Microsoft 365 E3 offers a balanced mix of productivity, security, and compliance features compared to the entry-level E1 and premium E5 plans. E1 is more basic, focusing on web-based apps and limited security, while E5 includes advanced analytics, security, and voice capabilities. E3 is ideal for businesses needing comprehensive tools without the higher cost of E5.
Key Differences Between Microsoft 365 E1, E3, and E5
Microsoft 365’s Enterprise plans cater to businesses of all sizes but differ significantly in features. Here’s how E1, E3, and E5 compare:
Microsoft 365 E1: Basic Productivity and Collaboration
Key Features:
Web and mobile versions of Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
50 GB email storage per user via Exchange Online.
1 TB OneDrive storage per user.
Microsoft Teams for collaboration.
Limited security and compliance features.
Target Audience: Ideal for businesses needing basic tools and cloud-based collaboration without advanced features.
Microsoft 365 E3: Enhanced Productivity and Security
Key Features:
Full desktop versions of Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Advanced email and calendaring with 100 GB storage per user.
1 TB OneDrive storage per user.
Comprehensive device and app management with Microsoft Intune.
Enhanced security features, including data loss prevention (DLP) and Azure Information Protection (AIP).
SharePoint Online with advanced content management.
Target Audience: Designed for businesses needing advanced tools, data security, and compliance capabilities.
Microsoft 365 E5: Premium Security, Analytics, and Voice
Key Features:
Everything in E3, plus advanced threat protection (Microsoft Defender for Office 365).
Microsoft Purview for advanced compliance and eDiscovery.
Power BI Pro for data analytics.
Cloud-based phone system and audio conferencing.
Advanced identity and access management features.
Target Audience: Best for organizations requiring top-tier security, compliance, and analytics.
Comparison Table
Feature
Microsoft 365 E1
Microsoft 365 E3
Microsoft 365 E5
Office Apps
Web/Mobile Only
Full Desktop + Web/Mobile
Full Desktop + Web/Mobile
Email Storage
50 GB
100 GB
100 GB
OneDrive Storage
1 TB
1 TB
1 TB
Security Features
Basic
Advanced (DLP, AIP)
Premium (Threat Protection)
Compliance Tools
Basic
Enhanced
Advanced
Analytics and BI
Not Included
Not Included
Power BI Pro
Phone System & Conferencing
Not Included
Not Included
Included
Price (Approx.)
Lowest
Mid-Tier
Highest
Choosing the Right Plan
Choose E1: If your business requires basic productivity and cloud tools at an affordable cost.
Choose E3: For enhanced security, device management, and full-featured Office apps.
Choose E5: If advanced analytics, security, and voice capabilities are critical to your operations.
Why Medha Cloud?
Medha Cloud will help you choose and implement the right Microsoft 365 plan for your business. Our experts ensure smooth adoption and ongoing support tailored to your needs.
Contact Medha Cloud today for a free consultation!
I'm Benjamin, a Microsoft 365 Specialist, helping small and large businesses deploy, configure, and secure M365 environments to maximize the benefits of Microsoft tools. With sound expertise in driving cloud adoption, identity and access management (IAM), security monitoring, system reliability, and proactive troubleshooting.
