Microsoft 365 Business Plans: A Deep Dive into Options
Microsoft 365's business plans are designed for small to mid-sized organisations with up to 300 users, and each plan addresses a different set of needs. This deep dive explains what's included in each option — and how to pick the one that fits how your business actually works.
What is Microsoft 365 for Business?
Microsoft 365 for Business is a subscription-based service that provides access to all the essential productivity tools — including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook — while offering cloud storage, advanced security and device management. It's built to support modern, hybrid workforces.
The four business plans
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Aimed at organisations that primarily operate online. Includes web and mobile versions of the Office apps, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, Teams, web-based Outlook with a 50 GB mailbox, SharePoint and Exchange Online.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
The most widely adopted option, and a popular choice for growing businesses. It builds on Basic by adding the desktop Office applications, Bookings, MileIQ, access on up to five devices per user, and business-class email hosting.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Incorporates everything in Standard plus advanced security: Microsoft Defender for Business, Azure Information Protection, Intune device management and advanced threat protection. Designed for companies with more stringent compliance requirements.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
Focuses exclusively on the desktop Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) plus 1 TB of OneDrive storage. It excludes Teams, Exchange and SharePoint.
Pricing (per user, per month, UK)
- Business Basic: £4.50
- Business Standard: £9.40
- Business Premium: £16.60
- Apps for Business: £7.90
How to choose the right plan
When choosing a plan, consider your team size, how your people work, your compliance requirements, the software you actually need, and how the plan integrates with your existing systems. Working with a Microsoft partner can help you land on the most cost-effective selection.
Not sure which plan fits? Book a free consultation with Circuit Minds, or learn more about our Microsoft 365 and Azure consultancy.
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