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How Does Microsoft 365 E3 Compare to Other Enterprise Subscription Plans?

Q and A With Medha Cloud

Microsoft 365 E3 strikes a balance between affordability and advanced features, offering a mix of productivity, security, and management tools. Compared to other enterprise plans, it provides more features than E1 but fewer than E5, making it ideal for mid-sized organizations with moderate IT needs.


Comparing Microsoft 365 E3 to Other Enterprise Plans

Microsoft 365 offers three primary enterprise subscription plans: E1, E3, and E5. Each plan is designed to meet the needs of different organizations, from basic productivity to advanced security and analytics. Here’s how Microsoft 365 E3 compares:


1. Microsoft 365 E3 vs. E1

FeatureMicrosoft 365 E3Microsoft 365 E1
Core Productivity AppsFull desktop, web, and mobile appsWeb and mobile apps only
Storage1TB per user, expandable1TB per user
Security FeaturesAdvanced (e.g., DLP, encryption)Basic
Device ManagementIntune and AutopilotNot included
Windows Enterprise LicensingIncludedNot included

Key Differences:

  • E3 includes desktop versions of apps like Word and Excel, while E1 provides only web and mobile access.
  • E3 offers robust security and device management, which are not available in E1.

2. Microsoft 365 E3 vs. E5

FeatureMicrosoft 365 E3Microsoft 365 E5
Security and ComplianceAdvancedPremium (e.g., Defender, Insider Risk)
Analytics and ReportingLimitedAdvanced (Power BI Pro, MyAnalytics)
Unified CommunicationsTeams standard featuresTeams with advanced calling and voice
PricingModerateHighest

Key Differences:

  • E5 includes advanced security, such as Microsoft Defender and Insider Risk Management, which E3 lacks.
  • Analytics in E5 are more robust, with tools like Power BI Pro.
  • E5 offers advanced telephony features, making it suitable for organizations needing unified communication tools.

When to Choose Microsoft 365 E3

Microsoft 365 E3 is a great choice if your organization needs:

  • Full desktop versions of productivity apps.
  • Advanced security features, such as DLP and encryption, but not the highest-tier options.
  • Device management tools like Intune and Windows Autopilot.
  • Windows 11/10 Enterprise licensing for centralized OS management.

It’s ideal for mid-sized enterprises or larger businesses that don’t require the premium features of E5.


Conclusion

Microsoft 365 E3 offers a well-rounded package of productivity, security, and management tools, bridging the gap between the entry-level E1 and the premium E5 plans. With advanced features like device management and compliance tools, E3 provides excellent value for organizations with growing IT needs.


Need help choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan?

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Benjamin Gbolaru
Benjamin Gbolaru
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.
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