Microsoft 365, one of the leading cloud-based platforms, offers a suite of tools designed to meet the diverse needs of modern organisations. However, with multiple plans available, finding the best one for your business can be a challenge.
This guide is here to help you navigate the various Microsoft 365 plans, providing a clear comparison to ensure you choose the option that fits your company’s specific requirements.
What Microsoft 365 Plans Are Available?
Microsoft 365 offers several subscription options, each tailored to different business sizes and needs. The most popular plans can be grouped into two categories: Business and Enterprise.
The Business plans are designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and provide access to the basic productivity suite, collaborative tools, and security features. The Enterprise plans are designed for larger businesses with more complex needs and offer advanced capabilities and security features, but require an annual commitment.
Microsoft 365 Business Plans
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
This is the most affordable option, designed for small businesses that primarily need cloud services and web-based Microsoft 365 apps including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Its key features include:
- Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook web and mobile apps
- Custom business email
- Identity access management for up to 300 users
- Microsoft Teams chat, call, and conference capabilities
- 1 TB of storage per user
- 10+ additional Microsoft 365 apps for business needs (e.g. Microsoft Planner, Forms, etc.)
- Auto spam and malware filtering
- Anytime phone and web support
- Microsoft 365 Copilot as an add-on
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
A step up from Business Basic, this plan includes desktop versions of Office apps, making it ideal for businesses that require more robust tools for day-to-day operations. Its features include:
- Everything in Business Basic
- Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook desktop apps
- Webinars with attendee registration and reporting
- Microsoft Loop
- Microsoft Clipchamp
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
This plan includes advanced security features such as threat protection and device management, for businesses that need more comprehensive security measures. Key features include:
- Everything in Business Basic and Business Standard
- Advanced identity and access management
- Threat protection against phishing attacks and viruses
- Enterprise-grade device and endpoint protection
- Discover, classify, and protect your business information
Microsoft 365 Enterprise Plans
Microsoft 365 E3
This entry-level enterprise plan includes a wide range of apps and features, but does not include Microsoft Teams. Key features include:
- Microsoft 365 apps for desktop and mobile
- Windows for Enterprise
- 1 TB of cloud storage per user
- Basic security and identity access management capabilities
- Productivity suite
- Power apps
- SharePoint and OneDrive
- Viva Insights and Viva Engage
- Microsoft Forms, Planner, Loop, and Clipchamp
Microsoft 365 E5
Offering a balance between functionality and security, E5 is ideal for growing businesses with higher compliance requirements – but does not include Microsoft Teams. Key features include:
- Everything in Microsoft 365 E3
- Advanced security and compliance capabilities
- Power BI
Choosing the Right Microsoft 365 Plan: What to Consider
Number of Employees
For smaller businesses with fewer than 300 users, the Business plans (Basic, Standard, Premium) are ideal. They provide essential productivity tools like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, without the complex licensing structures designed for larger enterprises.
Larger organisations or businesses that expect rapid growth may find the Enterprise plans more suitable. They offer unlimited user capacity and additional features, including more extensive security and compliance tools.
Industry/Sector
Different industries have varying requirements for collaboration, compliance, and security. For instance, businesses in highly regulated sectors such as healthcare, finance, or government must comply with strict data protection regulations like the Australian Privacy Act. In such cases, Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 are preferable, as they provide advanced compliance and security tools, including data loss prevention (DLP) and advanced threat protection.
On the other hand, businesses in creative industries or education would prioritise collaboration and access to multimedia tools. For these sectors, Business Standard or Business Premium offer desktop and cloud-based Office apps, combined with collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. These are essential for managing content and fostering creativity in a team-based environment.
Devices Used
If your employees are using a mix of desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, you’ll need a plan that supports multi-device use with syncing capabilities. Plans like Microsoft 365 Business Premium provide mobile device management (MDM), ensuring your IT team can manage and secure employee devices remotely.
If your workforce primarily uses desktop applications, consider plans like Business Standard, which includes fully installed Office apps for desktops and laptops, along with cloud-based services. In contrast, for businesses that rely on lightweight devices and prefer web-based applications, Business Basic offers online versions of all Office apps, accessible from any device without the need for installation.
Remote and Hybrid Work
Plans like Business Standard and above come with Microsoft Teams, a powerful platform for video conferencing, chat, and collaboration, which helps keep remote teams connected. However, Enterprise plans E3 and E5 do not include Microsoft Teams – it must be included as an add-on, which incurs additional fees.
Additionally, OneDrive for Business provides cloud storage accessible from any device, enabling employees to access, edit, and share documents in real time. For businesses with a more mobile or remote workforce, opting for Business Premium ensures access to these collaboration tools alongside enhanced device management and security.
Cyber Security
Microsoft 365 plans offer varying levels of security features, and it’s crucial to match these with your business’s risk profile and cyber security needs. For small businesses handling sensitive customer data, Business Premium includes advanced threat protection, enabling proactive monitoring and mitigation of cyber threats. This plan also offers Intune for device management, ensuring that all endpoints are secure and compliant with company policies.
For larger organisations, particularly those in industries with stringent security needs, Enterprise E5 is the best option. It includes Microsoft’s advanced security features like Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365, Azure Information Protection, and threat intelligence, offering continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection. These features provide an extra layer of protection against sophisticated cyber-attacks.
Choose the Best Microsoft 365 Plan with Expert Guidance
Selecting the right Microsoft 365 plan is a complex process that can greatly impact your business’s efficiency and security. With the right plan in place, you can enhance collaboration, boost productivity, and secure your company’s data.
As a certified Microsoft Partner, National IT Solutions can make sure you select the right Microsoft 365 subscription plan for your business. Our expert Microsoft consultants provide essential expertise by evaluating your current infrastructure, operational needs, and long-term goals.
