compare all microsoft 365 business plans

Microsoft 365 Business Plans Compared

In April 2020 Microsoft changed the names of the Office 365 Business plans to Microsoft 365 Business. Before this name change, we had only Microsoft 365 Business, but now we have Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium, and Apps for Business.

Only the names have changed, the price and the features of the plans have stayed the same. In this article, we are going to take a look at the differences between the Microsoft 365 Business plans . We are going to start with a comparison table so you can quickly compare the most important details between the different plans.

Microsoft 365 for Business Plans Compared

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. These plans are less expensive. Read everything about it in this article

Tip You can mix Microsoft 365 Business plans with Enterprise plans, so if you have more than 300 users, you buy Office 365 E3 plans for the other users.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

The Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan, formerly known as Office 365 Business Essentials, is the perfect plan if you don’t work a lot in Word, Excel, or Outlook.

In the Business Basic plan, you don’t get the desktop apps , so you can’t install Word, Excel, Outlook, etc on your desktop. But you can use those applications online in your browser.

The browser versions of these apps work perfectly for light usage. Outlook Online is great to work with, it has all the important features just like the Outlook app. Word and Excel Online also work fine if you need to write an occasional letter or spreadsheet.

What makes the Business Basic plan so great is that you get Exchange Online with 50Gb mailboxes OneDrive and SharePoint. So you can use all the benefits of Office 365 (safely storing your data in the cloud, easily working together and sharing documents, etc.), for only $5 per month.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

This is basically the default Microsoft 365 plan for small businesses ( hence the name 😉 ). Microsoft 365 Business Standard , formerly known as Office 365 Business Premium, contains everything a small business needs.

It comes with desktop apps so that you can install Outlook, Word, Excel, etc. on your desktops, and it comes with a lot of online business apps.

The desktop apps have of course a lot of advantages over the online versions, but the most important ones are that you can use add-ins (for your business applications for example) and macros . Something that is not possible with the online versions.

Business Standard comes with a couple of Online Business Applications that are only available in Standard and Premium.

• Outlook Customer Manager – a Lite CRM system based on Outlook
• Microsoft Teams Shifts – Built-in Microsoft Teams to plan shifts and tasks
• Microsoft Bookings
• Microsoft Invoicing

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Business Premium is an original Microsoft 36 plan, it was formerly known as Microsoft 365 Business. It comes with everything that Business Standard has with the addition of a couple of security features/services and a Windows 10 Pro license.

Windows 10 Pro License

The Windows 10 Pro license is a pretty strange one compared to the other plans, so let me explain it a bit. Some of the advanced security features that come with Business Premium don’t work on older versions of Windows or on Windows 10 Home.

So to make full use of the security features, you get a Windows 10 Pro license. Now to be clear, you can only upgrade Windows 7 or 8 Pro to Windows 10 Pro. You can’t upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro.

Advanced Security Features

The advanced security features help you to stay protected against cybersecurity threats. It protects you from phishing emails and ransomware.

Another important feature is the Azure Information Protection. If you are working with a lot of sensitive data, then you absolutely don’t want the data to be accidentally shared with others. With Information Protection you can classify, label, and encrypt data so it can’t be shared accidentally.

Keep in mind that settings up these features require some knowledge about Office 365, so it might be a good idea to get an IT/Office 365 Consultant to help you set it up correctly.

Microsoft Intune

The last important addition to this Premium Microsoft 365 Business plan is Intune. With Microsoft Intune, you can manage and protect your mobile devices. Keep in mind data mobile devices are easily getting lost or stolen, so you want to make sure that those are fully protected and easily can be wiped clean when lost.

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business

This plan doesn’t really belong here in this comparison, but I have put it in because of the name and the confusion it might cause. You should actually really compare this plan with just buying Office 2019 in my opinion.

Basically, Apps for Business is only the Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) with the advantage that you also get Online versions, continuous updates, and 1Tb OneDrive storage. But you don’t get SharePoint or Exchange Online.

So you will have to host your email somewhere else, store your files locally (or in OneDrive) and you won’t get any of the advantages of Office 365.

The Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan is for most businesses the best plan to choose. It comes with the Office apps, and all the cloud features and it’s reasonably priced. If you are still in doubt, you can always start with a trial of Business Standard .

Make sure you also check the following articles:

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard vs Office 365 E3
• Office 365 Branding
• Setup Multi-Factor Authentication in Office 365

You may also like the following articles

Exchange Online Message Recall Update

Creating an Asset Library in SharePoint

Getting Started with Microsoft Entra Internet Access

5 thoughts on “microsoft 365 business plans compared”.

M365 Business Premium comes with Windows 10 Business, not Pro. Win 10 Pro is a requirement for Business.

Hi Can M365BP be combine with M365Standard or basic after BP has exceed the 300 limit ?

So 300MBP and 50MBS and so on.

Yes, that is possible.

your statement on Win 10 pro is wrong. Premium CANNOT upgrade a home to pro. I asked microsoft directly to confirm.

“Windows 10 Pro License The Windows 10 Pro license is a pretty strange one compared to the other plans, so let me explain it a bit. Some of the advanced security features that come with Business Premium don’t work on Windows 10 Home. In small companies, you see more Windows 10 Home devices, because people are using a (former) personal device or buy the more affordable computers with Windows 10 Home on it.

So to make full use of the security features, you get a Windows 10 Pro license. Installing it is pretty simple, all you need to do is change the license key and your Windows 10 Home installation will be upgraded to Pro.”

You are correct. I have updated the article.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

So, about that AdBlocker... Will you consider disabling it?

Yes, ads can be annoying. But they allow me to keep writing content like this. You can also support me by Buying Me a Coffee ☕ or visit the shop to get some Tech-Inspired merchandise | Read more about disabling AdBlockers

• Manage your subscription
• Manage payment method
• Renew your subscription
• Turn recurring billing on or off
• Cancel Microsoft 365
• Get a refund on your subscription
• Manage subscriptions from a third party
• Share Microsoft 365 Family
• Stop sharing Microsoft 365 Family
• You received an invitation to share
• Problems sharing a subscription
• Switch between Microsoft 365 subscriptions
• Switch to a business subscription
• Transfer to a different Microsoft account
• About accounts
• Sign in to Microsoft 365
• Why you need to sign in
• Forgot account
• Get started at Microsoft 365.com
• Meet the Microsoft 365 app launcher
• Check version
• Microsoft 365 for home or business
• What business product do I have?
• Difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021
• Difference between home and business plans
• Difference between Microsoft 365 and free web apps
• Troubleshoot

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

Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that makes sure you always have the most up-to-date modern productivity tools from Microsoft. There are Microsoft 365 plans for home and personal use, as well as for small and midsized businesses, large enterprises, schools, and non-profits. 

Microsoft 365 plans for home or business  include the robust Microsoft 365 desktop apps that you’re familiar with, like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. You also get extra cloud storage and cloud-connected features that let you collaborate on files in real time. With a subscription, you'll always have the latest features, fixes, and security updates along with perennial tech support at no extra cost. You can choose to pay for your subscription on a monthly or yearly basis. The Microsoft 365 Family plan also lets you share these subscription benefits with up to five additional people.

Note:  Microsoft 365 Basic is a subscription for one person. It includes 100GB of cloud storage, secure ad-free email, secure photo and file storage, and Microsoft support. See the Microsoft 365 Basic FAQ for more information.

Most of the Microsoft 365 plans for business, schools, and non-profits include the fully installed desktop apps, but Microsoft also offers basic plans with the online versions of Microsoft 365, file storage, and email. You decide what works best for you: Small business , Enterprise , School , or Non-profit .

Office 2021 is sold as a one-time purchase , which means you pay a single, up-front cost to get Microsoft 365 apps for one computer. One-time purchases are available for both PCs and Macs. However, there are no upgrade options, which means if you plan to upgrade to the next major release, you'll have to buy it at full price.

Microsoft 365 for the web is a free version of Microsoft 365 that you can use in a web browser. All you need is to sign up for a Microsoft account with a new or existing email address.   Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for free on the web .

Tip:  If you're a small business owner looking for more information on how to get Microsoft 365 set up, visit Small business help & learning .

Not sure what you have now? See What version of Office am I using?

Ready to install Microsoft 365 apps? See Install Office on your PC or Mac .

Looking for product details and prices?

Buy or try Microsoft 365

Compare Microsoft 365 subscription with Office 2021 (one-time purchase)

Need help choosing a Microsoft 365 for business plan?

Deciding on a plan can depend on your specific business needs. The Microsoft 365 plan chooser is designed to help you with this. The chooser will make recommendations based on your answers to questions such as the size of your business, your field of work, the devices you use, and what kind of features, IT support, and security you're looking for. See Help me find the right plan for my business .

What's the cost?

Choose an option below to get pricing info.

Can I buy just one app, like PowerPoint? What about Project or Visio?

Yes. You can buy standalone versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Mac or PC. Go to the Microsoft Store and search for the app you want.

You can also get a one-time purchase or a subscription version of Visio or Project, available for PCs only. Buy Visio or buy Project .

I have a Mac. What should I buy?

Microsoft 365 subscriptions and Office 2021 can be installed on either Mac or PC.  Compare prices

Do I need to be connected to the internet to use Microsoft 365?

You don't need to be online to use Microsoft 365 apps after they are installed and activated on your devices. However, you will need internet access initially to install and activate Microsoft 365, to install any updates, and to manage your billing. Internet access is also required to access documents stored on OneDrive, unless you install the OneDrive desktop app. However, after your Microsoft 365 apps (like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) are installed, you can use them offline.

You should connect to the internet regularly to keep your apps up to date and benefit from automatic upgrades. If you don’t connect to the Internet at least once a month, your applications will go into reduced functionality mode, and you might see an unlicensed product error . To reactivate your Microsoft 365 applications, simply reconnect to the internet and sign in to Microsoft 365. Learn how to sign in .

Do I need to be connected to the internet to use Office 2021?

You don't need to be online to use Office 2021 apps after they are installed and activated on your device. However, you will need internet access initially to install and activate Office 2021 and to install any updates. In addition, Office 2021 requires reactivation periodically, and may also be triggered by changes to your device’s components, requiring an internet connection. Failing to reactivate may cause your applications to go into reduced functionality mode, or you might get an unlicensed product error .

If you are unable to connect to the internet, you should consider Office LTSC .

Do I have to store my files in the cloud?

No. There are benefits with saving your files to the cloud, but the choice is yours. With both Microsoft 365 and non-subscription versions of Office, you choose where you want to store your documents. The option is yours to save them to a local device or save them to the cloud using a service such as OneDrive.

You can even choose to store your files in the cloud, but continue to access them from your device whether you're online or offline. You do this by syncing your files to your device and making them available for offline access. See  Sync files with OneDrive in Windows or  Sync files with OneDrive on macOS .

To learn more about the benefits of saving to the cloud, see  Video: Why store files in the cloud? To learn more about the choices for where to save your files, see  Save your files and  Save, back up, and recover a file in Microsoft Office .

I have more questions. Is there someone I can talk to?

Use Contact us at the bottom of this page. Thanks!

Find out which Office is right for you

What's new in Microsoft 365

Install Office on your PC or Mac

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

How-To Geek

Microsoft office vs. microsoft 365: which one should you buy.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Quick Links

Table of contents, what's the difference, microsoft office: pros and cons, microsoft 365: pros and cons, okay, so which one costs more.

Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are the standard productivity applications for most businesses and classrooms. But how do you choose between the traditional Office suite and the Microsoft 365 subscription service? What's the difference between Office and Microsoft 365, and which is more cost-effective?

Buy It Once, Own It Forever

Microsoft office vs. office online, work from anywhere, collaboration to the max, the latest features and support, membership bonuses.

Everyone's familiar with the old Microsoft Office ritual. You buy a disc full of Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft-branded software, stick it in your computer, and get to work. A few years go by, and your job or classroom requires a newer version of the Office suite, so you go out and blow your savings on another disc. Rinse and repeat.

But the traditional Office bundle is a lot less common than it used to be. Today, many people access Excel, Word, and other software through a Microsoft 365 subscription or the free, browser-based Office Online suite (which is a stripped-down version of Office).

Unlike an Office bundle, which requires a one-time payment of $150 and only works on one computer, Microsoft 365 costs $7 a month, works on all of your computers and mobile devices, and includes collaborative features and perks that don't come with a standard Office bundle. Microsoft launched its 365 service in 2011 to help modernize the Office suite, which hadn't experienced a major overhaul in nearly a decade. The subscription model allows Microsoft to offer constant updates and support for its productivity software, along the with the cloud storage and deep collaborative features made famous by Google's browser-based productivity tools (Google Docs, Drive, Sheets, etc).

Microsoft still sells its traditional Office suite for people who don't want to pay a monthly fee or use the free, stripped-down Office Online tools. But is the Office bundle really that cost-effective? And even if you can save some money by avoiding Microsoft 365, is it worth missing out on the subscription services' exclusive features?

Microsoft Office 2019 and the upcoming Office 2021 suite start at $150 and come with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The expanded Office Home and Business bundle , which costs $250, includes the Outlook email and calendar tool on top of the standard Office software. Both versions of the Office suite work on just one computer and includes a few years of bug and security support from Microsoft (7 years for Office 2019, 5 years for Office 2021).

While Office's lack of collaborative and cloud features may feel a bit limiting, the software bundle is still useful to individuals and businesses who want a stable, unchanging collection of productivity tools. Office is also a stellar option for always-offline machines, and for some, it could be more cost-effective than a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Microsoft Office has one obvious perk---you buy the software once and own it forever. Sure, your version of Office will grow old and miss out on flashy new features, but you have the freedom to replace it when you choose. Plus, Microsoft does a great job with file compatibility, so if someone sends you a Word document written in the latest Office or Microsoft 365 software, it will still open on your machine.

For hobbyists, educators, and small businesses, dropping $150 for the Office suite (which will work as long as you have a compatible machine) could be more cost-effective than a Microsoft 365 subscription. That said, you have to use the software for a few years before you actually "save" money.

Wait a minute, why would you pay $150 for Microsoft Office when the browser-based Office Online suite is free? Office Online is great for the average Joe who just needs to make an occasional spreadsheet or word document, but it only works when you're connected to the internet, which isn't great for people or businesses who work offline or have a slow internet connection---Office Online can get pretty laggy!

The Office Online suite also lacks some important features, such as the table of contents or bibliography in Word, advanced formula or chart tools in Excel, and rich formatting in PowerPoint. That said, Office Online supports real-time editing with another person, while the desktop version of Office only allows one person to edit a paragraph at a time (for this reason, some people supplement their offline Microsoft Office bundle with the free Office Online suite).

Again, if you just need to throw together a few documents, Office Online will get the job done for free. But if you want to work offline or use advanced features, you have to pay for the Office suite. Or, you know, subscribe to Microsoft 365.

Microsoft Office

Grab Microsoft Office for $150 and start using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without a monthly fee.

Microsoft 365 Personal , which supports one user on up to five devices at a time, costs $7 a month or $70 a year if paid upfront. It comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage.

If you want to share these apps with your whole family, you can subscribe to Microsoft 365 Family service for $10 a month or $100 a year paid upfront. Microsoft 365 family covers up to six users, each with 1TB of OneDrive storage and access to 365 apps on five devices at a time. The family plan also unlocks the Microsoft Family Safety app for tracking and managing your kids.

While the monthly fee may be less than ideal for some, the Microsoft 365 service works on any device and comes with a never-ending stream of updates and bug support. It's the best service for people who always want the latest features or need to collaborate with others. Plus, it comes with a few perks that are well worth the $7 to $10 monthly fee.

In a world where people are constantly jumping between computers, phones, and tablets, Microsoft 365's cross-platform support truly an essential feature. You can access Microsoft's productivity suite on any device just by logging into your Microsoft account. And thanks to the 1TB of OneDrive storage provided with your account, you can access your documents from anywhere without carrying around a thumb drive.

Microsoft 365 makes emailing documents a thing of the past. Instead, you can invite people to view or edit your document through a sharable link, with real-time collaboration and messaging. Sharing through the cloud ensures that you and your collaborators always have the latest version of a document, and that you can see the changes made by others without comparing old and new files side-by-side.

Collaboration goes a step further when you use Microsoft Teams , an instant message tool that integrates with Microsoft 365. Teams makes sharing and collaborating on documents super easy and provides an all-in-one setting for chats and video meetings. Anyone can set up a Teams group with up to 100 participants for free , though larger groups require a 365 Business plan .

People who subscribe to Microsoft 365 are the first to get Microsoft's new features and bug fixes. They also get free tech support for all Microsoft products (even products purchased outside the 365 service) by phone or text-based chat.

Admittedly, most of Microsoft's app updates are for quality of life features like dark mode. But the company's growing interest in AI could revolutionize spreadsheet automation , document writing , and other time-consuming tasks in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you want to be first in line for these new features, you'll need to pay for Microsoft 365.

Even if you don't use Word or Excel, a Microsoft 365 subscription might be worth it just for the bonuses. The biggest bonus is, of course, 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage (or 1TB per person on a family plan). Paying just $7 a month for 1TB of cloud storage is a pretty decent deal, especially when you consider that Dropbox's 2TB cloud storage plan, which doesn't come with any productivity software, costs $12 a month.

But that's not all---Microsoft 365 also comes with enhanced versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, which include exclusive AI features along with extra templates, stock photos, fonts, and icons. And to help you write those professional emails, Microsoft 365 includes Microsoft Editor , a Grammarly-like tool that suggests spelling and grammar changes to improve your writing in Word, Outlook, and in your browser.

Microsoft 365

Sign up for Microsoft 365 and gain access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and 1TB of OneDrive storage. Microsoft 365 works on any device and contains Microsoft's real-time sharing and collaboration features.

For those who just want access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint but don't care about collaborative features or cloud storage, choosing between Office and Microsoft 365 is mostly a matter of price. Of course, Office costs more upfront, but 365 comes with a monthly fee, so deciding which is more cost-effective really depends on how you plan to use the software or how often you plan to replace it.

Let's start with some simple math. Microsoft 365's individual plan costs $7 a month. So if you were to buy the standard $150 Office suite, you would need to use it for 21 and a half months for it to be more cost-effective than Microsoft 365. Individuals who buy the $250 Office Home and Business bundle for Outlook access need to use the software for about 35 and a half months before they start "saving" money. (If you're a business buying Microsoft software for multiple computers, then you would need to stick with Office for even longer before you start "saving" money, as 365 Business starts at just $5 per person per month.)

So unless you use Office for over two years before updating to the latest version (or ditching the software), you aren't saving any money. And until you reach that three-year mark, your savings are marginal at best. Microsoft clearly planned out its pricing strategy here---the company releases a new version of Office every two or three years, so at the end of the day, people who always buy the latest version of Office are paying about as much as Microsoft 365 subscribers.

Knowing that it takes two to three years to save with Office, one could argue that the feature-rich Microsoft 365 is actually a better value. Microsoft 365 just comes with more stuff, like Outlook access, 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage, the latest updates and bug fixes, real-time collaboration features, and of course, the option to work on any device at any time. But again, this really comes down to your priorities and the length of time you're willing to spend with a traditional Office suite.

• Your Priorities
• IT Services
• Technology & Expertise
• Insights and Resources

Request Full Case Study:

First Name:

Business Email:

Keep me updated

Get latest news – you can unsubscribe at any time

By submitting this form, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Statement

Send request

Request a consultation

First name:

Business email:

Service of interest:

Preferred contact method

Telephone Email

Microsoft M365 Plan Comparison – Choosing the Right M365 Plan for Your Business

In today’s modern business landscape, the role of technology in optimising productivity and securing sensitive data cannot be overstated. microsoft 365 (m365) stands as a cornerstone solution, offering a range of plans tailored to diverse business needs..

Whether you’re an enterprise organisation seeking advanced security, regulatory, internal compliance and analytics capabilities, or a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) looking for essential collaboration tools, with a range of M365 business plans available, it’s vital to understand the key differences between these plans and how they can benefit their specific needs, in this post we explore the Microsoft M365 Plan Comparison.

In this post, we explore the Microsoft 365 plans available, highlighting the key differences, including the M365 Business Plans, Enterprise Plans (E), Frontline (F) and Education (A) plans, along with a breakdown of features and benefits, and insights into which plans are most suited for varying types of business.

There are also a number of “Add-ons” that enable feature uplift between plans and also specific Office 365 plans but for this post, we will focus on the main Microsoft 365 plans as they provide the best balance of productivity, security and compliance.

By understanding the distinctions between these plans and considering your organisation’s requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the plan that aligns with your business goals.

If you are an organisation of over 300 users, the M365 Enterprise E Plans are required as the Business Plans are limited to a maximum of 300 users.

Microsoft M365 Plan Comparison

Microsoft m365 e3, ideal for smes and growing businesses.

Microsoft 365 E3 is a robust proposition that strikes a fine balance between productivity and security. Tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and growing businesses, it includes an impressive suite of applications and tools designed to enhance collaboration, communication, and document management.

The key to its appeal lies in its versatility, which suits businesses that seek a holistic approach to productivity, compliance, and security. Here’s a closer look at the benefits and features of M365 E3:

• Office Applications: Access to familiar Office apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, enabling seamless document creation, editing, and sharing.
• Cloud Storage: 1TB of OneDrive for Business storage per user, ensuring easy and secure file storage and sharing.
• Email and Calendar: Exchange Online for efficient email communication and calendaring, enhancing team collaboration.
• Teams Collaboration: Microsoft Teams – a powerful platform for real-time communication, video conferencing, and collaboration.
• Mobile Device Management with Intune: A single platform to manage various mobile devices, ensuring consistent policies, configurations, and updates.
• Security Features: Advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and encryption to safeguard sensitive information.
• Compliance Tools: Inclusive compliance and archiving tools to meet industry regulations and data retention requirements.
• Mobile Apps: Access to Office mobile apps for productivity on-the-go.
• Viva Solutions: Including Viva Insights, Learning, Engage and Communications, bringing together communication, feedback, analytics, goals, and learning, all in one unified solution.
• Automation : Power Apps, Chat Bots and Power Automate, quickly automate corporate processes and workflows.
• Windows : Latest Windows versions along with features and security benefits. Enablement and access to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365 (Cloud PC). Virtual Desktop Access licence for your VDI clients (required for any vendor VDI solutions)

Microsoft M365 E5

Tailored for enterprises with advanced security & compliance needs.

The pinnacle of M365 plans is E5. Microsoft 365 E5 is a premium plan designed for larger enterprises and organisations that require advanced security, compliance, and analytics capabilities.

Microsoft M365 E5 offers a robust set of features to ensure data protection, compliance, and in-depth insights. Some key benefits and features of M365 E5 include:

• All E3 Features: M365 E5 includes all the features of E3, ensuring access to productivity, security, compliance and collaboration tools.
• Advanced Threat Protection: Enhanced security against sophisticated cyber threats with additional features for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Exchange Online Advanced Threat Protection, Identity, Cloud Apps and Cloud App security. Enhanced risk and identity protection, privilege identity management and access reviews.
• Advanced Compliance: Automatic document labelling and classification along with additional compliance tools and features for meeting complex regulatory requirements. Machine learning and rules-based retention and data lifecycle management, records management, insider risk management and communication compliance.
• Advanced Analytics: Power BI Pro for powerful data visualization and business intelligence capabilities.
• Phone System: Cloud-based phone system capabilities, including domestic and international calling plans.
• Audio Conferencing: Dial-in access for Microsoft Teams meetings.
• MyAnalytics: Personal productivity insights to enhance individual and team efficiency.

See the Microsoft 365 User Subscription Suites for Enterprise Businesses to find the right plan for your business.

When reviewing the Microsoft M365 Plan comparison, it is critical to remember that selecting the appropriate M365 plan depends on your business size, collaboration, and security requirements.

Microsoft A Plans

Specifically designed for educational institutions.

Microsoft A plans, including A1, A3 and A5, are designed specifically for educational institutions to support teaching, learning, and administrative functions, allowing them to create a modern and connected learning environment.

Microsoft 365 A1 provides a simple solution to support learners with desktop apps, cloud management through Microsoft Intune for Education, with a one-time payment per device.

Microsoft 365 A3 offers a more comprehensive suite of apps and enhanced security features to support educators, students, and administrative staff, whilst Microsoft 365 A5 provides the latest and most advanced innovations in security, compliance, analytics, and collaboration.

Microsoft F Plans

Specifically designed for frontline workers.

Microsoft F plans, F1 and F3 offer cost savings over E Plans and are specifically designed for organisations with frontline workers, where employees are on the go, often using mobile devices and working directly with customers or the general public. Microsoft 365 Frontline Worker licenses may be assigned to users who have access to a single device with a screen smaller than 10.1 inches, or where devices are shared across multiple users/shift workers for example.

Some key benefits and features of M365 F plans include:

• Office Apps: Access to online versions of Microsoft Office applications for document creation and collaboration.
• Email and Calendar: Exchange Online for business-class email, shared calendars, and improved communication.
• Online Meetings and Chat: Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings, chat, and real-time collaboration.
• Document Management: SharePoint Online for efficient document storage, sharing, and collaboration.
• Cloud-Based Tools: Cloud flexibility for remote work and collaboration from anywhere.
• Efficient Collaboration: Tools like Teams and SharePoint facilitate seamless teamwork and information sharing.
• Enhanced Communication: Connect through advanced email and chat features.
• Data Security: Built-in security measures, including threat protection and data loss prevention.

Blending M365 E and F Plans

For organisations that have diverse needs across different departments, sites, or user groups blending a Microsoft 365 F plan with an E plan is also a strategic consideration. This hybrid approach allows organisations to maximise the benefits of both plans to cater to specific requirements. Below are some examples where we have blended E and F plans for our clients:

• Nonprofit: E3 plans for internal operations, where advanced security and compliance features are essential, but utilising F1 or F3 plans for volunteers who primarily require basic communication and collaboration tools.
• Retail: Management and administrative staff at the headquarters and offices have access to an E plan, delivering them the advanced corporate functions required, with frontline workers, such as store associates utilising a Microsoft 365 F1 plan.
• Utilities: The engineering and technical teams benefit from a Microsoft 365 E3 plan with access to advanced security features and enhanced collaboration capabilities, whilst field workers and operators use a Microsoft 365 F3 plan, allowing operators to receive real-time instructions, report incidents, and coordinate tasks using mobile devices ensuring efficient and safe operations in the field.
• Hybrid Business Structures: Companies with diverse business units, with a nonprofit arm, use E plans for their main business operations and F plans for their nonprofit initiatives or frontline workers, tailoring tools to each sector’s unique needs.

Where possible, organisations should look at where they can strategically blend Microsoft 365 plans, based on the unique needs of their workforce segments, to enhance productivity, collaboration, and communication and optimise costs.

Selecting the appropriate M365 plan depends on your business size, collaboration, and security requirements. Small organisations (under 300 users) and startups can also enjoy the features available with a basic, standard or premium business plan, as summarised below.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

An ideal choice for growing enterprises with regulatory compliance needs.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a comprehensive subscription plan designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. It offers a full suite of Office applications, enabling offline and advanced document editing, along with cloud services like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration. The plan prioritises security with multi-factor authentication, data loss prevention, and advanced threat protection, while also including mobile device management and a Windows 10 Pro license for enhanced device security.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is well-suited for businesses seeking a unified approach to productivity, security, and management, making it an ideal choice for growing enterprises and those with regulatory compliance needs.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Well-suited for smes that value both desktop and online office apps.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard, formerly Office 365 Business Premium, aims to empower businesses in diverse industries with a range of tools, making it an adaptable and integrated solution for those looking to enhance productivity, collaboration, and communication within their organisation. This plan includes the full suite of Office applications, Exchange for email, SharePoint for file sharing, and Microsoft Teams. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized businesses seeking comprehensive productivity and collaboration tools.

This plan is particularly beneficial for businesses that value both desktop and online versions of Office applications, enabling them to enhance teamwork, document management, and client communication. It is also relevant to professional services, retail, hospitality, startups, and educational institutions, providing versatile tools to streamline operations, improve client interactions, and boost overall efficiency. Additionally, Microsoft 365 Business Standard is suitable for remote and distributed teams, offering effective means of staying connected and collaborating on projects.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

An excellent entry-level option for small teams or startups.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic, formerly Office 365 Business Essentials, is tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and businesses with remote teams. It’s ideal for those seeking a practical and budget-friendly solution to enhance productivity and connectivity. This plan offers cloud email, shared calendars, and Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings and file sharing, making it a cost-effective choice for those prioritising seamless remote work and simplified communication. Additionally, it suits startups aiming for scalability and nonprofits with budget constraints that require basic productivity tools. As businesses grow, they can consider upgrading to more advanced plans for expanded features and capabilities.

See the Microsoft 365 User Subscription Suites for Small and Medium-sized Businesses to find the right plan for your business.

Upgrading Your M365 Plan

Upgrading your M365 plan is a strategic move that can enhance your organisation’s productivity, security, and overall success. To support businesses evolving needs, upgrade paths within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem allow businesses to easily transition from one plan to another.

By carefully assessing needs and consulting with experts, such as Krome, organisations can successfully navigate the upgrade paths and unlock the full potential of their chosen M365 plan.

Here’s a closer look at the upgrade paths and how Krome can help you:

• Understanding the Need for Upgrade: Identify the specific features, tools, or capabilities that your current plan lacks but are crucial to your business operations. This assessment will serve as a guiding compass in choosing the right upgrade path.
• Exploring Upgrade Options: Evaluate which plan aligns best with your newfound requirements. For instance, if your business is currently on Microsoft 365 Business Basic but needs advanced security features and offline access to Office applications, you might consider upgrading to Microsoft 365 Business Standard or even Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
• Consulting with Experts: Engaging with an experienced Microsoft partner, such as Krome will provide you with valuable insights into the upgrade process. Our experts can guide you through the technical aspects, potential challenges, and benefits of the upgrade, ensuring a seamless transition.
• Preparing Data Migration: If your upgrade involves moving data, such as emails, files, or documents, it’s essential to plan the migration process carefully. Krome has vast experience migrating Microsoft environments and can work with you to deliver a seamless migration, without data loss or disruptions.
• Communication and Training: Change management is key to a successful upgrade. Inform your employees about the upcoming changes and new features they can expect. Provide training sessions or resources to help them familiarise themselves with the upgraded tools and applications.
• Monitoring and Feedback: Once the upgrade is complete, Krome can monitor the transition and gather feedback from users. This feedback can help you identify any challenges or areas where additional training or adjustments might be needed.
• Continuous Evaluation: As your business evolves, your needs may change again. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your upgraded plan and ensure that it continues to align with your organisation’s goals.

M365 Migration Partner Krome

Krome offers extensive Microsoft 365 consultancy, migration and implementation expertise; by evaluating your current infrastructure and strategically planning how to most effectively migrate your users, or optimise your solution to work for you. Whatever the challenge, we will help you to understand the Microsoft M365 plan comparison, and that your organisation is able to fully leverage the power of your selected Microsoft 365 platform.

Krome is a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Partner (CSP) and also holds Gold Partner status. CSP and Gold Partners are recognised for offering innovative business solutions and are accredited independent solution providers. CSP and Gold competencies are earned by completing a rigorous set of pre-sales and technical assessments, exams, to obtain multiple certifications to prove technology expertise. Krome is also a Microsoft Direct Cloud Solutions Partner and is able to recommend and provide Microsoft licences including Azure, Dynamics, Microsoft 365 and on-premise licences to both commercial and public sector customers.

To speak to a member of the Krome team about the Microsoft M365 plan comparison, or your existing Microsoft 365 environment, please contact us on 01932 232345 or complete the form below.

Want to know more?

Contact us today to explore how our tailored solutions can align with your business priorities.

Related Insight & Resources

The evolution of smart workplace solutions – can you meet the demands of the modern workforce.

The evolution of smart workplace solutions represents a significant shift in how businesses operate.

Microsoft Copilot Data Risk Assessment, in partnership with Varonis

Understand the data risks and vulnerabilities in your data estate before deploying Copilot As an exp

Podcast: VMware to Hyper-V Migration using Veeam

In this episode of Krome Cast Tech IT Out, Sam Mager, Commercial Director at Krome , and Ben Randall

Join our Krome community

Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs Standard vs Premium: what are the differences?

Not sure which Microsoft 365 product your business needs? We explore the three main options

It doesn’t matter if you use your PC or laptop for work, everyday home use or entertainment – at some point you’ll need productivity tools . And if you find yourself in that position, you’ll undoubtedly take a look at Microsoft 365.

While there’s no doubting the quality on offer from Microsoft’s suite of productivity apps, though, it can be difficult to figure out exactly which version of the product you need.

That’s true enough if you’re just buying for your home or family computer, but there’s even more pressure on the decision if you want to buy Microsoft 365 for corporate use.

To save you a headache, we’ve examined Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard and Premium to see how the three products differ – and to help you figure out which one to buy. Don’t worry if you need more software help, either, because we’ve also explored the best secure file hosting and key methods if you need to choose business antivirus software .

Microsoft for Business can help identify your company's specific tech needs. Connect one-on-one with a business product expert by video chat or audio call. Book a consultation today.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic Explained

As the name suggests, Microsoft 365 Business Basic is the firm’s entry-level productivity suite. And while that does mean you get fewer features, it also brings the cost down: in the US it costs just $6 per user per month, and in the UK it’s £4.50. All the prices here are based on an annual subscription purchase, and all the prices we’ve mentioned here don’t include sales taxes.

For that money you get access to a host of popular apps. You can use web, Android and iOS versions of Word , Excel , PowerPoint , OneNote and Outlook , and you also get access to Exchange so you can use your domain name for emails.

Collaborative working is possible in documents and spreadsheets, and files are saved and synced across all of your devices with OneDrive and SharePoint.

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

If you want these apps as desktop versions, you can pay $8.25 or £7.90 for Microsoft 365 Apps for Business, which gives you downloadable office apps instead of web versions but without Teams.

Beyond that, the Basic tier includes 1TB of cloud storage for each user, business-class email with 50GB of space per mailbox, custom domain names and full calendar capabilities. You can use Teams to plan schedules, track information with Lists, interact with customers through Bookings and get feedback with Forms.

Security comes from Exchange Online Protection, and Microsoft’s software adheres to critical international and industry-standard security and privacy protocols. Admins can deploy custom permissions and groups to restrict access to sensitive data. The Basic product supports 300 users.

That’s a solid start that’ll sate many small and medium-sized businesses, but the Basic tier lacks many advanced features.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard explored 

You’ll get more versatility if you upgrade to Microsoft 365 Standard, which costs $12.50 per user per month in the US and £9.40 in the UK.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard gets off to a good start by including the same range of features as the Basic tier, including web apps, support for 300 users and 1TB of cloud storage per user.

This product justifies the higher cost in a handful of important ways. The key addition is the ability to download and install desktop versions of Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and OneNote on your PC or Mac hardware – so you don’t have to rely on online versions. PC users also get Access and Publisher, and each user can install these tools on five devices. Beyond that, Microsoft 365 Business Standard allows users to host webinars.

There’s one more key difference. With Business Standard, firms can choose how much control Microsoft has over your data. There’s a more in-depth option that’s ideal for any company that already has its own domain, but you’ll need more tech know-how to get going.

If that’s not suitable for your business, you can access Microsoft 365 Business Standard with email accounts from different providers instead, but you won’t get as many advanced customization options. That’s a process that Microsoft calls Simplified Sign-Up.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium – the best option?

Head to Microsoft 365 Business Premium and you don’t get Simplified Sign-Up, but at this level your firm should have its own domain and the knowledge to manage it properly.

With Microsoft 365 Business Premium you get every other feature we’ve already mentioned here – including the full suite of desktop apps – alongside loads of extra security and management tools from Azure and Intune.

Business Premium users get enterprise-grade security that protects all your devices from malware and ransomware, and you can deploy Microsoft’s best email protection tools to prevent your employees from falling foul of phishing messages.

You’re able to restrict data sharing, prevent unauthorized users from accessing company information, and give trusted employees elevated levels of access no matter where they work, which means you get maximum versatility for hybrid staff.

Business Premium also includes wizards to help admins apply security and access changes to wide swathes of mobile and desktop devices, and apps can be automatically deployed across your organization. Updates can be applied automatically, and you can remotely wipe data from company devices in case of breaches or theft.

That’s a great slate of features for any business needing better security and more control over its devices, but remember that Microsoft 365 Business Premium still only supports 300 users. And be prepared to pay more for this product, too: it costs $22 or £16.60 per user per month.

Which Microsoft 365 Business package should you choose?

There are stark differences between the three different Microsoft 365 Business offerings, which makes it a little easier for companies and IT managers to figure out which option is best for their organization.

The Microsoft 365 Business Basic product is ideal for smaller companies who need reliable web-based productivity tools alongside trustworthy, capable corporate email.

You get cloud storage, calendar functionality and decent security, and this product could be worth a purchase if you already use external products to provide more robust security and management tools – or if your small business just doesn’t need them.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard adds the ability to download and install apps, so that’s worthwhile if you’d prefer to use Windows and Mac software rather than web-based tools. If your employees don’t always have internet access, that’s a worthwhile upgrade.

Elsewhere, Business Standard also gives you the option to retain more control over your data and domains, so it’s ideal if you’ve already got your own domain.

Business Premium is only worthwhile if you need granular control over your devices and if you need stronger security settings to protect sensitive data and regulate access across your company’s range of devices.  

Ultimately, it depends on your needs: Business Basic is suitable for reliable, web-based productivity, Business Standard adds downloadable tools, and the Premium product deploys advanced security and management.

We've featured the best Microsoft Office alternatives .

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.

Midjourney AI image generator review

A review of BeyondTrust's Privileged Access Management Solutions

Meta is rumored to have canceled its next high-end VR headset – and the Vision Pro could be to blame

Most Popular

• 2 How to use split screen in Windows 11
• 3 Ninja Luxe Café review: an espresso machine anyone can master
• 4 What to expect from AirPods deals on Labor Day 2024
• 5 How to send an ebook to Kindle

• Manage your subscription
• Manage payment method
• Renew your subscription
• Turn recurring billing on or off
• Cancel Microsoft 365
• Get a refund on your subscription
• Manage subscriptions from a third party
• Share Microsoft 365 Family
• Stop sharing Microsoft 365 Family
• You received an invitation to share
• Problems sharing a subscription
• Switch between Microsoft 365 subscriptions
• Switch to a business subscription
• Transfer to a different Microsoft account
• About accounts
• Sign in to Microsoft 365
• Why you need to sign in
• Forgot account
• Get started at Microsoft 365.com
• Meet the Microsoft 365 app launcher
• Check version
• Microsoft 365 for home or business
• What business product do I have?
• Difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021
• Difference between home and business plans
• Difference between Microsoft 365 and free web apps
• Troubleshoot

What's the difference between a paid Microsoft 365 subscription and the free web apps?

If you signed in to  Microsoft365.com with your Microsoft account and you see a Free or Subscribed badge, you may wonder what that means.

A  Free badge means an active Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription isn't associated with the account you signed in with.

Try Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for free

A Subscribed badge means a Microsoft 365 subscription such as Microsoft 365 Family or Personal is already associated with your account and you can access many of your subscription benefits including installing the desktop apps.

Don't already have Microsoft 365, or you're looking for product details and prices?

Buy or try Microsoft 365

Tip:  See the comparison table below for more details.

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. Any documents you create with the free versions of apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are automatically saved to OneDrive.

With a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, you'll always have the most up-to-date modern productivity tools from Microsoft all with the latest features, fixes, and security updates. You also get perennial tech support, and 1 TB of cloud storage to store your files and photos at no extra cost. And with Microsoft 365 Family you can add up to five additional people to your subscription.

If you don't think you'll need the full richness of the desktop apps right now, but want the extra cloud storage and email benefits that come with a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal plan, check out  Microsoft 365 Basic which comes with 100 GB of cloud storage.

Learn more about the differences between these Microsoft 365 plans in the table below .

Not sure what you have now?  See  What version of Office am I using?

Think you might need a business subscription? See  What's the difference between a Microsoft 365 subscription for personal and family and a subscription for business

Ready to install the desktop apps?  See  Install Microsoft 365 or Office on your PC or Mac .

Looking for product details and prices?

Compare the Microsoft 365 free web apps with Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, or Family

The table below highlights subscription plans for home use. If you think you might need a business subscription, see  What's the difference between Microsoft 365 personal and business plans .

Frequently asked questions

What's the cost.

Choose an option below to get pricing info.

Can I buy a single app only, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint? What about Project or Visio?

Yes. You can buy standalone versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Mac or PC. Go to the Microsoft Store and search for the app you want.

You can purchase subscription or non-subscription versions of Visio or Project (desktop versions of these apps are for PCs only). Buy Visio or buy Project .

I have a Mac. What should I buy?

Most apps for Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscriptions and Office 2021 apps can be installed on either Mac or PC.  Compare prices

Do I need to be connected to the internet to use Microsoft 365?

If you're using Microsoft 365 Family or Personal and after the desktop apps are installed on your devices, you don't need to be online to use Microsoft 365. However, you'll need internet access to do any of the following:

First time install (if apps weren't pre-installed on your device)

Initial activation of the Microsoft 365 desktop apps

Install updates or to reinstall the apps

Manage your subscription (for example, you need to update your payment method, renew, or share a Microsoft 365 Family subscription)

Access documents stored on OneDrive, unless you install the OneDrive desktop app to your device.

You should connect to the internet regularly to keep your version of Microsoft 365 up to date and benefit from automatic upgrades. If you don’t connect to the Internet at least every 39 days, your apps will go into reduced functionality mode, and you might see an unlicensed product error . To reactivate the Microsoft 365 apps, simply reconnect to the internet and sign in to Microsoft 365. Learn how to sign in . For help with renewing an expired subscription, see Renew Microsoft 365 .

I have more questions. Is there someone I can talk to?

Use Contact us at the bottom of this page.

Find out which Office is right for you

Install Office on your PC or Mac

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

• Phone Deals
• Phone Hacks & How Tos
• Phone Reviews
• Phone Best Picks
• Tablet News
• Tablet Deals
• Tablet Hacks & How Tos
• Tablet Reviews
• Tablet Best Picks
• Wearable Tech News
• Wearable Tech Deals
• Wearable Tech Hacks & How Tos
• Wearable Tech Reviews
• Wearable Tech Best Picks
• Home Tech News
• Home Tech Deals
• Home Tech Hacks & How Tos
• Home Tech Reviews
• Home Tech Best Picks
• Streaming News
• Streaming Deals
• Streaming Hacks & How Tos
• Streaming Reviews
• Streaming Best Picks
• Smart Answers
• Back To School
• Best Phones
• Best Tablets
• Best Smartwatches
• Best Air Fryers
• Best Vacuums
• Best Electric Toothbrushes

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence .

Microsoft 365 buying guide: Which version should you buy?

Microsoft Office began life all the way back in 1990, predating widespread availability of the internet. It’s undergone a variety of changes in that time, but maintained the same name until 2022.

That’s when Microsoft announced that it would be rebranding standalone versions of Office apps to ‘Microsoft 365’, matching what we saw with the company’s productivity-focused subscription service in 2020.

At its most basic, paying regularly gets you access to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote and Publisher, plus Teams for communication and Outlook for email. You also get cloud storage via OneDrive and regular updates, but even more software is available on professional and business plans.

While this article is designed to help you decide between them, it’s far from your only option. As has always been the case, Microsoft continues to release standalone versions of Office apps every few years. The latest version was released in 2021 , but aside from software patches, you won’t get any updates.

For some people, it’s also possible to access Microsoft Office free or at a discounted rate. Here’s everything you need to know.

How to get Microsoft Office on your laptop or PC

In years gone by, the best (and only) way to get Office was to buy a CD-ROM for a one-off price and install it onto your PC or laptop. These days that would be a bit of a faff, with many laptops not even having disc drives anymore, but it was one way to ensure you had a physical backup.

Nowadays, Office is available as a download, but you can either buy it outright with a one time purchase, or as a monthly subscription. There are advantages to either options.

Any Microsoft product under the ‘365’ umbrella is subscription-based, referring to the number of days in a year. Any Microsoft product without ‘365’ in its name is likely to be a one-time purchase – good if you only want to pay once, but you won’t be able to upgrade the software with online updates like you can with 365 subscriptions. 

There are also several different versions of Office available, and you should choose the best one for you depending on your needs. It’s worth noting that while this buying guide covers every platform, Mac users might want to take a look at the specific Office for Mac buying guide on our sister site Macworld.

First, we’ll break down Office options if you are buying for personal home or student use, and then go on to the options if you are buying it for work or use within a small business.

Which version of Microsoft Office do you have?

If you’re looking to upgrade, it’s easy to check which version of Microsoft Office you have installed. Provided you’ve downloaded all the apps at the same time, they should all be running the same version. 

For the purpose of this article, we’re using Microsoft Word. The process may vary slightly depending on your device and app, but it should still be easy to find:

• Open the Office app of your choice. You should be presented with a home screen similar to the one below

• To find out when this version was released, a quick web search will tell you

However, the process differs on older Office apps. In Word 2010, you need to choose ‘File’, then ‘Help’. The information will then be displayed on the right side of the screen, as you can see below.

It’s different again in Word 2007. Click on the round Microsoft Office icon in the top left and then ‘Word Options’ at the bottom of the menu. Next, choose ‘Resources’ – the last option on the left-side panel. You should see an ‘About’ button at the bottom of the list which will provide you additional details about the version that you own.

In the 2003 version, go to the ‘Help’ option in the top menu bar, and then the ‘About Microsoft Office Word’. In the pop-up, you will see the MS Office World version along with the suite it belong to, like the Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003.

Does Windows 11 come with Microsoft Office?

No, it doesn’t. Windows 11 was released in 2021 and is a free upgrade for most Windows 10 users, but Microsoft Office apps aren’t included. All your existing files and apps will make the move, though, so if you already have a standalone version (such as Office 2019 or Office 2021) it’ll still be available.

But everyone else will need to pay for access. Learn more in our separate guide: Does Windows 11 come with Microsoft Office?

Do I need Microsoft 365 to use Outlook?

If Outlook is your email client of choice, you might be wondering if you need to sign up for Microsoft 365 to access it.

The answer is no. Outlook is pre-installed on all Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices, meaning you can start using it straight away.

It used to only be available to Microsoft 365 subscribers on a Mac, but Microsoft has removed this restriction. You can download Outlook from the Mac App Store now, while it’s always been free on iOS and Android .

But if you’re a heavy Outlook user, there are some benefits to a Microsoft 365 subscription. These are:

• 50GB of email storage rather than 15GB
• Email encryption
• Extra email security tools for detecting phishing and malware

You can also currently create a personalised email address, but this option is being removed on 30 November 2023.

Will Microsoft 365 be getting new AI features?

Yes. In March 2023, Microsoft announced Microsoft 365 Copilot, a brand-new AI assistant designed to help you be more productive.

It’ll be integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and other apps, and be used to create entirely new documents, summarise existing ones and help you with specific features.

The functionality here is based on GPT-4, an updated text-based AI model from OpenAI – the company behind ChatGPT . Microsoft’s introduction video gives you an idea of what to expect:

Microsoft 365 Copilot is in testing with “select commercial customers” at the time of writing, but it’s not clear when the feature will be rolled out to consumers.

It’s likely to be exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers, although that’s yet to be confirmed.

The news arrived shortly after Microsoft’s reveal of a new version of its Edge browser and Bing search engine with an integrated AI chatbot based on ChatGPT.

Microsoft 365 (previously Office 365)

Microsoft’s productivity-focused subscription service was known as Office 365 from its initial launch in 2011 until 2020. Since April 2020 it’s been known simply as ‘Microsoft 365’, but the rebrand didn’t affect functionality aside from a few new features .

First up are the options designed for the individual consumer (i.e. probably you). If you’re subscribing, there are two main options to choose from: Personal (for just one user) or Family (for up to six users). For both, you have the option to pay monthly or annually:

• Microsoft 365 Personal – $6.99/£5.99 per month or $69.99/£59.99 per year – one person, 1TB of cloud storage
• Microsoft 365 Family – $9.99/£7.99 per month or $99.99/£79.99 per year – up to six people, 1TB of cloud storage each, extra Family Safety features
• See all the Microsoft 365 for home options in the US
• See all the Microsoft 365 for home options in the UK

There’s also a special free version for students and university staff which we’ll get to later.

The main benefit to opting for Microsoft 365 is that you’ll get regular updates for as long as you’re a subscriber, with no need to jump from one version to the next every few years, and no headaches about file compatibility.

You can also save your work to the cloud, similar to Google Docs. Microsoft also throws in a few extra benefits such as 1TB of cloud storage and full access to Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft 365 – Family vs Personal

If you’re subscribing, there currently two main options to choose from: Personal (for just one user) or Family (for up to six users). For both, you have the option to pay monthly or annually:

The extra £20/$30 per year or £2/$3 per month for the Family subscription is a great deal if you choose to share the subscription costs among friends. The yearly subscriptions save you on two months of payment as well.

There’s also no device limit on Microsoft 365 installations, meaning both Family or Personal subscribers can install the software on as many devices as needed. You are limited to working on five devices simultaneously, though.

However, on 11 January 2023, Microsoft announced that a new third tier would be added on 30 January. Known as Microsoft 365 Basic, it’ll replace the existing OneDrive 100GB storage plan but retain the same price – $1.99/£1.99 per month or $19.99/£19.99 per year. More details on what it offers below.

Microsoft 365 Family

• For 6 users at at time across unlimited PCs/Macs, tablets and phones
• 1TB cloud storage per user for 6 users (6TB total)
• Ongoing access to updates
• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher (PC Only), Access (PC Only), OneDrive, Microsoft Teams

US: $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month

UK:   £79.99 per year or £7.99 per month

Microsoft 365 Personal

• For 1 PC/Mac across unlimited PCs/Macs, tablets and phones
• 1TB cloud storage for one user
• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher (PC Only) , Access (PC Only) , OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Family Safety

US:   $69.99 per year or $6.99 per month

UK: £59.99 per year or £5.99 per month

Microsoft 365 Basic

• 100GB cloud storage for one user
• Web and mobile versions of apps only
• More features to be added

US:   $19.99 per year or $1.99 per month

UK: £19.99 per year or £1.99 per month

Office 365 Education – Free options for students

Office 365 Education is (as the name suggests) a special version of Microsoft 365 for students and university faculty or staff. Students and teachers can sign up for free web access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Microsoft Teams under the Office 365 A1 plan.

Unsurprisingly, you’ll need a university email address or other proof of your status to claim it. See our full article on how to get Microsoft Word for free .

There’s also the  Office 365 A3 plan if you want desktop access to the apps, which costs £2.20/US$2.50 per month for each student and £2.85/$3.25 for each teachers or other member of staff. The top-tier Office 365 A5 plan, which costs £5.30/$6 per month for students and £7.05/$8 per month for teachers, offers desktop and web access along with added security features.

• Get Office 365 Education for UK schools  
• Get Office 365 Education for US schools

If you want to look for other great student tech deals, check out Tech Advisor’s back to school hub .  

Office Home and Student 2021

If you would prefer to pay a one-off price, Office Home and Student 2021 is the right package for you. You lose the automatic software updates of Microsoft 365, but that means you can use the software for years without being tied into a subscription. It works with one device running Windows 11, Windows 10 or any recent version of macOS.

• Office Home & Student in the US – $149.99
• Office Home & Student in the UK – £119.99

However, you don’t get full access to the mobile and tablet apps here (anyone can still use them to view documents for free, just not edit or create them), there’s no cloud storage included, and you don’t get access to the full suite of Office programs included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

Office 2021 includes new features such as a black theme in Word, new learning tools, new charts and timelines, new transitions in PowerPoint and lots more. But unlike a Microsoft 365 subscription, it won’t continue getting new features over time.

It’s also worth noting that Microsoft Office will soon be known as Microsoft 365 following a rebrand, but it’ll still perform in exactly the same way.

Microsoft 365 Business

Microsoft also offers business-minded versions of its software. We’re focusing on the options for small businesses here, but Microsoft also offers Enterprise plans for larger companies. Once again, there’s a split between the 365 subscription packages and the one-off purchase version of Office 2021.

There are three main versions of Microsoft 365 Business available, each offering very different software packages, so make sure you pick the right one. Be especially mindful about Microsoft 365 Business Basic (from $6 / £4.50 per user per month), which doesn’t actually include desktop versions of the core Office software like Word and Excel – just Microsoft’s online and cloud tools.

Also note the Microsoft 365 Apps for business plan ( $8.25 / £7.90 per user per month) includes both desktop and mobile version of the apps but without the other productivity tools such as email, calendar and Teams conference call features.

Here’s a summary of all four main business-focused plans we’d recommend:

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

• One licence for 5 PCs/Macs plus 5 tablets and 5 phones per user
• 1TB cloud storage per user
• Allows up to 300 users
• Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Access, OneDrive
• Web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint

US:   $12.50 per user per month

UK: £9.40 per user per month

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

• For 5 PCs/Macs plus 5 tablets and 5 phones per user
• Email hosting with 50GB mailbox and custom domain address
• Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Access
• Access to OneDrive, Exchange, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Yammer
• Web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

US:   $22 per user per month

UK: £16.60 per user per month

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

• Video conferencing with up to 250 people
• OneDrive, Exchange, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Yammer
• Web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote

US:  $5 per user per month (annual plan)

UK: £4.50 per user per month (annual plan)

Microsoft 365 Apps for business

• Web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and OneDrive

UK:   £7.90 per user per month (annual plan) US:  $8.25 per user per month (annual plan)

UK: £7.90 per user per month (annual plan)

Related articles

• Do students get Office 365 for free?
• How to get Microsoft Word for free
• How to get Microsoft Excel for free
• How to get Microsoft PowerPoint for free

Author: Anyron Copeman , Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor

Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.

Recent stories by Anyron Copeman:

• The best student deals and discounts in the US
• Google I/O 2024 is happening today – here’s everything you can expect
• WhatsApp will finally let you call people without saving their number soon

Your current User-Agent string appears to be from an automated process, if this is incorrect, please click this link:

• Need help? Real people, not bots. 24/7/365.
• 1-866-716-2040

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:

Business Plans without Teams

Business plans with teams.

• ✓ Free Migration
• ✓ 24/7 expert support
• ✓ Talk to Microsoft-certified experts

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.

Submit Your Requirements

Apps4Rent – Tier 1 Office 365 Cloud Solution Provider

Get FREE migration to Office 365

Migrating From? Exchange POP3/IMAP G Suite GoDaddy Rackspace Office 365 Mozilla Thunderbird Lotus Notes Outlook.com Kerio GroupWise SharePoint Zimbra cPanel Intermedia AOL ZOHO Yahoo AWS WorkMail MDaemon PST iCloud Liquid Web FastMail SmarterMail ProtonMail Google Vault Commvault Barracuda Mimecast Enterprise Vault 1&1 Bluehost Mail.com Enterprise Vault GMX Others

CLICK TO CALL

Explore top-rated data protection at an affordable price

• Customer stories

Learn how organizations of all sizes and industries successfully protect data with NAKIVO

• Product Datasheet
• Backup Solution for MSPs
• VMware Backup
• Microsoft 365 Backup
• Ransomware Protection
• Real-Time Replication BETA

Enterprise Backup and Recovery Solution

• Virtual: VMware | Hyper-V | Nutanix AHV | Proxmox
• Physical server: Windows | Linux
• Workstations: Windows | Linux
• SaaS: Microsoft 365
• Cloud: Amazon EC2
• File Share: NAS | File Server
• Apps: SQL | Active Directory | Exchange | Oracle DB
• Virtual: VMware | Hyper-V
• MSP SOLUTION
• DISASTER RECOVERY
• VMware Disaster Recovery
• REAL-TIME REPLICATION beta
• IT MONITORING
• Backup Malware Scan
• SMB | Enterprise | Education Remote Office Backup Hybrid Cloud Backup
• Raspberry Pi
• Western Digital
• Backblaze B2
• S3-Compatible Storage
• EMC Data Domain
• HPE StoreOnce
• NEC HYDRAstor
• Backup from HPE Storage Snapshots
• Pricing and Editions
• Pricing Calculator
• Get a Quote
• Find a Reseller
• Find an MSP
• Renew License

More growth opportunities with the NAKIVO Partner Program

• Why Partner
• Solution Partner Signup
• Deal Registration

Grow your customer base with powerful BaaS and DRaaS

• MSP Partner Signup
• Technology Partners
• Storage Certification Program
• Log In to the Partner Portal
• SUPPORT RESOURCES

Find answers to your questions in our technical documentation

• Knowledge Base
• Release Notes
• API Reference Guide
• SUPPORT CENTER

Reach out to our highly-rated support team about any issues

• Send Support Bundle
• How-to Videos

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.

Backup for Microsoft 365 Data

Use the NAKIVO solution to back up Microsoft 365 data in Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint Online for uninterrupted workflows and zero downtime.

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.

1 Year of Free Data Protection: NAKIVO Backup & Replication

Deploy in 2 minutes and protect virtual, cloud, physical and SaaS data. Backup, replication, instant recovery options.

People also read

• Teams Phone System
• Office 365 Migration Services
• Document Management System (DMS)
• Azure Virtual Desktop
• Microsoft Identity Protection Service
• Email and Apps Protection Service
• Endpoint Protection Service
• Data Protection Service
• Device Management Service
• Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Microsoft Copilot Studio
• Microsoft Managed Services for SMBs
• Microsoft Managed Services for Enterprises
• CASE STUDIES
• KNOWLEDGE BASE

Purchase Office 365

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 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.

Last Updated 5 months ago

About the Author

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.

Fasiha Fajar

Ibrahim Ahmed

October 25, 2023

Why Switch from PAYG to Microsoft CSP?

Hira Sohail

August 23, 2023

Are You Using the Wrong Version? The Ultimate Guide to Windows 10 Enterprise vs Pro!

May 4, 2023

Access Scheduling Poll – Microsoft Support

Have questions before purchasing office 365.

This browser is no longer supported.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plan options

• 11 contributors

Microsoft 365 and Office 365 are available in a variety of plans to best meet the needs of your organization.

Service families and plans

The following table lists the different service families and plans available in Microsoft 365 and Office 365. For a high-level overview of features and pricing information, or to chat with an online representative, select any of the links in the Plans column.

Service availability within each Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plan

Each Microsoft 365 or Office 365 plan includes a number of individual services, such as Exchange Online and SharePoint Online. The following table shows the services that are available in each plan.

While a service may be available across Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans, the features available in each plan may differ. To see the details of features that are available for each plan, refer to the individual service description or contact your Reseller or Microsoft sales representative for more information. Several of the Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans have add-ons that you can buy for your subscription. An add-on provides additional functionality to the subscription. For more information, see Buy or edit an add-on for Office 365 for business .

1 Office 365 E5 and Microsoft 365 E5 contain Phone System and Audio Conferencing. To implement a Calling Plan requires an additional plan purchase (either Domestic or International). 2  Includes Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance, which provides automatic classification and retention, Microsoft Purview Customer Key, Microsoft Purview Advanced Message Encryption, Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management, Microsoft Purview Communication Compliance, Microsoft Purview Information Barriers, Microsoft Purview Customer Lockbox, Microsoft Purview Privileged Access Management, Microsoft Purview Audit (Premium), Records Management, Microsoft Purview eDiscovery (Premium) capabilities; and Microsoft 365 E5 Security, which includes Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2, Microsoft Defender for Identity, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, and Safe Documents. 3 Includes Exchange Online Plan 1. 4 Includes Exchange Online Plan 2. 5 Viva Engage core functionality is included with Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Microsoft 365 F1, Microsoft 365 F3, Office 365 E1, Office 365 A1, and Office 365 F3. Premium functionality such as leadership corner, campaigns, advanced analytics, and more are included in Viva Suite license. 6 To learn more about which Azure Information Protection features are included with Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans, see Azure Information Protection . 7 Azure Information Protection isn't included, but can be purchased as a separate add-on and will enable the supported Information Rights Management (IRM) features. Some Azure Information Protection features require a subscription to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, which isn't included with Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Microsoft 365 F1, Microsoft 365 F3, Office 365 E1, Office 365 A1, or Office 365 F3.

1 Includes Exchange Online Plan 1. 2 Includes Exchange Online Kiosk. 3 Microsoft 365 F1 doesn't include rights to an Exchange mailbox. To enable a full Teams experience, Microsoft 365 F1 licenses may come with the Exchange Online K1 service plan enabled. Although the Exchange Online K1 service plan will provision a mailbox for the user, Microsoft 365 F1 users aren't entitled to use the mailbox. We recommend that your customers disable Outlook on the web via these steps and ask users not to access the Exchange mailbox via any other methods. 4 Includes 2 GB storage. 5 Microsoft 365 F1 users can read files using Office for the web, but don't have create/edit/save rights. 6 Viva Engage core functionality is included with Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Microsoft 365 F1, Microsoft 365 F3, Office 365 E1, Office 365 A1, and Office 365 F3. Premium functionality such as leadership corner, campaigns, advanced analytics, and more are included in Viva Suite license. 7 To learn more about which Azure Information Protection features are included with Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans, see Azure Information Protection . 8 Azure Information Protection isn't included, but can be purchased as a separate add-on and will enable the supported Information Rights Management (IRM) features. Some Azure Information Protection features require a subscription to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, which isn't included with Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Microsoft 365 F1, Microsoft 365 F3, Office 365 E1, Office 365 A1, or Office 365 F3.

Changing or mixing plans

As the needs of your organization change, you may need to change your Microsoft 365 plan. You can switch from your current subscription to another subscription:

• In the same service family: For example, you can move from Microsoft 365 Business Basic to Microsoft 365 Business Standard, or from Office 365 E1 to Office 365 E3.
• From a standalone plan: For example, you can move from Exchange Online Plan 1 to Office 365 E1.
• To a different service family: For example, you can move from Microsoft 365 Business Basic to Office 365 E3. For information about how to change subscriptions, including how to move from a trial to a paid subscription, see Switch to a different Microsoft 365 plan or subscription .

You can combine Enterprise, Business, and standalone plans (for example, Exchange Online Plan 1) within a single account.

Standalone services

The following online services are available on their own, as standalone plans. They can also be added to Business and Enterprise service family plans that don't already include them. For pricing information, or to chat with an online representative, select any of the plans listed in the following table.

Feature availability

To view feature availability across Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans, see Microsoft 365 and Office 365 platform service description .

Was this page helpful?

Additional resources