Microsoft 365 E3 vs E5: Find the Best Plan for Your Business
Selecting the right Microsoft 365 plan for your organization is crucial for enhancing productivity, security, and efficiency. This guide will help you decide between Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 by comparing their features, pricing, and specific use cases. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the plan that best suits your organization’s needs.
Core Productivity Tools
Both E3 and E5 offer essential productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and Teams. These applications help employees collaborate effectively, regardless of their location. Additionally, both plans include SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange for seamless file sharing, storage, and email management.
Device Installation:
Security Features
Security is a top priority for any organization. While Microsoft 365 E3 offers basic security features such as multi-factor authentication and data loss prevention, the E5 plan enhances security significantly. It includes advanced threat protection, intelligent security management, and additional compliance features like privileged access management, customer lockbox, and advanced eDiscovery.
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Security Feature |
Microsoft 365 E3 |
Microsoft 365 E5 |
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Multi-Factor Authentication |
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Data Loss Prevention |
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Basic Threat Protection |
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Advanced Threat Protection |
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Intelligent Security Management |
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Privileged Access Management |
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Customer Lockbox |
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Advanced eDiscovery |
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Advanced Analytics and AI Tools
Microsoft 365 E5 includes advanced analytics and AI tools not available in the E3 plan. Power BI Pro, an interactive data visualization tool, enables employees to make data-driven decisions. E5 also offers advanced AI capabilities, such as MyAnalytics and Workplace Analytics, which provide insights into productivity and collaboration trends.
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Analytics Tool |
Microsoft 365 E3 |
Microsoft 365 E5 |
|---|---|---|
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Basic Analytics |
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Power BI Pro |
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MyAnalytics |
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Workplace Analytics |
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Detailed Feature Comparison
When choosing between Microsoft 365 E3 and E5, consider the specific features each plan offers. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
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Feature |
Microsoft 365 E3 |
Microsoft 365 E5 |
|---|---|---|
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Price per user/month (annual commitment) |
$33.75 |
$54.75 |
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Office Apps |
Install on 5 devices |
Install on 5 devices |
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Office Online |
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Excel Power Query and Power Pivot |
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Sway |
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Infopath |
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Use Office on Remote Desktop |
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OneDrive Storage |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
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Audio-conferencing features |
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Advanced compliance features |
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Advanced analytics |
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Advanced retention policies for email |
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Advanced Threat Protection |
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Customer Lockbox |
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PSTN capabilities (Skype for Business) |
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Pricing
While E5 is more expensive, its advanced features can justify the investment for organizations with complex security needs or those looking to leverage data-driven insights.
Pros and Cons
Microsoft 365 E3
Microsoft 365 E5
Choosing the Right Plan
To decide between E3 and E5, assess your organization’s size, complexity, and specific needs. Here are a few considerations:
Add-On Services
Both plans offer add-on services to enhance functionality:
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Add-on |
Description |
|---|---|
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Audio Conferencing |
Allows users to join meetings by phone. Included in Office 365 E5 and Microsoft 365 E5. |
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Azure Information Protection |
Provides advanced data protection and classification features. Included in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5. |
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Calling Plan |
Enables users to make and receive phone calls in Microsoft Teams. Requires an additional plan. |
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Exchange Online Plan 2 |
Provides advanced email and calendar features, including unlimited storage and archiving. |
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Power Apps |
Allows users to create custom business apps without coding. |
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Power Automate |
Enables users to automate repetitive tasks and workflows. |
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Power BI Pro |
Provides advanced data visualization and business intelligence features. |
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Project Online |
Enables project management and collaboration. |
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Stream |
Provides secure video sharing and management. |
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Visio Online Plan 2 |
Enables users to create and share professional diagrams. |
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Yammer Enterprise |
Provides social networking and collaboration features for organizations. |
Additional Features and Benefits
Microsoft 365 Apps:
Email, Calendar, and Scheduling:
Meetings, Calling, and Chat:
Social, Intranet, and Storage:
Content Services:
Insights and Analytics:
Project and Task Management:
Automation, App Building, and Chatbots:
Information Protection:
Threat Protection:
Cloud Access Security Broker:
Identity and Access Management:
Endpoint and App Management:
Conclusion
Choosing between Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 depends on your organization’s specific needs and budget. E3 is a cost-effective option for smaller organizations with basic security needs, while E5 offers advanced features suitable for larger enterprises with complex security and compliance requirements.