Microsoft 365 E3 lacks the advanced security, analytics, and telephony features that are included in the E5 plan. Microsoft 365 E5 is designed for organizations needing the highest level of threat protection, compliance, and communication tools.
Microsoft 365 E3 is a robust enterprise plan, but it has notable limitations when compared to E5. Here are the primary differences:
E3 provides essential security tools but lacks the full spectrum of advanced security available in E5.
| Feature | E3 | E5 |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | Plan 1 (basic threat protection) | Plan 2 (advanced threat detection) |
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Not included | Included |
| Insider Risk Management | Not included | Included |
| Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) | Not included | Included |
E5 offers tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which provides endpoint detection and response (EDR), and Insider Risk Management, helping mitigate insider threats.
E3 includes basic reporting tools, while E5 delivers advanced analytics.
| Feature | E3 | E5 |
|---|---|---|
| Power BI | Not included | Power BI Pro included |
| Workplace Analytics | Not included | Included |
| Advanced Usage Analytics | Limited | Comprehensive |
Power BI Pro in E5 allows businesses to create and share powerful data visualizations and insights. E3 lacks this feature entirely.
E3’s communication tools focus on standard Teams functionality, whereas E5 includes enterprise-grade telephony and voice solutions.
| Feature | E3 | E5 |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams Features | Standard | Advanced |
| Teams Phone with Calling Plan | Not included | Included |
| PSTN Calling | Not included | Included |
E5 enables Teams Phone with Calling Plan, replacing traditional phone systems with cloud-based telephony.
While E3 includes compliance basics, E5 offers tools to meet stringent regulatory requirements.
| Feature | E3 | E5 |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced eDiscovery | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Customer Lockbox | Not included | Included |
| Communication Compliance | Not included | Included |
Organizations requiring advanced eDiscovery and communication compliance tools may find E3 insufficient.
While Microsoft 365 E3 meets the needs of most enterprises, it lacks the advanced security, analytics, and telephony features available in E5. For businesses with sophisticated IT and regulatory requirements, E5 provides a more comprehensive solution.
Need help deciding between E3 and E5?
Medha Cloud will help you assess your business needs and implement the right Microsoft 365 plan.
