There is an abundance of Microsoft 365 plans out there. Currently, you’ll come across seven mainstream options to choose from.
As a business, knowing which is best for you can be baffling. How can you see the difference between them? And why should you pick one over another?
We completely understand your confusion. This page will compile quick overviews of these seven plans. Hopefully, you can use this information to make the right decision for your organisation.
We’ve also included the prices as of this blog’s release date. Remember that all fees are charged annually but calculated as a monthly representative cost. Monthly subscriptions are available but cost more. So, without further ado, let’s get to it…
Overview: Business vs Enterprise M365 plans
Business plans are built for organisations with 300 people or fewer. This makes them perfect for SMEs, churches and charities with low budgets. Enterprise suites, though, can have unlimited users. As your organisation grows, it should move towards these plans.
Business plans are cheaper, but Enterprise options offer far more features. Aside from being suitable for more users, the main advantages are:
- More robust cybersecurity and threat detection
- Power BI analytics
- PBX and optional PSTN conferencing in Teams
- Unlimited storage
- Compliance tools
With that said, let’s have a quick look at all your options.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Microsoft 365 Business Basic is for small businesses without much online presence. You’ll have no need for desktop applications and use only the most basic Microsoft tools. You’ll get a 50GB email mailbox and custom domain with the Business Basic plan. You’ll also have access to online versions of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, while Teams can be used for up to 250 people. You also get 1TB of storage on OneDrive and access to a SharePoint intranet.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic starts at £4.50 per user per month.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
With Apps for Business, the focus is purely on – you guessed it – applications. It comes with desktop versions of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher (PC) and Access (PC). Each user can install these programs on up to five different devices. It doesn’t come with email hosting. This is perfect if all you need is a cloud system for storing files. You won’t have many employees working from home full-time.
Apps for Business costs £7.90 per user per month.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Business Standard is an upgrade from Business Basic. It comes with all the features of that plan but also includes Microsoft Bookings and desktop versions of the Office 365 applications. Business Standard is for you if you have a few employees, clients or contractors working remotely. However, you won’t need a dedicated online system.
Average monthly representative costs for Business Standard start at £9.40 per user.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Business Premium is another step up. It has all the components of Business Standard, with the main upgrade being far more advanced cybersecurity. We’d recommend Business Premium as a minimum for any business with a cloud-based system.
Business Premium starts at £16.60 per user per month.
Microsoft 365 Enterprise F3
We’ll now move into the Enterprise packages. The F3 is aimed at non-desk workers who still need to communicate and collaborate through ICT. It doesn’t come with any kind of analytics.
Enterprise F3 costs only £6 per user per month.
Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3
The E3 plan starts to get down to fully customisable private networks. It’s best when you have multiple employees using computers throughout much of the day. We often advise most businesses to choose an E3 plan since it gives you a good range of flexibility. It integrates local devices with the cloud, making it perfect for larger organisations. You’ll also get a cybersecurity upgrade.
You’ll pay £31.70 per user per month for the Enterprise E3 package.
Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5
As the most advanced of all the M365 suites, Enterprise E5 is the creme de la creme. In short, it comes with all the features of the E3 but with extra focus on cybersecurity, threat detection, and compliance. This is for businesses with many people working across the country. It’s the most expensive plan but also the most secure and future-proof.
As the priciest option, the Enterprise E5 plan comes in at £48.10 per user per month.
HOW CAN VANTAGE 365 HELP YOU?
Vantage 365 is a specialist consultancy that helps businesses of all sizes get the most from their investment in Microsoft 365’s powerful suite of business tools and productivity apps. Our team of expert consultants has years of experience creating customised solutions, applications and strategies to optimise our clients’ technology, capabilities, and performance.
Our mission is to help every client reach their true potential by future-proofing their business and enabling them to thrive in today’s digital landscape. From small businesses to large enterprises, we understand that each company has unique needs and goals, and we work closely with our clients to develop tailored solutions that address their specific challenges.
Whether streamlining workflows, improving collaboration, or enhancing security, we have the expertise to maximise the benefits businesses receive from their investment in Microsoft 365. Our commitment to ongoing support and service ensures that our clients continue to achieve success and stay ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.
Get in touch today to discover the potential of your Microsoft Subscriptions. We look forward to hearing from you.
*Disclaimer: This article was first published on August 24th 2022.
**Please be advised that the pricing information provided herein was last reviewed on August 24th, 2022. Any modifications or updates made after this date are beyond our control and responsibility. We encourage you to verify the latest pricing details for our products and services directly through our official channels to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.)