When it comes to choosing the right subscription plan for your office, Microsoft Office 365 offers a range of options to meet your needs. Two popular plans are the Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans, each offering a unique set of features and pricing options.
The Office 365 E3 plan is designed for larger organizations that require advanced productivity and collaboration tools. With this plan, you get access to all the familiar Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with powerful cloud services.
On the other hand, the Office 365 Business Premium plan is geared towards small and medium-sized businesses. It provides a cost-effective solution that includes the essential Office applications, along with business-class email, file storage, and sharing.
One key difference between the E3 and Business Premium plans is the pricing structure. The E3 plan typically has a per-user/per-month pricing model, making it more suitable for businesses with a larger number of employees. The Business Premium plan, on the other hand, offers a flat monthly fee, which can be more cost-effective for organizations with a smaller workforce.
In terms of features, both plans offer similar functionalities, including cloud storage, online meetings, and collaboration tools. However, the E3 plan provides more advanced features, such as compliance and information protection, advanced analytics, and enterprise-level security, which may be essential for businesses dealing with sensitive data or industry regulations.
Ultimately, the choice between the Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans depends on the specific needs and budget of your organization. If you require more advanced features and have a larger workforce, the E3 plan may be the better option. On the other hand, if you have a smaller team and need a cost-effective solution, the Business Premium plan can provide the essential tools you need to boost productivity and collaboration.
Features
In this comparison of Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans, it is important to consider the features that each subscription offers.
Office 365 E3
The E3 plan is a premium option that provides a wide range of features for businesses of all sizes. With an E3 subscription, customers get access to all the essential applications and services included in the Office 365 suite, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
In addition to the core Office apps, E3 includes advanced security features, such as data loss prevention and encrypted email. It also offers advanced analytics capabilities, enabling businesses to gain valuable insights from their data.
The E3 plan is particularly suitable for larger organizations that require advanced features, unlimited email archiving, and legal hold capabilities. It also supports unlimited users, making it a scalable option for growing businesses.
Office 365 Business Premium
The Business Premium plan is a more cost-effective option designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes all the essential Office 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as online storage and file sharing through OneDrive.
While Business Premium offers a solid set of features, it does not include some of the advanced capabilities found in the E3 plan. It does, however, provide a range of productivity tools, such as Microsoft Teams for collaboration and online meetings, as well as mobile device management for increased security.
The Business Premium plan is perfect for organizations that prioritize affordability and simplicity, without compromising on the core Office apps and basic collaboration features.
When it comes to pricing, the E3 plan is generally more expensive than the Business Premium plan, reflecting its additional features and capabilities.
In summary, the E3 plan is a premium subscription that offers comprehensive features and advanced security capabilities, making it suitable for larger organizations. The Business Premium plan, on the other hand, provides a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses, offering essential Office apps and basic collaboration tools.
Pricing
When considering a subscription for Microsoft Office 365, it is important to compare the pricing options of the E3 and Business Premium plans. Both plans offer a range of features and benefits, but they are priced differently.
The Office 365 E3 plan is designed for larger organizations that require advanced features and capabilities. It offers a comprehensive suite of productivity tools and services, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and more. The pricing for the E3 plan is higher compared to the Business Premium plan, reflecting the additional features and capabilities it provides.
On the other hand, the Office 365 Business Premium plan is targeted towards smaller businesses and offers a more cost-effective solution. While it still includes essential applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, it may not have the advanced features and capabilities found in the E3 plan. However, it does come with other features tailored for small businesses, such as Exchange Online for email management, Microsoft Teams for collaboration, and OneDrive for secure file storage.
When deciding between the two plans, it is important to consider your specific business needs and the features that are most critical for your team. You should also evaluate your budget and determine the pricing that aligns with your financial goals, as the E3 plan is generally priced higher compared to the Business Premium plan. By comparing the features and pricing of these two plans, you can choose the best option that combines affordability and functionality for your organization.
In conclusion, the pricing structure for Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans reflects the distinct features and capabilities they offer. While the E3 plan may be more expensive, it provides advanced functionality for larger organizations. Alternatively, the Business Premium plan offers a more cost-effective solution for small businesses while still providing essential productivity tools. Ultimately, the choice between the two plans depends on your business requirements and budget considerations.
Availability
Both Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans are available for subscription, offering a range of features to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. However, there are some differences in availability and pricing between the two plans.
Office 365 E3 is designed for larger businesses that require more advanced features and capabilities. This plan is available to businesses worldwide and can be purchased directly from Microsoft or through authorized resellers.
On the other hand, Office 365 Business Premium is targeted towards smaller businesses and is available in select countries only. It offers a more cost-effective pricing structure compared to Office 365 E3, making it an attractive option for small and medium-sized enterprises.
When considering the availability of these plans, it is important to take into account the specific needs and requirements of your business. While Office 365 E3 may offer more advanced features, Office 365 Business Premium can be a more suitable choice for businesses operating on a smaller scale.
It is recommended to carefully review the features and pricing of both plans to determine which one best aligns with your business needs and budget.
Storage
Both Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans offer cloud storage options, allowing users to store and access their files from anywhere with an internet connection. However, there are a few differences in terms of storage capacity and features.
Office 365 E3 Storage
Office 365 E3 provides users with a generous 1 TB of cloud storage per user. This storage can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other files. Additionally, Office 365 E3 offers advanced security and compliance features to protect the stored data.
Business Premium Storage
The Business Premium plan includes 1 TB of cloud storage per user, similar to the Office 365 E3 plan. This storage can also be used for various file types and is accessible from multiple devices. However, Business Premium does not offer the same advanced security and compliance features as the E3 plan.
In terms of storage, both plans provide ample space for storing files and collaborating with others. The choice between the two plans may depend on the specific needs of the organization, including security and compliance requirements.
Email and Calendar
One of the most important features to consider when it comes to choosing between Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans is the email and calendar capabilities.
Both plans offer robust email and calendar solutions, but there are some differences in terms of pricing and features. Let’s take a closer look at each plan:
| Email and Calendar | Office 365 E3 | Office 365 Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Higher cost subscription | Lower cost subscription |
| Office Apps | Full suite of Office apps included | Full suite of Office apps included |
| Email Storage | Unlimited email storage | 50 GB email storage |
| Calendar Sharing | Full calendar sharing capabilities | Full calendar sharing capabilities |
| Outlook Web Access | Access to Outlook Web App | Access to Outlook Web App |
| Mobile Device Support | Mobile device support | Mobile device support |
As seen in the comparison table, Office 365 E3 offers unlimited email storage, while Office 365 Business Premium provides 50 GB of email storage. Additionally, both plans include full calendar sharing capabilities, Outlook Web App access, and mobile device support.
When it comes to pricing, Office 365 E3 is a higher cost subscription compared to Office 365 Business Premium.
Ultimately, the choice between these plans depends on your specific business needs and budget. If unlimited email storage is a priority, Office 365 E3 may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a lower cost subscription with ample email storage, Office 365 Business Premium could be the right choice for you.
Collaboration Tools
When it comes to collaboration tools, both Office 365 Business Premium and E3 plans offer a range of features designed to enhance teamwork and productivity. However, there are some differences in pricing and included features that may influence your choice of subscription.
Office 365 Business Premium
With Office 365 Business Premium, teams can take advantage of a variety of collaboration tools. One of the key features is Microsoft Teams, a platform that allows for real-time collaboration, document sharing, and communication among team members. This tool enables teams to work together seamlessly, whether they are in the same office or working remotely.
In addition to Microsoft Teams, Business Premium also includes other popular collaboration tools, such as SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. These tools provide a centralized location for storing, sharing, and collaborating on documents, ensuring that team members have access to the latest versions at all times.
Office 365 E3
Office 365 E3 plan offers all the collaboration tools available in Business Premium, making it a comprehensive option for teams. In addition to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business, E3 plan includes other advanced features that further enhance collaboration.
One notable feature included in Office 365 E3 is the ability to create and edit documents directly in a web browser using Office Online. This eliminates the need for additional software installations and allows team members to collaborate on documents in real-time without any compatibility issues.
E3 plan also offers enhanced security and compliance features, such as data loss prevention and advanced threat protection, which can be important considerations for businesses dealing with sensitive information.
Conclusion:
Both Office 365 Business Premium and E3 plans provide a solid set of collaboration tools to support teamwork and productivity. The choice between the two largely depends on your specific requirements, budget, and the need for additional features like document editing in the web browser and advanced security measures.
Consider your team’s collaboration needs and compare the pricing and features of each plan to make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.
Security
When it comes to security, both Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans offer a range of features to protect your data and sensitive information.
Office 365 E3 Security Features
With Office 365 E3 subscription, you get advanced security features that provide a higher level of protection for your business. These features include:
- Advanced Threat Protection: Protects against sophisticated cyberattacks, including zero-day threats, by analyzing email attachments and links in real-time.
- Data Loss Prevention: Helps you identify, monitor, and protect sensitive information across Office 365 applications, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers.
- Multifactor Authentication: Provides an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity with more than one method, such as a password and a text message code.
- Security and Compliance Center: Provides a centralized hub for managing security policies, data governance, and compliance requirements.
Office 365 Business Premium Security Features
Office 365 Business Premium plan also includes several security features to keep your data safe. These features include:
- Basic Threat Protection: Protects against known threats and malware by scanning attachments and links.
- Data Loss Prevention: Helps you identify and protect sensitive information across Office 365 applications.
- Multifactor Authentication: Provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity with more than one method.
- Security Policies: Allows you to enforce security policies for your organization, such as password expiration and complexity requirements.
In comparison, Office 365 E3 offers more advanced security features compared to the Business Premium plan. However, the pricing of the E3 plan is higher than the Business Premium plan. Therefore, if you require enhanced security features and can afford the higher subscription price, Office 365 E3 is the recommended choice.
Administration
The administration features of Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans are designed to meet the needs of different types of businesses. Both plans offer a range of tools and capabilities that make it easy for administrators to manage their subscription and users.
With both the E3 and Business Premium plans, administrators have control over user accounts, including creating and deleting accounts, managing user permissions, and managing password policies. Both plans also provide the ability to manage user licenses, allowing administrators to assign and remove licenses as needed.
One of the key differences between the two plans is the level of administration features available. The E3 plan offers more advanced administration capabilities, including the ability to manage SharePoint Online settings, create and manage security groups, and access advanced reporting and auditing features.
The pricing structure for the E3 plan is also different from the Business Premium plan. The E3 plan is priced on a per-user basis, whereas the Business Premium plan is priced as a per-user, per-month subscription. The E3 plan also includes additional features such as advanced threat protection and data loss prevention, which are not included in the Business Premium plan.
| Administration Features | Office 365 E3 | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| User Account Management | Yes | Yes |
| User License Management | Yes | Yes |
| SharePoint Online Management | Yes | No |
| Security Group Management | Yes | No |
| Advanced Reporting and Auditing | Yes | No |
In summary, both the Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans offer administration features that make it easy for businesses to manage their subscription and users. However, the E3 plan provides more advanced administration capabilities and includes additional features not available in the Business Premium plan.
Integration
Both Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans offer seamless integration with other Microsoft business tools and services.
With E3, you can integrate your business applications and data using Microsoft Power Platform, Azure Active Directory, and SharePoint Online. These integrations provide a unified experience and allow you to streamline your workflows and collaborate with ease.
Business Premium also offers integration with various Microsoft services, such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Teams. This integration allows you to manage your emails, documents, and team communication in one place, improving productivity and efficiency.
When considering pricing, E3 offers more advanced integration options compared to Business Premium. However, both plans provide essential integration features that can enhance your business operations and simplify your workflows.
Mobile Access
Mobile access is a premium feature that is available in both the Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans. With mobile access, users can access their business applications and data from anywhere, anytime, using their mobile devices. This feature is essential for businesses that have remote workers or employees who are constantly on the go.
Mobile access is included in the pricing of both the E3 and Business Premium plans, so there is no additional cost to enable this feature. However, it is important to note that the capabilities and limitations of mobile access may vary between the two plans.
In the E3 plan, users can access their emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They can also view and edit documents using the Office mobile apps. Additionally, the E3 plan offers support for mobile device management, which allows businesses to manage and secure their employees’ mobile devices.
The Business Premium plan, on the other hand, offers similar mobile access capabilities. Users can access their emails, calendars, and contacts using mobile devices, as well as view and edit documents using the Office mobile apps. However, the Business Premium plan does not include support for mobile device management.
Overall, both the E3 and Business Premium plans provide mobile access to users, allowing them to stay connected and productive while on the move. However, businesses should carefully consider their mobile access requirements and compare the features offered by each plan before making a decision.
Customer Support
When it comes to customer support, both the Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans offer similar features and benefits to their subscribers. Microsoft provides comprehensive support options to help businesses get the most out of their subscription.
With both plans, customers have access to 24/7 phone and web support, allowing them to quickly resolve any issues or concerns they may have. Microsoft’s support staff is knowledgeable and equipped to assist with a variety of technical and non-technical inquiries.
In addition to phone and web support, subscribers to both the Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans also have access to an extensive online knowledge base. This resource includes documentation, how-to guides, troubleshooting tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
For businesses that require even more personalized support, Microsoft offers paid Premier Support plans. These plans provide access to a dedicated support team, who can assist with more complex technical issues and offer guidance on optimizing the use of Office 365 features.
When it comes to customer support, choosing between the Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans is not a significant factor. Both plans provide robust support options to ensure that businesses can make the most of their subscription.
Online Meetings
Both Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans offer online meeting solutions that enable users to collaborate and communicate effectively. These plans come with several features designed to enhance online meetings and make them more productive.
With the Office 365 E3 plan, users have access to Microsoft Teams, a powerful hub for teamwork that allows for seamless online meetings. Microsoft Teams offers features such as video conferencing, screen sharing, and chat functionality, which help users connect and collaborate in real-time. The plan also includes the ability to schedule and join meetings directly from Outlook, making it convenient and efficient for users to stay connected.
The Business Premium plan also provides online meeting capabilities through Microsoft Teams. This allows users to host virtual meetings with ease, enabling participants to join from any location using their preferred device. Additionally, the plan includes features like screen sharing, file sharing, and real-time collaboration, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses looking to enhance their online meeting experience.
While both plans offer similar features for online meetings, there are some differences in terms of subscription pricing. The Office 365 E3 plan is available at a higher price point, but it provides additional features and capabilities beyond online meetings, such as advanced security and compliance options. On the other hand, the Business Premium plan offers a more affordable subscription option focused on meeting the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
| Office 365 E3 | Business Premium |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams |
| Video Conferencing | Video Conferencing |
| Screen Sharing | Screen Sharing |
| Chat | Chat |
| Schedule and join meetings from Outlook | N/A |
| Advanced security and compliance options | N/A |
| Higher subscription pricing | Affordable subscription pricing |
File Sharing and Collaboration
One of the key features that differentiate the Office 365 Business Premium and E3 plans is the level of file sharing and collaboration offered.
With the Business Premium subscription, users have access to OneDrive for Business, where they can store, access, and share their files. OneDrive for Business provides a secure and reliable cloud storage solution, enabling users to access their files from anywhere and collaborate with coworkers in real-time. Users can easily share files and folders with others, control who can view and edit them, and even set expiration dates for shared links.
In addition to OneDrive for Business, the Business Premium plan also includes SharePoint Online. SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows users to create team sites, store and collaborate on documents, and manage projects. It provides advanced features like version history, document co-authoring, and workflow automation, making it a valuable tool for teams and organizations.
On the other hand, the E3 subscription includes all the file sharing and collaboration capabilities of the Business Premium plan, plus additional features. One of the key features that sets E3 apart is Microsoft Teams. Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that brings together chat, video meetings, file sharing, and integrations with other Microsoft and third-party apps. It enables teams to work together efficiently, communicate in real-time, and stay organized.
Another important feature included in the E3 plan is Yammer. Yammer is an enterprise social network that allows employees to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge within their organization. It provides a platform for open communication, fostering collaboration, and facilitating the sharing of ideas and information.
In terms of pricing, the Office 365 Business Premium plan is more affordable compared to the E3 plan. The Business Premium plan is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, while the E3 plan is designed for larger organizations with more advanced collaboration needs.
In summary, both the Business Premium and E3 plans offer a range of file sharing and collaboration features. The Business Premium plan includes OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online, while the E3 plan adds Microsoft Teams and Yammer. The choice between these two plans depends on the specific needs and size of your organization, as well as your budget.
Customization
One of the key factors to consider when choosing between Office 365 E3 and Business Premium Plans is the level of customization available. Both plans offer different levels of customization options, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific needs.
The Office 365 E3 plan provides a premium level of customization, allowing you to customize various features and settings to meet your unique business requirements. With this plan, you have access to advanced features such as custom domains, advanced email and calendar customization options, and the ability to create and manage custom SharePoint sites. This level of customization is ideal for businesses that have specific branding requirements or require advanced configuration options.
On the other hand, the Office 365 Business Premium plan offers a more simplified level of customization. While you can still customize basic settings such as your company name and logo, the level of customization available with this plan is limited compared to the E3 plan. This plan is more suitable for small businesses or organizations that do not require extensive customization options.
When it comes to pricing, the Office 365 E3 plan is typically priced higher than the Business Premium plan due to its premium features and customization options. However, the specific pricing may vary depending on the subscription model and payment terms chosen.
In conclusion, if customization is a key factor for your business, the Office 365 E3 plan offers a premium level of customization and advanced features. On the other hand, if you don’t require extensive customization options, the Office 365 Business Premium plan provides a more simplified and cost-effective solution.
Analytics and Reporting
One key aspect to consider when comparing Office 365 E3 and Business Premium Plans is the availability of analytics and reporting features. Both plans offer a range of tools and insights to help businesses track their performance and make data-driven decisions.
With an Office 365 E3 subscription, businesses have access to advanced analytics capabilities. This includes tools such as Power BI Pro, which allows users to create customized reports and dashboards to visualize data from various sources. Additionally, E3 users can take advantage of Power Automate to automate workflows and streamline processes, with the ability to track and analyze the performance of these automated tasks.
On the other hand, Office 365 Business Premium also offers some analytics and reporting features, albeit with certain limitations compared to the E3 plan. Business Premium users can use Microsoft Excel to analyze data and generate reports, but may not have access to the same advanced features as E3 users. However, Business Premium does offer the ability to track email delivery, monitor customer interactions, and analyze usage statistics for SharePoint sites and Yammer.
When it comes to pricing, the E3 plan is generally priced higher than the Business Premium plan, reflecting the additional analytics and reporting capabilities it offers. Businesses that require advanced analytics features and have the budget may prefer the E3 plan for its comprehensive reporting tools. However, for smaller businesses with simpler reporting needs, the Business Premium plan may be a more cost-effective choice.
In conclusion, both Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans provide analytics and reporting features, but with varying degrees of sophistication. It’s important for businesses to evaluate their specific reporting requirements and budget constraints when comparing these subscription options.
Compliance and Privacy
When it comes to compliance and privacy, both Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans offer a range of features to ensure the security and confidentiality of your business data.
Office 365 E3 subscription provides advanced compliance capabilities, including eDiscovery, data loss prevention, and retention policies. These features help businesses meet regulatory requirements and protect sensitive information.
On the other hand, Office 365 Business Premium plan also includes essential compliance features, such as data encryption, secure file sharing, and mobile device management. This makes it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that require a robust security solution.
When comparing these two plans, it’s important to note that Office 365 E3 offers more comprehensive compliance features, which may be necessary for organizations with strict regulatory requirements.
In terms of privacy, both plans adhere to Microsoft’s strict privacy policy, ensuring that your data is protected and not shared with third parties without your consent.
As for pricing, Office 365 E3 is generally more expensive than Office 365 Business Premium. However, the additional compliance features offered by E3 may justify the higher cost for businesses that handle sensitive data.
| Features | Office 365 E3 | Office 365 Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| eDiscovery | Yes | No |
| Data Loss Prevention | Yes | No |
| Retention Policies | Yes | No |
| Data Encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Secure File Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Device Management | Yes | Yes |
Additional Services
With Office 365, you have access to a wide range of additional services that can enhance your business productivity and collaboration. Whether you choose the E3 or Business Premium subscription, you’ll benefit from these extra features and services:
1. Exchange Online: This service provides you with email hosting, calendars, and contacts that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.
2. OneDrive for Business: With a generous amount of cloud storage, you can securely store, sync, and share your files, making collaboration effortless.
3. SharePoint Online: This powerful platform allows you to create websites and share documents, ensuring seamless collaboration within your organization.
4. Microsoft Teams: Stay connected and work together with your team using this chat-based collaboration tool that integrates with all other Office 365 applications.
5. Yammer: Foster a sense of community within your organization by using this private social network to engage employees and share information.
6. Skype for Business: Enjoy advanced communication abilities with audio and video conferencing, instant messaging, and screen sharing.
7. Planner: This project management tool helps you organize tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress, ensuring smooth workflow.
8. Power BI: Take advantage of powerful data visualization and analysis capabilities to gain insights and make informed decisions.
9. Delve: Discover relevant information and documents across Office 365 using intelligent search and personalized content suggestions.
10. Microsoft Forms: Create surveys, quizzes, and polls to gather feedback and insights from your customers or employees.
These additional services provide immense value to your Office 365 subscription. Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, Office 365 offers the features and services you need to enhance productivity, collaboration, and communication within your organization.
Question-answer:
What is the difference between Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans?
Office 365 E3 and Business Premium plans differ in terms of features and pricing. E3 offers advanced security and compliance features, as well as more advanced Office applications, while Business Premium is more suitable for small businesses with basic needs.
Which plan is more suitable for large enterprises?
Office 365 E3 plan is more suitable for large enterprises as it offers advanced features for security, compliance, and data protection. It also includes more advanced Office applications and admin controls.
What are the main differences in pricing between the two plans?
The Office 365 E3 plan is priced at $20 per user per month, while the Business Premium plan is priced at $12.50 per user per month. E3 comes with advanced features, which justify the higher cost.
Can I use the Business Premium plan for my personal use?
Yes, you can use the Business Premium plan for personal use. However, it is more suitable for small businesses as it includes basic Office applications and limited admin controls. If you have advanced needs, you may consider the E3 plan.
Are there any limitations in terms of user count for each plan?
Both the E3 and Business Premium plans can accommodate a large number of users. There is no strict limitation on the number of users for these plans. You can add as many users as needed.