M365 Business Premium vs Standard – Which One Do You Really Need?
Your M365 Choice Matters
Many businesses choose Microsoft 365 based on price or familiarity — but when it comes to Business Standard vs Business Premium, the decision can have a big impact on your security and risk exposure.
At a glance, the two plans look very similar. The real difference only becomes obvious when something goes wrong.
What You Get with Microsoft 365 Business Standard 📦
Business Standard focuses on productivity and collaboration. It includes:
- Business-class email with Outlook
- Microsoft Teams for chat and meetings
- OneDrive and SharePoint for file storage
- Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more
For small teams, this is often enough to get up and running.
But there’s an important gap…
Where Business Standard Falls Short 🚨
Business Standard has limited built-in security. That means:
- No advanced protection against phishing and ransomware
- No central control over company laptops or mobile devices
- Limited visibility if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised
In today’s threat landscape, that’s a risk many businesses don’t realise they’re taking.
What Business Premium Adds (and Why It Matters) 🛡️
Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes everything in Standard, plus critical security and management tools:
Advanced Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business
- Stronger protection against phishing and malware
- Better visibility into threats across users and devices
Device Management
- Manage laptops and mobile devices centrally
- Enforce security policies automatically
- Remotely lock or wipe lost devices
Smarter Access Control
- Conditional access rules
- Multi-factor authentication enforcement
- Control sign-ins based on location, device, or risk
Put simply: Business Premium helps prevent problems — and limits damage when something slips through.
So, Which One Should Your Business Choose? 🤔
Business Standard may be suitable if:
- Your team works mainly from one location
- Devices are shared or tightly controlled
- Security risks are minimal
Business Premium is usually the better choice if:
- Staff work remotely or hybrid
- Everyone uses their own laptop or mobile device
- You handle client, financial, or personal data
- You want strong security without adding separate tools
Choosing the right licence is only half the job. Correct configuration and ongoing management make the real difference.
At GZD, we help you:
- Choose the right M365 licence (no overspending)
- Configure security properly (not just “out of the box”)
- Manage and support your Microsoft 365 environment day to day
If you’d like a quick, practical review of your current setup, let’s chat. We’ll help you make Microsoft 365 work harder (and safer) for your business.
—
Global Z-Data (GZD)
Your Certified Microsoft Modern Work Solutions Partner
