How Does Microsoft 365 E3 Differ from Business Premium or Business Standard?

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.