Microsoft 365 has become a vital productivity suite for businesses worldwide, offering tools designed to enhance collaboration, productivity, and security. Small business owners can choose between Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Business Standard to find the right tools for creating an efficient workplace. Each plan brings unique features and value, but determining the right fit depends entirely on your business’s needs. Here’s a breakdown and comparison of these plans to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Microsoft 365 Business plans
Microsoft 365 offers various plans tailored to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes. The Business Basic and Business Standard plans cater specifically to smaller teams and startups, but can vary significantly in their capabilities.
What you get with Microsoft 365 Business Basic
The Business Basic plan is aimed at businesses that primarily need cloud-based tools to manage their operations. Rather than focusing on desktop applications, it emphasizes convenience and remote accessibility. Here’s an overview of what’s included in this plan:
- Web and mobile versions of Office apps: Stay productive on the go with web and mobile access to Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Business-class email: Enjoy professional email hosting with Outlook, which includes 50 GB of mailbox storage per user.
- Microsoft Teams: Collaborate via video calls, chat, and shared workspaces.
- 1 TB of OneDrive Storage: Safely store and share documents in the cloud.
- SharePoint: Create shared team sites for managing documents and resources.
What you get with Microsoft 365 Business Standard
If your business requires a more feature-rich solution, the Business Standard plan expands 365’s offerings beyond those provided by the Basic plan. Here’s what you gain with an upgrade:
- Desktop applications: Full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for PC and Mac
- Access and publisher: Advanced tools for database management (Access) and professional design (Publisher), available for Windows PCs
- Webinar hosting and registration tools: Enhanced capabilities to run webinars and manage attendee registrations
Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs. Standard: A side-by-side comparison
This table highlights the key features of Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Business Standard, making it easy to choose the right plan for your business.
| Plan | Microsoft 365 Business Basic | Microsoft 365 Business Standard |
| Price | $6.00/user/month, paid yearly ($7.20 paid monthly) | $12.50/user/month, paid yearly ($15.00 paid monthly) |
| Web-based and mobile versions of Microsoft apps | Yes | Yes |
| 50 GB email storage | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Yes |
| 1 TB cloud storage | Yes | Yes |
| Standard online security | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 online and phone support | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Bookings | No | Yes |
| MileIQ | No | Yes |
Which plan is right for your business?
Choosing the right plan boils down to analyzing your team’s operations, software requirements, and budget. Below, you’ll find some critical factors to consider when weighing your options.
Team workflow
Does your team primarily work online, or do they frequently need offline access and more advanced capabilities?
- If your team thrives in a web-based environment and generally handles lighter workloads, Business Basic will likely suffice.
- However, if your employees frequently work on complex presentations, detailed spreadsheets, or offline documents, the desktop functionality available in Business Standard will significantly enhance their efficiency.
Collaboration and communication needs
Both plans offer collaborative tools, such as OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint. For most small businesses, these tools are more than enough to power day-to-day projects and communication.
- Business Basic works well for teams primarily relying on communication and file sharing online.
- Business Standard adds desktop versatility, which ensures seamless collaboration whether your team is online or offline.
Security and compliance requirements
Both plans feature top-tier security measures, including data encryption and compliance tools, designed to keep your business protected. If your organization deals with highly sensitive information, you might need to explore enhancing security through optional Microsoft add-ons.
Budget restrictions
When considering cost, Business Basic is the more economical choice. For startups or businesses watching expenses, it offers critical tools without a hefty price tag. On the other hand, if your team’s efficiency depends on advanced features (such as desktop apps and webinar tools), investing in Business Standard can deliver a measurable return on investment in the form of improved productivity.
Streamline your workflow today
The right productivity suite can reshape your workplace for the better, and Microsoft 365 has the tools to do just that. Whether you’re starting small with Business Basic or going a step above with Business Standard, both plans deliver immense value. Assess your needs now and choose the plan that will empower your team to excel.
Still have questions about Microsoft 365 or need help integrating it into your business IT? Talk to the experts at Refresh Technologies. Contact us today.