As a proud Microsoft Solutions Partner and National Managed Services Provider (MSP), Datalink Networks has worked with businesses of all sizes to implement Microsoft 365 solutions tailored to meet their specific needs.
One of the most common questions we receive is, "Should I choose Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium?" To help answer that, we’re diving into the key differences to guide you in making the right choice for your organization.
Detailed Feature Comparison: Business Standard vs Business Premium
Core Features
| Feature | Business Standard | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Office Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) | ✅ Desktop + Web + Mobile | ✅ Desktop + Web + Mobile |
| Email Hosting (50 GB mailbox, custom domain) | ✅ | ✅ |
| OneDrive for Business (1 TB per user) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Microsoft Teams (chat, meetings, calling) | ✅ | ✅ |
| SharePoint & Exchange Online | ✅ | ✅ |
| Microsoft Forms, Bookings, Loop | ✅ | ✅ |
Security & Compliance
At Datalink Networks, we understand that security is a top concern for businesses, especially in today’s ever-evolving threat landscape. Here’s how the two plans compare:
- Business Standard: This plan includes essential security features like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and email encryption, providing baseline protection for your organization.
- Business Premium: For organizations seeking advanced protection, Business Premium adds features like Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). It also integrates Azure Information Protection and Conditional Access policies, making it a powerful choice for highly regulated industries or companies managing sensitive data.
From our experience, businesses in industries such as healthcare, legal, and finance often benefit greatly from Business Premium’s robust security capabilities.
| Feature | Business Standard | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) | ❌ | ✅ (Email protection from phishing, malware, and ransomware) |
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Plan 1) | ❌ | ✅ (Endpoint detection and response) |
| Azure Information Protection (AIP) – P1 | ❌ | ✅ (Classify, label, and protect documents/emails) |
| Data Loss Prevention (DLP) | ❌ | ✅ (Policies to prevent sensitive info leaks) |
| Conditional Access | ❌ | ✅ (Identity-based access control) |
| Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD Premium P1) | ❌ | ✅ (SSO, MFA, self-service password reset, dynamic groups) |
| Microsoft Purview compliance solutions | ❌ | ✅ (Basic audit, content search, retention policies) |
Device Management
Managing devices efficiently is critical for maintaining productivity and security, especially with remote and hybrid workforces. Here’s how Business Standard and Business Premium compare:
- Business Standard: Offers basic device management through Microsoft Intune, allowing IT teams to manage and secure employee devices accessing company data.
- Business Premium: Elevates this capability with advanced features like comprehensive mobile device management (MDM) via Intune and Windows Autopilot. This level of control ensures secure and seamless device deployment, even across decentralized teams.
At Datalink Networks, we often find that organizations with multiple office locations or distributed teams benefit immensely from Business Premium’s advanced device management tools. See below for a more detailed feature comparison.
| Feature | Business Standard | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Intune (Endpoint Management) | ❌ | ✅ (Mobile device management & app protection) |
| Windows Autopilot & Endpoint Analytics | ❌ | ✅ |
| Remote Wipe for Devices | ❌ | ✅ |
| App Protection Policies (MAM) | ❌ | ✅ |
Windows & Device Integration
| Feature | Business Standard | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 365 Business Add-on | Optional | Optional |
| Windows 10/11 Business License | ❌ | ✅ (Upgrade from Pro, adds extra security & manageability) |
Best For:
| Plan | Best For |
|---|---|
| Business Standard | Businesses that need robust productivity tools (Office, email, collaboration) but already have separate security or device management tools. |
| Business Premium | Businesses that need advanced security, device management, and threat protection, especially in regulated or hybrid/remote environments. |
MSRP Pricing (as of 2025)
| Plan | Price/User/Month (USD) |
|---|---|
| Business Standard | ~$13.13 |
| Business Premium | ~$23.63 |
💡 Licensing Tip:
The best pricing on Microsoft 365 licenses typically comes with annual upfront payment. Choosing to pay monthly may offer flexibility, but upfront commitments often unlock discounted rates and long-term savings for your organization.
Which Is Best for SMBs vs Larger Organizations?
Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs)
For SMBs, we typically recommend Microsoft 365 Business Standard as a cost-effective option that delivers everything needed for daily operations. Its suite of productivity apps like Word, Excel, and Teams, coupled with basic security protections, is usually sufficient for smaller teams with limited IT requirements.
However, if your SMB is planning to scale or operates in a field where compliance and data security are paramount, Business Premium may be a better long-term investment. The added security and device management tools provide peace of mind as your business grows.
Enterprise Companies
For larger organizations, advanced security and management features often make Microsoft 365 Business Premium the better choice. Its ability to secure sensitive data and manage a fleet of devices effectively is indispensable for businesses requiring robust IT infrastructure. Additionally, the plan’s advanced collaboration tools streamline workflows across larger teams and multiple departments.
As a trusted MSP, Datalink Networks frequently helps larger organizations implement Business Premium to overcome their unique challenges, such as meeting stringent compliance regulations or safeguarding against sophisticated cyber threats.
ROI Considerations for Upgrading
Investing in the right Microsoft 365 solution is critical to achieving a strong return on investment (ROI). Here are some factors we emphasize when consulting with our clients:
- Upfront Costs: Business Standard is more affordable upfront, making it ideal for budget-conscious businesses. However, the advanced features of Business Premium can lead to long-term savings by reducing the risk of costly data breaches and IT inefficiencies.
- Security Investments: Business Premium's advanced security tools can save businesses thousands in potential data loss or breach-related expenses. These features are particularly valuable for businesses operating in regulated industries like healthcare or finance, where compliance is non-negotiable.
- Scalability: For rapidly growing businesses, Business Premium offers a scalable solution that reduces IT overhead while ensuring consistent security and productivity as your team expands.
- Employee Productivity: Enhanced collaboration and device management tools can significantly boost employee efficiency, translating into higher profitability over time.
At Datalink Networks, we work closely with clients to evaluate both direct costs and indirect benefits, ensuring they choose a plan that delivers maximum value.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium depends on your organization’s size, priorities, and future goals. While Business Standard is ideal for SMBs looking for an affordable, high-performing productivity suite, Business Premium is the go-to option for businesses that require enhanced security, device management, or greater scalability.
Datalink Networks is here to help. As a Microsoft Solutions partner and National MSP, we specialize in tailoring Microsoft 365 solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, we’re ready to guide you through the selection process and ensure a seamless implementation.
Contact us today to learn how we can empower your business with Microsoft 365.
