Why We Recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium Over Business Standard and Business Basic

Selecting the right Microsoft 365 plan is crucial for enhancing productivity, ensuring security, and maintaining long-term stability in your business. While Business Basic and Business Standard provide core communication and productivity tools, Business Premium adds advanced security and device management features that most modern businesses need.

Below is a clear breakdown to help you understand the differences and why we typically recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

1. Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Best for: Very small teams or organizations that strictly need email and cloud services at the lowest cost.

Includes:

• Business-class email (Exchange Online)

• Teams for chat and meetings

• OneDrive and SharePoint

• Web-only versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Limitations:

• No desktop Office apps

• No advanced security features

• No device management

• Limited long-term scalability

Business Basic is often used for seasonal employees, shared inboxes, or environments where only email and basic collaboration tools are needed.

2. Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Best for: Businesses that need full Office apps plus email and collaboration tools.

Includes everything in Basic, plus:

• Desktop versions of Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access)

• Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint

• Ideal for standard office productivity needs

Limitations:

• No advanced cybersecurity tools

• No centralized device management

• Higher risk of data loss or account compromise

• Not ideal for hybrid or remote work environments without additional security tools

Business Standard works well for productivity but leaves security gaps that most businesses must fill with third-party products.

3. Microsoft 365 Business Premium (Recommended)

Best for: Any business that needs strong security, device management, and full productivity tools — especially those with remote workers, sensitive data, or compliance needs.

Includes everything in Standard, plus critical security and management features:

Advanced Security

• Microsoft Defender for Business (endpoint protection + threat detection)

• Advanced email threat protection

• Anti-phishing, anti-spam, and anti-malware tools

Identity & Access Controls

• Conditional Access

• Multi-factor authentication (enhanced policies)

• Azure AD Premium P1 features

Device & Application Management

• Intune (full mobile and PC device management)

• Remote wipe, app control, compliance policies

• Ideal for remote and hybrid teams

Information Protection

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

• Information Rights Management

• File and email classification & encryption

Business Premium consolidates productivity, security, and device management into a single platform — reducing risk, simplifying IT, and eliminating the need for multiple third-party tools.

Feature Comparison Table

Why We Recommend Business Premium

Most businesses today face cybersecurity risks, remote work challenges, and increasing compliance requirements. Business Premium is the only plan that delivers both productivity and security in one package, including:

• Protection against ransomware and phishing

• Management of company devices and apps

• Secure access to data from anywhere

• Compliance controls for sensitive information

While Basic and Standard support daily work, Premium protects your business while you work.