Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium: Key Differences
Microsoft 365 is an essential suite of tools for businesses, offering productivity, collaboration, and security solutions.
Microsoft 365 is an essential suite of tools for businesses, offering productivity, collaboration, and security solutions.
Choosing the right plan, however, can be challenging, particularly when comparing two popular options: Business Standard and Business Premium. While both are popular choices and offer robust features, they do cater to different needs. Read our guide for a detailed breakdown of the key differences to help you determine the best fit for your organisation.
Both Business Standard and Business Premium come with a wide range of features aimed at enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 Business Premium | |
Features They Share | · Microsoft Office Apps · Email Hosting · OneDrive Storage · Teams · Access and Publisher (PC only) | |
While these features cover the essentials for most businesses, the differences between the two plans become apparent in areas like security, device management, and advanced business tools.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 Business Premium | |
Advanced Security and Device Management | · Focuses on productivity and collaboration tools · No advanced security features. Relies on basic security measures available through Microsoft’s standard protection framework · Suitable for organisations with minimal security risks. | · Enhanced security and greater control over devices and data. · Microsoft Defender for Office 365 · Conditional Access · Azure Information Protection · Intune · Safeguard against sophisticated threats, enable secure access, and manage devices effectively. |
Businesses handling sensitive information or needing to comply with regulatory requirements will benefit significantly from Business Premium’s advanced features.
Pricing is another key distinction between these plans. Business Standard is the more affordable option, making it ideal for smaller businesses with limited budgets. It provides all the essential tools for productivity and collaboration without the added cost of advanced security.
Business Premium, while more costly, the additional cost is justified by the inclusion of enterprise-grade security, device management, and advanced administrative controls. For organisations prioritising data protection and compliance, the investment in Business Premium is often well worth it.
Pricing | Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 Business Premium |
| · £10.30/user/month | · £18.10/user/month · 1-month free trial |
Target Audience | Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 Business Premium |
· SMEs that need reliable collaboration and productivity tools without extensive IT infrastructure or advanced security measures · Ideal for teams focused on streamlining workflows and enhancing communication, particularly in less regulated industries.
| · Organisations that require enterprise-level security and comprehensive device management. · Particularly suited to industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal services, where data security and regulatory compliance are critical. · Businesses with distributed teams or remote workforces, offering robust endpoint protection and secure access to company resources.
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Business Premium stands out by offering additional tools and services such as:
These features make Business Premium a more comprehensive solution for organisations with complex IT needs.
Both Business Standard and Business Premium include 24/7 customer support from Microsoft, ensuring timely resolution of technical issues. However, organisations using Business Premium may experience fewer issues requiring support thanks to the proactive threat prevention measures built into the plan. This can save time and resources in the long run.
Choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium ultimately depends on your organisation’s specific needs, priorities, and budget. Business Standard is an excellent choice for companies that want to enhance collaboration and productivity without incurring additional costs. On the other hand, Business Premium’s advanced security, device management, and compliance tools make it indispensable for businesses handling sensitive data or operating in regulated industries.
By carefully evaluating your business’s requirements, you can select the plan that aligns with your goals and empowers your team to succeed.
Agnes Molnar
Agnes is Syn-Star’s expert content writer, she has Master’s degree in English Literature that provides a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking of everything she does.
Qualifications: Masters in English Literature
In-house training: HubSpot SEO, WordPress Training.
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Agnes Molnar
Agnes is Syn-Star’s expert content writer, she has Master’s degree in English Literature that provides a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking of everything she does.
Qualifications: Masters in English Literature
In-house training: HubSpot SEO, WordPress Training.
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