How Does Microsoft 365 E3 Differ from Business Premium or Business Standard?
Benjamin Gbolaru
Microsoft 365
December 16th, 2024
Microsoft 365 E3 differs from Business Premium and Business Standard in features, scalability, and enterprise-level functionality. E3 is designed for larger organizations with advanced needs, while Business Premium and Standard cater to small-to-medium-sized businesses.
Key Differences Between Microsoft 365 E3, Business Premium, and Business Standard
Understanding the distinctions among these plans is essential for choosing the right one for your organization.
1. Target Audience and Scalability
Microsoft 365 E3(Formerly Office 365 E3): Ideal for enterprises and large organizations. Supports unlimited users and offers advanced IT management features.
Business Premium: Designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses with up to 300 users. Includes advanced security features.
Business Standard: Suited for small businesses with up to 300 users, focusing on core productivity tools.
2. Core Features Comparison
Feature
Microsoft 365 E3
Business Premium
Business Standard
User Limit
Unlimited
300
300
Office Apps
Desktop, web, and mobile apps
Desktop, web, and mobile apps
Desktop, web, and mobile apps
Email and Calendars
Exchange Online
Exchange Online
Exchange Online
Storage
1 TB + unlimited for qualifying plans
1 TB per user
1 TB per user
Security Features
Advanced Threat Protection
Advanced Threat Protection
Basic security
Device Management
Intune
Intune
Limited
Analytics and Reporting
Power BI Pro (add-on)
Not included
Not included
Compliance Tools
Advanced compliance
Not included
Not included
3. Security and Compliance
Microsoft 365 E3: Includes advanced compliance tools, Azure Information Protection, and enhanced data governance.
Business Premium: Offers basic compliance and includes Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
Business Standard: Provides essential security but lacks advanced compliance and threat protection features.
4. Device and App Management
E3: Provides full access to Microsoft Intune and enterprise-grade device management.
Business Premium: Includes Microsoft Intune for device and app management.
Business Standard: Limited device management capabilities.
5. Price Comparison
Microsoft 365 E3: Higher cost due to enterprise-level features.
Business Premium: Mid-tier pricing with a focus on security and management for SMBs.
Business Standard: Most affordable, covering core productivity needs.
Which Plan is Right for Your Business?
Choose Microsoft 365 E3 if your organization needs advanced security, compliance, and scalability.
Opt for Business Premium if you’re a small-to-medium business prioritizing security and device management.
Select Business Standard if you only need essential productivity tools at an affordable price.
Get Expert Guidance from Medha Cloud
Medha Cloud helps businesses select, implement, and manage the right Microsoft 365 plan tailored to their 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.
