How Much Does Microsoft 365 Cost?
In April of 2020, Office 365 became Microsoft 365. Most of the pricing and plans remained the same, but it still caused a bit of confusion for Microsoft customers, nonetheless.
What is Microsoft 365?
Years ago, when you’d get a new computer, you’d have the option to purchase these subscriptions via boxed software. Fast forward to 2021 (where nearly everything is subscription based) and Microsoft 365 is a subscription to a suite or collection of familiar apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Because it is a subscription model, you always get the latest updates which is a handy feature, especially considering the amount of patchwork Microsoft does on a regular basis.
Microsoft 365 – Business Basic (starting at $5.00/user/month)
This is the most basic plan because it only includes the web versions of the apps that are included in the subscription. In other words, it does not allow users to download the desktop versions of the apps. For most small businesses, this is not ideal because you can only access these apps when connected to the Internet. For those businesses who only use these apps on a part-time basis or only at specific locations that are always connected, this could be a feasible package.
Main Features
- Business class email, calendar, contacts with a 50 GB inbox
- Unlimited online meetings and IM and HD video conferencing
- Online versions of Office including Word/Excel/PowerPoint
- File storage and sharing with 1 TB storage per user
Exchange
Teams
Sharepoint
Onedrive
Microsoft 365 – Business Standard (starting at $12.50/user/month)
This plan includes everything in the Business Basic, but includes desktop versions of the Applications and a full installation of these applications on five mobile devices, five tablets, and fives PC’s or macs, per user. This plan also includes access to apps not included in the Business Basic plan, such as Outlook Customer Manager, Microsoft Teams Shifts, Microsoft Bookings, Microsoft Invoicing, and MileQ. This plan is our top seller.
Main Features
- Business class email, calendar, contacts with a 50 GB inbox
- Unlimited online meetings and IM and HD video conferencing
- Online versions of Office including Word/Excel/PowerPoint
- File storage and sharing with 1 TB storage per user
Microsoft 365 – Business Premium (starting at $20/user/month)
We recommend this plan to businesses who are in the hybrid work model (half of the employees in the office, half work remote) or fully remote due to the enhanced security features. It allows businesses to remotely wipe company data from lost or stolen devices and protects against sophisticated threats hidden in email attachments and links.
Main Features
- Control who has access to company information by applying restrictions
- Restrict copying or saving of company information to unauthorized apps
- Enforce malware protection to help keep your Windows 10 devices safe from viruses
- Unlimited cloud archive and long-term preservation policies to ensure you never lose an email
Exchange
Teams
Exchange
Onedrive
Outlook
Word
Excel
Powerpoint
Publisher
Access
Microsoft 365 – Business Premium (starting at $20/user/month)
We recommend this plan to businesses who are in the hybrid work model (half of the employees in the office, half work remote) or fully remote due to the enhanced security features. It allows businesses to remotely wipe company data from lost or stolen devices and protects against sophisticated threats hidden in email attachments and links.
Main Features
- Control who has access to company information by applying restrictions
- Restrict copying or saving of company information to unauthorized apps
- Enforce malware protection to help keep your Windows 10 devices safe from viruses
- Unlimited cloud archive and long-term preservation policies to ensure you never lose an email
Exchange
Teams
Exchange
Onedrive
Outlook
Word
Excel
Powerpoint
Publisher
Access
Intune
Azure Information Protection
Defender
Conditional Access
Windows Virtual Desktop
Questions? Ready for a Free Quote?
As we mentioned in a previous post, 3 Technology Mistakes Most Small Businesses Make and How You Can Avoid Them, we recommend purchasing your licenses through a certified Microsoft partner. More often than not, they’ll be able to negotiate a better deal for your business and provide you with the best advice on which plan is right for you. If you’re ready for a quote, drop us a line.
