Comparing Microsoft 365 Plans: Which One is Right for Your Business?

Finding the right Microsoft 365 plan can be a daunting task. With several options available, each offering a unique set of features, it’s essential to pick the plan that best aligns with your business needs. We'll break down the differences between Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium, E3, and E5 to help you make an informed decision.

 

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Pricing bellow is for annual commitment, for monthly please refer to Microsoft pricing page.

Microsoft 365 Plans Overview

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Cost: $12.50 per user/month
Maximum Users: 300

• Office Apps: Install Office on up to 5 PCs/Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones per user. Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access (Office Online).
• Email Archiving: 100GB
• Email & Calendar: Outlook, Exchange Online with 50GB mailbox per user.
• Hub for Teamwork: Microsoft Teams for chat, online meetings, and more.
• File Storage: 1TB per user with OneDrive for Business.
• Social, Video, Sites: Yammer, SharePoint Online, Planner.
• Business Apps: Scheduling Apps – Bookings, StaffHub.
• Threat Protection: Basic security features.
• Identity Management: Self-service password reset for hybrid Azure Active Directory accounts.
• Device & App Management: Microsoft Intune, Windows Autopilot.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Cost: $20 per user/month
Maximum Users: 300

Includes all features of Business Standard, plus:

• Email Archiving: Unlimited
• Threat Protection: Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics, Device Guard, Credential Guard, App Locker, Enterprise Data Protection.
• Identity Management: Additional Azure AD features like Cloud App Discovery and Connect Health.
• Information Protection: Office 365 Data Loss Prevention, Azure Information Protection Plan 1.
• Compliance: Unlimited email archiving, advanced eDiscovery, Customer Lockbox.

Microsoft 365 E3

Cost: $32 per user/month
Maximum Users: Unlimited

Includes all features of Business Premium, plus:

• Office Apps: Office ProPlus.
• Email & Calendar: 100GB mailbox.
• File Storage: Unlimited.
• Business Apps: Advanced Outlook Customer Manager, MileIQ.
• Threat Protection: Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Office 365 Threat Intelligence.
• Identity Management: Azure Active Directory Plan 2.
• Device & App Management: Shared Computer Activation, Microsoft Desktop Optimization Package.
• Information Protection: Azure Information Protection Plan 2, Microsoft Cloud App Security, O365 Cloud App Security.
• On-Prem CAL Rights: ECAL Suite Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, Windows, SCCM, Win. Rights Management.
• Analytics: Power BI Pro, MyAnalytics.

Microsoft 365 E5

Cost: $57 per user/month
Maximum Users: Unlimited

Includes all features of E3, plus:

• Advanced Threat Protection: Enhanced with additional security tools.
• Compliance: Advanced Data Governance.
• Analytics: Enhanced analytics capabilities.

Choosing the Right Plan

When deciding which Microsoft 365 plan is right for your business, consider the following factors:

• Business Size: If you have fewer than 300 users, Business Standard or Business Premium might be sufficient. Larger organizations should consider E3 or E5.
• Security Needs: For businesses requiring advanced threat protection and data security, Business Premium or E5 are ideal.
• Compliance Requirements: If your business operates in a highly regulated industry, the comprehensive compliance features in E3 and E5 are beneficial.
• Productivity Tools: All plans offer robust productivity tools, but E3 and E5 provide additional features for larger teams and more complex workflows.

In Conclusion

At Four Winds IT, we are committed to helping you find the best Microsoft 365 plan for your business. By understanding the unique features of each plan, you can make an informed decision that supports your hybrid work environment, enhances productivity, and ensures robust security. If you need further assistance, contact us today for a personalized consultation.

Read more about our services and how we can help you implement Microsoft 365 for your business here.