Office 365 is a suite of cloud-based productivity tools offered by Microsoft. With its various plans, such as E1, E3, and E5, businesses have the flexibility to choose the features that best fit their needs. In this comparison guide, we will explore the differences between these plans to help you make an informed decision.
E1 is the basic plan in the Office 365 lineup. It includes essential productivity apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for online document creation and collaboration. It also offers Exchange Online for email hosting, SharePoint Online for team sites, and 1TB of cloud storage per user with OneDrive for Business.
The E3 plan builds upon the features of E1 and adds more advanced capabilities. It includes everything in E1, plus Teams for chat-based collaboration, Planner for task management, and Yammer for enterprise social networking. E3 also provides security features such as data loss prevention and encrypted email. Moreover, it offers advanced analytics with Power BI Pro and the ability to install Office applications on up to 5 devices per user.
The top-tier plan, E5, offers all the features of E3 and adds even more advanced functionalities. It includes advanced security features like Advanced Threat Protection and Advanced Security Management to protect against sophisticated cyber threats. E5 also provides advanced compliance capabilities, such as eDiscovery and legal hold for data retention and investigation. Furthermore, it includes Audio Conferencing and Cloud PBX for enhanced communication and collaboration.
In conclusion, the choice between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 depends on your organization’s specific needs. If you require basic productivity tools, E1 might be the right choice for you. For more advanced features and security capabilities, E3 offers a comprehensive solution. And if you need the highest level of security and advanced compliance features, E5 is the plan to consider. Evaluate your requirements and compare the features of each plan to make an informed decision for your business.
Core Features
When it comes to the comparison between Office 365 E1 and E3, as well as E5, there are some core features that set each plan apart. Here is a breakdown of the key features:
| Feature | E1 | E3 | E5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exchange Online | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SharePoint Online | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| OneDrive for Business | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Office Online | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced Threat Protection | – | – | ✓ |
| Phone system and audio conferencing | – | – | ✓ |
As seen in the table above, all three plans – E1, E3, and E5 – share core features such as Microsoft Teams, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Office Online. However, some advanced features like Office applications, Advanced Threat Protection, and Phone system and audio conferencing are only available in the E3 and E5 plans.
Productivity Tools
Office 365 offers a range of productivity tools that enhance efficiency and collaboration in the workplace. Whether you choose the E1, E3, or E5 plan, you will have access to a suite of applications and services designed to streamline workflows and boost productivity.
With Office 365 E1, you gain access to popular productivity tools such as Microsoft Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams. These tools allow for seamless communication, file sharing, and collaboration within your organization. Additionally, E1 includes web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling you to create and edit documents online.
Office 365 E3 takes productivity to the next level with enhanced features. In addition to all the tools available in E1, E3 includes desktop versions of the Office applications, allowing for offline editing and advanced capabilities. You also get access to Power BI, an analytics tool that provides valuable insights and helps you make data-driven decisions.
For organizations that require the highest level of productivity and advanced security features, Office 365 E5 is the ultimate choice. Along with all the features of E3, E5 includes advanced threat protection, advanced security management, and advanced compliance features. It also offers advanced analytics capabilities with Microsoft MyAnalytics and Microsoft Power Automate.
In summary, whether you choose Office 365 E1, E3, or E5, you can expect a wide range of productivity tools that will streamline your work processes and enhance collaboration within your organization.
Collaboration Features
Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 offer several collaboration features that can enhance productivity and teamwork in your organization.
- Shared Calendars: All three versions of Office 365 allow users to create and share calendars with their colleagues. This makes it easy to schedule meetings, coordinate events, and keep everyone on the same page.
- Co-authoring: With Office 365 E1, E3, and E5, multiple users can simultaneously edit a document in real-time. This feature promotes collaboration and eliminates the need for version control.
- SharePoint: SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that is included in Office 365 E1, E3, and E5. It offers features like document libraries, custom lists, and team sites, which enable teams to store, organize, and share information effectively.
- Teams: Microsoft Teams is a chat-based workspace that allows teams to collaborate and communicate in real-time. It is available in Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 and offers features like chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with other Office 365 apps.
- OneDrive: OneDrive is a cloud storage service that is integrated with Office 365. It allows users to store, sync, and share files across devices. Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 provide varying amounts of storage space in OneDrive, depending on the subscription.
- Yammer: Yammer is an enterprise social network that allows employees to collaborate and communicate across departments and locations. It is available in Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 and provides a platform for sharing ideas, getting feedback, and staying connected.
Whether you choose Office 365 E1, E3, or E5, you can take advantage of these collaboration features to promote teamwork, improve communication, and boost productivity in your organization.
Email and Calendar
Email and calendar management are essential features in any office productivity suite. Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 provide robust email and calendar solutions to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
With Office 365, users with E1, E3, and E5 plans can access their email accounts through Outlook, a user-friendly email client that offers a range of features to enhance productivity. Outlook allows users to send, receive, and organize emails efficiently, making it easier to stay on top of incoming messages.
Email Features
Office 365 provides a range of email features that enhance communication and collaboration within the workplace. Some of the key email features available in Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 include:
- Generous storage space for emails, ensuring that users can store important messages without worrying about running out of space.
- Advanced spam filtering and malware protection to keep users safe from malicious emails and phishing attempts.
- Shared mailboxes, allowing multiple users to access and manage a single email account. This is especially useful for teams or departments that need to collaborate on email communication.
- Secure email encryption to protect sensitive information and ensure that confidential data remains private.
Calendar Features
In addition to robust email capabilities, Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 also include powerful calendar features to help users manage their schedules and appointments effectively. These calendar features include:
- Easy scheduling of meetings and events, with the ability to invite participants and track responses.
- Integration with other Office 365 apps, such as Teams and SharePoint, to streamline collaboration and allow users to access their calendars from different platforms.
- Customizable calendar views and reminders to help users stay organized and never miss an important appointment.
- Shared calendars, which enable teams to view and schedule events together, enhancing collaboration and coordination.
Whether you choose Office 365 E1, E3, or E5, you can be confident that you will have access to a comprehensive set of email and calendar features to help you stay productive and organized in your work.
Security Features
When comparing Office 365 E1 vs E3 vs E5, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the security features provided by each plan. With cyber threats becoming increasingly common, it is essential to choose a plan that offers adequate protection for your organization.
Office 365 E1 Security Features:
While Office 365 E1 is the basic plan, it still includes several security features to safeguard your data and maintain compliance. These features include:
- Email Encryption: E1 provides email encryption capabilities to protect sensitive information shared through emails.
- Advanced Threat Protection: The plan includes protection against advanced phishing and malware attacks, helping to prevent potentially harmful emails from reaching your inbox.
- Data Loss Prevention: E1 allows you to set up policies to prevent accidental data leaks and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Office 365 E3 Security Features:
Office 365 E3 enhances the security features offered in E1 and provides additional capabilities to protect your organization:
- Advanced Threat Protection: E3 includes more advanced anti-phishing and anti-malware features, as well as threat intelligence to detect and respond to potential threats.
- Data Loss Prevention: E3 offers more advanced data loss prevention capabilities, including the ability to classify and protect sensitive data across various applications.
- Information Protection: E3 allows you to apply labels and control access to documents, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessed by authorized individuals.
- Identity and Access Management: E3 provides more robust identity and access management features, such as multi-factor authentication and self-service password reset.
Office 365 E5 Security Features:
Office 365 E5 is the most comprehensive plan when it comes to security features. It includes all the features offered in E3 and adds:
- Advanced Threat Protection: E5 further enhances the advanced threat protection capabilities provided in E3, offering even stronger protection against sophisticated attacks.
- Threat Intelligence: E5 includes advanced threat intelligence features to detect and respond to emerging threats more efficiently.
- Advanced Security Analytics: E5 provides detailed insights and analytics into your organization’s security posture, allowing you to identify vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
- Data Loss Prevention: E5 offers even more advanced data loss prevention capabilities, including advanced data classification, automated governance, and insider threat management.
- Advanced Compliance: E5 includes additional compliance features, such as eDiscovery and legal hold capabilities, to meet regulatory and legal requirements.
In summary, when comparing Office 365 E1 vs E3 vs E5 in terms of security features, E5 offers the most comprehensive set of capabilities to protect your organization from evolving cyber threats. However, E1 and E3 also provide essential security features that may be sufficient for organizations with lower security requirements.
Privacy and Compliance
When it comes to privacy and compliance, Office 365 E5 offers the highest level of protection. With advanced data loss prevention capabilities, it ensures that your sensitive information remains secure and confidential.
On the other hand, Office 365 E1 and E3 also provide robust privacy and compliance features. They include privacy controls, encryption, and eDiscovery tools to help you meet regulatory requirements and protect your data.
Office 365 E5 goes a step further with additional features such as Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and Advanced Compliance capabilities. ATP helps protect your organization against advanced cyber threats, while the Advanced Compliance features help you manage and govern your data more effectively.
Whether you choose Office 365 E1, E3, or E5, you can be confident that Microsoft takes privacy and compliance seriously. All Office 365 plans adhere to strict security and compliance standards, giving you peace of mind knowing that your data is protected.
Business Intelligence Tools
One of the key features that differentiates the Office 365 E3 and E5 plans from the E1 plan is the inclusion of business intelligence tools. These tools allow businesses to gain valuable insights from their data, ultimately helping them make more informed decisions.
With the E3 plan, users have access to the Power BI Pro service. Power BI Pro allows users to easily create interactive dashboards, reports, and visualizations. Users can connect to a wide range of data sources, including Excel spreadsheets, on-premises databases, and cloud services, to analyze and visualize their data. Additionally, Power BI Pro includes collaboration features, such as the ability to share dashboards with others and collaborate on data analysis.
The E5 plan takes business intelligence capabilities to the next level with the addition of Power BI Premium. Power BI Premium offers all the features of Power BI Pro, but also provides enhanced performance, scalability, and advanced security features. Power BI Premium is ideal for organizations that need to distribute reports and dashboards to a large number of users or have complex data requirements.
Overall, the inclusion of business intelligence tools in the Office 365 E3 and E5 plans sets them apart from the E1 plan. These tools enable businesses to leverage their data and gain valuable insights, helping them make smarter decisions and drive their success.
Voice and Video Communication
One of the key differences between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 is the level of voice and video communication features available.
| Feature | Office 365 E1 | Office 365 E3 | Office 365 E5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teams | Limited | Full | Full |
| Audio Conferencing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Phone System | No | No | Yes |
| Cloud PBX | No | No | Yes |
Office 365 E1 offers limited voice and video communication capabilities, with access to basic features in Microsoft Teams. In contrast, Office 365 E3 provides full access to Teams, allowing for seamless collaboration through voice and video calls, meetings, and screen sharing. E3 also includes audio conferencing, allowing participants to join meetings via phone.
For organizations requiring more advanced voice capabilities, Office 365 E5 is the ideal choice. It includes all the features of E3, as well as the Phone System and Cloud PBX, enabling organizations to replace their traditional phone systems with cloud-based calling. With E5, users can make and receive calls from within Teams, as well as take advantage of advanced call management features and analytics.
When comparing E1, E3, and E5, it’s clear that the level of voice and video communication capabilities increases with each tier, providing organizations with the flexibility to choose the level of functionality that best fits their needs.
External User Access
One of the key features to consider when comparing Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 is external user access. This feature determines whether or not users outside of your organization can access your Office 365 environment.
With Office 365 E1, external user access is limited. Users with an E1 license can share content with external users, but those external users cannot edit or collaborate on the shared content.
On the other hand, Office 365 E3 offers enhanced external user access. With an E3 license, users can share content with external users and those external users can also edit and collaborate on the shared content. This allows for greater flexibility and collaboration with external partners or clients.
Finally, Office 365 E5 takes external user access a step further. In addition to the capabilities offered by E3, E5 allows for anonymous external sharing. This means that users can share content with external users who do not have an Office 365 account, making it easier to collaborate with individuals who may not be part of an organization.
Overall, when comparing E1, E3, and E5, it is clear that the level of external user access increases as you move up the Office 365 subscription tiers. Depending on your organization’s needs and the level of collaboration required with external users, it may be worth considering E3 or E5 for enhanced capabilities.
Mobile Apps
One of the key benefits of Office 365 is the availability of mobile apps that allow you to access your files and documents on the go. Whether you have an E1, E3, or E5 subscription, you can take advantage of these mobile apps to stay connected and productive.
With Office 365 mobile apps, you can create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations right from your phone or tablet. These apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy to work from anywhere, at any time.
Whether you’re using the E1, E3, or E5 subscription, you can access a range of essential mobile apps, including:
| App | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Word | Create and edit professional-looking documents. |
| Microsoft Excel | Create and edit spreadsheets with powerful formulas and functions. |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Create and deliver dynamic presentations. |
| Microsoft OneNote | Keep all your notes and ideas in one place. |
| Microsoft Outlook | Stay organized with email, calendar, and contacts. |
| Microsoft Teams | Collaborate with your team and stay connected. |
Whether you’re on a smartphone or tablet, these mobile apps provide a seamless experience, allowing you to work on the go without compromising functionality. With Office 365, you can access your files and collaborate with others from anywhere, giving you the flexibility and productivity you need.
Licensing and Pricing
When it comes to licensing and pricing, there are a few key differences between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right plan for your needs and budget.
e1
Office 365 E1 is the most basic plan and offers essential productivity tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. It is ideal for organizations that primarily need access to the core Office suite without the need for advanced features.
From a licensing standpoint, Office 365 E1 is licensed on a per-user basis, meaning you pay a set fee for each user in your organization who needs access to the service. This makes it a cost-effective option for smaller businesses or organizations with a limited budget.
e3
Office 365 E3, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive set of features and functionality compared to E1. In addition to the core Office suite, E3 includes advanced features such as email, file storage, and collaboration tools like SharePoint and Teams.
From a licensing perspective, E3 is also licensed on a per-user basis. However, it is priced higher than E1 due to the additional features and functionality it offers. This makes it a suitable choice for organizations that require a more robust set of tools to enhance productivity and collaboration.
e5
The highest-tier plan, Office 365 E5, offers all the features included in E1 and E3, along with additional advanced security and compliance features. E5 also includes advanced analytics capabilities and provides access to business intelligence tools such as Power BI.
Like the other plans, E5 is licensed on a per-user basis. However, it is priced higher than E3 due to the additional security and compliance features it offers. E5 is best suited for organizations that require strong security measures and advanced analytics capabilities.
In conclusion, the licensing and pricing of Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 vary based on the features and functionality included in each plan. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision and choose the plan that aligns with your organization’s needs and budget.
Support and Availability
When it comes to support and availability, there are some differences between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 plans.
The E1 plan provides basic support through online resources such as documentation, community forums, and self-help tools. However, there is no phone or email support included in this plan.
On the other hand, the E3 plan offers enhanced support with access to Microsoft technical support experts via phone and email. This means that if you encounter any issues or have questions, you can reach out to a knowledgeable representative who can assist you.
The E5 plan takes support and availability to the next level. In addition to the benefits provided in the E3 plan, it also includes a financially backed 99.9% service-level agreement (SLA). This SLA guarantees that Office 365 services will be available 99.9% of the time, and if the uptime falls below that threshold, Microsoft will compensate you.
Overall, if you need extensive support and want a guarantee of high availability, the E5 plan is the best choice. However, if you have a smaller budget and can manage with basic support, the E1 or E3 plans may suit your needs.
Technical Requirements
When choosing between Office 365 E1, E3, or E5, it’s important to consider the technical requirements of each plan. Here’s a comparison of the key technical aspects:
| Feature | Office 365 E1 | Office 365 E3 | Office 365 E5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Applications | Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook | Desktop, web, and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook | Desktop, web, and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook |
| Email Hosting | Exchange Online Plan 1 | Exchange Online Plan 2 | Exchange Online Plan 2 |
| File Storage and Sharing | OneDrive for Business (1 TB per user) | OneDrive for Business (1 TB per user) | OneDrive for Business (1 TB per user) |
| Advanced Threat Protection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced eDiscovery | No | No | Yes |
| Power BI Pro | No | No | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Yes | Yes |
These are just a few of the technical requirements to consider when deciding between Office 365 E1, E3, or E5. It’s important to evaluate your organization’s specific needs and priorities to make the best choice for your business.
Migration Process
When considering a migration to Office 365, whether you are currently using Office 365 E5, E3, or E1, it’s important to understand the migration process to ensure a smooth transition.
The first step in the migration process is to evaluate your current infrastructure and assess your organization’s needs and requirements. This will help determine which Office 365 plan, E5, E3, or E1, is best suited for your organization.
Once you have chosen the appropriate plan, the next step is to create an Office 365 account and set up your domain. This involves verifying your domain ownership and configuring DNS settings.
After setting up your domain, you can begin migrating your data and settings to Office 365. This may involve transferring email, contacts, calendars, and files from your current system to Office 365. This can be done using various migration methods, such as a cutover migration, staged migration, or hybrid migration.
During the migration process, it’s important to communicate with your users and provide them with necessary training and support. This will help ensure a smooth transition and minimize any disruptions to their work.
Once the migration is complete, it’s important to perform thorough testing to ensure that everything is working correctly. This includes checking that all data has been successfully migrated and that users can access and use the Office 365 services without any issues.
In conclusion, the migration process to Office 365 E5, E3, or E1 involves evaluating your current infrastructure, setting up your domain, migrating data and settings, providing user training and support, and performing thorough testing. Understanding this process will help you make an informed decision and successfully transition to Office 365.
Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
When it comes to choosing an office productivity suite, customer satisfaction is always a key factor to consider. Both Office 365 E1 and E3 have garnered positive reviews from users, but it’s the additional features and capabilities of Office 365 E5 that truly set it apart.
Office 365 E5 offers an impressive array of advanced security features, including threat intelligence and advanced threat protection, as well as data loss prevention and encryption capabilities. These added security measures provide users with peace of mind and help protect sensitive business information.
Furthermore, Office 365 E5 includes advanced analytics capabilities, such as Power BI Pro and MyAnalytics, which allow users to gain valuable insights from their data and make more informed business decisions. This can greatly enhance productivity and efficiency within an organization.
While both Office 365 E1 and E3 provide a solid foundation for office productivity and collaboration, Office 365 E5 takes it to the next level with its additional features and capabilities. Users have praised the seamless integration with other Microsoft products and the overall performance of the suite.
Overall, the customer satisfaction and reviews for Office 365 E5 are overwhelmingly positive, with users highlighting its advanced security features, enhanced analytics capabilities, and seamless integration. While Office 365 E1 and E3 are also reliable options, Office 365 E5 offers the most comprehensive solution for businesses looking to maximize their productivity and security.
Question-answer:
What are the main differences between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5?
The main differences between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 are the features and capabilities they offer. E1 is the basic plan and provides access to core Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as email, file storage, and video conferencing tools. E3 includes additional features like advanced security and compliance tools, as well as access to the full suite of Office apps for desktop and mobile. E5 is the most advanced plan and includes all the features of E3, plus additional advanced security, analytics, and communication tools.
What are some advanced security features included in Office 365 E3 and E5?
Some advanced security features included in Office 365 E3 and E5 are Advanced Threat Protection, which helps protect against email and malware threats, and Advanced Data Governance, which helps classify, protect, and manage data. E5 includes even more advanced security features like Advanced Threat Analytics, which detects abnormal user behavior, and Cloud App Security, which provides visibility and control over cloud applications.
What are the benefits of upgrading from Office 365 E1 to E3 or E5?
Upgrading from Office 365 E1 to E3 or E5 offers several benefits. E3 includes additional features like desktop versions of Office apps, advanced security and compliance tools, and advanced analytics. E5 includes even more advanced features like advanced security, analytics, and communication tools. Upgrading allows organizations to access a wider range of tools and capabilities to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security.
Can I upgrade from Office 365 E1 to E5 directly?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade from Office 365 E1 to E5 directly. However, it is important to note that there may be additional costs associated with the upgrade, as E5 is the most advanced plan and includes additional features and capabilities not available in E1. It is recommended to consult with a Microsoft representative or IT professional to understand the full implications and costs of the upgrade.
Is there a trial period available for Office 365 E1, E3, or E5?
Yes, Microsoft offers a trial period for Office 365 E1, E3, and E5. The trial period allows organizations to test out the features and capabilities of the different plans before making a decision. The trial period typically lasts for 30 days, during which time users can explore the various tools and functionalities offered by each plan.
What is the difference between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5?
Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 refer to different subscription plans within the Office 365 suite. The main difference between these plans is the level of features and functionality included. E1 provides basic online versions of Office apps, email and calendar hosting, while E3 includes additional features such as desktop versions of Office apps, enhanced security features, and compliance tools. E5 is the most comprehensive plan, offering advanced security features, analytics tools, and advanced communication and collaboration features.
Can you explain the pricing difference between Office 365 E1, E3, and E5?
The pricing for Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 varies depending on the number of users and the payment plan chosen. Generally, E1 is the most affordable option, with a lower price per user per month. E3 is priced higher than E1, but offers more features and functionality. E5 is the highest-priced plan, as it includes the most advanced features and tools. It is important to note that pricing may vary based on the specific needs and requirements of your organization, so it is recommended to consult with a Microsoft representative for accurate pricing information.