Which Microsoft 365 License is Right for My Organaization?

Choosing the right Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365) license can be daunting for many organizations. With so many options available—Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium, Enterprise E3, Enterprise E5—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of which best fits your needs. The sheer variety of licenses, each with its features, applications, and security enhancements, can make the decision process frustrating, especially for businesses navigating digital transformation.

How do you know which one is right for your organization? Should you choose Enterprise E3, or will Business Standard be sufficient? What's the difference between Business Premium and Enterprise E5? What apps and services come with each of the licenses?

In this blog, you will find

💡 Understanding Microsoft 365 Plans

⭐ What is the difference between 365 for enterprise and 365 for Business?

Business Licenses (for organizations with under 300 Users)

Enterprise Licenses (for organizations with 300+ Users)

Frontline Worker Plans

📂 Which Office 365 License Is Right for My Organization? [Decision Tree]

🛄 Start Your Microsoft 365 Journey With A Free Trial & On-demand Webinar

🏁 Conclusion

At ProServeIT, we understand these challenges, so we’ve created a Microsoft 365 Decision Tree and provided a detailed breakdown of each license to help you confidently select the right one for your organization. Read on to simplify your decision-making and find the perfect Microsoft 365 solution!

Understanding Microsoft 365 Plans

Microsoft 365 is a suite of productivity and collaboration tools designed to help businesses and organizations streamline their operations and improve communication. The feature is included in various plans, with different levels of access to tools such as web and mobile apps, Microsoft Teams, and more.

☑️ Microsoft 365 is a suite of productivity and collaboration tools

Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive suite of tools that includes web and mobile apps, Microsoft Teams, and more. It is designed to help businesses and organizations work more efficiently and effectively. With Microsoft 365, users can access a range of tools and features, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and cloud storage.

☑️ Features are included in various plans, with different levels of access

The features are included in various Microsoft 365 plans, with different levels of access to tools and features. For example, the Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan includes web and mobile apps, Microsoft Teams, and 1 TB of cloud storage, while the Microsoft 365 Business Premium plan includes additional features such as advanced security and business analytics.

☑️ Plans include web and mobile apps, Microsoft Teams, and more

Microsoft 365 plans include a range of tools and features, including web and mobile apps, Microsoft Teams, and more. With Microsoft 365, users can access their tools and files from anywhere, on any device, and collaborate with colleagues and clients in real-time.

What is the difference between 365 for enterprise and 365 for Business?

Understanding Microsoft 365 licenses can be complex, especially for enterprise customers navigating the various options available. In this blog, we will focus on the most common licenses offered with Microsoft 365, specifically those tailored to meet the needs of enterprise users. For additional features or packages to enhance your subscription, please contact us.

Business Licenses (for organizations with under 300 Users)

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

💲 $6.00 USD/$8.10 CAD user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Applications include Web and mobile Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote versions.

✅ Services included Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook.

💡Best for businesses that need easy remote solutions, with Microsoft Teams, secure cloud storage, and Office Online (installable desktop apps not included).

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business

💲 $8.25 USD/$11.70 CAD/user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Applications include Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

✅Services included Exchange, OneDrive, Access (PC only), and Publisher (PC only).

💡Best for businesses that need desktop versions of Office apps with premium features.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

💲 $12.50 USD/$17.00 CAD/user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Applications include Online, mobile, and desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher (PC only), Access (PC only), Bookings, and MileIQ.

✅ Services included Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook.

💡Best for businesses that need full remote work and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Teams, secure cloud storage, business email, and premium Office applications across devices.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

💲 $22.00 USD/$29.80 CAD/user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Applications include Online, mobile, and desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher (PC only), Access (PC only), and Bookings.

✅ Services included Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Intune, and Azure Information Protection.

💡 Best for businesses that require secure, remote work solutions with everything included in Business Standard, plus advanced cyber threat protection, device management, and advanced productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot.

Enterprise Licenses (for organizations with 300+ Users)

Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3

💲 $36 USD/$50.80 CAD /user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Applications include Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access (PC only).

✅ Services included Outlook, Exchange, Bookings, Teams, SharePoint, Yammer, OneDrive, Stream, Sway, Lists, Power Apps, Power Automate, Planner, and To Do.

💡Best for businesses looking for best-in-class productivity apps combined with core security and compliance capabilities. The Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 plan is ideal for those needing an enterprise office suite that includes essential applications like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5

💲 $57 USD/$77.30 CAD/user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Applications include: Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access (PC only).

✅ Services included: Outlook, Exchange, Bookings, Teams, SharePoint, Yammer, OneDrive, Stream, Sway, Lists, Power Apps, Power Automate, Planner, To Do, Power BI Pro, Viva Insights, Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Microsoft Defender for Identity, Azure Information Protection P2, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, Advanced eDiscovery, advanced audit, Insider Risk Management, Communication Compliance, Information Barriers, Customer Lockbox, Privileged Access Management, Built-in third-party connections, Azure Active Directory Premium Plan 2, and Exchange Online Plan.

💡Best for businesses looking for best-in-class productivity apps and advanced security, compliance, voice, and analytical capabilities.

Frontline Worker Plans

Microsoft 365 offers a range of plans designed specifically for frontline workers, including the Microsoft 365 F1 and F3 plans.

Microsoft 365 F1 and F3 Plans
The Microsoft 365 F1 and F3 plans are designed for frontline workers who need access to basic productivity tools and features.

Microsoft 365 F1

💲 $2.25 USD/$3.10 CAD/user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Includes web and mobile apps, Microsoft Teams, and 2 GB of cloud storage.

Microsoft 365 F3

💲 $8.00 USD/$10.90 CAD/user/month (annual commitment)

✅ Includes additional features such as desktop versions of Microsoft Office and business-class email.

Which Office 365 License Is Right for My Organization?

[Decision Tree]

It’s important to note that this Office 365 Decision Tree isn’t an exact science – every customer is different, and some customers require more customization than others. However, the below graphic will walk you through some basic questions to help you understand which version could suit your unique business needs.

Start Your Microsoft 365 Journey With A Free Trial & On-demand Webinar

If you still aren’t sure which version is the right one for your organization, talk to our Microsoft 365 experts today. With our commitment to eliminating our customers’ “IT debt”, we’ll make sure you choose the right version of Microsoft 365 for your specific business needs so that you’re getting the maximum ROI for your money.

If you want to try Microsoft 365 out and see if it’s the right fit for your organization, take advantage of  ProServeIT's Microsoft 365 free trial! This offer allows you to try out up to 25 Enterprise E5 user licenses for free for 30 days. No credit card is required, and no obligation after the trial ends, so you can’t lose!

Are you interested in discovering more about the features and benefits of Microsoft 365? Click below to register and watch the on-demand webinar at your convenience.

Dive into the world of productivity with our Microsoft 365 on-demand webinar, designed to unlock the full potential of your workspace. This exclusive session not only introduces you to the fundamentals of Microsoft 365, but also brings you a step closer to mastering your workspace through an engaging demonstration. Watch as we explore the seamless integration of applications like Outlook, Word, and Teams, illustrating how they can transform your daily workflow. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right Microsoft 365 license for your organization doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information and tools, such as the Microsoft 365 Decision Tree and expert guidance from ProServeIT, you can confidently select a plan that aligns with your business needs, budget, and security requirements.

Whether you're a small business looking for essential productivity tools, an enterprise needing advanced security and compliance features, or a frontline team seeking tailored solutions, Microsoft 365 offers a range of licenses to empower your organization.

Don’t forget to take advantage of ProServeIT's free trial offer and explore up to 25 Enterprise E5 licenses at no cost for 30 days. Coupled with our on-demand webinar, you’ll gain deeper insights into how Microsoft 365 can transform your operations, enhance collaboration, and optimize your productivity.

Start your Microsoft 365 journey today and unlock the full potential of a modern, efficient workspace. Contact our team for tailored advice and take the first step toward a smarter, more connected future.