Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Arnav Sharma
Here’s a quick overview of the main plans (excluding Microsoft Teams integration as an assumption for differentiation): a detailed plans comparison between Office 365 E5 and Microsoft 365 Business Premium, a 365 for business online plan
Detailed Comparison Table for Microsoft 365 Business Plans (Excluding Microsoft Teams)
| Feature/Plan | Business Basic(AU$7.10) | Business Standard(AU$15.30) | Business Premium(AU$29.60) | Apps for Business, including Microsoft 365 and Office Online (AU$13.00) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price Per User | AU$7.10 | AU$15.30 | AU$29.60 | AU$13.00 |
| User Limit | Up to 300 users in 365 for business plans | Up to 300 | Up to 300 | Up to 300 |
| Office Apps Included in business and enterprise plans in Office 365 and Microsoft 365 plans | Web and Mobile Versions | Desktop, Web, and Mobile | Desktop, Web, and Mobile | Desktop Versions Only |
| Core Office Applications | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, part of the Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suite | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook |
| Email and Calendar | Included (Exchange Online) | Included (Exchange Online) | Included (Exchange Online) | Not Included |
| Cloud Storage | 1 TB OneDrive | 1 TB OneDrive | 1 TB OneDrive | 1 TB OneDrive |
| Webinars and Live Events features in business and enterprise plans | Not Included | Included | Included | Not Included |
| Standard Security and Compliance | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Advanced Cyberthreat Protection | Not Included | Not Included | Included (Microsoft Defender for Business, Azure Information Protection) in Microsoft 365 includes | Not Included |
| Device Management | Not Included | Not Included | Included (Microsoft Intune) | Not Included |
| Additional Business Apps | SharePoint, Exchange | SharePoint, Exchange, Microsoft Loop, Clipchamp | SharePoint, Exchange, Microsoft Loop, Clipchamp, Microsoft Entra ID | None |
| AI-Powered Assistance (Copilot) | Available as Add-On | Available as Add-On | Available as Add-On | Not Included |
| Support Type | Phone and Web Support | Phone and Web Support | Phone and Web Support | Phone and Web Support |
Detailed Comparison Table for Microsoft 365 Business Plans (With Microsoft Teams)
| Feature/Plan | Business Basic(AU$9.00) | Business Standard(AU$18.70) | Business Premium (AU$32.90) | Apps for Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price Per User | AU$9.00 | AU$18.70 | AU$32.90 | AU$13.00 |
| User Limit | Up to 300 | Up to 300 | Up to 300 | Up to 300 |
| Office Apps Included | Web and Mobile Versions | Desktop, Web, and Mobile | Desktop, Web, and Mobile | Desktop Versions Only |
| Core Office Applications | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook |
| Email and Calendar | Included (Exchange Online) | Included (Exchange Online) | Included (Exchange Online) | Not Included |
| Cloud Storage | 1 TB OneDrive | 1 TB OneDrive | 1 TB OneDrive | 1 TB OneDrive |
| Microsoft Teams | Included | Included | Included | Not Included |
| Webinars and Live Events | Included | Included | Included | Not Included |
| Standard Security and Compliance | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Advanced Cyberthreat Protection | Not Included | Not Included | Included (Microsoft Defender for Business, Azure Information Protection) | Not Included |
| Device Management | Not Included | Not Included | Included (Microsoft Intune) | Not Included |
| Additional Business Apps | SharePoint, Exchange | SharePoint, Exchange, Microsoft Loop, Clipchamp | SharePoint, Exchange, Microsoft Loop, Clipchamp, Microsoft Entra ID | None |
| AI-Powered Assistance (Copilot) | Available as Add-On | Available as Add-On | Available as Add-On | Not Included |
| Support Type | Phone and Web Support | Phone and Web Support | Phone and Web Support | Phone and Web Support |
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
The Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan is ideal for businesses that need basic office applications and services like SharePoint and Exchange Online. It supports web and mobile versions of Office apps and includes 1 TB of cloud storage per user.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Microsoft 365 Business Standard adds desktop access to Office applications and new collaborative tools such as Microsoft Loop and Clipchamp, catering to businesses requiring more robust productivity tools.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Microsoft 365 Business Premium extends the Standard plan features with enhanced cyberthreat protection like Microsoft Defender for Business, enterprise-grade device management via Intune, and compliance tools such as Azure Information Protection.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
The Apps for Business plan is pared down to include only the desktop Office applications, making it suitable for businesses that do not require web or mobile app access or core business services like email hosting.
Compare Microsoft 365 and Office 365 Business Plans
License Comparison and 365 License Insights
When comparing licenses, Microsoft 365 Business Premium and E3 plans stand out for larger businesses due to their advanced security and compliance features. Small to medium-sized enterprises might find the Business Basic or Business Standard plans more in line with their needs due to their balance of features and cost.
Business Premium and E3 Considerations
For businesses looking at higher-end needs, the Business Premium plan and the E3 license offer significant advantages in terms of security and administrative features. Businesses requiring less intensive features can look towards the Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Standard plans.
Choosing the Right Plan
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 subscription requires a clear understanding of your business needs. Whether it’s the comprehensive protective features of the Business Premium plan or the basic office tools of the Apps for Business plan, Microsoft offers a range of options to suit different business scales and requirements.
When selecting your plan, consider:
- The size of your business (less than 300 users vs more)
- Required security features
- The need for desktop vs web/mobile access
- Budget constraints
- Compliance and device management needs
FAQ: Microsoft 365 Plans
Q: What are the key features of the Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans?
A: The key features of the Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans include a comprehensive office suite with apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, available both online and offline. These plans are designed to cater to every business, with features like advanced security through Microsoft Defender for Office 365, enterprise mobility, and various subscription plans ranging from personal use (Microsoft 365 Family) to large enterprises (Microsoft 365 Enterprise). They offer flexibility in features and pricing, with options for an annual subscription to meet different organizational needs.
Q: How do the Microsoft Office 365 business plans compare to the enterprise plans?
A: Microsoft Office 365 business plans are tailored for small to medium-sized businesses and include essential apps and services that enhance productivity and collaboration. In contrast, the enterprise plans, such as Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3, offer additional features like advanced security, compliance tools, and broader enterprise services. The enterprise plans are designed for larger organizations that require more robust and scalable solutions to support complex IT environments.
Q: What specific benefits do the Microsoft 365 E3 and F1 plans offer?
A: The Microsoft 365 E3 plan provides comprehensive solutions including Office apps, powerful cloud services, and advanced security. It is well-suited for enterprises needing full productivity tools plus compliance and management features. On the other hand, the Microsoft 365 F1 plan is designed for front-line workers, offering essential services to connect and collaborate, using tools like Microsoft Teams and secure cloud storage, but at a more cost-effective price point and with more limited app access.
Q: Can you detail how to compare Office 365 plans and their suitability for different organizational needs?
A: To compare Office 365 plans, start by assessing organizational needs such as the number of users, required apps, security demands, and budget. Office 365 offers various plans including E1, E3, and E5, each escalating in features, security options, and administrative controls. For basic needs, Office 365 E1 offers essential online services. The E3 plan is more suitable for businesses that require more advanced features and compliance tools, while the E5 plan offers the highest level of services, including advanced analytics and voice capabilities. The comparison should consider the features available, such as enterprise mobility, and plans available, ensuring a match with the business requirements.
Q: What distinguishes the Office 365 E3 and E5 plans from other Microsoft 365 offerings?
A: The Office 365 E3 and E5 plans are distinguished primarily by their level of security features, compliance tools, and communication capabilities. The E3 plan includes features like enterprise mobility and security, as well as additional compliance options, making it ideal for organizations needing robust productivity tools with enhanced security. The E5 plan builds on this by adding advanced analytics, voice capabilities, and even more comprehensive compliance solutions. These plans are part of a broader set of Microsoft 365 offerings, designed to offer scalable solutions that cater to complex enterprise needs.
Q: Why might a business choose the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan over other available options?
A: A business might choose the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan for its balanced blend of productivity tools, cloud services, and security features at a cost-effective price. This plan includes the full Office suite available online and offline, meeting rooms, custom email domains, and more, which are essential for small to medium-sized businesses. It stands out by providing a comprehensive set of tools that support collaboration and efficiency without the more complex features of enterprise plans, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to scale with flexibility.