What’s the Difference Between Microsoft 365 E3 Monthly and Annual Billing?
Benjamin Gbolaru
Microsoft 365
December 17th, 2024
The main difference between Microsoft 365 E3 monthly and annual billing is flexibility versus cost savings. Monthly billing offers flexibility with no long-term commitment, while annual billing provides a lower overall cost for a full-year commitment.
Key Differences Between Monthly and Annual Billing for Microsoft 365 E3
When choosing between monthly and annual billing for Microsoft 365 E3, it’s essential to understand their distinctions in terms of cost, commitment, and flexibility:
Monthly Billing
Features:
Pay month-to-month with no long-term contract.
Easily add or remove users as needed, scaling up or down quickly.
Typically costs more per user compared to annual billing.
Best For:
Organizations with fluctuating staff or uncertain long-term needs.
Small businesses or startups seeking low-commitment options.
Annual Billing
Features:
Pay upfront or commit to a yearly plan for reduced pricing.
Offers predictable costs over 12 months.
Changes to the subscription—like downgrades—may be restricted during the commitment period.
Best For:
Stable organizations with consistent user counts.
Enterprises aiming for lower per-user costs and budget stability.
Comparison Table: Monthly vs. Annual Billing
Feature
Monthly Billing
Annual Billing
Commitment
None
1 Year
Cost Per User
Higher
Lower
Flexibility
High (Add/Remove Anytime)
Limited
Best For
Short-term or variable needs
Stable, long-term needs
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Monthly Billing: If you prioritize flexibility or have temporary staff.
Choose Annual Billing: If you want cost savings and have consistent staffing.
Why Medha Cloud?
Medha Cloud simplifies the decision-making process for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Our experts help you choose the best plan and billing option for your business needs, ensuring seamless setup and management.
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.