 365 for Business Plans—Free Trial

    Try for free. See trial terms 2. Available for up to 300 employees. Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 1 TB of cloud storage per user. Anytime phone and web support. Desktop, web, and mobile apps and services: Word. Excel.

  5. Which Microsoft 365 plan is right for your business?

    Microsoft 365 for business is a subscription service that lets you run your organization in the cloud while Microsoft takes care of the IT for you. It connects employees to the people, information, and content they need to do their best work, from any device. The latest desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint ...

  6. Compare All Microsoft 365 Plans

    Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook 4. Chat, call, and video conference with Microsoft Teams. 1 TB of cloud storage per employee. 10+ additional apps for your business needs (Microsoft Bookings, Planner, Forms, and others) Automatic spam and malware filtering.

  7. Compare Microsoft 365 Business Plans and Pricing

    Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook 4. 1 TB of cloud storage per employee. 10+ additional apps for your business needs (Microsoft Bookings, Planner, Forms, and others) Automatic spam and malware filtering. Anytime phone and web support.

  8. What's the difference between Microsoft 365 plans for home or business

    Microsoft 365 personal plans. What's different. Get a branded email address for your business or bring an existing one. Create branded templates in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Let customers schedule appointments with you online and share calendars across individuals. Use a central location for all work files.

  9. Microsoft 365 Family vs Microsoft 365 Business: which is ...

    There's no denying that Microsoft 365 Family offers great value. Pay $99.99 per year in the US or £79.99 in the UK and you get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook and OneDrive. Users can ...

  10. Compare Microsoft 365 Business Plans

    In the table below you will find all the details of the Microsoft 365 business plans compared. You can find the prices for your country here at Microsoft.com. Keep in mind that all Business plans are limited to 300 users. Note. Microsoft added new plans without Teams wich are only available in the European Union.

  11. What's the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021?

    Compare prices. Microsoft 365 subscriptions. For home or personal use: Microsoft 365 Family (share with up to 5 additional people) Microsoft 365 Personal (for one individual) Microsoft 365 Basic. For business use: Compare Microsoft 365 small and midsized business plans (up to 300 users) Compare Microsoft 365 enterprise plans. For non-profits:

  12. PDF Office 365 and Microsoft 365 Price and Compare: Business

    With hundreds of Microsoft Certified Professionals on staff, we're ready to help you get the most from Office 365. . Rapid Managed Escalation. We'll work directly with Microsoft to resolve your problems quickly. . Active Directory Integration. Manage user credentials and permissions seamlessly.

  13. Compare Microsoft 365 Business Plans

    Compare Microsoft 365 Business Plans. Download Windows Speedup Tool to fix errors and make PC run faster. Office 365 Business Plans (Now called Microsoft 365 Business Plans) mainly offer 4 ...

  14. COMPARISON OF Microsoft 365 BUSINESS PLANS AND PRICING

    This plan is priced at only $6 user/month. At $8.30 user/month, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business is a standard plan includes Microsoft Office applications along with OneDrive for Business. In addition to all the features of the above plans, Microsoft Business Standard has more advanced features priced at $12.50 user/month.

  15. Compare all Microsoft Office 365 Plans in one Overview

    For most small businesses is the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan the best choice. With a price of $12.50 per user per month, you get the full Office 365 suite, with the desktop apps, Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc. Everything you need to get your business started in the cloud. If you also want to fully manage your devices ...

  16. Office 365 Business Plans Compared with Comparison Chart

    This is one of the differences that are easily overlooked, but very important for larger corporations. With Office 365 Business and Business Essentials you can't use Office Add-ins, ActiveX or Browser helper objects. Now you might think, I don't really need add-ins. But no add-ins also means no connection with your CRM or ERP application.

  17. Office 365 Business Plans Comparison: Features & Price

    Here is a comparison of pricing and available apps and collaboration services between all four Microsoft 365 plans for business: Microsoft 365 Business Basic. Microsoft 365 Apps for Business. Microsoft 365 Business Standard. Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Price (Annual subscription) $ 5.00 per user/month.

  18. Microsoft 365 Business VS. Enterprise: A Detailed Comparison

    Here is a detailed comparison of the Microsoft 365 plans for businesses: Features Microsoft 365 Business Basic ... For businesses considering Microsoft 365 Business plans, there are no pre-existing licensing requirements needed to purchase and implement Windows 365 Business. However, certain features such as device management will require users ...

  19. Microsoft 365 vs Microsoft 365 Business Premium

    N/A. Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a Microsoft Cloud subscription service that includes Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access). The software can be installed across multiple devices and ensures that users always have the most up-to-date version of the included Office applications. $ 5.

  20. What's the difference between a paid Microsoft 365 subscription and the

    Other subscription plans. Besides Microsoft 365 Family or Personal, there are other Microsoft 365 plans which include additional benefits and features designed specifically for small and mid-size businesses, enterprises, schools, or non-profits. You also get 5 GB of OneDrive online cloud storage with your free Microsoft account so you can access your files from anywhere.

  21. Comparison of Microsoft 365 Business Plans

    Mobile device management: With Microsoft 365 business plan, businesses can manage and secure mobile devices, ensuring that employees can access the tools and resources they need from anywhere, at any time. Cost savings: By using a subscription-based model, businesses can save money on software costs and avoid the need for expensive upgrades.

  22. Comparing Basic vs Premium Plans

    Planner supports two different types of plans, Basic and Premium . There are features that both plans support, and there are features that are only available to a specific plan. Updates are continuously being made to help close on the most critical gaps in the premium plan. The table below shows which features are included in each plan type.

  23. Which Microsoft 365 plan is right for your business?

    Microsoft 365 for business is a subscription service that lets you run your organization in the cloud while Microsoft takes care of the IT for you. It connects employees to the people, information, and content they need to do their best work, from any device. The latest desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint ...

  24. Microsoft license comparison in a M365 License Matrix

    Basic Microsoft 365 plans like Microsoft 365 F1, F3, and Business Basic, leave your email security vulnerable or incomplete. This could represent the right moment to leverage a comprehensive AI-powered solution for email protection, such as IRONSCALES. Their native API integration makes it easy to complement your Microsoft 365 solution with ...

  25. Best Microsoft 365 email price comparison 2024

    Table of Contents. Best Microsoft 365 email price comparison 2024. Get everything your business needs with Microsoft 365 from The Elite Web Co.! Microsoft 365 from The Elite Web Co., spotlight features: Microsoft Outlook. 99.9% uptime guarantee. Chat and video meetings. Office 365 web apps. 5 device install.

  26. Microsoft unbundles Teams and Office 365 for customers worldwide

    Commercial customers new to Microsoft's offerings can pick up Teams on its own for $5.25, while Office sans Teams is going for anywhere from $7.75 to $54.75. Microsoft's journey to unbundling ...

  27. Microsoft 365 Cheaper 'Basic' Plan Now Has More Features

    Microsoft 365 Basic is the entry-level version of Microsoft 365, giving you 100GB of OneDrive cloud storage and access to the web Office apps without spending much money. Now, Microsoft is bringing more features down to the Basic plan. Microsoft 365 Basic costs $1.99 per month (or $19.99 per year), and it gives you full access to the web and ...